Change is the law of nature, and in accordance with this law, a change in the way of thinking is also a natural process. However, the decline of values, संस्कार (cultural and moral values), and ethical foundations among today’s younger generation, in the name of change, is creating complexities in the social fabric of our country. Its impact is not limited merely to individual behaviour; it is gradually weakening the social structure of the family, society, and nation.
The younger generation today possesses a strong sense of freedom, which is undoubtedly positive. However, at times, it blurs the fine line between freedom and license. Some young people consider living life entirely according to their own wishes to be an expression of freedom and begin to perceive any kind of restriction or guidance from parents and elders as an infringement of their rights. True freedom, however, does not mean distancing oneself from responsibilities and social values; rather, it means having the ability to make one’s own decisions with wisdom, discretion, and a sense of responsibility.
Young people are often heard arguing that they should have complete freedom to do what they want, live the way they wish, and dress according to their preferences. Undoubtedly, every individual has the right to make choices concerning their life and personal preferences. However, rights are always accompanied by duties and responsibilities. Freedom becomes meaningful only when it does not violate the rights, dignity, and legitimate social norms of others. Today, speaking to someone with love, respect, and humility is sometimes regarded as a sign of outdated thinking or artificial behaviour. Even maintaining civility and appropriate language in conversations among friends is gradually becoming less common.
Another worrying trend today is that a section of the younger generation has begun to view relationships and family responsibilities as burdens. These circumstances compel us to reflect on an important question: Does society and social order really have no relevance anymore? Is granting every individual complete freedom to live according to their desires and convenience the solution to this problem? Undoubtedly, individual freedom is important, but if social relationships, responsibilities, and mutual sensitivity are replaced entirely by individual freedom, the result may be a stressful and isolated life. In such a situation, we may neither retain genuine connections with others nor be able to live a life filled with harmony and cooperation. When we no longer wish to listen to others, and others are unwilling to listen to us, dialogue is replaced by conflict and emotional closeness by isolation.
So, what is the solution to this problem? In my view, today’s generation has become highly rational and inquisitive. It is no longer willing to accept something simply because it has been instructed to do so. It wants to know the reasons and logic behind everything. Therefore, it has become essential for parents to explain things to their children logically rather than imposing their views upon them, to listen patiently to their questions, and to respect their perspectives. Today’s generation is not influenced merely by sermons or advice; it learns far more from the behaviour and conduct of its parents than from their words. Therefore, the conduct of parents itself becomes the most powerful lesson for their children.
The structure of families is also changing rapidly. Joint families are increasingly being replaced by nuclear families, while parents remain occupied with their professional and personal responsibilities. As a result, the scope of children’s experiences and learning has moved beyond the boundaries of the home to the internet, social media, and various digital platforms. When adequate communication and guidance are not available to children, they may begin to regard the content they encounter on social media and in their surrounding environment as the basis of knowledge and truth. The problem is not that children are learning; the real challenge is what they are learning, from whom they are learning, and how well they are developing the ability to distinguish between what is right and what is wrong.
In such circumstances, the role of parents cannot be limited merely to providing children with comforts and essential resources. Understanding their needs, making an effort to understand the thinking of their generation, and establishing an emotional connection with them are more important today than ever before. Merely ensuring that children have access to a good school, mobile phone, internet, clothes, and other facilities does not constitute the fulfilment of parental responsibility. What children need most is time, communication, trust, and participation.
Parents should participate in their children’s interests, preferences, and activities. They should spend time with them, understand their friends and interests, discuss their questions, and, whenever necessary, make an effort to explore the difference between right and wrong together with them. When a child feels that their parents are not merely people who seek to control them, but are also companions, guides, and trustworthy interlocutors, the child becomes more comfortable sharing problems and dilemmas with them.
Ultimately, the challenge before us today is not merely to discipline children, but to understand them; not merely to give them instructions, but to establish meaningful dialogue with them; and not merely to accumulate resources for their future, but to participate in their present lives. A family becomes strong when authority is accompanied by affection, discipline by dialogue, and expectations by understanding. This balance can be the most important step towards nurturing children into sensible decision-makers, sensitive individuals, and socially responsible citizens amid the uncertainties of the digital world.
Viewing one’s responsibilities towards parents, family, and society merely as restrictions is neither appropriate nor conducive to a healthy social order. Modernity and progress do not mean distancing oneself from one’s roots and values; rather, they mean establishing a balance between tradition and modernity. We must also understand that संस्कार (values and ethical upbringing) are not a means of restricting an individual’s freedom; instead, they provide a foundation for guiding that freedom in the right direction. A balance between rights and duties, freedom and responsibility, and modernity and values is what can ultimately contribute to the creation of empowered individuals, a healthy society, and a strong nation.
Dr. Priyadarshini Purohit is a Faculty of Political Science in Banasthali Vidyapith since last 18 years. She has strong academic background with publication on International Relations, Gender Issues and Indian Knowledge System.
