Have you ever quietly wondered about the roots of who you are and the world you live in? Undoubtedly, it is your parents! They gave you life, taught you to walk by holding your finger, and sacrificed their desires for your every wish.

But today, when those same parents need support in their old age, are we failing them? Serving and RESPECTING PARENTS in their later years is not just a social or legal obligation—it’s a deeply rooted spiritual and moral duty. Neglecting this is like harming the very roots of our existence.

We see countless examples of children inheriting their parents’ wealth and property only to abandon them later. Some send them to old-age homes, while others ignore their presence even if they live together. These are not rare incidents but a growing social crisis that questions our values and humanity. Are we forgetting the ideal set by Shravan Kumar in Indian culture, who devoted his life to serving his parents?

In this article, we will discuss why RESPECTING PARENTS is vital, how caring for them is our ultimate duty, what the law says, and what we gain from honouring them.

Why is disrespect towards parents increasing?

Over the past few decades, society has undergone massive changes. The effects of these shifts are visible in family relationships, particularly in children’s sense of duty toward their parents. But why is RESPECTING PARENTS becoming a fading value in this changing world?

1. Nuclear Families and the Fast-Paced Life:

Earlier, joint families were the norm, where elders lived under the same roof. Their presence brought a sense of authority, love, and everyday guidance.

Today, nuclear family setups and the growing pull of urban opportunities for jobs or businesses have scattered families geographically. Life has become so rushed that finding time to care for ageing parents feels like a struggle.

The shift to smaller families and the demands of modern careers have weakened the bonds that once prioritized RESPECTING PARENTS. While progress has benefits, are we losing the warmth of intergenerational connections in the race for success?

2. The Greed for Property and Bitterness in Relationships:

This is one of the most worrying issues. Many cases show that children focus on inheriting their parents’ property, valuing money over emotional connections. After receiving assets, some treat their parents as no longer needed, leading to resentment and a lack of compassion.
This behaviour turns family relationships into mere transactions, ignoring the importance of respecting parents. When greed takes over gratitude, it damages relationships and creates a lack of empathy. Is this truly the legacy we aspire to leave for future generations?

3. Influence of Western Culture and the ‘Use and Throw’ Mentality:

Under the influence of Western culture, people give excessive importance to personal freedom. The “my life, my rules” mindset has led many to view their duty toward parents as an obstacle. This has fostered a tendency to treat people like objects—as ‘use and throw,’ which is very dangerous. Rather than seeing elders as a treasure of experience, they are increasingly as a burden.

This change weakens family ties and undermines the fundamental value of RESPECTING PARENTS. When convenience is prioritised over compassion, what does that reveal about our humanity?

4. Lack of Communication and Empathy:

It’s natural for there to be differences in perspectives between the younger and older generations. However, the absence of meaningful dialogue deepens this divide. When the younger generation makes little to no effort to understand their parents’ emotions, physical challenges, or mental struggles, empathy cannot blossom.

All too often, seniors want emotional support and a few loving, reassuring words to feel seen and cared for. Without mutual understanding and compassion, the emotional distance between generations only grows wider.

The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007:

In response to systemic neglect and societal injustices faced by elderly citizens, the Government of India enacted a landmark legislation in 2007 — the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act (MWPSC Act, 2007). This law was designed to protect their rights, uphold their dignity, and ensure legal provisions for care, financial support, and welfare.

1. Main Objectives of the Law:

• Ensure elderly parents and senior citizens receive maintenance from their children or relatives.
• To protect their life and property.
• To ensure essential welfare services, including healthcare provisions and the creation of senior living facilities.
• Under this law, needy parents can file a maintenance claim against their children or specified relatives.

2. Important Supreme Court Judgments:

The Supreme Court of India and various High Courts have delivered significant rulings to clarify the scope and intent of this law.

• Right to Revoke Property Transfers: The court has categorically ruled that if children receive property (e.g., through a gift deed) under the condition of caring for their parents and subsequently fail to fulfil this obligation, the transferred property can be legally rescinded. This landmark judgment serves as a critical safeguard for senior citizens.
• Moral and Legal Responsibility: The court has consistently emphasized that caring for parents is not merely a legal duty under the law but also a moral obligation for children. For instance, courts have directed children to provide monthly maintenance.
• Broader Societal Implications: The law extends beyond financial maintenance—it is a pillar of social welfare. The court has stressed the need for its provisions to be interpreted expansively to ensure seniors receive not only legal justice but also dignity and respect in society.

3. Legal Rights and Responsibilities:

• Every senior citizen has the right to receive maintenance from their children (and, in certain circumstances, from other specified relatives) to meet their basic needs.
• It is both the legal and moral duty of children to provide physical, emotional, and financial care to their parents.
• Failure to comply with the Act may attract punishment or penalty for the children.

(For more information, visit the Ministry of Law and Justice website of the Government of India: https://legislative.gov.in/, where full details of the Act are available.)

Spiritual and Moral Perspective:

The law may impose obligations, but genuine service and respect come from the heart. From a spiritual and ethical standpoint, caring for one’s parents is regarded as profoundly important and virtuous.

1. Parents- Our First Teachers:

In our culture, parents are honoured as divine figures — “Matru Devo Bhava, Pitru Devo Bhava.” Our existence is owed to them. They are our first teachers who gave us the vision to understand the world. Although we can never fully repay their selfless sacrifices, we can try to lighten their burden in old age by caring for them and showing gratitude.

2. Fulfillment and Spiritual Merit Through Service:

When we serve our parents with love and devotion, we experience deep inner satisfaction. The joy that lights up their faces and the blessings they bestow are more precious than any material wealth.

Spiritually, caring for one’s parents is regarded as a great virtue that brings happiness and prosperity into our lives. Conversely, neglecting or mistreating them is seen as a serious wrongdoing, the effects of which we may unknowingly have to endure.

3. The Ideal of Shravan Kumar:

We’ve grown up hearing the story of Shravan Kumar, who carried his blind parents in Kavad and took them on a pilgrimage. Even now, he stands as a perfect example of devotion to one’s parents.

Today, we may not need to carry Kavad, but we can still serve by understanding their needs, offering emotional support, and lovingly checking on them. Rather than seeing this as just a tale, we should embrace and live by its spirit of selfless service.

How to Care for Elders:

Caring for elders is not just about fulfilling their basic needs like food and shelter. They also require emotional, mental, and social support. It is our responsibility to strive to meet these essential aspects of their well-being.

1. Spend Time:

In today’s world, time has become the most precious gift. But remember, even the little time you spend with your parents is the most valuable gift you can give them. Talking with them is not just an exchange of words — it is a bridge of emotional connection.

Sit with them over tea, ask about their childhood stories, and seek their opinions on current events. Hidden within their experiences are priceless lessons — by listening, you honour their lives and help ease their loneliness.

If left alone, they silently sink into a world of memories. Therefore, even small efforts can bring moments of joy into their lives.

2. Financial Security for Seniors:

Financial stability is vital for a dignified life in old age. Meeting their needs shows our love and respect.

• Healthcare: Plan for medicines, doctor visits, and hospital bills—set aside income or buy health insurance.
• Daily Essentials: Cover food, clothing, and bills—track what they need so nothing is missed.
• Emergency Fund: Keep savings for sudden health issues to ease unexpected costs.
• Small Joys: Budget for little pleasures—pilgrimages, grandchildren’s gifts—to brighten their days.

“Supporting our parents financially is more than a duty—it’s a heartfelt thank-you for their lifelong sacrifices.”

3. Emotional Support for Seniors:

Love and respect give seniors true peace. Feeling ignored can lead to loneliness and depression. You can help by:

• Including Them: Ask their opinions on family decisions.
• Speaking Respectfully: Use kind words that honour their wisdom.
• Showing Gratitude: Thank them for their advice and presence.

Elders are our family’s roots—caring for them honors their lifetime of contributions.

4. Keeping Seniors Active and Happy:

Engagement gives seniors purpose and joy. Here’s how to help:

• Include in Tasks: Let them garden, cook, teach family recipes, or tell stories.
• Revive Hobbies: Encourage singing, painting, writing, crafts—or learning new skills like smartphone use.
• Foster Social Links: Join community groups, yoga classes, or grandparent meetups.
• Give Age-Friendly Roles: Small duties—tracking expenses or planning traditions—boost confidence.

Benefits:

• Better mental health
• Increased self-esteem
• Stronger family bonds

Remember:
“Seniors need to feel ‘useful,’ not ‘done with life.’

5. Creating a Safe Home for Seniors:

Small changes can keep seniors safe and independent:

• Bathroom Safety:
  • Put grab bars by the toilet and in the shower
  • Use non-slip mats on wet surfaces
  • Adjust the height of the toilet and bathtub for easier access.
• General Safety Tips:
  • Stick anti-skid tape or mats on slippery spots
  • Place night lights along the path to the bathroom
  • Keep walkways clear of cords, rugs, and clutter.
• Emergency Preparedness:
  • Get a wearable medical alert device.
  • Keep a first-aid kit and meds easily accessible.
  • Post emergency contact info on the fridge or phone.
• Ongoing Care:
  • Check grab bars, lights, and mats monthly
  • Clear out unnecessary items to reduce tripping hazards
  • Widen doorways and hallways if using mobility aids.

A safe home boosts well-being and builds confidence—small steps honour their dignity and independence.

Role of Society:

Respecting and caring for seniors is not only a family’s duty but also the responsibility of society as a whole.

1. Raising Awareness for Senior Citizens:

Society must unite to honour and protect our elders. Here’s how:

• Schools & Colleges:
  • Teach elder rights and welfare in classes.
  • Have students interview seniors, share their stories, or host joint events.
• Community Groups:
  • Run workshops, street plays, and poster drives on senior rights and support schemes.
  • Share easy-to-understand guides on government benefits.
• Bridging Generations:
  • Launch “Storytelling Dialogues” that pair youth with seniors.
  • Offer family counselling to strengthen intergenerational bonds.
• Media & Social Platforms:
  • Feature regular TV/newspaper segments on seniors’ contributions and challenges.
  • Use social media campaigns (e.g., “Respect Elders Day”) to inspire action.

“True respect for elders grows from small, daily efforts by every home, school, and community.”

2. Teaching Values:

Instilling respect, gratitude, and a spirit of service toward parents and elders in children is not just about words—it’s about daily actions. This lifelong learning begins at home, grows in schools, and is strengthened by society.

• Home:
  • Lead by Example: Children imitate their parents. Show love and respect to elders through small acts:
    • Serve elders first during meals.
    • Seek their advice and care for their health.
  • Stories as Lessons: Share tales of devotion from epics like the Ramayana or Mahabharata, highlighting figures like Sant Eknath.
• Schools:
  • Activities for Students:
    • Write letters to parents or essays titled “My Grandparents.”
    • Visit senior care homes to spend time with elders.
  • Cultural Programs:
    • Organize parent-child workshops (e.g., cooking, crafts).
• Society:
  • Festivals and Traditions:
    • Practice traditions like touching elders’ feet for blessings or cooking their favourite dishes
    • Honor elders during rituals like family gatherings.
  • Community Habits:
    • Offer seats to seniors in public transport or hospitals.
• Technology:
  • Positive Use:
    • Connect kids with grandparents via video calls or encourage storytelling over the phone.
  • Set Boundaries:
    • Prioritize in-person time over screens.
• Long-Term Impact: 
  • Teaching values early creates:
  • Stronger, happier families
  • A society where elders are respected, not neglected.
  • A bridge between traditions and modernity.

“To plant respect in children’s hearts, nurture their minds with love. Service is not just a word—it’s a legacy to grow in every home.”

3. Community Initiatives for Senior Citizens:

To make senior citizens active and respected members of society, everyone must contribute through community-driven programs. Here are key initiatives to address their physical, mental, and legal needs:

• Social Hubs:
  • Group yoga, meditation, games, cultural events, and creative workshop
  • Boosts social connections, mental well-being, and a lively atmosphere
• Health Camps
  • Free check-ups (BP, diabetes, cholesterol), doctor consultations, nutrition advice
  • Home visits for immobile seniors and subsidized therapy or yoga
• Legal Guidance
  • Workshops on senior rights, maintenance laws, pensions, and preventing elder abuse
  • Free legal advice and help with paperwork
• Community Role:
• –Volunteers: Assist seniors in attending events and understanding resources
• – Local Groups: Partner with NGOs, women’s groups, or councils to run programs
• – Government: Leverage social welfare grants and support

“When a community cares for its seniors through social hubs, health camps, and legal aid, it honors their dignity and enriches us all.”

4. Positive Perspective:

Seniors are a living treasure of society. We should appreciate their wisdom and life lessons instead of seeing them as a burden or feeling sorry for them. Their experiences, practical knowledge, and cultural heritage are invaluable tools for societal growth.

• Support, Not Sympathy:
  • Empower them: “Can you teach us?” instead of “Do you need help?”
  • Trust their abilities—invite them to learn new skills or mentor others.
• Harness Their Wisdom:
  • Family Advisors: Seek their guidance on traditions or life decisions.
  • Cultural Ambassadors: Preserve folk tales, crafts, and remedies.
  • Life Teachers: Let them lead practical “life skills” sessions in schools.
• Show Respect:
  • At Home: Cook their favorite meals, and include them in decisions.
  • In Public: Offer priority seating, and honour them at local events.
• Bridge Generations with Tech:
  • Teach smartphones or social media to help them connect.
  • Create grandparent-grandchild channels to share stories.

“Seniors are not old leaves but the roots of society’s tree—essential for growth and progress.”

frequently asked questions:

Conclusion:

Serving and respecting our elderly parents is at the heart of our culture. Their blessings and love are more precious than any wealth. Laws can protect them, but change comes from selfless love and respect.

In our busy world, emotional care matters more than tasks. We must ensure our parents never feel lonely or helpless. The respect we show today will guide how our children treat us tomorrow.

Through our actions and thoughts, we honour our seniors every day. Their wisdom binds families and enriches society. Let us keep their legacy alive with love and gratitude.