The great North & South Divide
The title may seem to be misleading, especially given the fact that many parts of India are busy dividing themselves over local languages! But this is what I have been musing over the past few days. Having lived in many parts (regions) of our country, there are strong similarities as well as striking differences. One of the most stark differences is what I would like to pen down in this piece. Being a part of 'seva dal' - volunteer from Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation, I take part in some seva work on and off and can see societies across our country, albeit in a small way. One thing that stands out is the way elders (parents, grandparents, general older people) are taken care by the North Indians over the other parts of the country, especially South. I find that elders are taken care of by their own children in North India much more than in the South of India. My feeling is also backed by the fact that, overall, there are fewer old-age homes and retirement communities in Nort...