As a community, we have always prided ourselves for being close-knit. We have taken the effort to stay collectively connected, via various community events – religious, cultural, social, et al. We are also blessed as one of the more progressive communities, being open with our parents or the elderly, as compared to most other communities… for eg. couples displaying affectionate gestures or the young enjoying their Parsi peg alongside the not-so-young, or even that quintessential mild swearing, all in the spirit of fun and gaiety.

But these days, the threads of our once close-knit community seem to come undone. Despite the openness we enjoy as a community or a family, the proverbial generation gap, even between successive generations, seems to stretch itself increasingly. One of the main reasons for this is technological advancements, which have turned a major part of the younger and even the adult population, into stimulation junkies. There’s a constant need to feel entertained or stimulated and this need is fulfilled 24/7 by digital platforms like social media (Eg., Insta/ Facebook/ YouTube), instant messaging (WhatsApp), OTTs (Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hotstar, etc) or online gaming.

These digital addictions use up so much of our time, we are barely left with enough to fulfil even our fundamental responsibilities. The one statement repeatedly resonating in most homes has become, ‘Phone muki de ni!’ or ‘Put your phone away!” We are so hooked on to our digital devices, it takes an effort to focus on our own family members and friends! This has taken a huge toll on our connectedness, as a family or a community. But the ones suffering the most are our seniors and elderly, who feel increasingly distressed and isolated in their twilight years, despite living in a house with children and grandchildren.

It’s time to tighten the lose threads with family, friends and community. Being close-knit is not just about being present, it is about connecting emotionally. Trade in stimulation for peace – make time for family and community, uninterrupted by any digital devices. You will find no greater joy or peace! Like Mother Teresa said, “If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.”

Have a good weekend!

– Anahita