Bridging the Generation Gap

The whole tray appeared decorated neatly placed and well presented

‘It’s so good to meet you, finally’ the mother said.’ We would wonder if Uncle lived alone or was there a lady of the house?’ A thought flashed -’they don’t know that I am the man of the house’;

‘At times it would be all dark with no lights in the porch’. “well Ammi,

“Now you know’ and tell me about yourself ‘ I looked at my smiling host.

‘She is a doctor in the army. Studies are complete House job is about to begin’ mother said

I was impressed

‘Oh great person great knowledge, hard work and much practical training’

“Great achievement” too. I remembered my father, a doctor in the army and felt a lot in common with this family.

But the word army struck a slight shiver and a wave of apprehension crept in my soul. Somewhere in the distant the sound of a blast echoed, sirens wailed and my heart missed a beat; no. no .O God please keep such tender talented young ones safe. The country needs them, the families have yet to enjoy their happiness and success and they themselves have a full life ahead.

‘Ah yes, we belong to Khairpur’ in Sindh ? What is your village?’

My thoughts broke at this point. The doctor looked very pleased and was smiling continuously, “please take some more, and the tea is getting cold” she continued in her slightly husky voice-

‘Today I feel after knowing about you that there is still hope for the younger generation”our generation’ “I always feel that our elders have not given us the due love care and contribution”

‘we are a deprived group’ a starved nation’

‘Oh you have a real thinking mind’ I was shaken at this young voice, the frank impressions and expressions.

‘I have written a poem on this road, this Tulsa Road, and have sent it to all the concerned departments, I will give a copy to you’ I would like you to give your comments’

OH me?

Yes why not -I can see a great thinker in you-

‘This is how we can bridge the gap’ the young doctor said “If our elders have contributed in writing, in making the country better, in creating new things , in passing on good traditions-”

If only they had not wasted their time, if only the politicians would realize the value of real service to the people’

‘Our religion- and at this point mother got up to offer prayers.

‘Prayers too are to be offered regularly and again the elders have to show’

‘Doctor you have done a great job by completing your education’ This is your beginning’

Let us join our hands. I will do the teaching and you could bring in the first aid training to begin with’

Listening to this Grandmother also agreed. Suddenly the doorbell rang.

‘Someone wants you home’. OH I should beg leave now’

Well I believe we can now bridge up the gap completely, when we think alike…I took a pause and promptly came the remark

‘We love each other’ the doctor had completed my sentence again with a little laughter and more happiness

‘You are witty Doctor”

I hoped I had satisfied the new generation to some extent.