विभाजन किसका करें
Summary
The text discusses the concept of division in various contexts—business profits, communal farming, stolen goods, bribes, and political parties—before focusing on the shocking idea of parents being divided by their children for selfish and financial gain. It narrates the story of Shivchandra Sharma, a retired storekeeper from Uttar Pradesh Roadways, who lived simply with his wife in Agra after raising four sons and two daughters. All children were settled, married, and living comfortably. In old age, the couple faced health issues like weakness, hearing and vision loss, and joint pain, relying on a simple diet of porridge. Following advice, they sold their house to live with a son, but none of the four sons or daughters-in-law agreed to keep both parents permanently. The eldest son refused outright; the second son’s third-floor quarters were impractical; the third cited space constraints; and the fourth offered to take only one parent. The daughters, showing more attachment, stepped in: the eldest daughter took her mother, and the fourth son took his father. This separation of the elderly couple proved devastating. Sharma, deprived of his wife’s companionship in old age, died soon after. At his funeral, his widow lamented that they had never been apart until their children divided them, causing his early death. The story highlights the tragic consequences of children prioritizing convenience over parental care.
Conclusion
The document illustrates the tragic outcome of elderly parents being divided among their children for convenience, leading to the father's premature death due to separation from his lifelong partner. This case highlights how economic considerations and selfish interests can override filial duty, resulting in emotional devastation for aging parents. The implications extend beyond this family, reflecting a broader societal issue where traditional values of caring for elders are eroding. The mother's lament that they had never been separated until their children divided them in old age underscores the profound psychological impact of such decisions. This narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of prioritizing material gain over parental welfare, suggesting that societal norms around elder care need urgent reevaluation to prevent similar tragedies.