Seeking a Better World through Mutual Benevolence

Abstract

This The paper proposes to deal with the probabilities and possibilities of enabling interaction possible between the under-privileged mass in our country, both children, young adults, the elderly and the old. The postmodern condition, into which we all are inevitably inducted, often gives rise to the newborn, with various problems. These include the big number of babies who are detected to be mentally retarded (MR) or children with intellectual disabilities (ID). The privileged classes try to give systematic care which helps the families to cope with the event, usually with a better sense of acceptance. The problem however is never cured. The sorry class, on the other hand, grabs the opportunity to put such children in homes, which have a system of continuous care and help. Most of these homes are state sponsored or Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). The third section of the annexure of IPOP (Integrated Program for Older Persons), a central sector scheme, undertaken by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, states that steps need to be taken to ‘build and strengthen inter-generational relationships, particularly between children/youth and older persons’ (Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, 2010). This revised scheme is effective from 1.4.2015. Keeping in mind the big cities of India (I choose to discuss about homes in West Bengal with Kolkata and Chandernagore as examples), it would be safe to say that homes of different sorts are functional and are directed to serve people with a specific problem. The homes for the MR and the ones for the abandoned are hence often at warring fronts; they do not want to function in tandem because of owing to the confusion that would result in doing so. The homes for boys and girls-MR and otherwise, face hurdles which are often difficult to resolve, due to lack of manpower and funds.