Amid rapid globalisation, the younger generations in the country are becoming more vulnerable to losing family values, and social and cultural traditions. This drives a wedge between them and the senior citizens. To bridge the generation gap and revive a cultural connection between the two parties, a partnership talk platform was launched in the capital on Friday.
An initiative of the education ministry’s Department of Youth and Sports, the platform saw two representatives each from the younger and the senior citizens.
They tabled their viewpoints and experiences in life and their expectations from one another. The youth or the millennials expect the senior citizens to embrace change and include them in decision-making.
“We would be happy if they can include us even in small events like we can have a gathering once in a week, where we can discuss our happy moments or also touch upon issues that were barely discussed in the household before. This will allow our older generations to picture a clear perception about what youngsters are up to, their choices and all,” said Tshering Bidha, a youth participant.
However, the elderlies said there should be mutual respect between the two.
“We have come through different stages of societal development from feudal, agriculture, industrial, post-industrial and information age. So they are a kind of cycle and you need to tread through this, which is a Buddhist value or the law of Karma. Once you know the law of Karma, respecting elders comes naturally,” said Dasho Zangley Dukpa, a participant representing the senior citizens in the country.
He further shared that an open forum like this, if sustained, could play a vital role in creating a robust partnership between the senior citizens and the youth for nation-building.
“This forum brings the younger generations and us under one roof. We get to listen to their take on life, their aspirations and experiences, and ours too.”
The stakeholders are going to meet frequently through this partnership discussion platform. This way, it is hoped that the widening gulf between the younger and the older generations will gradually be closed.
Both parties can coexist in harmony and strive toward collective personal growth and development.
Pema Seldon Tshering
Edited by Pema Lhaden