This refers to Kanika Datta's column "Age-old problems" (April 25). Gerontocracy - the hallmark of totalitarian regimes in Communist Russia, China, Cuba or erstwhile Eastern Bloc and theocratic regimes in Iran, Saudi Arabia or Vatican - is inexplicable in a democratic country like India, especially when 65 per cent of our population is below 30 years of age. Probably, the patriarchal set-up of our society, which relegates younger members of the family/society (both male and female) to secondary roles, is responsible for our exaggerated sense of respect for older people. A traditional conservative society like ours will always put a premium on conformism to established norms and discourage dissent and disagreement emanating from the ranks. In politics and business, where the young scions are natural inheritors of the fortunes of the paterfamilias, excessive reverence for elders is only to be expected. But even in supposedly meritocratic corporate sector, as the author chronicles in her article, this is widespread. The experience of septuagenarians and octogenarians are undoubtedly a great asset, which must be used to temper the creative energy of the young. Still, the younger generation should be assertive enough to make its presence felt, instead of following older generations obsequiously. Entrenched interests would like to perpetuate themselves for as long as possible. It is for the young to challenge the status quo.
Letters can be mailed, faxed or e-mailed to:
The Editor, Business Standard
Nehru House, 4 Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg
New Delhi 110 002
Fax: (011) 23720201
E-mail: letters@bsmail.in
All letters must have a postal address and telephone number
Ajay Tyagi, Mumbai
Letters can be mailed, faxed or e-mailed to:
The Editor, Business Standard
Nehru House, 4 Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg
New Delhi 110 002
Fax: (011) 23720201
E-mail: letters@bsmail.in
All letters must have a postal address and telephone number