The quintessential grandparents are retired, narrate stories, and have a lot of time for their grandchildren. Whether they were involved with their own children’s studies or activities they seem to have time and patience for the next generation. Quite simply they were the embodiment of love, affection and a wisdom that comes with experience.
Fast forward to the modern-day tech savvy chic grandparent. They are active on Facebook, want to know more about Instagram and are happy to pout and pose for a pic to post. They patronize the OTT platforms and can be as restless as an adolescent if the Wi-Fi is not working. We always think that technology has changed the youth but it has in its own way revolutionized the family system.
Suddenly the grandparents don’t seem to be these old people who are mostly staying at home but social individuals with a passion to explore the world. The mobile has given them the power to stay in touch with family and chat with anyone from USA to Australia without a care about the bill. Online shopping, webinars and mobile apps are also part of their portfolio. All in all, the sari clad grandma has metamorphosed into a salwar donning meta version.
Grandparents and grandchildren have a special bond as they have a common enemy, the parent. Though their ideas maybe different, the value they add with their touch of tradition, presence and perspective are invaluable. As we celebrate Grandparents Day which falls on the second Sunday of September every year it’s time to salute the young at heart older generation.
Anupama Anand
RPC163
