The viral video showing a senior citizen being assaulted by his son and daughter-in-law in Betalbatim has rightly sparked outrage across Goa. It has also brought the issue of elder abuse back into the spotlight, with many demanding that such acts be treated as serious criminal offences rather than dismissed as private family matters. Sadly, there have been several instances of elderly parents being neglected, mistreated or abandoned, sometimes even being forced into old-age homes after spending their lives caring for their children. Such behaviour is unacceptable, regardless of a family’s social or financial background.
Many families across all communities continue to care for and respect their elderly parents with love and dignity. These values of compassion, gratitude and responsibility should be upheld by everyone. Children must remember the sacrifices their parents made to raise them and ensure they are treated with care and respect in their old age. As the Konkani saying goes, “Aiz mhaka, falean tuka” — today it is me, tomorrow it could be you.
Jerry Fernandes, Saligao
