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National Parents Day 2025: ‘National Parents Day’ is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of July every year. On this day we wish our parents, share old pictures with them on social media, send them a gift… and think that we have fulfilled our responsibility. But do parents really need our things?
70-year-old Archana Devi says, “Children are good, but are busy. Sometimes I seem to have become an old file file, which is kept in the cupboard if not needed.” This is not just the story of Archana ji, but the truth of millions of elderly parents of India.
They do not complain to the children, but the ’emotional distance’ breaks them. The voice, which used to make us lullably singing, now herself craves someone’s words. Those hands, which once used to feed us, now herself sits with someone and yearning to eat.
According to a survey, 65% of parents above 60 years of age complain of mental stress and loneliness. Most of them say “children are very good, but they do not have time.” In such a situation, our little time, meditation and belonging can not only improve their mental health, but can also give them the reason for living again.
Actually, in today’s fast life, we often forget that our parents were also humans like us at one time, dreamer, laughter, sometimes crying. But at this turn of age, they are imprisoned in the walls of solitude and neglect. The life of the parents suddenly becomes silent and empty due to being busy in the functioning of children, settling in different cities or countries, and getting entangled in the digital world.
Let us tell you that the elderly parents need the most meditation and conversation. No matter how busy you are, sit with them only 10-15 minutes a day. During this time, keep it on the mobile side and talk to them about their day. Listen to their words carefully, take their small and big things seriously. This will make them realize that they are still an important part of your world and their words are still important.
You can do many things to overcome their loneliness and include them in small domestic work. Such as – cutting vegetables, gardening, decorating temple or walking in a nearby park. Participation in such works will make them feel that they are still active and part of the family’s routine. This will also increase their confidence and they will feel more connected with you.
We often think that our parents understand everything, but it is also important to express emotions. Sometimes seek advice from them, even if it is a small thing. This makes them feel important. Also, things like “Nice to talk to you” or “everything without you feel incomplete” touches their hearts. Sometimes hug them, sometimes hold their hand-these small gestures can turn their loneliness into great relief. There is no need for any big preparation to remove their loneliness, just you stay ‘there’, ‘listen’ and make them feel that they are still the most important people of our life.
