Nov 14, 2003 12:40 PM
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(Updated Nov 14, 2003 12:40 PM)
The weekly programme “We The People” in the NDTVx24 Channel often throws up debates on very provocative topics. With the very talented Barkha Dutt acting as the anchor and moderator, this programme covers stimulating and thought provoking topics.
The programme on the 9th November 2003 was about parents policing their children who are in their late teens or early twenties through private detective agencies. It was shocking to learn that some parents actually do it. The discussion was lively. A functionary of a detective agency was present to confirm that her oraganisation does get a few such assignments. And that they charge anything between Rs. 2,500/ to 5,000/ per day for such services. What is more disturbing is that such cases are on the rise in metros like Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai.
Why should parents resort to such desperate measures? And at such exorbitant costs? Some of the reasons proffered are:
There are reports or rumours that their children have “gone astray”, and may be engaged in unsavoury or even criminal activities.
It is their duty to “keep an eye” on the children. Since they are “too busy” to do so, and decide to “sub-contract” the work to professionals.
A reluctance to let go, and an urge to retain “control” on the children, and a notion that knowledge about the goings on in the lives of the children is power!
A need to ensure that their standing and prestige is not jeopardized by the activities of the children.
Whatever be the reason or excuse, it is difficult to justify the action of a parent in setting a sleuth to investigate the offspring.
These instances definitely reflect a lack of mutual trust and confidence between the parents and offspring, and a total breakdown in the communication between the parents and offspring to such an extent that the parents are unable to know about the activities of the children from the children directly.
Such an act on the part of a parent shakes the very foundation of the institution of a family, which automatically connotes cohesiveness, trust, understanding, confidence and support.
