Grandparents` Day

Now that the dust has settled completely, one can look back on the very informative article (May 11) associated with Mother`s Day. Apart from the historical background to this widespread commemoration, it provided an insight into the manner in which people in different countries look upon this annual customary rite which, quite aptly, is termed as a "commercialised day of sentiment".

Next month, the media will be coming out with exhortations, albeit on a lower key, to remember Father`s Day, and deservedly so.

However, readers may be interested to know that in certain parts of the western world, an initiative was taken some years ago to devote a day to grandparent`s, since established on the second Sunday in September. These senior members of society play a very active part in the evolution of the family, especially nowadays, with their support to most working couples with infants and schoolchildren.

It is a readily acknowledged fact that in such an indispensable role, a fund of understanding gradually emerges between grandparents and the little ones left in their care, helping them in their process of development.

It is fitting, therefore, that a day in the year is equally dedicated to grandparents. This is not an attempt to further commercialise the aspect of celebration.

Rather, familiar organisations, like the Cana Movement and others involving youth, should work in concert towards such a consideration which springs from a sincere desire to remember grandparents honourably, particularly those who are in residential homes for the elderly or who have already left a void in family gatherings, having passed away.