Though I belong to the younger generation, I can understand the older generation’s philosophy or ethos. I can understand the basic differences between the basic paradigms that both have. Youngsters have an idea of not wanting to get stuck in the same rut, expand boundaries, live life king size and be happy so that others can be happy seeing you in such zest. But mostly elderly people believe or think if fulfilling values, duties and rhythm of your soul means getting stuck in the same routine then so be it, making others happy is by sacrificing one’s happiness and living life like a saint.

So, what I think is better in the older generation is their experience and their resilience which teaches us to become such resilient people doing the best one can and not to let odds alter your basic foundation.

— Sadiksha Thapa

n It is found that the older generation criticises the younger generation in the sense that the younger generation is developing materialistic values without much consideration even for their old parents. In this way the older generation criticises that the younger ones are forgetting their moral values and duties. But the younger generation hits back saying the older generation is only after spiritualism without thinking about the mechanism of science for the economic development of the nation. These are the many reasons that they talk ill of each other. As someone who belongs to the older generation, despite the saying, ‘old is gold’, I find there are certain positive points in the younger generation too. The younger ones have made a lot of advancements in the field of science and technology, and with the help of science, they have invented many important things to move forward in many fields. Had they not developed such scientific instruments, we would have been blind not knowing any activities of the world.

— Mohan Narshing Shrestha, Kupondole

n The younger generation has an innovative mind, are enthusiastic and show agility to do anything. Their minds are like dough, which can be moulded into various shapes. But it needs a clear direction, which can be obtained from the older generation. Their experiences, their thoughts are most valuable principles that must be transferred to new generation. Different maxims were not developed spontaneously, but they were the result of past experiences of our forefathers. Every word of our elders whether they are criticising or blessing us must be heeded by the youth. So, kura sunnu budha ko is an appropriate idiom to use. However, some are stubborn enough to cling on to their puritanical customs and culture, which is not good. The youth always tries to flow with the wave of time, even if they do so, they should also value lessons the past generation has for them.

— Hareram Pradhan,

Satdobato

n Different age groups have different ideas, opinions and behaviours so they cannot fit in one place and conflicts always arise between them. Although different generations indicate the weakness of other generations, there are some positive aspects of each generation. The old generation stands for history. Without history people would not have developed and innovated anything. If there was no past evidence and experience on the matter of vapour power, the present rail transportation system would not have existed. Similarly, people of the older generation are always kind. On the other hand, young generation is always active, result oriented and they do not believe blindly on superstition. Superstition is a major barrier of development. Not only this but the younger generation also has energetic power to learn new things so that new invention have been made possible.

— Gopal Khanal,

Panipokhari

But for the generation gap, we all are the same. The adults too were children once. Circumstances and tastes change, as we grow older and we learn with time. What I find positive about the older generation is that they know so much more than us. The older generation can always speak from experience. They have seen it all and been through it all. You can learn a lot of things from them. You can expect wise answers and advice. Though fussing bothers at times, their concern does help at times. I think the sense of responsibility grows with time therefore; the older generation is more reliable than the new.

— Rhea Gurung,

Maharajgunj

n Elders today oppose because youngsters have forgotten family values and customs, which at their time were an important part of life. Honestly speaking the kind of life our elders led was very simple and peaceful. Our elders introduced the culture which we boast of today. When I think of my parents and grand parents I feel blessed for having such great souls who had virtues like compassion, tolerance, and a sense of humanity that would bind the family together giving a message that worthy living is possible only when people live a life untouched by jealousy and hatred. Discipline and family values were given great importance at that time. Today we have been losing all these great values and virtues in the quest of having a comfortable and happy life forgetting the fact that material comfort cannot provide a life that one gets through human touch and feelings.

We may have been leading a better life in terms of comfort but there is some sort of vacuum in everyone’s life today. The great difference between yesteryears’ generation and today’s is that the former acquired happiness after making others happy whereas the tendency today is just the opposite. Thus, I respect the old generation knowing that they have drawbacks too.

— Ambika Pandey,

Chitwan

n In my opinion, old generation people are more genuine, practical than the new generation. Certainly, every generation has its pros and cons, what we have learned today is the transferred of knowledge from the old generation to the new. In our grandfather’s time people used to cook food themselves, wore pure clothes during the time of cooking and eating, made wells and pati pauwas and planted trees, so that it would provide shelter to other people. They took bath early in the morning, cited Sanskrit poems, chanted Veda mantras, worshiped Gods, and did meditation, considered guests as Gods and respected them heartily.

— Thaneshwar Kunwar