There was a time when schooling was not a burden, but a symbol of innocence and simplicity. In those days, up to the fifth grade, children wrote on slates, cleaning them in their own little ways without fear of calcium deficiency or the threat of germs. Life seemed natural, pure, and beautiful in its simplicity.
The idea of passing or failing was straightforward—no percentages, no grades, no GPAs. Taking private tuition was almost shameful, for if a child lagged behind, it was considered a reflection on the teacher’s ability, not the student’s failure. Success was measured in natural, effortless terms.
Our affections, too, were innocent and symbolic. Keeping a peacock feather inside a book was believed to enhance intelligence. Organizing books neatly was a sign of discipline, and covering them at the start of a new academic year was nothing less than a festival.
Parents, at that time, were far less anxious about education. Going to school was a routine, taking exams a duty, and succeeding a natural outcome. Trust, not surveillance, defined the parent-child relationship. Perhaps because we valued contentment as much as we did intelligence, life carried its own balance.
Even punishments at school standing in the corner or being scolded did not damage relationships or egos. A few minutes later, we would be back playing together, with no grudges or complaints. Love was not expressed in words between parents and children, nor did it need to be. Affection was lived through actions, not spoken for display. Relationships were founded on sincerity, not performance.
Looking back today, one realizes that our generation was content with its fate. That era symbolized peace, modesty, and fulfillment a life that can hardly be compared to today’s restless existence.
The Present and the New Generation’s Struggles
Fast forward to today, and the picture has completely changed. Education has transformed into an industry, and the pressure on children has become unbearable. The simple concept of passing or failing has been replaced by a relentless race for percentages, grades, and GPAs. Instead of nurturing skills and talents, the obsession with numbers now defines a child’s worth.
Tuition centers and academies are no longer a choice but a compulsion. Parents, often beyond their means, are forced to spend heavily on education. School fees, books, and related expenses have become a crushing burden.
Relationships, too, have shifted. Parents work tirelessly, but in the process, the atmosphere of closeness and sincerity within families has faded. Love is now often confined to words, pictures, and social media posts while genuine presence and emotional bonding are left behind.
Where our generation found happiness in little things, today’s children seem restless despite having everything. Our era was defined by simplicity and satisfaction; theirs by competition and anxiety.
This moment calls for reflection. We must learn from the values of our past and make a conscious effort to return to our children the essence of simplicity, sincerity, and contentment the true hallmarks of a fulfilled life.
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