Earlier when living in a joint family, children were brought up without stress. As women were homemakers, the aged and the children were well cared for. Having four children was the norm and sometimes 11 siblings, jokingly called a cricket team, also existed.
Since the last 60 years there has been a steady decline not only in numbers but also in values. The Jiyo Parsi scheme was introduced to offer medical aid and monetary incentives to reverse the declining trend. What we need today are not doles and charity but safe and secure daycare facilities for the children. No self respecting parents would accept doles or charity to raise their children.
The working mother in a nuclear family today is concerned about the security of her child. She feels guilty leaving the child in the care of domestic help or caretakers. To motivate parents to raise more children, we should ensure that their children are well looked after while the mother is working.
The Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) trustees should take the initiative to set up and run day care centers and play schools in colonies to keep the children occupied in a meaningful way. There is no greater gratification than being in the company of tiny tots, little angels, who will inspire and cheer up your spirit. Even our philanthropic community members should support this noble cause.
A competent supervisor and a dedicated staff supervised by vigilant social workers should look after all the needs of the infants, toddlers and young children. Unemployed ladies may be given an opportunity to earn and live with dignity. Those good in culinary arts could prepare healthy meals and snacks for the children. Not only will that relieve the mother from organizing the food, but the child will learn to enjoy healthy food in the company of friends. The money spent as incentives and doles can be meaningfully utilized to give relief to working mothers, which perhaps may motivate them to raise more children. Most of the parents will be willing to pay for the service as their main concern is safety, security and welfare of the child.
We as a community are fighting bitter battles on non relevant issues instead of generating resources for such important causes. Once we make a beginning there will be new ideas, new ventures. There will be more hands to help, more minds to serve, more hearts to cheer!
PIROJA JOKHI
piroja.jokhi@yahoo.com
The editors reply:
The BPP trustees have their hands full with managing vast properties and fighting amongst themselves. It is for the community to take the initiative and ask the BPP for support and assistance.