At a time when life often encourages people to slow down, step back, and withdraw from responsibility, Mahant Swami Maharaj, at the age of 92, quietly demonstrates a different way of living—one rooted in discipline, devotion, humility, and selfless service. He is the current spiritual head of BAPS (Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha), a global spiritual organization guiding millions of devotees worldwide. Despite carrying such a vast responsibility, his personal life remains remarkably simple and deeply spiritual.
Every day of Mahant Swami Maharaj’s life begins at 4 a.m. His mornings start with pooja and spiritual contemplation, performed with consistency and reverence. This routine is not driven by obligation but by inner discipline. Age has not weakened his practice; rather, it has strengthened his commitment, reminding us that spirituality is not an occasional act but a lifelong way of living.
A significant part of his day, nearly five hours, is dedicated to reading and writing letters to devotees. These letters are personal and thoughtful, offering reassurance, guidance, and strength to people facing struggles in their lives. In a fast-moving world where communication is often hurried and impersonal, his choice to connect deeply with individuals reflects profound compassion and patience.
Despite his advanced age, Mahant Swami Maharaj continues to meet devotees daily, listening attentively to their problems, concerns, and questions. He listens without interruption and without haste, giving each person his full presence. This quiet act of listening itself becomes a spiritual practice, offering comfort and clarity to those who seek his guidance.
He also spends long hours sitting through spiritual assemblies, sharing wisdom with simplicity and calm. There is no urgency in his words, no desire to impress, only clarity and truth. Often, his presence alone becomes a lesson, teaching through silence as much as through speech.
Even at 92, Mahant Swami Maharaj continues vicharan, travelling across India and around the world to spread messages of peace, spirituality, and values. Long journeys, changing time zones, and physical strain do not deter him. His travel is not driven by ambition, but by a sense of responsibility toward humanity and spiritual upliftment.
Yet, when asked about his efforts and tireless service, his response remains profoundly humble: “I am doing nothing. It is God who is doing everything.” In a life filled with visible dedication and effort, he claims no credit. This complete surrender reflects the highest form of spiritual strength.
Mahant Swami Maharaj’s life teaches us that resilience is born from faith and discipline, that true leadership is rooted in service, and that age is never a barrier when purpose is clear. His spirituality does not distance him from people; instead, it draws him closer to their joys and struggles.
At 92, he does not seek recognition or rest. He simply shows up every day, with devotion, humility, and love. Silently reminding the world that the greatest impact is made not by claiming ownership, but by becoming an instrument in the hands of the divine.
In my work across sustainability, social development, and community engagement—and through my journey as an author—I have repeatedly observed one simple but powerful truth: strong societies are built on strong families. Yet in our pursuit of economic growth, professional success, and technological progress, family bonding and caregiving are often treated as secondary or “soft” concerns. In reality, they form the hardest and most essential foundation of social stability, emotional health, and long-term societal growth.
Before an individual becomes a professional, a leader, or an active citizen, they first become a family member. Families are the first institutions where we learn trust, communication, emotional expression, conflict resolution, and care for others. The Harvard Study of Adult Development, one of the longest-running studies on human happiness, clearly shows that strong relationships—particularly within families—are the most consistent predictor of long-term well-being and life satisfaction, even more than income, status, or professional success. This insight reminds us that emotional foundations laid at home quietly shape how people engage with the world.
Emotional security within families directly translates into resilience in society. The World Health Organization reports that nearly one in eight people globally live with a mental health condition, and India is witnessing a sharp rise in stress, anxiety, and loneliness, especially among youth and the elderly. Research consistently indicates that individuals who grow up with emotional safety, active listening, and dependable support are better equipped to handle failure, make balanced decisions, and form healthy relationships. Emotionally secure homes, therefore, do not just raise happier individuals; they create emotionally intelligent societies.
Caregiving within families—whether for children, elders, or vulnerable members—is one of the most undervalued contributors to social growth. UNICEF highlights that children raised in caregiving environments develop higher empathy, better social behaviour, and stronger moral reasoning. In the Indian context, families that actively care for elders often pass on values of patience, respect, and responsibility through daily lived experience rather than formal teaching. Through my own observations and interactions on the ground, I have seen how caregiving families nurture individuals who later emerge as ethical leaders, compassionate professionals, and responsible citizens.
Strong family bonding also plays a critical role in maintaining social stability. Sociological studies across countries show that communities with cohesive family structures experience lower crime rates, reduced violence, and higher levels of trust and cooperation. The OECD has further noted that robust social support systems, beginning with families, significantly reduce long-term public expenditure on healthcare, rehabilitation, and welfare. This clearly positions family bonding not only as a moral or cultural value, but as a strategic social investment.
The link between family stability and economic growth is equally important, though often overlooked. Studies indicate that individuals with strong family support systems demonstrate higher workplace engagement, lower burnout, and better decision-making abilities. Stable family environments reduce healthcare costs, workplace absenteeism, and long-term dependency on social systems. Far from slowing progress, strong families enable sustainable economic growth by producing emotionally balanced and resilient contributors to the workforce.
India today stands at a critical social transition point. The decline of joint families, increasing urban migration, weakening intergenerational bonds, rising elder loneliness, and growing parenting stress are becoming visible across urban and semi-urban landscapes. While modernization and mobility are essential for progress, the erosion of family bonding comes with hidden costs that surface later as mental health challenges, social alienation, and fragmented communities. The challenge before us is not to choose between tradition and progress, but to consciously integrate care, connection, and bonding into modern lifestyles.
Sociologists describe this invisible glue that holds societies together as social capital—trust, shared values, and cooperation. Families are the first creators of this social capital. When families function well, communities become more resilient, institutions become more humane, and growth becomes inclusive and sustainable. When families weaken, society pays the price emotionally, socially, and economically.
As someone deeply engaged in sustainability and social impact work, I believe it is time to rethink what we truly mean by growth and development. Progress should not be measured only in GDP figures or infrastructure milestones, but also in mental well-being, quality of relationships, empathy in leadership, and care for the vulnerable. If we want a better future, we must invest as intentionally in strengthening families and caregiving cultures as we do in technology, policy, and economic systems.
Through my writing and social work, I have learned that values taught quietly at home often shape the world far more powerfully than lessons taught loudly outside. Strong families do not merely raise successful individuals; they raise good human beings. And societies led by good human beings do not just grow—they flourish.
We live in an era where many parents proudly say, “My child knows how to use a smartphone better than me.” But beneath that pride lies a silent concern — are we giving them access or addiction?
In the race to keep children engaged, entertained, or “tech-savvy,” many parents have unknowingly traded genuine connection for digital convenience. We’ve built a generation that gets everything easily — but values nothing deeply.
The Growing Dependence on Screens
According to a 2024 Common Sense Media report, children aged 8 to 12 spend nearly 5 hours daily on screens, while teenagers average 8 hours or more, excluding schoolwork. In India, a LocalCircles survey found that 78% of parents regret giving smartphones too early, citing screen addiction, lack of discipline, and social withdrawal as the biggest consequences.
We’re raising children who can swipe before they can write — and that’s not progress, it’s a warning.
The Instagram & Anime Effect: Copying What They See
Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and anime content have become the new “teachers” of behavior for young minds. These short bursts of visual content — fast, flashy, and addictive — are shaping how kids talk, dress, think, and even behave.
Many children mimic dialogues, expressions, and mannerisms they see in anime characters or influencers. While creativity and imagination are valuable, the issue arises when they start confusing imitation with identity.
They learn that being loud equals confidence, disrespect equals independence, and popularity equals success. It’s a dangerous illusion — one that replaces emotional intelligence with performative behavior.
A study by Pew Research Center (2023) revealed that nearly 60% of teens admit to feeling pressure to look “cool” online, and 1 in 3 feel anxious if their content doesn’t get enough likes or views.
This is not entertainment, it’s mental conditioning. And our children are absorbing it silently.
When Boundaries Disappear
In many homes today, respect for the elderly often feels like an outdated idea. Children no longer hesitate to argue, raise their voice, or roll their eyes when corrected. They want to stay in their rooms, isolated with their screens, and view any parental involvement as interference.
The word “boundaries” has turned into “restrictions.” And the concept of family discipline has been replaced by “personal space.”
But true growth doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens through conversations, disagreements, and learning to respect differing opinions, something no screen can teach.
Comfort Without Character
As parents and elders, we often believe we’re giving our children a “better life” by providing everything they ask for. But in reality, we might be giving them too much comfort and too little challenge.
When every desire is met instantly, new gadgets, clothes, or entertainment, children stop valuing patience, effort, and gratitude. They start expecting life to be as easy as swiping a screen.
But life doesn’t work like that. And when it doesn’t, they feel lost, angry, and unprepared.
Parenting Is Not About Convenience — It’s About Character
Good parenting isn’t about keeping children happy all the time. It’s about preparing them for real life, where not every “yes” is instant, and not every “no” is unfair.
Say no when necessary.
Set time limits for screens.
Encourage family meals, outdoor play, and storytelling.
Teach gratitude and respect by example.
Children learn far more from what they see than what they’re told. If we spend our evenings scrolling, we silently tell them that digital life matters more than real life.
A Wake-Up Call for Modern Parents
Let’s pause for a moment and ask ourselves:
Do our children know how to wait?
Do they respect elders without being reminded?
Do they spend more time with people or with screens?
If the answers worry you, it’s time to act.
Because one day, these same children will grow up, and they won’t remember the expensive gadgets we gave them. They’ll remember whether we were present, whether we listened, and whether we taught them what truly matters.
Let’s Bring Back the Real World
In trying to make our children’s lives easy, we’ve accidentally made their hearts empty. They have everything, except the ability to value it.
It’s time we bring back conversations, boundaries, and respect. It’s time we teach them to strike a balance between technology and humanity. Because the future doesn’t depend on the apps they use, it depends on the values we instill today.
Cinema and storytelling have always been powerful media to shape our imagination, emotions, and culture. For decades, films have entertained us with drama, comedy, romance, and action. However, in the past two decades, there has been an undeniable surge in action-heavy, brutal, and violent content, not only in films but also on OTT platforms, web series, and even video games. What makes this concerning is not just the rising popularity of such content but also its impact on young, impressionable minds.
Adults often watch violent films and walk away unaffected, separating fiction from reality. Teenagers and children, however, live in a world where lines between reel and real are blurred. Their curiosity, coupled with a lack of emotional maturity, makes them vulnerable to absorbing violence as an acceptable way of expressing anger or gaining power. The tragic incident in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, in August 2025, where a Class 10 student was fatally stabbed by his Class 8 junior outside their school, serves as a painful reminder that what we feed into young minds—through media, peer culture, and society—can sometimes manifest in the ugliest ways.
The Ahmedabad Case – A Harsh Wake-Up Call
The Ahmedabad school tragedy shook not just the local community but the entire country. A minor dispute between two boys escalated into an unthinkable crime. A 14-year-old Class 8 student stabbed his 16-year-old senior, leading to the latter’s death just outside the school campus. What made the case even more disturbing was the alleged mishandling by the school authorities. Instead of calling an ambulance immediately, reports suggest that a water tanker was summoned to wash away bloodstains, as if cleaning the ground was more important than saving a life. This sparked widespread anger, protests by parents, and raised questions about the priorities of educational institutions.
Further investigation revealed WhatsApp chats of the accused boy, where he spoke about stabbing in an almost casual manner, describing it as something not very serious. This flippant attitude toward such a grave act was alarming and hinted at something deeper—the desensitization of violence among youth. When murder is treated as a joke in casual conversation, it shows how normalized brutality has become in certain peer circles.
The incident is not just about one boy’s mistake. It reflects institutional negligence, lack of conflict-resolution systems in schools, absence of mental health support, and most importantly, a larger cultural acceptance of aggression, often glorified by entertainment media.
Why Movies and Media Influence Young Minds So Strongly
Children and teenagers are not just passive consumers of media; they are active absorbers. Their brains are still developing, particularly the prefrontal cortex, which governs decision-making and impulse control. This makes them more prone to imitating behaviors they see repeatedly. When violent heroes dominate screens, when power is shown to be achieved through aggression, and when brutal acts are portrayed without consequences, youngsters begin to internalize that narrative.
Films and OTT content today are saturated with imagery of revenge, bloodshed, and ruthless survival. Heroes are often celebrated not for patience or dialogue but for their ability to overpower enemies through violence. While such content may serve as adrenaline-filled entertainment for adults, it sends confusing signals to adolescents, who may see violence as both glamorous and effective. Psychologists describe this as the Social Learning Effect—the process by which people model behaviors they observe, especially if those behaviors appear to bring rewards such as respect, fear, or dominance.
Over time, this leads to desensitization. A teenager who watches multiple brutal fight sequences or gun battles may no longer feel shocked by blood, injuries, or even murder. Instead, they may laugh it off, discuss it casually, or worse, experiment with it. This phenomenon was disturbingly evident in the Ahmedabad case, where the accused’s casual attitude toward stabbing showed a lack of emotional depth about the seriousness of his act.
The Psychology of Violence Consumption
Several psychological concepts help explain how constant exposure to violent content impacts young people.
Desensitization – When violence is repeatedly shown on screen, the shock value diminishes. Youngsters stop reacting emotionally to brutality, treating it as normal.
Normalization – If heroes in films solve problems with fists, knives, or guns, violence begins to appear as a legitimate solution to conflicts. Over time, aggression becomes a socially acceptable behavior in peer groups.
Moral Disengagement – Violent media often distances viewers from the moral implications of actions. For example, a hero killing dozens of people is justified because he is “fighting for justice.” Adolescents may copy this rationalization, thinking their aggression is also justified in certain contexts.
Identity Formation – Teenagers are in the process of defining who they are. If their favorite hero is an action star who commands respect through violence, they may subconsciously adopt similar traits to appear “cool” or powerful among peers.
Impulse Control Issues – Since adolescents already struggle with emotional regulation, exposure to cinematic aggression can act as a trigger. A small fight in real life can quickly spiral into dangerous aggression, as seen in the Ahmedabad incident.
The Broader Social Ecosystem
While it is easy to blame movies alone, the reality is more complex. Violence in media interacts with social, family, and educational factors. A teenager exposed to brutality in films but guided by strong family values and effective school support systems may still navigate it safely. However, when combined with bullying, lack of counseling, peer pressure, and institutional apathy, media violence becomes a dangerous ingredient.
In Ahmedabad, allegations of bullying surfaced soon after the tragedy. The younger boy reportedly faced issues with his senior, and instead of conflict resolution, it escalated into aggression. If the school had systems to address disputes, if there were regular counseling sessions, or if students were educated about handling anger constructively, perhaps the outcome could have been different.
The Responsibility of Media Creators
Filmmakers and content creators have a profound responsibility. Entertainment should not come at the cost of social damage. While it is unrealistic to expect cinema to completely avoid violence, what matters is how violence is framed. If brutality is shown as glamorous and consequence-free, it encourages mimicry. But if it is shown with realistic consequences—trauma, guilt, punishment—it becomes a cautionary tale rather than an inspiration.
Moreover, content rating systems must be strictly enforced. OTT platforms often allow minors to access shows far beyond their age appropriateness. Parents, too, must be conscious of what their children are watching. A violent web series that might be harmless fun for a 30-year-old can be deeply damaging for a 13-year-old struggling to define his worldview.
What Schools and Parents Can Do
The Ahmedabad tragedy has forced us to rethink our approach. Beyond blaming media, it is crucial to strengthen the ecosystem around children.
Conflict Resolution Training: Schools must introduce programs that teach children how to resolve disputes without aggression. Role-play exercises, group discussions, and peer mediation can help.
Counseling and Mental Health Support: Regular sessions with psychologists should be part of every school’s infrastructure. Early signs of aggression, isolation, or troubled behavior must not be ignored.
Parental Guidance: Parents need to be more aware of their children’s media consumption. Open conversations about what they watch, how they feel about it, and why real life is different from reel life can bridge the gap.
Emergency Response Preparedness: Schools should prioritize saving lives over saving reputation. Clear protocols for emergencies—ambulance first, investigation later—must be non-negotiable.
Media Literacy Education: Teaching students to critically evaluate films, shows, and online content can empower them to see through the glorification of violence. They should be taught to ask: Is this behavior acceptable in real life? What are its consequences?
Moving Forward – Building a Culture of Empathy
At the heart of this discussion is a need to reintroduce empathy into the lives of young people. Violence thrives when compassion is absent. Films and shows that celebrate kindness, problem-solving, resilience, and dialogue should receive as much attention as those filled with brutality. Society must collectively shift from glorifying power through fear to valuing power through respect and collaboration.
The Ahmedabad case should not be remembered merely as a statistic in juvenile crime. It must be remembered as a turning point—a call to parents, educators, media creators, and policymakers to take responsibility for shaping young minds. We cannot afford to treat these incidents as isolated. They are warnings of a deeper cultural crisis, one that requires collective action.
Conclusion
Violence in movies alone may not directly cause violent behavior, but it is undoubtedly a contributing factor in a larger web of influences. When children consume content that glorifies brutality without consequence, when schools fail to provide safe conflict-resolution mechanisms, and when parents ignore the warning signs, tragedies like Ahmedabad become inevitable.
The time has come to rethink what kind of stories we tell, what values we reinforce, and what lessons we leave for our children. Do we want a generation desensitized to cruelty, or do we want empathetic individuals who choose dialogue over destruction? The answer will define not just our children’s future but the very fabric of our society.
In today’s busy world, where both parents often balance demanding jobs and household responsibilities, grandparents have become an essential part of many families. For some, their role may seem limited to managing children during vacations, after school hours, or when parents are unavailable. However, the true value of grandparents in a child’s life goes far beyond mere childcare. They are mentors, moral guides, emotional anchors, and living connections to a rich past — shaping children not just for today, but for the future.
One of the most powerful things grandparents offer is a direct link to family history and cultural traditions. Through their stories of childhood, their struggles, and the way life once was, they pass on important values and a sense of identity. Children begin to understand where they come from, who they are, and what kind of values their family stands for. This sense of belonging gives children the confidence and security to face the world.
Grandparents are often the best teachers of good manners and ethics. Simple values like saying “please” and “thank you,” respecting elders, sharing with others, and showing kindness are naturally taught by grandparents in their day-to-day interactions. Their patient, loving approach helps children absorb these values not through lectures, but through experience. Watching grandparents treat others with respect and humility leaves a deep impression that shapes how children behave, even when no one is watching.
In addition to manners, grandparents help build emotional strength and resilience in children. Their love is often unconditional, and they offer comfort and support that children may hesitate to seek elsewhere. When a child faces challenges — whether it’s a bad grade, a fight with a friend, or personal fears — grandparents are there to listen, guide, and support with calm wisdom. Having gone through many of life’s ups and downs themselves, they teach children how to handle disappointment, how to be grateful, and how to find joy in simple things.
In an age dominated by materialism, where children are often influenced by gadgets, fashion, and social media, grandparents bring a much-needed perspective of simplicity. Having lived through times of scarcity, they show children how to value what they have, avoid waste, and live with contentment. These lessons in humility and gratitude are subtle but powerful — helping children grow into kind, grounded adults.
Moreover, when grandparents are actively involved in a child’s life, the entire family bond becomes stronger. Children learn by example, and seeing their parents care for and respect their own parents fosters a culture of love, responsibility, and mutual support within the family. Simple activities like celebrating festivals together, cooking traditional meals, or listening to family stories become cherished moments that bring everyone closer.
It is important to understand that grandparents are not just babysitters or caretakers. They are role models and moral guides who shape a child’s personality in ways that schools and books cannot. They teach life skills that last forever — patience, empathy, resilience, and respect. They help raise not just children, but better human beings.
Involving grandparents in your child’s life is a gift that shapes the future. Their presence not only brings comfort and care but helps instill values and emotional strength that prepare children to face life’s challenges. Let us value and honor the role of grandparents — for in nurturing our children, they help nurture a better tomorrow.
Shreyas Trivedi 