In contemporary rural India, men are faced with the following challenges in their midlife.
- Generally some men are disturbed or embarrassed when a child or an adult calls them “uncle” and when children call them “Thatha” in regional languages (grandfather), especially when young girls call them “uncle”. In this sort of situation, men become conscious to present themselves young in their public appearance. Their physical image in public domain becomes a priority. At times they struggle to keep up their image. They begin to plunge into crisis at their middle age.
- A man who once felt was independent, now may feel dependent on his children or who was more freely deciding for his children and his own life, now will have to consider his children before any decision is taken. He begins to feel that his freedom is shrinking.
- In rural Indian context, many in their middle age get their children married and in some occasions the middle aged couples face the wrath of their son and daughter in-law, contrary to their expectations. Prevailing social stigma would not allow them to share with others about this ill treatment meted out to them, since it would bring down the reputation of the family. Not knowing what to do, they inevitably face a crisis.
- Bringing up children in the Indian context, with values that the parents adhere to, is a challenge, as children these days are drawn to a variety of habits which are contrary to the values of the parents.
John Don Bosco
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