Migration has always been an attractive prospect for India’s younger generation. However, the rapidly changing socio-economic situation of recent times has resulted in an unprecedented level of migration, especially in the highly developed Western countries. The ease with which professional guidance and support is now available for migration is contributing to its growing popularity.
On this Eid, when I used to visit relatives in Kerala, I got a chance to meet some young family members who were usually out to study for most of the year, except their parents during festivals and holidays. Used to go to see his father. When I inquired about their higher study plans and career, almost all of them disclosed their intention to migrate. The most popular destinations were developed countries in Europe, and the UK and Germany topped the list. Canada, New Zealand and Australia were also among the favourites.
A few days later, I was caught up with an old classmate who had recently quit her job as an English lecturer at a private college in the state to start her own venture – an IELTS coaching center. Explaining that he plans to gradually introduce coaching for other languages such as German in addition to facilitating admission to European and Canadian universities, he said it is “an opportunity that should not be missed”, noting that That many youth are eager to emigrate. She also said that she was late to tap the growing potential of the “study abroad” field.
Kerala has been described as a “huge old age home in construction”. Today, many homes in the state have elderly people living alone who struggle with loneliness every day. They often confine themselves to the home and the surrounding area for fear of “running into trouble” – especially with no one to care for them in the midst of unfamiliar situations like a pandemic. As a result, they look for quick and easy solutions and services, unaware that they are duped by acquaintances as trusted assistants serving them at their doorstep.
Recently, a friend from Dubai told some shocking instances of him visiting his parents in Kerala on his annual vacation when his parents were duped by some very familiar shops and service providers. He couldn’t believe how people he knew all his life were biting his parents under the guise of serving them, from the car workshop to fixing a simple scratch. To charge an exorbitant amount mobile phone shop to charge almost double for monthly top up. -UPS. His father’s faith in the people around him was shattered when he learned that many of them were taking him for a ride, even though he had always “out of his way” to help a lonely, elderly couple. apart” felt indebted to them. ,
Many of our elderly loved ones are oblivious to the digital revolution around us, which has made access to services easier and cheaper than ever before. Unfortunately, their digital skills are limited to answering video calls to communicate with their children and grandchildren living abroad, and making local voice calls for home delivery of essential services. Furthermore, the younger generation is often little interested in helping the elderly develop their digital skills other than being able to make/receive video and voice calls.
Many of the elderly don’t know how to google for competing service providers in the area or order products cheaply on e-commerce sites. They still depend on “helpers” to pay electricity bills or book gas cylinders, often charging unreasonable service charges. Also, when they can’t use a simple feature on a mobile phone, some shops “fix it” – claiming they had to replace the software/hardware – usually for a substantial fee.
Basic digital literacy is becoming increasingly important for the elderly, especially in Kerala, where more and more people are leaving their homes for better incomes, higher standards of living and more liberal lifestyles. For a state that has enthralled the world through the outstanding success of its adult literacy program and IT literacy project, empowering its adult population with basic digital skills will not be a daunting task. The state can rely on the zeal of its young volunteers who have always contributed to the efforts to bring about change and improve lives.
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