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Post-retirement years could be more productive
S. DANDAPANI
Senior citizens seem to be at the focal point of discussion these days! Quite a few “Good Samaritans” seem to sympathise with, if not pity, their predicament in a society filled with smart citizens who yearn and earn much more than their parents!
Some among the senior folks are fortunate enough to grab some jobs to supplement their meagre pension! But, the majority choose to retire gracefully, graciously too, with the fulfilment of having played their innings to their utmost satisfaction!
Retirement could be a bane for those who did not plan for their future to afford the kind of lifestyle that one should normally lead. Naturally frustration sets in, that would make them beg for undue favours from the government. Sky is the limit for one’s desire to acquire more money and the corresponding comforts. Therefore what seems adequate for one person might be inadequate for others.
This brings us to the question: “Does material comfort alone guarantee a peaceful life?”
The author, well past 75, looks back upon the 15 years of retirement with nostalgia sprinkled with pride, because only upon his retirement did he have the time and patience to write three textbooks on his beloved subject that he taught for well over three decades!
While in service, the duties and responsibilities entrusted to him by the institution did not provide the time and frame of mind for quiet reflection and retrospection. Retirement therefore came as a boon! Since there is enormous time available upon retirement to pursue a hobby of one’s choice, life ought to be much more active than during “active service!”
While quite a few choose to opt for voluntary retirement, most teachers serve till superannuation. Because, they enjoy their teaching much more than the compensation they receive for their service!
The excitement and joy of receiving a pay-cheque evaporates in a few hours while the joy of meeting students in classrooms and sharing one’s knowledge with those eager to learn lasts forever!
Who is to protect whom?
Of course, one should be circumspect and judicious enough to save for the “rainy days.” One should maintain his dignity of “seniority” and not expect his junior progeny to protect him! Who is to protect whom? The Almighty, who has been a witness to the selfless service rendered by a citizen, will not leave him in the lurch upon his old age!
So long as one leads a life of utility and sanctity, one need not have apprehensions of ageing! With all the mind-boggling pay-checks most youngsters demand and receive today, are all of them happy, contented and peaceful? With only a fraction of their monthly pay as annual pension, quite a few senior citizens are happy, contented and peaceful as well!
As Gandhiji once wisely remarked: “There is enough wealth in the world for man’s need, but not for man’s greed!”
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