A Devoted Son

Summary

The short story  is a great example of how filial piety can be taken to an extreme. Rakesh is a successful doctor who has achieved great things in his career. However, he has also dedicated his life to caring for his parents, even after they have become difficult and demanding. He is constantly at their beck and call, and he even takes it upon himself to supervise their diet.

The old man, for his part, is clearly aware of his son's devotion. He enjoys being waited on hand and foot, and he takes pleasure in testing Rakesh's patience. However, he also seems to take Rakesh's kindness for granted. He is quick to complain and to make demands, and he shows little appreciation for all that Rakesh does for him.

The story ends with a moment of conflict between Rakesh and his father. The old man has been sick, and Rakesh has forbidden him from eating halwa. The old man is furious, and he spits in Rakesh's face. This is a shocking gesture, but it is also a sign of the old man's frustration. He feels that Rakesh is no longer treating him with respect, and he is lashing out in anger.

The story raises some interesting questions about filial piety. Is it always right to put the needs of one's parents before one's own? Can filial piety become a form of control or manipulation? The story does not provide any easy answers, but it does offer a thought-provoking exploration of this complex issue.

Here are some additional thoughts on the story:

The story suggests that filial piety can be a burden, but it can also be a source of great joy. Rakesh clearly loves his father, and he takes great satisfaction in caring for him. However, he also feels exhausted and frustrated by the constant demands that are placed on him.

The story also explores the tension between tradition and modernity. Rakesh is a successful doctor who has adopted Western values. He believes that his father should eat a healthy diet and take care of his health. However, the old man is more traditional, and he believes that he should be able to eat whatever he wants.

Ultimately, the story is a reminder that family relationships are complex and messy. There is no easy formula for getting it right. All we can do is try our best to love and respect our parents, even when they make it difficult.

Understanding the text 

Answer the following questions. 

a. How did the morning papers bring ambiance of celebration in the Varma family? 

b. How did the community celebrate Rakesh’s success? 

c. Why was Rakesh’s success a special matter of discussion in the neighbourhood? 

d. How does the author make fun with the words ‘America’ and ‘the USA’? 

e. How does the author characterize Rakesh’s wife? 

f. Describe how Rakesh rises in his career. 

g. How does the author describe Rakesh’s family background? 

h. What is the impact of Rakesh’s mother’s death on his father? 

i. What did Rakesh do to make his father’s old age more comfortable? 

j. Why did the old man try to bribe his grandchildren? 

k. Are Mr. Varma’s complaints about his diets reasonable? How? 

a. The morning papers brought an ambiance of celebration in the Varma family as they contained the news of Rakesh's outstanding academic success, earning him a first division and ranking at the top of the country. This news filled the family with pride and joy, leading to celebrations and visits from well-wishers.

b. The community celebrated Rakesh's success by visiting the Varma family's small yellow house, offering congratulations, bringing garlands, sweets, party clothes, and gifts. The neighborhood came alive with sounds and colors, resembling a festival. People recognized Rakesh's achievement as a source of pride for the entire community.

c. Rakesh's success was a special matter of discussion in the neighborhood because he came from a modest background, with his father having worked at a kerosene dealer's depot and his mother being an uneducated homemaker. His educational and career achievements were seen as exceptional and a source of inspiration for others in the community.

d. The author makes fun with the words 'America' and 'the USA' by highlighting the contrast between the two terms. Rakesh's family adopts the term 'the USA' to refer to the United States, which they consider more sophisticated and correct, while they mock their ignorant neighbors for using 'America.' This humorous distinction reflects their desire to appear worldly and well-educated.

e. The author characterizes Rakesh's wife as a plump, uneducated, and compliant woman. She is described as old-fashioned, lazy, and good-natured. She does not challenge Rakesh's decisions and seamlessly integrates into the household. Her beauty diminishes after giving birth to their first child, but this change in her appearance does not seem to matter to Rakesh.

f. Rakesh rises in his career by excelling academically, winning scholarships, and pursuing advanced studies in the United States. He becomes a renowned doctor, working in prestigious hospitals and eventually setting up his own clinic. He gains a reputation as both a skilled surgeon and a successful businessman, becoming the richest doctor in town.

g. The author describes Rakesh's family background as humble and modest. His father worked at a kerosene dealer's depot, and his mother was a homemaker. Their sacrifices to provide Rakesh with an education were significant, and his success was seen as the fruition of their sacrifices and the first in the family to receive an education.

h. The impact of Rakesh's mother's death on his father was not extensively detailed in the passage. However, her death was mentioned as a moment of happiness, possibly because she passed away with her son Rakesh by her side, providing her care during her final moments.

i. To make his father's old age more comfortable, Rakesh takes on various caregiving responsibilities. He ensures that his father takes his medications, supervises his diet, arranges for him to take evening air in the garden, and takes care of his daily needs, showing devotion and concern for his well-being.

j. The old man tried to bribe his grandchildren to buy him sweets, as he was unhappy with the strict dietary restrictions imposed by Rakesh. He wanted to indulge in the foods he enjoyed but was prohibited from doing so by his son's strict control over his diet.

k. Mr. Varma's complaints about his diet can be considered reasonable to some extent. While Rakesh's intentions may be to care for his father's health, the restrictive diet and constant medication make Varma feel oppressed and deprived of the foods he desires. His longing for more freedom in choosing his diet and lifestyle reflects his desire for autonomy in his old age.

Reference to the context 

a. How did Varma couple make sacrifices for their son’s higher education? 

b. Mr. Varma suffers from diseases one after another after his wife’s death. Would he have enjoyed better health if she had not died before him? Give reasons. 

c. Dr. Rakesh is divided between a doctor and a son. As a son, he loves his father and worries about his weakening health but as a doctor he is strict on his father’s diet and medicine. In your view, what else could Rakesh have done to make his father’s final years more comfortable? 

d. What does the story say about the relationship between grandfather and grand children? 

e. Do you call Rakesh a devoted son? Give reasons. 

a. Varma and his wife made sacrifices for their son's higher education by investing in his education despite their modest background. They likely faced financial constraints and had to prioritize Rakesh's education over other comforts or luxuries. They saw education as a means to secure a better future for their son and were willing to make sacrifices to support his academic pursuits.

b. Mr. Varma's declining health after his wife's death could be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the emotional toll of losing his spouse might have contributed to his stress and anxiety, negatively impacting his health. Additionally, without her presence, he may not have received the same level of care and attention, as she might have been more lenient with his diet and lifestyle choices. Her absence may have resulted in a stricter regimen imposed by Dr. Rakesh, which Mr. Varma found oppressive.

c. While Dr. Rakesh's intentions may have been to care for his father's health, there are several additional steps he could have taken to make his father's final years more comfortable. These include:

Engaging in open and empathetic communication to understand his father's preferences and concerns.

Allowing some flexibility in his father's diet to accommodate occasional indulgences or favorite foods.

Encouraging activities that promote emotional well-being and mental stimulation, such as spending quality time together or engaging in hobbies.

Ensuring a balance between medical interventions and the preservation of his father's autonomy and quality of life.

Seeking the advice of a healthcare professional who specializes in geriatric care to provide a comprehensive care plan that addresses both medical needs and emotional well-being.

d. The story suggests that the relationship between the grandfather (Mr. Varma) and his grandchildren is somewhat strained. The grandchildren are used by Mr. Varma as intermediaries to acquire sweets and indulgences he desires, even when it contradicts the strict dietary restrictions imposed by Dr. Rakesh. This strained relationship reflects the generational gap and differing views on health and indulgence.

e. Dr. Rakesh can be considered a devoted son to some extent. He does care for his father's health and well-being, ensuring that his medical needs are met. However, his strict control over his father's diet and medication, which his father finds oppressive, suggests a lack of empathy and understanding of his father's emotional needs. A more devoted approach would involve a balance between medical care and preserving his father's autonomy and emotional comfort.

Reference beyond the text 

a. Write an essay on The Parents’ Ambition for their Children in Nepali Society. You must give at least five examples. 

b. Medicines replace our diets in the old age. What can be done to make old age less dependent on medicine? 

c. Write an essay on “Care of Elderly Citizens” in about 300 words.

a. The Parents' Ambition for their Children in Nepali Society:

In Nepali society, parents have long held a deep-seated ambition for their children's success and well-being. This ambition often stems from a combination of cultural values, societal expectations, and the desire to provide a better life for the next generation. Here are five examples of how this ambition manifests:

1. Educational Excellence: Parents in Nepal place a high premium on education. They often sacrifice their own comforts and savings to ensure their children receive the best possible education. It is not uncommon for families to invest in private tutors, extra classes, or even send their children abroad for higher studies.

2. Professional Success: Nepali parents aspire for their children to excel in their chosen careers. They encourage them to pursue professions such as medicine, engineering, or civil services, which are highly regarded in society. The aim is to secure a stable and respected occupation for their offspring.

3. Arranged Marriages: In many cases, parents play an active role in arranging marriages for their children. Their ambition is to find suitable life partners who will contribute to their child's happiness and social standing. Compatibility and family reputation are key considerations.

4. Migration Abroad: Nepali parents often encourage their children to seek opportunities abroad, particularly in Western countries, in pursuit of a better standard of living and career prospects. This ambition for international success reflects the belief that foreign exposure can lead to a brighter future.

5. Financial Security: Parents in Nepal work tirelessly to provide financial security for their children. They may invest in property or savings to ensure their offspring's economic stability, especially in old age. The aspiration is to see their children prosper and be able to support the family.

b. Reducing Dependency on Medicine in Old Age:

As people age, their reliance on medication often increases due to various health issues. However, there are steps that can be taken to make old age less dependent on medicine:

1. Healthy Lifestyle: Encouraging and adopting a healthy lifestyle from a young age can significantly reduce the need for medication in old age. This includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding harmful habits like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

2. Preventive Healthcare: Regular health check-ups and screenings can help detect and address health issues before they escalate. Preventive measures, such as vaccinations and early interventions, can reduce the need for long-term medication.

3. Holistic Healthcare: Integrative and holistic approaches to healthcare, such as alternative therapies, yoga, and mindfulness practices, can complement traditional medicine and reduce reliance on drugs.

4. Social Engagement: Staying socially active and maintaining strong relationships with friends and family can contribute to mental and emotional well-being, reducing the risk of conditions like depression and loneliness that often require medication.

5. Home Modifications: Creating a safe and accessible living environment for seniors can prevent accidents and injuries that may lead to medication needs. Installing handrails, ramps, and non-slip flooring can be beneficial.

6. Support Systems: Having a strong support system, including caregivers and community resources, can help seniors manage their health effectively and reduce the need for excessive medication.

By adopting a proactive approach to health and well-being, individuals can aim to make their old age healthier and less dependent on medication.

c. Care of Elderly Citizens:

The care of elderly citizens is a vital aspect of any society, reflecting its values and commitment to respecting and supporting its senior members. In today's world, where the elderly population is growing, it becomes even more crucial to address their needs and ensure their well-being.

Elderly citizens often face unique challenges related to physical health, mental well-being, and social integration. It is the responsibility of society, families, and the government to provide a supportive environment for them.

One key aspect of caring for elderly citizens is ensuring access to quality healthcare. Regular check-ups, preventive measures, and specialized medical attention when needed are essential. Additionally, there should be a focus on mental health support, as conditions like depression and anxiety can be prevalent among seniors.

Social engagement and inclusion are equally vital. Elderly citizens should be encouraged to participate in community activities, share their wisdom and experiences, and feel valued members of society. Isolation and loneliness can have adverse effects on their mental health, so initiatives that promote social interaction are crucial.

Economic security is another critical component of elderly care. Retirement pensions, savings, and access to affordable healthcare should be guaranteed to ensure financial stability during old age. Poverty among the elderly can lead to poor living conditions and inadequate healthcare.

Furthermore, elderly citizens should have access to safe and comfortable housing. Age-friendly infrastructure and housing designs can help prevent accidents and make daily living easier for seniors.

Family support remains a cornerstone of elderly care. Encouraging strong family bonds and a culture of respect for elders is essential. In cases where families cannot provide care, there should be accessible and affordable long-term care options.

In conclusion, the care of elderly citizens is not just a duty but a moral and ethical responsibility for any society. It requires a comprehensive approach that addresses physical health, mental well-being, social inclusion, economic security, and family support. By valuing and caring for our elderly population, we uphold the principles of compassion and respect that define a humane