There is a need among the Indian community to go back to their collective social roots in addressing injustice that takes place within families. The story of Kulandai Perumal Samy and Gangammah who were told to evacuate their only home by their younger son, who intends to be the sole occupant, is a sad reflection of individualistic self seeking behavior, that has violated Asian in particular Indian cultural and social norms.
The home that was built with the help of the older children for the purpose of family unity has lost its significance and its identity, besides violating the sacred trust that Kulandai Perumal and his wife had on their younger’s son, when Kulandai Perumal was trick into signing a document that was perceived to be for a starting a business, but was for the purpose of changing the ownership of the house.
Kullandai Perumal now over 80 years old was when young the sole bread winner of the family. Now he is unemployed and totally dependent on others. He wants to live and go while living in this family home.
Last week the new owner of the land and house(his youngest son) disconnected water supply to his house. Attempts are now being made to disconnect electricity supply. He now dependent on his neighbouring people to provide water supply to him and his wife. He is suffering in silence. How can ones own child be so unkind and cruel??
We in Asian society would prefer to be looked after by our children in old age and not kept in homes for the aged as it happens in the western society.
Kullandai Perumal and one of his sone have lodged caveat on the property. The youngest so has now gone to court to remove the caveat.
Kullandai Perumal has been brought to our law office to assist him to protect his interest. We will do our best to assist him legally.
The Indian moral concept of Matha, Pitha Guru Deivam signifies respect for the elders of the community. Indian society is collectivist and promotes social cohesion and interdependence. A collective society value family cohesion, cooperation and solidarity.
It’s a common trend now a days for children to abandon their old age parents. This uncivilised behaviour should stop.
Therefore its time for the Government to enact laws to ensure that all children who are financially sound support their parents in their old age. Singapore has a law of this nature.
The last son has not only taken the family house but has also fail to provide financial support to his aging parents which shows how vulnerable parents with little means are, to the selfish designs of unscrupulous adults, who have violated moral and cultural principles of social cohesion among family.