What is the essence of the Indian civilization? Well, there are, in fact, several aspects on which this noble civilization concentrates. But among all these the respect towards the elders along with the predecessors deserves special mention. Even though lots of questions are put forward by the pundits especially re who should be respected, this custom has been going on from time immemorial. Whatever may be the criticism, we can readily accept that this is one of the greatest virtues of the Indians.

Now there is a question. What is that? Is the young generation carrying on this age-old or hoary virtue in the desirable manner? This question is being asked since the alien American culture is exerting a sway on the young minds. Have the answer also at the same time. Not at all! We are living in a different period where the ancient customs are being forsaken by the young ones. The latest specimen of this audacity is the celebrated film Om Shanti Om where the Bollywood actor Shahrukh Khan acted. However the film has come into the purview of the judiciary owing to a different reason.

It has been alleged by the veteran actor Manoj Kumar that he has been shown in a poor light in the film and this has deteriorated his social reputation to a large extent. According to him every approach in the film regarding him was intentional and made him nothing but a futile buffoon. All this made him knock the doors of the court. It is to be noted that Mr. Kumar had filed a petition in the session court, seeking stay of telecast of the film on Sony Entertainment Television. In this regard a local Andheri court had issued summons against Shahrukh Khan, his wife Gauri Khan and the film director Farah Khan directing them to remain present in the court.
Nonetheless none did appear.

This has made the Andheri District Court issue notices to the trio asking them to remain present in the court on February 22, 2009. Is this all? Even if the director agrees to remove the offensive portions in the film, the saga doesn’t end here. This humiliation is the expression of utter disregards to predecessors, which doesn’t adhere to the tradition of the Indian civilization in any way. The young generation must respect the elders since it’s the basis of a baronial culture.