Each time I look around the city, I sense a terrible loss of values, culture and ethics which once defined India. The main problem faced by the city, which, in turn, gives rise to several other problems, is the population explosion. As an increasing desire to make a fast buck overpowers people who throng the city in large numbers, scant attention is given to the upbringing of the children. That's what leads to a steady deterioration of the city, with increasing incidents of crime coupled with a total disregard for the state of the society.Once a melting pot of different cultures and traditions, Delhi, as the Capital, was known for its warmth, its loving attitude and cultural ties with other states and also other countries. And, steeped in this warmth, lay the essence of the city's people. It's disheartening, then, to even imagine the rise of crime. I feel increasing incidents of crime, especially involving youngsters, should be looked into and inculcating positive values in our children should be given topmost priority. The absence of values and morals, in fact, now defines the city that was once known for its cultural ethos.As a musician, I am greatly aggrieved by the noise pollution which is on a constant rise. In fact, the noise that blares in Delhi is enough to disturb anyone who is conscious of the decline in the city's environment. Listen carefully and you'll find the strains of classical music, or of folk music, being replaced by blaring pop music and a persistent cacophony of sounds. The faults lie with us: as parents, we need to be close to our children, educate them about their own culture, bring them closer to the roots where they really belong and spend quality time with them. Since that doesn't happen anymore, with parents having little time even for their children, the youngsters turn to screechy sounds which echo all over the city. The only source of information children have today is the television, which, unfortunately, has programmes of very poor standards. True, there are some informative programmes but they are completely overshadowed by other poor quality shows which only present a distressing picture where the order of the day is to ape the West.Isn't it ironical that children realise the benefits of yoga only when it comes repackaged from the West. Even Sanskrit shlokas are noticed when Madonna decides to croon them. We have no time to lose; the city's future lies with today's generation who need to be informed by parents rather than their TV sets. It's all very well to make moolah, but it is disturbing that we are doing that at the expense of the future of our country. It's time we became a wee bit sensitive and concentrated on our real wealth: our children.
