India, Feb. 2 -- There was a time when warm family get-togethers were a regular feature. It gave everyone an opportunity to interact with people from all age groups. I would be all ears to eclectic stand points and the exchange of fascinating ideas.

However, over the years, the presence of the young brigade in such heterogeneous groups, had dwindled. Children were quite disinterested in accompanying their elders to a social function. Sadly, the ones joining in were usually distracted souls who had probably been dragged to the occasion. In fact, they were not even hanging around with their parents in daily life situations.

So at any given party, it would be the elders mingling merrily while their wards would be the quieter lot. There wou...