BENGALURU: Once upon a time in this country all the family members would assemble together for their dinner and have it together under the moon light. Houses were designed for this -- Totti Mane in Kannada, Naalu Kattu in Malayalam and Muttam in Tamil. Few houses of this kind are left.
Today in the cities, lifestyles have changed and families are smaller. The charms of the joint families are lost to us. Here are a few we lost.
Division of work
The workload either domestic or business was divided among all. Thus, there was more income and less pressure.
Assets Endured
All the assets were kept in a common pool and everyone enjoyed their advantage. Today the apartment cannot be divided between two children, it can only be sold and proceeds divided.
Economical Advantage
All the incomes are brought into a common pool, managed well by someone able. Domestic expenses were shared.
Social Security
Physically and emotionally weaker members of the family -- such as the elders or children -- were taken care off by the other members. Medical emergencies and nursing were easier to manage.
Fun and Joy of To getherness
Mother, father, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, grandmother, grandfather... the list is endless. There was bonding across generations. Holidays
Every day is a holiday in a joint family system.