Awareness and Sensitization Programme on Intergenerational Bonding

Awareness and Sensitization Programme on Intergenerational Bonding was a reflective and engaging experience that promoted tighter bonds between the generations. It was facilitated in the presence of Associate Director Jibrael Sir and a group of external professionals, who provided students with opportunities to question relationships with seniors, defy cultural norms, and know the psychological implications of intergenerational trauma.

The session started with interactive discussion sessions, calling for students to comment on parental attachment and family relationships. Using a set of inquisitive questions, the students ventured into understanding their emotional bonding with parents and grandparents and were able to realize the unnoticeable but strong features of the relationship. Personal anecdotes were common among many as they shared insights into how minor actions created and maintained family bonds.

This was followed by the interactive event being taken over with role-play sessions. The students were put into ten groups, each of which was required to perform real-life situations that brought out generational differences and possible solutions. The performances addressed issues of communication breakdowns, changing family relationships, career aspirations, and changing social norms. The exercise not only gave room for self-expression but also enhanced knowledge of the generational battles many faces. The best performers were identified and rewarded, making the session both informative and entertaining.

The most effective segment of the event was the dialogue on intergenerational trauma. Specialists discussed in detail how traumatic experiences of ancestors influence current behaviours and relationships. Students discovered the psychological consequences of inherited beliefs and unresolved conflicts and were encouraged to escape cycles of trauma and engage in a more empathetic relationship with family members. One of the most interesting rephrasing exercises asked participants to challenge and redefine deeply ingrained social norms, to look beyond stereotypes and adopt a more inclusive attitude.

The session ended on a very personal note with a group exercise on breaking judgments. Students discussed examples of social prejudices they had faced, their initial response,and how they would approach similar situations in the future. The session concluded with a reflective letter-writing exercise, where the participants were invited to pen emotional letters to an older person in their lives—gratitude, closure, or just reconnecting. This last exercise served to drive home the central theme of the session: open communication is the key to closing generational gaps.

Overall, the programme was a huge success, leaving the students with a fresh sense of awareness, empathy, and appreciation for intergenerational relationships. Through stimulating conversations, interactive exercises, and self-reflection, participants took away practical lessons on building bridges of understanding with their senior citizens. The workshop not only broke stereotypes but also empowered students to engage with their family members with greater empathy and insight. Intergenerational connection is not merely living side by side—it is about developing relationships that bridge time, culture, and expectations.