“जननी जन्मभूमिश्च स्वर्गादपि गरीयसी”
Mother and motherland are superior even to heaven. No preposition can truly capture the sacrifice, love, and devotion that mothers embody. The tolerance, kindness, and unwavering commitment they demonstrate are unmatched. This is not merely about motherhood or raising a child—it’s a narrative of courage, valor, and commitment, found everywhere from the homemaker to the national guardian. Women are always at the forefront, shaping lives and histories.
The Ancient Roots of Empowerment
In ancient Vedic times, figures like Sita, Sati, Kali, and Chandi symbolized power and strength. Over time, women have set remarkable milestones, whether safeguarding the skies as fighters or excelling in sports. When we reflect on India’s freedom struggle, we cannot forget the indomitable Queen of Jhansi, who fought while carrying her child on her back. In matters of wisdom, even Adi Shankracharya was defeated by Ubhay Bharti in a 42-day-long spiritual debate. From the time of the freedom movement to present day, countless figures of valor, such as Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel, Subhash Chandra Bose, and Chhatrapati Shivaji, all received their early lessons from the first educator: their mothers.
The First Teacher: Architect of Values and Wisdom
Regardless of literacy, a mother’s teachings last a lifetime. From the first steps a toddler takes to guiding a teenager through emotional upheavals, and comforting an adult in moments of doubt, a mother’s wisdom never fades. Even the greatest leaders, thinkers, and innovators often attribute their success to the foundational role their mothers played. Behind every remarkable individual is a mother who believed, supported, and nurtured them—even when the world doubted them. Many of India’s unsung heroes—those who sacrificed so much for the nation—are the product of mothers who instilled values and wisdom, laying the foundation for future greatness.
Beyond Borders: The Global Indian Woman
It’s time to rewrite the phrase “Behind every great man is a woman” to “We, the women, make men and nations.” The multitasking and multidimensional capabilities of working mothers continue to inspire awe, not just in India but globally. Indian women such as Indra Nooyi (former CEO of PepsiCo), Sundari Nanda (Singapore’s police chief), and Gita Gopinath (IMF’s Chief Economist) demonstrate the global reach of the Indian woman. These women carry the legacy of their culture and values instilled by their mothers and communities, showing that empowerment transcends geographical boundaries.
The Way Forward: From Tokenism to True Equality
While the achievements of Indian women are vast, challenges remain. Patriarchy still looms large in many areas, with issues such as violence, wage gaps, and underrepresentation in corporate boards and education continuing to hinder progress. True empowerment goes beyond symbolic representation. It encompasses economic independence, legal protection, and a social acceptance of women’s roles in all areas of life. Men must also play an active role as allies and advocates for gender equity. Our society needs to transition from token celebrations to integrating true equality into our policies, homes, and mindsets.
The Unsung & Unheard
Savitribai Phule (1831–1897), India’s first female teacher, is a prime example of a pioneering woman who laid the groundwork for modern Indian feminism. Along with her husband, Jyotiba Phule, she opened India’s first school for girls in Pune in 1848. Despite facing hostility and violence, Savitribai’s unwavering determination helped change the course of women’s education in India. Her sacrifices and bravery continue to be overshadowed, but her legacy is monumental. While Malala’s name is globally recognized for her advocacy of education, few remember Savitribai, who fought for women’s rights and education more than 200 years ago.
Read also The Top 7 Most Important Women Teachers India Has Known Throughout the Years
Mother’s Day: Celebrating the Heartbeat of Humanity
Mother’s Day is more than just a date on the calendar; it is a tribute to the strength, sacrifice, and silent resilience of mothers. It honors not just biological mothers but all women who nurture, protect, guide, and empower others—at home, in society, and beyond. Across cultures, the role of the mother is revered, yet often unacknowledged and undervalued. This day is an opportunity to reflect on the immense contributions mothers make in shaping individuals, families, and entire nations.
The Working Mother: Balancing Dreams and Duties
Today’s mothers juggle numerous roles—caregiver, professional, teacher, counselor, and decision-maker—often within a single day. The value of unpaid labor, particularly in homes, remains undervalued. Working mothers break stereotypes every day, demonstrating that dedication and success do not have a gender. From CEOs to doctors, teachers to farmers, scientists to artists, mothers continue to contribute to every field. However, there is a stark contrast in the leadership roles women hold in certain sectors, such as healthcare, where 30% of doctors are women, but women make up only 18% of leadership roles, earning 34% less than men in similar positions. This imbalance is a cause for concern.
Often Invisible, Always Essential
Beyond the visible tasks—cooking, cleaning, earning—mothers carry the weight of emotional labor. They remember birthdays, notice when someone is down, resolve conflicts, and maintain family bonds. This invisible labor is essential to the emotional health of families, but it is rarely acknowledged. Mothers are the emotional anchors of the household, absorbing stress, soothing anxieties, and fostering connections between family members.
One More Maestro
When discussing mental health and intellectual brilliance, we must also mention Shakuntala Devi, known as “The Human Computer.” In 1980, she multiplied two 13-digit numbers in 28 seconds, a feat that earned her a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records. Her achievements challenged the conventional ideas of intellect, and her legacy reminds us of the countless mothers whose sacrifices and brilliance remain unnoticed.
A Matter of Accountability
Mother’s Day should not just end with cards and flowers. To truly honor mothers, we must work toward:
- Equal pay and parental leave policies supporting working mothers.
- Access to quality healthcare, including maternal and mental health services.
- Education and skilling opportunities for mothers returning to the workforce.
- Sharing domestic responsibilities equally between all family members.
- Acknowledging emotional labor and building systems of support for mental well-being.
The best gift we can give our mothers is a society where they are safe, valued, and supported—not just one day, but every day.
Conclusion
Mother’s Day serves as a reminder of the immeasurable influence mothers have on the world. Their love, sacrifices, wisdom, and resilience are often unsung but always felt. As a society, let us move beyond token recognition and work towards a world where mothers and women are truly respected, valued, and empowered every single day.
