Mother Comes Above All
It is the mother who comes above all. It has been practised since ancient times to respect the mother and pay tribute to her in Indian culture. Mother has been with you on the journey, and no particular day is needed to remind you to express your respect for her. Modern-time observation of Mother’s Day can be traced back to Anna Jarvis’s campaign in the US. Mothers personify selfless dedication in nurturing and supporting their loved ones, the children. Over time, new challenges have emerged for women to play the mother role. Getting employed and sharing the responsibility of earning a living poses new challenges. Balancing work and responsibilities at home are impacting the lives of mothers. What used to be a division of labour in a family system has become that of sharing. Not being able to bear a child has both personal and societal challenges for women. Newer challenges are emerging, like surrogacy. It is like becoming a mother and not being a mother; it is a new challenge. The observation of Mother’s Day should not be limited to sending flowers or gifts. It is important to tell her we are there when you need us. Let us acknowledge the sacrifices mothers make and celebrate the profound impact mothers have on shaping our lives.
mātr̥devo bhava, pitr̥devo bhava,
ācāryadevo bhava, atithidevo bhava
Be devoted to your Mother, Father, Teacher and Guest.
Taitirīyopaniṣad
Ancient scriptures spelt out the importance of the mother. It is often referred to as “mata, pita, guru, daivam”. It translates into English as “mother, father, the guru and the divine”. It is the mother who comes above all. It has been practised since ancient times to respect the mother and pay tribute to her in Indian culture. It is not limited to any particular day to celebrate the mother, the sacrifices she makes and the efforts that go into moulding the children into mature adults and imbibing the value system. The influence of Western culture and commercial interests shape the current period of celebrating Mother’s Day, and that too on a particular day. If one asks an older woman, she would perhaps smile when you greet her on Mother’s Day. Mother has been with you on the journey, and no particular day is needed to remind you to express your respect for her.
All men are created equal, then their mothers get involved.
Mark Twain
In modern times, the observation of Mother’s Day is to celebrate and honour mothers and motherly figures for their sacrifices and contributions to shaping their children’s future. Mothers personify selfless dedication in nurturing and supporting their loved ones, the children. Inspired by her mother’s commitment to humanitarian work, Anna Jarvis campaigned to start the observation of Mother’s Day. The first formal Mother’s Day celebration was held in Grafton, West Virginia, in May 1908. By 1911, it had spread to other states in the US. President Woodrow Wilson officially designated the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day in 1914. Then, it became a global celebration, India being no exception.
The significance of Mother’s Day lies in its ability to acknowledge mothers’ profound impact on their children’s lives, imparting values, providing support, and nurturing growth. The observation of Mother’s Day varies. In the UK, it is presenting flowers. In Japan, gifting the carnation symbolises love and gratitude, while Ethiopian families gather for large celebratory feasts. Mexicans honour mothers through serenades and poetry readings, and in Nepal, it is the observation of a particular religious festival called Mata Tirtha Aunsi. The essence of Mother’s Day remains universal. It is a time to cherish and acknowledge the profound impact of mothers and maternal figures on our lives.
Over time, new challenges have emerged for women to be mothers. Getting employed and sharing the responsibility of earning a living poses new challenges. Balancing work and responsibilities at home are impacting the lives of mothers. What used to be a division of labour in a family system has become that of sharing, often lopsided. Economic disparities are posing challenges. It is the mother who takes the brunt and responsibility of the upbringing of the children. Not being able to bear a child has both personal and societal challenges for women. Newer challenges are emerging, like surrogacy. It is like becoming a mother and not being a mother; it is a new challenge.
The observation of Mother’s Day should not be limited to sending flowers or gifts. It is important to tell her we are there when you need us. Let us acknowledge the sacrifices mothers make and celebrate the profound impact mothers have on shaping our lives. As Mark Twain said, the difference in what you are is due to the effort made by the mother.
A mother’s arms are made of tenderness and sweetness.
No one else will ever hold you like her.
Princess Diana
Toons: Anusha
Logs: M Sai Baba
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