Saree Clad Superwoman- My Mother
Not all heroes wear capes, some are draped in beautiful Sarees.
As social media platforms and e-commerce sites feature advertisements celebrating International Women’s Day, I find myself pondering over the true essence of womanhood. Out beyond superficial discounts is a day meant to reflect on the varied roles, struggles, and triumphs that define what being a woman means. The women who have graced my life with their presence have left a mark on me, either by their actions, words or simply by their way of life. It will not be an exaggeration to say that the women we encounter in our daily lives often serve as unexpected sources of inspiration to all of us, whether or not we realize it. Whether it’s a professional who navigates the complexities of the workplace with determination, a friend who offers us her different perspective and support, a stranger who we observe and admire or even the editors in the publication who nudge us towards the right direction, encouraging to refine and add more value to your submission, all these women leave an indelible mark on our hearts and minds.
However, for me, among these countless other women, who have directly or indirectly taught me something, one woman particularly has been my inspiration and my shero: my mother. Needless to say, for any child, the influence of her mother reigns in deep, right from the moment we are born, a mother is the stable guiding factor in our lives, especially when life seems to become too unstable and times feel uncertain. However, to me, my mother’s love and boundless wisdom is not just the voice that helps me choose right from wrong but also influence who I aspire to become tomorrow. In her, I see the embodiment of an empowered woman.
To me, my mother’s tireless dedication to her family (both the one she was born in and the one she created), her indestructible commitment to her values, and the kindness and love, she possesses and spreads around, are what makes her not just a source of inspiration to me but the very essence of it. Through her actions and words, without even realizing it, she has taught me the true meaning of strength — which is not a display of force, but a person’s inner strength and resilience.
My mother is a Professor of Physics. She pursued a career in STEM(science, technology, engineering and mathematics) in the day and age when it was not common for women to opt for master’s and doctoral degrees in Physics. Even today, women only constitute 14% of the faculty engaged in STEM. Needless to say, this choice of career itself has been exemplary in breaking barriers and defying expectations.
Whenever I go to her, I mostly find her engrossed in her books, lost in intricate equations, or busy meticulously crafting well-researched notes for her students. In this age of the internet, I’ve also observed her enthusiasm as she delves into online lectures on Quantum Physics, displaying a level of concentration and interest that surpasses even my own when I watch my favourite TV series! Her devotion to her field is nothing short of inspiring. One of the most admirable qualities about my mother as a professor is her ability to transcend the boundaries of academia and connect with her students, colleagues and staff on a deeply personal level, transcending the insensitivity that often comes with professionalism. It is only owing to the empath in her that even decades later, former students hold her in the highest regard and send their greetings to her time and again.
Some might say that her deep-seated love for science must be her only expertise, but I must tell you that my mother’s influence extends far beyond the realm of physics! To me, she was not a scientist thinking in purely scientific terms but someone who taught me the foundation of, grammar, nuances of tense usage, nitty-gritty of the Indian freedom struggle, or even poetry. I often think, of how school was more of a compulsory formality for me while my mother is the one who imparted education in the truest sense to me.
I fondly recall how as a child, my favorite time of the day was when i would spend time with her and each time, my mother would come up with creative games. One fine day, a teacher at school did not select me for a debate, even though i had been preparing meticulously for it, as a result of which my young heart was shattered. That day my mother took me out for a walk and told me to look at the sky and prepare an extempore speech on it. Initially, i only included the obvious factors like the sky being blue or the sun shining brightly or scattered clouds. That is when my mother told me to expand my horizons and look beyond the obvious.
“ Think of how beautiful the patterns of the clouds are which almost looks like some painter has very beautifully painted patterns, how on a cloudy day, when the sky seems to be overladen with clouds, one can still see a silver lining, how when we look at the sky, from down below, we can witness how vast the universe is” Looking back I am awestruck at how she taught me such profound life lessons, of looking at the beauty in everything, finding a silver lining or how minor setbacks are not the end in this endless universe in such a simplistic way!
Despite holding a law degree myself, it is my mother who has assumed the role of my advocate when it comes to interactions with family members, acquaintances, or society at large. I vividly recall a particular incident during my school years when I fervently desired to participate in the annual cultural program. Although I had prepared the script, another student was chosen to be the host instead. In that moment, my mother transformed into my champion, eloquently and assertively expressing her feedback to the audience (which included other parents, school management and staff, ) on the importance of nurturing a child’s confidence rather than shattering it. A lot of parents approached her later on, strongly agreeing with her stance and applauding her for raising her voice. Witnessing her articulate defence of my aspirations fills me with immense pride to date.
What continues to astound me, as i observe and understand her better, is how effortlessly she balances her academic pursuits with societal responsibilities. Amidst her rigorous academic commitments, she flawlessly manages household chores, ensuring that every aspect of our daily lives runs smoothly. Right from meticulously planning our vacations, wishing extended family on their birthdays, and anniversaries, or even cooking meals to suit the preferences of each family member, she never misses a beat. Despite her hectic schedule, she has always found time for me, for her household duties, and even for our beloved dog!
Apart from acing the role of a mother, she is also a very doting daughter to her parents. Although my grandparents have passed away, I often see how incomplete she feels without them. When they used to stay with us, my mother would ensure before leaving for her workplace, that not just their basic needs like, healthy food, and medicines were arranged for, but also that their favourite magazines, a diary, a pen (my grandparents were avid readers and writers) some snacks and the television set to the shows they loved watching was all arranged for. Ma, continually expresses a sense of inadequacy, believing she could have done a lot more for them. While this sentiment may stem from the universal feeling that no one ever feels they’ve done enough for their parents, I want my mother to understand that she was, is, and always will be the perfect balance in our lives. She provides just the right amount of love, care, and attention, neither too little nor too much to all those whom she holds dear.
She effortlessly exudes warmth and compassion, making everyone around her feel seen and valued. Yet, beneath this gentle exterior lies a strength of character that belies her kind demeanour. Over the years, I’ve come to realize that her seemingly soft exterior masks a core of steel — an inner resilience forged through a lifetime of trials, disappointments, and struggles.
My mother’s journey has not been devoid of challenges; in fact, it’s been marked by them. Yet, despite facing setbacks and hardships, she has emerged stronger. The innocence and softness that characterized her youth may not exist to the same degree owing to life’s experiences, but it has all resulted in moulding her into a woman of formidable resilience and fortitude She navigates life’s challenges with grace and poise, never allowing adversities to dim the kindness, empathy in her heart.
At times, I find myself grappling with the realization that my mother’s kindness and humility may sometimes work against her well-being. It perplexes me how she, often witnesses, and understands the deceit or trickery of others yet chooses to remain silent, responding with nothing but a polite smile! Furthermore, I often ponder why she refrains from openly discussing her achievements, even when they are significant. While others amplify even the smallest of successes, my mother tends to keep her most remarkable achievements to herself!
What truly stands out among it all, is her selflessness (the extent of which does not even make sense to me) — she consistently prioritizes the needs of others above her own, never allowing herself a moment of leisure or relaxation. I do not admire this quality too much because i think she should be prioritising herself a lot more than she does. I always find her caught up in her responsibilities, without ever pausing to indulge in personal downtime.
Overall, this article enabled me to give shape to the appreciation i hold for her. Her strength of character, the compassion she holds, amid chaos, and her actions and words, inspire me to embrace power, cultivate empathy and understanding, and strive for a world where every woman is celebrated and empowered.
The myriad responsibilities shouldered by women, the multitasking ability along with a sense of sincerity that only comes with feminity, is what is the essence of womanhood. However, in this pursuit, women often neglect their own emotions, and sideline one’s well-being — a struggle epitomising of womanhood. Through this submission, I hope not only my mother but also countless other women come to realize that in the journey towards empowerment, it’s essential to pause and catch a breath. Self-care and prioritizing one’s own needs are not signs of weakness but rather the bare minimum maintenance required for the resilience and strength they possess.
