By Dr AK Srivastava
“All that I am, or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.” —Abraham Lincoln
Mother’s Day is celebrated in most of the countries on the second Sunday of May every year. It is based on the Christian festival, ‘Mothering Day’. This falls on the fourth Sunday during the Christian period of Lent. On this day, people used to visit the church where they were baptised, or attended their regular church as a child, which is called their mother church. This means that the date of Mother’s Day keeps changing every year, even though it is no longer considered a religious celebration. It is an occasion to pay respect to one’s mother or mother figure (like grandmother, aunty) in one’s life. Mother’s love, sacrifice and selfless bond for her children should be reciprocated whole-heartedly by appreciating her priceless contribution in one’s life. There are several possible ways to show one’s admiration and gratitude to one’s mother.
The Mother is the first teacher, and she carries the baby in her womb for nine months with all tenderness and compassion ignoring her personal discomfort and inconvenience. She knows her child very well and can decipher every gesture or movement. Her love, compassion and sacrifice are always unconditional. She is also responsible for developing values and high morals in her child.
It is believed that the concept of Mother’s Day celebration started in Greece. In the 15th and 16th centuries, most of the children used to leave their homes to earn their livelihood. The boys were mostly employed to work in agriculture fields and girls used to be domestic maids helping affluent families in household work. The employers used to offer them a day off to go home and meet their mothers. The young boys and girls would carry a bunch of flowers, cake, small gifts and other items for their mothers in order to show their gratitude to them. Slowly, the tradition became popular, and it spread in many countries of Europe.
As the time passed, the commercial approach was added to this pious and noble gesture of honouring mothers. Markets were full of a variety of gifts, cards and other items which could be gifted to mothers in order to show love, appreciation and affection for their contribution. Slowly, the hand-made gifts were replaced by expensive and glamorous items.
In India we have a long tradition of giving the status of Goddess to our mothers. They are worshipped and adored by people belonging to all religions. It is the prime duty of children to support their mothers and obey her instructions. We should provide them all comforts especially in their old age. It is also seen that mothers’ feelings towards her children never change even if children grow up and are able to take care of themselves.
Recently our Prime Minister introduced a scheme “A Tree in the name of Mother”. This is a wonderful venture. On the one hand, it is to give respect and honour to our mothers, on the other hand, it is to protect our motherland and environment. When we plant a tree in the name of our mother, we are emotionally attached to it. We try to protect it and feel delighted to observe it growing. It is probably the best way to bring one’s mother back to life even after her death. Prime Minister’s initiative has been acclaimed and appreciated by many countries. It is a unique idea to pay the best tribute to one’s mother and keep her memory alive for children of coming generation. Mother is the one who can take place of everyone but on one can replace her.
These days, Mother’s Day is celebrated in many schools and colleges. Mothers are invited by the administration of the schools and many activities are organized for them. The mothers of outstanding students are also honoured. All this is done to instil the feeling of gratitude and appreciation for the mother in their children.
Mothers play a very vital role in shaping our personality and character. Their contribution in our lives is most sacred and unconditional. Even in the lives of animals and birds, motherly love and affection is evident, and they are instrumental in bringing up their children. The history is full of illustrations of mothers’ sacrifice and role in the lives of great human beings.
“My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute my success in life to the moral, intellectual, and physical education I received from her.” —George Washington
“Motherhood is near to divinity. It is the highest, holiest service to be assumed by mankind.” – Howard W Hunter
(Dr AK Srivastava is Principal, DAV Inter College, Dehradun.)
