Features: Magazine | Literary Review | Life | Metro Plus | Open Page | Education Plus | Book Review | Business | SciTech | Friday Review | Young World | Property Plus | Quest | Folio |

Mom's the best

Mother's Day is on Sunday. Moms seem to inspire their children in different ways, says Saraswathy Nagarajan

Photo: Shaju John

MOTHER'S TOUCH Friend, guide and philosapher

She is super woman. She works outside her house and inside too. She has to be cook, nurse, teacher, hostess, counsellor, interior decorator, chauffeur and so on. Yes, we are talking about mothers.

What do their children think of these super beings? Do they resent their busy schedules or do they feel proud of super moms?

Support and encouragement

Most of the children emphasise that they are proud of their mothers and their successful careers. Although mom may not be around all the time, they aver that there is no one to beat her when it comes to support and encouragement.

Sixteen-year-old Charu Hariharan, daughter of playback singer and Carnatic vocalist, B. Arundhathi, does not have to think twice. "My mother is special," she says.

Charu, a budding mridangam artiste and singer, explains, "We are aware of Amma's hectic schedule and so although she may not be around all the time, there is no resentment. The credit for this goes to my father who made us understand that my mother is a talented singer and that we should all pitch in to help her tap her potential."

Charu adds that being in the same field as her mother has helped, as Arundathi always encourages her.

Another daughter who has been inspired by her mother is fashion designer Shalini Joseph, daughter of Sheela James. Sheela was one of the first to set up her own boutique in the city. Following in her mother's footsteps, Shalini has her own label - Mantra.

Recounts Shalini, "I have seen my mother work really hard. But she made it a point to involve me in whatever she did. So, I never felt left out. I grew up in the middle of fabrics and colours; subconsciously I must have developed my liking for designing from her. I also learnt early in life that the only way to succeed is through hard work and commitment."

This hard and commitment is what makes teenager Susan Thomas admire her mother Soba Thomas, a primary school teacher of Holy Angels' Convent.

Managing two worlds

"She enjoys her work but she also sees to it that our home does not suffer on account of her work. She is there when I need her. The way she efficiently manages two worlds inspires me."

Similarly, Tariq Najeeb, a student of Class XII, says his mother, Saffia P.M., inspired him to become a sportsperson. "She is very supportive and as she is a sportsperson who used to play table tennis and hockey, she encourages me. I am also a State table tennis player." He adds that Dr. Saffiya, despite her busy schedule, sees to it that she has plenty of time for him and his siblings.

She has taught me to concentrate on my strengths Charu Hariharan

This skilful time management is one of the reasons that makes Sita J hold her mother, Beena Karunakaran, in high esteem. Sita says that her mother, a lecturer of Malayalam in S.N. College, Varkala, is a pillar of support. "I don't know how she does it but she is there for me. Whenever I have a problem, I feel confident that she will sort it out for me." Most of them agree that mother is friend, philosopher and guide. Shalini adds, "It was from my mother that I learnt that there is no substitute for integrity and sound business ethics."

I learnt from my mother that there is no substitute for sound business ethics Shalini Joseph

And being in the same field does not create problems. Although Charu plans to concentrate on music, she says that comparisons, though unavoidable, do not always trouble her. "Sometimes, people who know my mother tend to compare us. Even if I feel a little put out at times, my mother immediately points out that there are many things that I do better than her. That kind of support helps one to banish the blues. She has taught me to concentrate on one's strengths," explains Charu.

Charu, Sita and Tariq concur that mothers are "understanding." However, Sita and Susan candidly add that there are times when mother and daughter do not see eye to eye. "Sometimes, she does not let me go out with my friends... , little things like that... " laughs Susan. "She keeps telling me to help in the kitchen," adds Sita.

Despite her busy schedule, my mother sees to it that she has plenty of time for me Tariq Najeeb

However, apart from such minor hassles they emphasise that mother is unique and they would not want her to change for anything in the world.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail