Niyati
Mother’s Day Special
There are emotions in life that cannot be fully explained-only felt. Love, in its truest form, often falls into this category. And when we speak of love that is unconditional, unwavering, and endlessly giving, we inevitably speak of a mother.
On this Mother’s Day, the world pauses-if only briefly-to acknowledge the women who have shaped our existence in ways we often fail to recognize. But can a single day ever be enough to honor a lifetime of sacrifice, strength, and silent devotion?
As Mitch Albom beautifully wrote, “Behind every young child who believes in themselves is a parent who believed first.”
This is not just a story about mothers. This is a reflection of a force that quietly builds lives, heals wounds, and holds families together-often without ever asking for anything in return.
The Beginning of Everything
Before we open our eyes to the world, before we understand language, and before we even know our own identity, we know our mother.
A mother is the first home we ever have. Her heartbeat is the first rhythm we recognize, her voice the first sound that comforts us. In those early moments of life, when we are completely dependent, she becomes our entire universe.
Medical research also supports this emotional bond. Studies in developmental psychology show that early maternal connection directly impacts a child’s emotional security and brain development.
But what often goes unnoticed is that while a child is born into the world, a mother is also born in that very moment.
Her life transforms overnight. Her priorities shift. Her sleep becomes fragmented, her routine disappears, and her identity expands to include a new, all-consuming role. And yet, she embraces it-not with hesitation, but with a depth of love that is instinctive and profound.
Motherhood is not taught. It is felt. It is lived.
The Invisible Labor of Love
In every household, there is a rhythm-a flow of activities that keeps life moving. Meals are prepared, clothes are cleaned, schedules are managed, emotions are balanced. And at the center of this rhythm, more often than not, stands a mother.
Yet, much of what she does remains invisible.
According to India’s Time Use Survey (2019), women spend around 299 minutes daily on unpaid domestic work, while men spend less than one-third of that time. This highlights how much of a mother’s contribution goes unnoticed and unmeasured.
Her work does not come with deadlines, promotions, or salaries. There are no awards for waking up before everyone else or sleeping after everyone else. There is no recognition for remembering everyone’s preferences, managing crises silently, or putting her needs last. This invisible labor is often dismissed as routine. But in reality, it is the foundation upon which families are built.
In Indian society, this becomes even more significant. Mothers often juggle multiple roles-homemaker, professional, caregiver, emotional support system-all at once. They balance tradition with modernity, expectations with aspirations, and responsibilities with personal desires.
And still, they continue.
Sacrifice: A Language She Never Speaks, But Always Lives
Sacrifice is often associated with loss. But for a mother, sacrifice is an expression of love.
Globally, the International Labour Organization reports that women perform over 75% of unpaid care work worldwide-a reality that reflects deeply in Indian households.
She gives up sleep so her child can rest peacefully. She puts aside her ambitions so her child can chase theirs. She hides her pain so her child can feel secure.
But what makes this sacrifice extraordinary is that it is rarely acknowledged. A mother does not keep a record of what she gives up. She does not remind her children of the nights she stayed awake or the dreams she postponed. She does not expect repayment.
As Michelle Obama once said, “There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.” Yet, many mothers quietly choose to prioritize their families over their own achievements.
Her love is not transactional-it is transformational.
And yet, in this quiet giving, there is a question we often ignore:
Who takes care of the mother?
The Emotional Anchor of a Family
A mother is not just someone who takes care of physical needs-she is the emotional anchor of a family.
She senses when something is wrong, even when nothing is said. She understands moods, reads expressions, and offers comfort in ways that words often cannot.
According to UNICEF India, strong maternal emotional support significantly improves a child’s confidence, resilience, and mental well-being.
The idea of motherhood is evolving.
Today’s mothers are not confined to traditional roles. They are entrepreneurs, leaders, creators, and changemakers. They are balancing careers and families, breaking stereotypes, and redefining what it means to be a mother.
However, this shift brings new challenges.
A Pew Research Center study (2023) found that working mothers experience higher stress levels than working fathers, largely due to the pressure of managing both home and work responsibilities.
A working mother from Chandigarh shares:
“After office hours, my second shift begins at home-but when my child hugs me, it all feels worth it.”
Behind the curated images and perfect moments on social media, there are struggles that often remain hidden:
The guilt of not spending enough time.
The pressure to meet societal expectations.
The exhaustion of constantly trying to balance everything.
And yet, despite these challenges, mothers continue to show up-every single day.
Sometimes, all she wants is a few minutes of genuine connection.
Aging Mothers: The Role Reversal
Time changes everything.
The mother who once held our hand now walks a little slower. The voice that once guided us now seeks reassurance. The strength we relied on begins to fade.
And in this phase, roles begin to reverse.
Children become caregivers. Decisions are made for the mother, rather than by her. Independence gives way to dependence.
A report by HelpAge India highlights that many elderly mothers face emotional loneliness despite living with families, making emotional connection even more important.
What she needs most in this phase is not just care-but dignity, respect, and emotional support.
Why One Day Is Not Enough
Mother’s Day is a beautiful reminder-but it should not be the only time we express gratitude.
A post, a gift, or a celebration cannot capture the depth of what a mother does.
A study in the Journal of Family Psychology shows that regular appreciation within families improves emotional well-being and strengthens relationships.
Appreciation should not be occasional-it should be consistent.
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