The relevance of Mothers Day

Yesterday was Mother’s Day. Social Media was full of messages, slogans, poetry and what not on “Mother”. All emotions which were buried inside came out in open and people shared it, liked it and commented on it. Beautiful pictures with equally beautiful slogans were there to see. My children also sent messages and flowers to their mother. My wife was also excited. My wife suggested that I too should write something on my late mother. But I thought why on this particular day? My late mother’s sweet memories have always been with me since she left us and I shall cherish the time spent under her care, all my life. Why this day is so special that I should remember her publically? I was upset. On Mother’s day should I write something on “Mother” or should I not?   And if I do not express my feeling publicly on social media, does this mean that my late mother has no value in my life? Or was I showing my ingratitude towards her by this act?

I got my answer on social media itself. Someone shared a caricature showing the poor old lady standing outside old-age home and her son and daughter-in-law who came to see her on Mother's day were leaving in their car telling, “Bye Maa. See you on next Mother’s day”. Without having any intention to hurt the feeling of all those who celebrate Mother’s Day, I strongly feel that we should show our love and care to our mother everyday by our action, by our respect towards her instead of observing customary celebration once-in-a-year.

This day-culture has been inherited by us from Western Countries. Some 20 years back, no one knew about these Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Brother’s Day, Valentine Day and many other days. You name a relation, and they have a day assigned to it. There, people do not have time to care about these relations day-in and day-out.   Therefore, they think it appropriate to do their part of duty as a ritual once-in-a-year. But why are we following them blindly? What is the relevance of observing Mother’s Day if during all 364 days you pay no respect to your mother? And if you really care about your mother and respect her throughout the year, then again what is the relevance of observing Mother’s Day? I fail to understand this and feel puzzled.

Moreover, care, respect, love and affection – these feelings are strictly for the person for whom these are expressed. It is a private affair. Why to make it public? Why do we have to announce that we LOVE our mother? Either the child knows it or the mother. Third person has no place in it.

Our rich heritage is here to preserve.  We must preserve it. The coming generation is fast adopting western culture. The companies in Greeting Cards and Flowers/Gifts business are minting money on these occasions. It is in their business-interest that more and more people, especially young generation fall in their trap which is so decoratively laid.  Advertisements larger than life that we see in visual-media eclipse our ability to think.

But we must not forget that even the biggest tree dies in no time if it is uprooted. We better stick to our roots to survive. Respect your mother every day. If she is no more, remember her every day. Express your sincere gratitude towards her; for what she has done for you. You need not celebrate Mother’s Day. And if you do celebrate, it adds no value.