Celebrating the shakti we call Mother, Maa, Mata, Amma
Pondering the linguistics, it’s fascinating to observe how the term ‘mother’ echoes a universal sound in languages across the globe. In Hindi, we say ‘maa’, in Gujarati ‘mata’, in Urdu ‘amma’, and in English ‘mama’. This linguistic symmetry is a testament to the universal essence of motherhood. The ‘ma’ sound, often among the first vocalisations of a baby, is instinctively associated with the most primal and profound relationship – that between a mother and her child.
Mothers, in their silent, often unnoticed ways, are the architects of society. They lay the foundation of our character, instilling in us values and wisdom that precede any formal education. They are the unsung heroes whose dreams and aspirations often take a back seat to nurture the potential in their children. Their love, a universal language, speaks directly to the heart, transcending the barriers of speech and cognition.
Truth be told, every mother is a manifestation of Shakti, through her role as a life-giver, nurturer, and protector. Her inherent strength, resilience, and unwavering love mirror the qualities of Shakti, as she tirelessly works to create, sustain, and transform the lives of her children and family.
In the rich tapestry of Bharat’s past, the maternal archetype is portrayed with divine reverence and multifaceted complexity. Mothers like Yashoda, who nurtured Krishna with boundless love, or Kaushalya, whose sacrifices were pivotal in Ram’s journey, stand as pillars of strength and virtue. Then there’s Sumitra’s selflessness, Devaki’s endurance, Anjana’s dedication, Parvati’s patience, Sita’s resilience, and Kunti’s wisdom. These symbolise the virtues that mothers worldwide embody and pass down through generations.
Charan Sparsh to all mothers. “Charan” means “feet” and “sparsh” means “to touch”. Together they mean “to touch one’s feet” To the composers of our first lullabies, who whisper the tunes of life into our ears. To the providers of unconditional love, who embrace us with the warmth that never wanes. To the healers of our souls, who mend our wounds with tender care. And to the nurturers of our dreams, who sow the seeds of possibility in our minds and hearts. May we cherish, honour, and recognise their indispensable presence today and every day.
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