Mother’s Day falls on May 14. We are all familiar with this special occasion and often find ourselves or the people around us buying cards or gifts and present to the mother figures in life. But have you ever wondered about the origins of the day?
Mother’s Day was first celebrated in the United States in 1908, when Anna Jarvis organised a memorial for her mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis. Ann was a peace activist, who had organised Mother’s Day Work Clubs to help improve health and sanitation conditions in her community. Anna continued her mother’s work after her death and campaigned tirelessly to establish a national holiday to honour mothers across the world.
In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation designating Mother’s Day as a national holiday to be held on the second Sunday in May. Since then, Mother’s Day has become an annual tradition in the United States and in many other countries around the world.
Mothers play a multifarious role in our lives. They are often the primary caregivers in families, and work tirelessly throughout their lives to provide for the children and create a nurturing environment at home. They are also the emotional centre of families, providing love and support.
Of course, being a mother is not an easy task. Mothers often face many challenges, from juggling work and family responsibilities to dealing with the stresses of daily life and age. But despite these obstacles, mothers remain steadfast and dedicated to their children and many a times happily sacrifice their individual desires and aspirations to provide for a happy home.
Like all Mother’s Day, it is important to remember and value the countless sacrifices mothers make, be they working or housewives. But it is also essential that we show gratitude for everything that mothers have done and continue doing in our lives.
Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park alumnus Humera Khan says she owes a lot to her mother. Humera is a fabulous poet, who was recently video interviewed by the Newsroom for her outstanding poem, Alif. The poet had mentioned then, “If you observe closely, you will find that women do so much more at home just out of their spirit of unconditional love. Our mothers do so many things for our well being and never want anything in return.”
Humera opines, “This Mothers Day let’s recognise the contributions of our mothers, especially the silent homemakers. We must appreciate and value all their efforts. For without it, we would find our lives would come to a standstill. My poem “Alif” is a call for equal value for everyone, especially mothers. I dedicate the poem to my mother Dilshaad Khan and thank her for always loving and supporting me.”
Dr Jaspreet Kaur mother of Apeejay School, Model Town, Jalandhar students Ekambir Singh and Simarbir Kaur explains her love for her mother Mrs Satnam Kaur very poetically. The doctor mentions that she loves her mother like trees love water and sunshine. She says, ” My mother is the reason behind my growth and success in life. I would like my daughter to remember me the way I remember my mother today. Her little acts of expressing love such as packing my favourite food in my lunch box, listening to all my school time stories, staying awake during my exam time, making coffee for me in study breaks, these are all etched in my heart. She worked tirelessly for us despite being a working woman. She is truly the reason behind what I am today. “
Dr Kaur adds, “I have learnt the word ‘faith’ from my mother. Be it faith on God or on oneself. She always believed that one must pray to the almighty with a pure heart, full with devotion (ardaas). The almighty would guide one during any trouble in life. I too want to instill such a faith in my kids as well. Even now she teaches my kids to follow their dreams. She encourages them by reminding that anything is possible only if one puts their mind, heart and soul into it. I am ever grateful to my mother.”
So, dear readers waste no more time in showing your love for your mother. This Mother’s Day let love, value and respect be our only language.
Happy Mother’s Day!