Mother’s Day Special: ‘Forever grateful’: Letter by Samhita Rengarajan, Apeejay School, Nerul

My Dearest Mumma,

To the world, you are my mother, but to me, you are my whole world, ma… You are like the earth to me, and I am just like the moon, orbiting around you day and night. There are a trillion things I wish to tell you about how much you mean to me. Not a day goes by without seeing your face in the morning. I’ll never forget that evening in Meenathai Park, when I dislocated my elbow. With just one touch, you knew it was broken. You rushed to take me for treatment and held me tightly during painful physiotherapy sessions. Even now, you’re the first person I turn to when I face any inconvenience.

You’ve always maintained the perfect work-life balance that any child would hope for from their mother. Even when you come home exhausted after work, you make sure to prepare that evening cup of tea, ensuring I can study with an alert mind. On the days, when I needed someone, you always made things work for me, even if it meant adjusting your work hours – like going to school early for basketball practice, attending a friend’s birthday party, or coming home early during my exams because I would be alone all day.

You never once thought of leaving me alone, not even when you had to go on a 9-month trip to the United States for work. You turn moments into memories for me, Ma! Who knew a flight from Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport to the US would become a life-changing experience for both of us? While those memories remain etched in my heart, it’s the small day-to-day moments we share that I will cherish forever. Whether it’s talking about my day in the car after athletics practice, going to the supermarket and enjoying a plate of ‘pani puri’, teaching me Math, sharing a pizza at Fresh, or simply sitting together and working, what truly matters to me is your presence, not just constantly doing things together or talking.

Mumma, you have always understood and believed in me when no one else could. Throughout my childhood, I was a hyperactive girl, always on the move. When teachers used to mention my hyperactivity during parent-teacher meetings, you decided to give it a second thought. You enrolled me in athletics, and for that, I am incredibly grateful. Today, I am a proud athlete and a much more patient person. You also recognised my passion for art and enrolled me in drawing classes. Your ability to understand me and discover my true talents is something I will forever appreciate.

Ma, as I step into the teenage world, I want you to know that my love for you will never diminish. Yes, we may have been arguing a bit more lately because our perspectives on things are slightly different. And when you offer me advice, I might not like it at first, but deep down, I know you’re always right.

Mumma, thank you from the bottom of my heart for being with me at every step. You have always encouraged, motivated, inspired, influenced, and, most importantly, given me a childhood I will never forget. But now, as I grow older, you don’t have to worry about me as much as you used to. It’s time for you to focus on yourself once again and fulfill all your dreams, starting with completing your MBA. We both know how much it means to you. I wish you all the best for the future, Mumma, and thank you for everything.

Lastly, I want to say that you were, are, and will always be the biggest role model in my life.

With all my love,

Laado (Samhita)