From Bhavani Krishna Iyer

On this sacred day of maternal celebration, let us embark on a profound journey of introspection, where we unfurl the tapestry of extraordinary roles that mothers weave in the fabric of our lives.

Whether they gracefully tread the path of nurturing within the confines of home or fearlessly navigate the intricate realms of a professional life, whether they embody the tender embrace of grandmothers or personify the embodiment of motherhood, they stand tall as the very bedrock that supports the intricate structure of our families and society.

Today, with utmost reverence and heartfelt homage, we honour these remarkable women, whose lives are a testament to steady dedication in nurturing and fostering the seeds of the next generation.

Mothers, these determined beacons of love, strength, and wisdom, illuminate our paths and guide us through the darkest storms and enigmatic passages of life.

From the very inception of our existence, they take on the roles of our guardians, champions, and eternal wellsprings of solace.

Their love transcends all bounds, their sacrifices immeasurable. While these truths are widely acknowledged, every year, on this special occasion, we witness countless tributes that exalt and glorify the essence of motherhood.

Today, it is both my privilege and honour to pay homage to a young mother named Sasirekha Ravi, who found herself amid an extraordinary series of events following the premature birth of her son. Born scarcely larger than a palm and weighing a mere 1.3kg, her infant embarked on a tumultuous journey.

Within the sterile walls of the hospital, he found solace in the embrace of an incubator, his lifeline for weeks.

Amplifying the anguish, the world was entangled in the relentless grip of the Covid-19 pandemic, which imposed innumerable restrictions within the hospital’s confines.

Amid this labyrinth of uncertainty, only the mother was granted passage into the nursery, where she spent tirelessly watching over her fragile baby, connected by a maze of wires for constant monitoring.

Through the portholes, small windows into their intimate realm, the mother would tenderly extend her hand, caressing her child with delicate touches. She described his skin as too fragile to endure even the gentlest of contact.

Undeterred by weariness, she persisted in this sacred ritual for two months, etching profound love into the very fabric of their bond.

Finally, the long-awaited day arrived when the baby was deemed strong enough to leave the hospital, but the perils of the pandemic cast a foreboding shadow.

To shield her child from its clutches, Sasi, as she is fondly known, erected barriers, forbidding any visitors from entering their home, even the loving embrace of doting grandparents. However, fate had more trials in store.

Just as the baby had grown to approximately 1.8kg, the malice of the virus infiltrated their lives, afflicting the innocent child.

Helplessly, he was whisked away to Hospital Sg Buloh to be quarantined, severed from the nourishing connection of his lactating mother.

The mere thought of this separation inflicted a cruel torment, and the two-week wait for reunion became an excruciating odyssey through emotional turmoil, burdening both mother and family.

Nevertheless, the young mother refused to succumb to despair, for she recognised the indomitable spirit within her baby.

With devotion, Sasi fervently prayed, offering up peculiar tributes to the Almighty. When the long-awaited day of reunion finally dawned, a torrent of immeasurable joy engulfed their hearts.

However, the baby’s return demanded extensive post-traumatic care, which was bestowed upon him with the utmost tenderness.

In her firm commitment, the young mother made the courageous decision to relinquish her job and devote herself entirely to her baby’s needs.

Today, as the child reaches the tender age of two, the bond between mother and son blossoms into a spectacle of pure enchantment.

With every glance exchanged, a world of unspoken understanding unfolds. The contours of the child’s face effortlessly curve into a million-dollar smile whenever his mother’s presence graces his life, for her constant love and nurturing care are the very pillars that uplift his spirit.

In the eyes of the household, comprised of mothers themselves, Sasi stands as a paragon of patience and endurance, an embodiment of strength during the most trying of circumstances.

Her resolute stance has always been that since she brought her baby into this world, the responsibility lies solely on her shoulders.

She adamantly refused assistance from anyone, bearing the weight of caring for her child single-handedly, even amid the relentless challenges posed by the pandemic, including frequent visits to the hospital for check-ups.

Reflecting on Sasi’s remarkable journey, it becomes evident that motherhood transcends mere biological ties. It encompasses a staunch devotion, a fierce protection, and an unyielding love that knows no bounds.

In her story, we find inspiration and admiration, witnessing the epitome of maternal resilience and sacrifice. Sasi is my niece and I am a proud aunt at that.

As we celebrate Mother’s Day, let us extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the mothers out there who navigate the complexities of motherhood with dedication and love.

May we cherish and honour them not only on this special day but every day, for their immeasurable contributions in shaping our lives and society as a whole.

This is my first Mother’s Day without my mother and it hurts but I know she is in a better place, looking after us from afar.

Bhavani Krishna Iyer is an FMT reader.

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT