The Word ‘Maa’

The word ‘Maa’ is short in itself but holds very deep significance and emotion in it. It has different versions across India, like Amma, Ammi, Aayi, Mayi and many more. All of them have the same essence attached to them. The word ‘maa’ brings with it the feeling of motherly love and care. A mother’s love is unparalleled. It is rightly said, ‘God could not be everywhere so he made mothers.’

A mother holds a greater position than anyone else. She is responsible to shape a child’s life. In the typical Indian family system, the mother predominantly takes care of the child. She is a child’s first teacher. She acts as his emotional support. From the time of birth to the time when the child becomes self-dependent, the mother encounters continual challenges in raising the child. She takes hardships so that her child is successful in life. She doesn’t ask anything for herself.

But the irony is that she stays with us for so long that we start to ignore her hardships. We think this is her duty. We do not even put an effort to appreciate her for all she has done. The child who used to cry in her absence now gets annoyed at her calls because he thinks his mother is intruding on his privacy. He starts treating her suggestions as a nuisance. For him, friends whom he met months ago become more important than the woman who lives for him; who sacrificed her happiness for his wishes; who took pains herself so that he remains in comfort.

We live in such times when children don’t hesitate to send their parents to old age homes. Parents have become a liability for them. The problem is that children nowadays do not value experience. With various resources at hand, they accomplish things greater than their parents ever could. This causes them to overlook their parents’ suggestions which is a result of experience gained over many years. And remember, experience doesn’t have any substitution.

Motherly love is very special. I believe one can also experience it from people other than the biological mother, such as a teacher, a relative or a single father. Even Lord Krishna was lucky to have two mothers. It is very fortunate for one to have someone other than his actual mother whom he can call mother; with whom he has the same bond as his mother. Even mothers are very special. How much you fight with her, and hurt her, she always forgives you and continues to care for you.

The word ‘Maa’ has a very special feeling. One gets to realize this when he goes far away from her. Her presence instils a calming effect on her children. Without her, they at first do not get the slightest idea to get things moving. No one can repay his mother, but at least we should try to acknowledge her, and appreciate her, though it will never be enough. We should start to value the position of the mother, as both biological as well as sworn mothers hold great value in one’s life.

God made many things but none are as beautiful as mothers.

'Love you maa'