These are letters to some mothers in this country who are doing the most stressful jobs day in and day out so that they live a life of dignity, freedom, and independence. She writes on behalf of all of us expressing gratitude and appreciation, and sending lots of love, light and support. Doesn’t matter what caste or religion they belong to. For her, they are above all such categories.
To a Sex Worker
Dear ma,
You didn’t choose this profession. Thrown it by circumstances you tried very hard to get out but couldn’t. Still, you practice it cutting yourself into pieces so that you can keep your family together. Bracing abuses of all kinds you keep your head high and earn your living. Society has to see your true self which is unblemished and pure. We wish to hold your hand with love and pray for your well-being.
To a Construction Worker
Dear amma,
Lifting heavy loads from morning till night you make others’ houses. But you don’t have a home. Like a nomad you keep moving, living in incomplete structures. Leaving your child sleeping in a cloth jhoola, you go to work. Climbing the stairs up and down the whole day your legs must be paining a lot. We wish to press your feet and give you some comfort.
To a Toilet Cleaner
Dear thaye,
Ladies walk in and out with bags, combing their hair, applying make-up. Do they notice you in blue uniform? Whole day you have to clean the toilets and keep the space hygienic. Sometimes you don’t even get to sit. We wish to sit with you and have chai, just see you rest for a while.
To a Police Constable
Dear maago,
You put yourself in danger so many times. Sometimes risking not only your life but even your family’s, you work tirelessly. Taking verbal abuses from your officers and criminals, working under tremendous pressure, you live a life on the edge all the time. We wish to give you flowers and pray for your well-being.
To a Basic Care Giver in a Hospital
Dear mai,
Even without knowing the patient you clean her body, remove her urine bags, change her diapers. You may or may not get a place to lie down or sit. Living with diseases is a huge risk for your health isn’t it ? We wish to have food with you and hear about your experiences.
To a Farmer
Dear maate,
Scorching sun has burnt your skin. Working with mud has made your hands rough. Tending to the cattle, handling plough has broken your back. We are able to eat food because you are working on the field. We wish to cook for you and give you a big hug.
To a Domestic Worker
Dear mummy,
You go to people’s houses and work to keep their places clean. Treating their family as your own you give them food, listen to their stories, clean their clothes and utensils, take care of their children. We wish to give you a dress with bright colours and sing with you.
To Surrogate Mother,
Dear aayi.
You carry the child for nine months. Nurture the seed with your sweat and blood. You see your child for few seconds? minutes? With the umbilical chord your connection with the child is also cut forever. With a nameless identity your womb bears so many lives. We wish to give our lap where you can rest your head and feel connected, cared for.
To Asha Worker,
Dear mumma,
Although you form the bedrock of the health system there are so many challenges you work with. Limited resources, poor physical safety, hostile attitudes, trauma, constant displacement, difficult commute, late salaries - We wish to salute your spirit and strength and express our gratitude.
To Home Makers,
Dear ammachi,
From morning 5 to night 10 many of you are constantly cooking, cleaning, driving, packing, shopping, managing, serving. Most of the times you are taken for granted as all these things are ‘your job’ why ? because you are the mother. You are burdened with the responsibilities of keeping everyone happy, peaceful, healthy. What about your time ? your energy ? very few of us even see your aches and pains. We wish you take a break from all this and find your ‘ me time’ at least for few minutes every day.
She would like to add that motherhood is not always connected to gender. Many men are realizing the importance and responsibility of mothering and they sometimes are even more caring than the actual mother. Also, mothering is not just a biological act. So a big shoutout to all the ‘mothers’ from LGBTQ communities and women who adopt children - you raise kids with lots of love. I also wish to thank all the single mothers who play multiple roles, juggling so many things to give their children the best they can.
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