Honoring the heart of humanity: Reflections on International Mother's Day

Time of India

10-05-2025

Dr (Prof) Sadhana Kala is a USA-trained robotic & laparoscopic surgeon, Uppsala University, Sweden, trained fertility specialist, and 'National Icon Endoscopic Surgeon' of India. University topper and winner of several gold and silver medals and Certificates of Honor and the unique 'Distinction' in medicine in medical college, she is the youngest-ever Professor in any medical college anywhere, and the only-ever gynec Hon Consultant to the Army, Navy and Air Force. FORMER: President Family Welfare Foundation of India (now closed) one of the few UN -accredited NGO since 1997; Member of Central Consumer Protection Council, Government of India, the apex national advisory body on consumer affairs; Advisor, Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India; Member, Advisory Committee, MTNL (Delhi). Awardee of C L Jhaveri and P N Behl Awards of Indian Medical Association for professional excellence. Chief emeritus and currently Sr Consultant gynecologist and laparoscopic surgeon, Moolchan Medcity and Apollo Cradle Hospitals, New Delhi. She is a published-writer on varied topics. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sadhana.kala.5/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrSadhanaKala She also writes at www.drsadhanakala.com LESS ... MORE
Each year, on the second Sunday of May, the world pauses to celebrate a figure whose influence transcends culture, geography, and time: the mother. International Mother's Day is more than a sentimental occasion, or a calendar event marked by flowers and cards—it is a global tribute to the women who shape lives, societies, and futures with patience, love, and resilience.
Though the forms of celebration vary from country to country, the day's spirit remains universal. Whether it's a quiet breakfast in bed, a heartfelt phone call, or a community gathering, the core message is simple: recognize and appreciate the immeasurable impact mothers have on our lives and the world.
The origins of Mother's Day
Modern Mother's Day has its roots in the United States, where Anna Jarvis is widely credited with founding the holiday in the early 20th century. Following her mother's death in 1905, Jarvis campaigned for a day to honor all mothers. Her efforts bore fruit in 1914 when US President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day.
However, the idea of honoring motherhood is far older. The ancient Greeks and Romans held festivals in honor of mother goddesses, such as Rhea and Cybele. In the Christian tradition, Mothering Sunday, celebrated on the fourth Sunday in Lent, has long been a day for people to return to their 'mother church' and, by extension, to honor their mothers.
Over time, the tradition of Mother's Day spread globally, adapting to local cultures and customs. Today, countries from India to Ethiopia, Japan to Mexico, observe the day in unique ways—each adding their own cultural lens to a shared human experience.
A universal symbol of strength and compassion
The word 'mother' evokes a robust emotional response. It embodies unconditional love, sacrifice, and an unbreakable bond. From birth and through every phase of life, mothers often serve as our first teachers, protectors, and moral compasses.
However, the role of a mother is not defined solely by biology. Across the world, grandmothers, aunts, adoptive mothers, stepmothers, and even older siblings step into this role, offering care, nurturing, and support. In this way, motherhood becomes a universal concept, rooted more in action than in relation.
Mothers are also economic pillars in many communities, especially in developing nations. They labor in fields, run businesses, teach classrooms, and lead households—often all at once. Though frequently underappreciated in economic statistics, their contributions are indispensable to societal progress.
The challenges of modern motherhood
While motherhood is often romanticized, it is essential to acknowledge the profound challenges many mothers face today. Balancing careers with child-rearing, navigating mental and physical health concerns, and confronting societal expectations can place immense pressure on women.
The pandemic years highlighted this imbalance starkly. Reports showed that women, particularly mothers, bore the brunt of job losses, homeschooling responsibilities, and emotional labor during the COVID-19 crisis. Even in 2025, the aftershocks continue to affect many mothers' professional and personal lives.
Moreover, millions of mothers across the globe confront more severe challenges: poverty, violence, lack of healthcare, and displacement due to war or climate change. According to the UN, complications from pregnancy and childbirth remain a leading cause of death among women in many low-income countries. These statistics serve as a sobering reminder that honoring mothers must extend beyond mere gestures and translate into meaningful action.
Celebrating mothers in diverse cultures
One of the beautiful aspects of Mother's Day is how it reflects the world's cultural diversity. For instance:
In Ethiopia, Mother's Day is celebrated as part of Antrosht, a fall-day festival featuring feasts, storytelling, and singing.
In Mexico, Día de las Madres is celebrated on May 10th every year, regardless of the day of the week. Families gather to sing 'Las Mañanitas,' share meals, and give gifts.
In Japan, children often give their mothers red carnations, symbolizing purity and gentle strength.
In India, while Western-style Mother's Day has become popular, many families honor mothers during religious festivals like Durga Puja, which pays homage to the divine feminine.
Though distinct, these traditions all express a common sentiment: deep respect for the women who give life, wisdom, and stability.
The power of maternal influence
Science continues to affirm what generations have intuitively known: mothers shape not only the emotional but also the cognitive development of children. Early interactions with mothers have a significant impact on brain development, language acquisition, and social-emotional skills.
More broadly, maternal figures influence society's moral and ethical framework. They pass down values, such as empathy, fairness, courage, and perseverance, that inform how individuals interact with others and how societies function.
Throughout history, countless leaders, artists, and thinkers have credited their success to the teachings and sacrifices of their mothers. From Abraham Lincoln, who famously said, 'All that I am or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother,' to Malala Yousafzai, who draws strength from her mother's quiet determination, the maternal legacy often plays a crucial role in shaping extraordinary lives.
The need for policy, not just praise
While cards, flowers, and gratitude are meaningful, truly honoring mothers means advocating for systems that support them. This includes:
Paid maternity leave and flexible work policies allow mothers to care for their children without sacrificing financial security.
Access to quality healthcare, particularly maternal and mental health services.
Affordable childcare empowers women to pursue careers and education while ensuring children are safe and nurtured.
Legal protections against domestic violence and workplace discrimination.
Educational campaigns that challenge outdated gender norms and elevate the status of caregiving work.
Countries that invest in family-friendly policies tend to see better outcomes for children, stronger economies, and more equitable societies. In this sense, empowering mothers is not just a moral imperative—it's an innovative social and economic strategy.
A day to reflect, remember, and renew
International Mother's Day offers us an opportunity to celebrate and reflect. For some, it is a day of joy and togetherness. For others, it is tinged with loss, longing, or complex emotions. Those who have lost mothers, who have strained relationships, or who struggle with infertility or child loss may find this day difficult. It is vital that our understanding of the day be compassionate and inclusive.
Honoring motherhood means also recognizing its diversity, struggles, and evolution in a changing world.
Conclusion: Carrying the spirit forward
As we observe International Mother's Day in 2025, let us remember that the essence of the day is not just a celebration, but also an acknowledgment of the importance of mothers. Acknowledgment of love given freely, burdens carried silently, and futures built from sacrifice.
In a world often divided, the mother figure stands as a unifying force. Her story is humanity's story—rooted in care, struggle, hope, and endless giving.
This year, as you send your wishes or hold your loved ones close, consider also how you might contribute to a world where all mothers are seen, supported, and celebrated—not just on one day, but every day.
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Views expressed above are the author's own.