My Mother My Teacher My Inspiration

Mata Tirtha Aausi is known as Nepali Mother’s Day. The origin of this day dates back to the rule of cowherds in Nepal. According to the legend, after losing his mother, a shepherd became depressed. He started searching for some signs of his mother in temples and other holy places. One day in the Mata Tirtha pond, he suddenly saw his mother’s face in the water. Thus started the Mata Tirtha Aunsi, the Nepali Mother’s Day, which translates to the day to see your mother’s face. Whether you travel back home to see your mother or these days you do it through a zoom call, it is important to look upon your mother’s face on this day. To celebrate this day this year, not only did I want to look at my mother’s face, but I wanted to honor her with my words.

One of our bahinis, Saru looking at her mother’s face and smiling.

Every mother is a supporter and motivator for a child. In a country where a girl child is often ignored and mistreated, my mother is a great inspiration and hope for me in difficult times. My mother got married at the early age of 14 and gave birth to me at 16. She was so young when she got married and had her first child. She had to take care of me and the household without much help. 

Because of my mother’s early marriage, she could not finish school or pursue a good career. She works as a laborer. She faced a lot of challenges in providing for her family. Since her family and community preferred sons rather than daughters, she felt pressure to give birth again. This time, she gave birth to a boy. While the community may prefer boys to girls, my mother believes girls can do everything the boys can. It is only a matter of opportunities.

My mother didn’t get the opportunity to get an education. Then, she had to go through many financial and other problems. So, she wants to make me an independent girl. She believes that an independent girl can get her rights, and she shouldn’t depend on her husband for anything. 

Although my mother faced many challenges, she has always supported me in studying. Because of her, I went to school, developed capacity, and grew up as a didi mentor. Now, I am mentoring bahinis and sharing my own experiences with them. I can give the knowledge to bahinis that I have gained. My mother’s contribution has had a profound effect on my journey. Without my mother, I can’t imagine my progress. My success is her success.

Mother is the source of knowledge and experience. As she is the first teacher of a child, if she encourages her child, the child will identify and develop her ability in them. A mother’s love is unconditional for the child, and the mother can change a child’s life.