Page 39 - May 2021

MADHURI’S MUSINGS

Most moms are successful in nurturing strong “roots” in her in how she treated her step-children as her
which give children a sense of identity and stability in own and gave them equal status as her sons.
life. But giving our children the” wings” to fly and fulfill
their dreams is more challenging. At the right moment, These and many more iconic women from history
Yashoda blessed Krishna and sacrificed his presence and mythology reveal that every mom has her
from Gokul as he left the pasturelands for the kingdom strengths and shortcomings. No mom is perfect
of Madura. both in history and in real-life, and the role of a
The purity of a mother’s love can transcend biological mom will continue to evolve over time. The modern
dimensions. Even today there are families who are Indian mom faces the challenges of combining
hesitant to adopt children or reluctant to accept foster tradition with contemporary thinking. More so
children due to the fear of accepting new blood into the as immigrant moms, we are balancing multiple
family. Alluding to Hindu mythology, Yashoda-Krishna is cultures and mindsets, moving with the rhythm of
a positive affirmation. Yashoda was the foster-mother, but the current times and yet striving to be grounded in
represents the epitome of love and motherly devotion; our historical values and virtues.
depicting that nurturing your family with a loving heart
and pure spirit, regardless of biological roots, is the most We are the bridge that will build the next
supreme form of motherly love. generation of children, no matter where they come
Kunti- As the widowed wife of Pandu and mother of the from, whether or not our own. Nurturing every
Pandavas, Kunti was a dedicated mother who was a child in our nest, and every young adult who is
perpetual source of support for her sons. After surviving in our sphere of influence; loving, caring and
a murderous attempt by the Kauravas who burnt the lac supporting without barriers; leading by example;
home of the Pandavas, Kunti lived a nomadic life with giving back to society; there are innumerable ways
her children, moving from village to village in disguise of developing the next generation of children to
and seeking refuge in the forests. Once a queen from a be strong global citizens of the earth. At the end
distinguished lineage, she sacrificed the luxuries of the of the day, the modern mom is a universal mother
palace to accompany her children and protect them. to many.
When the Pandavas returned to the forest again, this time Balancing a mother’s instincts with logical
on exile for 13 years, Kunti respected the wishes of the reasoning, unconditional love with worldly wisdom,
elders in the family and stayed back in the palace. She societal expectations with personal aspirations,
silently lived under the same roof of the Kauravas, the every mom as a nurturer and sustainer, will
perpetrators of her family’s misery. continue to be a powerful influencer of her family
Single moms raising kids are on the increase today and and her community.
delving deep into mythological history, Kunti is a striking
example. Throughout the Mahabaratha, she supported Happy Mother’s Day to all moms!
her sons steadfastly with an abiding sense of duty and
character, portraying immeasurable strength as a single
mom.
Her weakness however, was her hidden
secret of being Karna’s mother. Kunti
never acknowledged this truth to her sons
until after Karna’s death and was cursed
by Yudhisthira that no woman would ever
be able to keep a secret! Kunti’s rejection
of Karna is offset by her impartial attitude
toward Nakula and Sahadeva who she
considered her very own and kept her
promise to Madri to raise them like they
were her sons. In blended families, many
kids are raised by step-moms that add an
additional layer of complexity in balancing
love between all their kids (biological and
step-kids). Kunti once again is exemplary

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