ABSTRACT
https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203151631/f83e39f2-fb3e-4f6b-8067-30bae33d638e/content/icon_B.jpg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"/>A mother in essence transcends the binaries of gender as every child, boy or girl, is born of a woman. Since a major aspect of the female role is considered to be reproduction, mothering has continued to be basic to women’s lives as well as the organisation of the family, and is fundamental to the genesis of the ideology about women. Symbolised in mythology, legends and popular culture, she stands as an eternal icon to represent the generative, nurturing power of life, itself celebrated in temples and sculptures, poetry and literature. Newspapers bring out special Mother’s Day editions. I see my city’s taxis and auto-rickshaws carrying the inscription ‘Ma’s Gift’ or ‘Ma’s blessing’. In Indian cinema, the mother is the central figure. Sons in the stories especially swear by their mothers; will undertake hazardous adventures and avenge insults perpetuated by her enemies. She is an all suffering being dedicated to the welfare of her sons. Hindi cinema used to show the toiling mother sweating away at her sewing machine to educate her son/s.
