MODI’S REMNISCECES OF HIS MOTHER
Maa…this isn’t a mere word but it captures a range of emotions. Today, 18th June is the day my Mother Heeraba enters her 100th year. On this special day, I have penned a few thoughts expressing joy and gratitude. – PM Modi
As his mother is entering her hundredth year, PM Narendra Modi penned an emotional blog. He recollected some special moments from his childhood that he spent with his mother. He recalled several sacrifices made by his mother as he grew up and mentioned various qualities of his mother that have shaped his mind, personality, and self-confidence.. - The Editor
PM MODI ABOUT HER MOTHER:
“Today, I feel extremely happy and
fortunate to share that my mother Smt. Heeraba Modi is entering her hundredth
year. This is going to be her birth centenary year.
A symbol of resilience
My Mother is as simple as she is
extraordinary. Just like all mothers. At
a tender age, my mother lost her mother.
She does not even remember my
grandmother’s face or the comfort of her lap. She spent her entire childhood
without her mother.
The tiny house in Vadnagar with
mud walls and clay tiles for a roof where she stayed with his parents and
siblings. Innumerable everyday adversities my mother encountered and successfully
overcame.
My mother not only did all
household chores by herself but also worked to supplement the meagre household
income. She used to wash utensils at a few houses and take out time to spin the
charkha to help meet the household expenses.
During the rains, our roof would
leak, and the house would flood. Mother would place buckets and utensils below
the leaks to collect the rainwater. Even in this adverse situation, Mother
would be a symbol of resilience.
Cleanliness was something that my
mother had always been extremely particular about. My mother had a deep respect for those
involved in cleaning and sanitation. Whenever someone would come to clean the
drain adjacent to their house in Vadnagar, my mother wouldn’t let them go
without giving them tea.
My mother would find happiness in
other people’s joys and was extremely large hearted. A close friend of my
father used to stay in a nearby village. After his untimely death, my father
brought his friend’s son, Abbas, to our home. He stayed with us and completed
his studies. Mother was as affectionate and caring towards Abbas just like she
did for all of us siblings. Every year on Eid, she used to prepare his
favourite dishes. On festivals, it was commonplace for neighbourhood kids to
come to our house and enjoy Mother’s special preparations.
My mother has publicly accompanied
me on only two occasions. Once, it was at a public function in Ahmedabad when
she applied tilak on my forehead after I had returned from Srinagar where I had
hoisted the national flag at Lal Chowk completing the Ekta Yatra. The second
instance was when I first took oath as Gujarat’s Chief Minister in 2001.
My mother made me realise that it was possible to be learned without being formally educated. When I wanted to publicly honour all my teachers, including my biggest teacher – my mother. However, my mother declined saying, “See, I am an ordinary person. I may have given birth to you, but you have been taught and brought up by the Almighty.”
Though my mother did not come to
the event, she made sure that she called someone from Jethabhai Joshi Ji’s
family – my local teacher, who taught me alphabets. My mother’s thought process
and farsighted thinking have always surprised me.
As a dutiful citizen my mother has
voted in every election since the time elections began, from Panchayat to
Parliament.
My mother led an extremely simple
lifestyle. Even today, there are no assets in my mother’s name. I have never
seen her wear any gold ornaments, and she has no interest either. Like earlier,
she continues to lead an extremely simple lifestyle in her small room.
My mother remains abreast with
current developments in the world. Recently, I asked her how long she watches
TV every day. She replied that most people on TV are busy fighting with each
other, and she only watches those who calmly read out the news and explain
everything. I was pleasantly surprised that Mother keeps track of so much.
I recall another instance from
2017 that showcases my mother’s alertness despite her old age. In 2017, I had
gone to meet her directly from Kashi and had carried prasad for her.
When I met Mother, she immediately
asked me if I had paid obeisance to Kashi Vishwanath Mahadev. Mother still uses
the full name - Kashi Vishwanath Mahadev. Then during the conversation, she
asked me if the lanes that lead to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple are still the
same, as if there is a temple inside someone’s household premises. I was
surprised and asked when she visited the temple. She revealed that she had gone
to Kashi many years back, but surprisingly remembered everything.
My mother not only respects
others’ choices but also refrains from imposing her preferences. In my own case
especially, she respected my decisions, never created any hurdles, and
encouraged me. Since childhood, she could feel that a different mindset grew
inside me.
It was my mother who gave me full
support when I had decided to leave my home. Understanding my desires and
blessing me, my mother said, “Do as your mind says.”
My mother has always inspired me
to have a strong resolve and focus on garib kalyan. I like to share an instance
from 2001 when I had been declared as the Chief Minister of Gujarat. After
reaching Gujarat, I went straight to meet my mother. She was extremely ecstatic
and told me, “I don’t understand your work in the government, but I just want
you to never take a bribe.”
My mother keeps assuring me that I
should not worry about her and remain focused on the larger responsibilities.
Whenever I speak to her on the phone, my mother says, “Never do anything wrong
or anything bad with anyone and keep working for the poor.”
My parents’ honesty and
self-respect have been their biggest qualities. Despite struggling with poverty
and its accompanying challenges, my parents never left the path of honesty or
compromised on their self-respect. Constant hardwork was their foremost mantra
to overcome any challenge!
In my mother’s life story, I see
the penance, sacrifice, and contribution of India’s matrushakti. Whenever I
look at Mother and crores of women like her, I find there is nothing that is
unachievable for Indian women.
My mother’s inspiring life story
can be encapsulated in a few words as below:
“Far beyond every tale of
deprivation, is the glorious story of a mother,
Far above every struggle, is the
strong resolve of a mother.”
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