Angels of compassion compensating for absence of biological mothers

Lucknow: Every morning Pushpa Maseeh is greeted with small hands reaching out for and “Namaste” chorused in familiar voices. Softly, or loudly, they all call her ‘Amma’. “My life’s purpose seems fulfilled,” says the 58-year-old, gently setting right a child’s clothes. Since 2011, she has served as caretaker at Drishti Samajik Sansthan, shelter home for disabled orphans found abandoned.

Other caregivers too look after children who struggle to see, speak, walk or even express emotions because of visual impairment, hearing loss, intellectual disability or physical challenges. Some are multi-disabled, dependent for almost every daily activity. From feeding, bathing and toilet training to calming emotional outbursts and supervising nap time, the women are caregivers, protectors and, most importantly, mothers. TOI visited the shelter on the eve of International Mother’s Day — second Sunday of May — to understand what motherhood is like when love fills a void.

Pushpa, a widow, has three daughters and two sons, all grown up and settled. Her day begins before sunrise as she completes household chores at home and reaches the centre by 8 am. She celebrates their smallest achievements, comforts them during meltdowns and notices changes others might miss. Radha (12), partially blind, who once lived in constant fear, has formed a special bond with Pushpa. The girl now shows Pushpa her drawings. “When she brings them to me before anyone else, I feel like I am not just caring for her — I am raising her,” Pushpa says.

Saroj Gautam (55) and Vidyawati (57), both widows with children now settled, say they came to work here not just for a livelihood but for sense of fulfillment. When Saroj, DSS staff since 15 years, is absent, the children grow anxious, scanning doorways and calling out repeatedly, “Where is Saroj Amma?” Ankit, a child with physical disability who was once frightened to even stand on his feet, has with Saroj’s patient encouragement, learned to walk. Spotting her across the room is enough to make him move towards her with visible excitement. For Vidyawati, loneliness disappears the moment she enters the shelter. “These children were abandoned and neglected and fear they may not be accepted again,” she says. A gentle pat on the back, she adds, reassures them more than words ever could.

Afsana Baano (34), resident of Bithauli, leaves her three teenage children in the care of her joint family every day to nurture children who never received familial affection. “God has chosen me to be a mother to them,” she says. Her favourite is three-month-old Nidhi, whom she keeps close. But she cares equally for every child, checking bathwater temperature, making sure milk is neither too hot nor too cold, etc. “Motherhood is about love and compassion,” says Shalu Singh, director of the organisation. “And these women give that unconditionally, every single day.”