Four generations spend Mother’s Day together

It’s only mothers who can take on multiple roles – from being a teacher, chef, nurse, tailor, a counsellor and friend and most of all a, guardian. But if you get mothers from four generations protecting and being with you, consider yourself privileged. This Mother’s Day, Goa Times brings to you some of the privileged ones – mothers of different generations.



Learning traditional arts
Zara Hirani, 7-year-old from Panaji loves her Dida (reverse of Dadi) – from playing card games to their regular friendly fights to singing Gujarati folk songs – there is a lot of learning too. “We learn a lot from each other, I teach my grandkid how to put rangoli at home, Gujarati songs and traditions, while in the process, Zara teaches me to speak English,” says 60-year-old Naina Hirani. While Zara quickly responds, “Dida is a great cook, whenever I feel like eating pancakes or fries – she makes them for me. I love her very much.”


When advice is based on experience

Dielle D Souza, 36, has had her mother to turn to since her twins were born last year. She said, "Since my husband was away for their birth, her help was indispensable. I had trouble breastfeeding and felt like I wasn't enough, but she helped me through. My mum and mum-in-law offer advice as suggestions and leave us to make our own choices as parents. My husband is a better parent and both mums are happy to watch us raise the kids in our own way."


Encouraging women to do more

Maria Rubertina Das Neves Furtado e Rebello, 82, says women can do wonders, all they need is a push. “I was very young when I lost my husband and had to raise my three kids. So, I got myself together and started my entrepreneurial venture. I always encourage my daughters and grandchildren to try and do something they like and not to bother what people have to say.” She adds that as mothers, we need to push our kids sometimes to achieve what they want.


Supporting your tribe

When you have support, you can reach heights, says Sangita Vivek Panvelcar who always calls her 81-year-old mother Pushpa Gopal Desai to help her make pickles and jams. “She is an amazing cook and whenever it’s the season of pickles and jams I call her. Though I have the recipes written, I prefer to have her besides me. We make pickles and jams like mango jam, pineapple jam, pickles of mango and lemons, ladoos and other sweets. It’s just very special to have her for me emotionally,” says Sangita.
Being available – both physically and emotionally, is also important. “My mother will always call me if she has something to discuss or tell. When you share things with your mother, there is always some kind of peace and their suggestions are usually correct,” says Sangita.


Women Empowering women

Despite being 85, Sushilabai PN Gaunekar is 18 at heart, she loves it when women feel empowered to do something better in life. “When she was younger, she used to drive her car, and when I took up driving, she encouraged me more and said women should be independent. I took her for a spin after I learnt to drive. She is ready to travel and eat out at restaurants – her favourite is Thai cuisine,” says her 36-year-old granddaughter Pranita Thali, who is also a mother to a 9-year-old. “Women should be independent, learn, explore and experience things – this helps them grow. It is also important to carry yourself well,” says Sushilabai.