“Motherhood is wanting the best for others and not expecting anything in return.” – (Source: The Art of Living). This quote captures the selfless love often seen in Indian mothers. The mother-child relationship is wonderfully explored in our Indian stories. It has universal appeal and as for us, Indian mythology abounds with stories of all kinds of mothers.
The mother-child bond in India is the subject of numerous fiction and non-fiction works. Here are several possibilities:
Fiction
Mai: Silently Mother by Geetanjali Shree (Hindi):
Three generations of women in a joint North Indian family are the subject of this International Booker Prize-winning book. The daughter, who struggles with her impression of her mother’s seeming silence, tells the narrative.
Burnt Sugar by Avni Doshi (English):
The intricate bond between a mother and daughter is explored in this book. The main character, Antara, is an artist who is thinking about having children of her own. Her relationship with her mother Tara, who abandoned her when she was a little girl, complicates her decision.
The Far Field by Madhuri Vijay (English):
Following the loss of her mother, Shalini, a young woman, embarks on a journey to Kashmir, which is the subject of this poetic tale. The book looks at mother-daughter relationships and loss and grief.
Non-Fiction:
Mothering in India: Essays in Gender, Power and the Family (Edited by Patricia Jeffery and Amitra Mehta):
This anthology of essays examines the social and cultural influences on Indian motherhood. A wide range of subjects are covered in the essays, such as childcare, kinship, and the effects of globalization on families.
The Indian Mother: A Portrait by Mary John:
This book examines parenting in India from a sociological perspective. John looks at the various responsibilities that mothers play in Indian society, along with the difficulties and benefits of being a mother.
Numerous excellent publications examine the mother-child bond in India; these are but a handful of examples. I hope this aids in your quest for a fun read!
Also Read: Mother and Child Health Month
