Mother’s Day in the shadow of pandemic

Mothers in any culture are cited as the source of unconditional love, and in honouring mothers, people honour all women. While some jobholders are getting to enjoy the comfort of home because of the global shutdown, mothers on the contrary are facing the heavier than usual workload. 

As the occasion is for expressing love and gratitude towards the mothers, they however keep supporting us with the thankless unpaid job as caregiver without complaint. 

Asia Begum, mother of two, said despite the seemingly increasing household chores she is happy to have her children close. 

“I get to spend more time with them as my son is continuing home office and my daughter’s college is closed for the pandemic,” she said. 

Her son Ashfaq Ahmed, a corporate employee, however, said he and his sister helps their mother and tries to ease her pressure. 

“She still wants to continue doing heavy tasks of the house not caring about her old age. We try to help her every way we can. Not only because she’s our mother, but she too needs rest,” he said. 

Ashfaq thinks that the moment of appreciating mothers and their contribution in building up a nation should not be limited to a day only. 

Not every mother-children story is not rosy like them however. 

Nurjahan Akter, who is currently a resident of in Khulna, is separated from his only son who is continuing his office in Dhaka. He did not want to risk his and his family’s lives by travelling great distances amid the pandemic. 

“Even though I’m not with my son, I pray for his safety. I’m glad that he chose to be wise and if god almighty wills it, we will be together in next year’s Mother’s Day,” she said. 

A significant number of people show appreciation to their mothers through buying gifts for them but due to the Covid-19 pandemic going through brick-and-mortar stores is not an option. 

Mamunur Rahman, an entrepreneur and owner of Giftism, said people can get creative indoor to express their love for mothers. 

“Online delivery can be an option, but if you really want to then you can make simple gifts from household items. Youtube tutorials can come in handy for making small token of affection,” he said.  

Showering them with gifts has little worth compared to the struggles of our mothers in a developing nation. Having said that, on this special occasion people do express their concern and care in ways they can, be it a Facebook post or just a phone call. 

In most countries, Mother’s Day is celebrated every year on the second Sunday of May.

This day is celebrated to honour motherhood, acknowledge the efforts of mothers and their role in the upliftment of the society.