A tribute to moms who’ve achieved new heights

Like every year, this year too, we are sure to hear stories of celeb moms across culture doing great work. But what about the other moms out there? What about the ones who never had the spotlight shone on them but still achieved something extraordinary in life. On Mother’s Day, PT brings you five inspiring stories of such women from the city. Read on…

Naina Jha, social worker
From the moment her daughter Aaditri was born, Naina Jha decided to balance her career and motherhood with utmost sincerity. She started working as a freelancer in a public relation firm when her daughter was just three months old. Initially, she used to take her along at her workplace. But when she turned one, I used to leave her at home. My husband and my two sets of parents have always supported me, and that is the reason why I was able to work without any guilt. She said, “My daughter inspires me to work and achieve more. Since I am a working mother, sometimes it’s difficult for me to manage things. I feel exhausted, but the very next moment I feel energised when I see that beautiful smile on my daughter’s face. I always wanted to give back to society in whichever way possible. Therefore, I teach the slum kids and also host awareness sessions for kids on child

sexual abuse

.”

Sahistha Anjum, social activist
Sahistha Anjum believes that unless there are challenges in life, you cannot know your real self. “I got married when I was pursuing my graduation. After my marriage, I could neither complete my studies nor could focus on my passion of writing poetry and short stories. My husband used to work in a private institution and his salary was not enough for us. After a year, I gave birth to my daughter, Aamna, and then my son, Ansh was born. Soon, I got busy carrying out household chores and raising my kids. However, one day when I was reading a newspaper, my daughter saw my eagerness to study and she urged her father to let me follow my passion. After 15 years of my marriage, I completed my MA with 64% marks. Now, I work for many social causes. My children are my strength.”

Soma Anand, artist
When Soma Anand’s son, Shiven, turned three, she began to pursue her passion for art and craft. Besides making beautiful paintings, she also started taking art and craft classes in school. However, she made sure that her son is not left behind unattended. While her son was growing up, her professional projects were also increasing. Soma said, “Motherhood didn’t stop me from working. In fact, it has helped me achieve more. When I used to be out for exhibitions, my family took

care

of my child. In the past 10 years, I have participated in many painting and art exhibitions organised in Bihar as well as in other states. I have also earned accolades for exhibiting my artworks in Nepal and

Myanmar

.”

Rajni, social worker
For social worker Rajni, life has not been a bed of roses. Initially, after her marriage, she became a victim of domestic violence. But when her daughter, Ashtha, was born, Rajni decided to end her marriage, so that her daughter may not have to go through the same mental trauma every day. After her divorce, she struggled to build a career to fulfil the necessities of her family. “Being a single mother is challenging. When I filed for divorce, my financial condition was not good. My daughter was my inspiration. I had to step out for work and I could only spend time with my daughter at night. Thankfully, my career took off well. My daughter too was very understanding. I have raised her in a way that now she can adapt herself in any situation,” said a proud mother.