The National Safe Motherhood Day is observed throughout the country to spread awareness regarding the health, well-being, and safety of mothers and pregnant women. It is the day when society is reminded of its duty towards mothers, ensuring that proper healthcare, nutrition, and security are provided to them during pregnancy and throughout their lives. However, it raises an important question: Is the National Safe Motherhood Day merely to show respect towards women as mothers, sisters, wives, and daughters?
In reality, almost every religion has already emphasized the importance, dignity, and respect of women long before such awareness days were introduced. These teachings are deeply rooted in our traditions, values, and moral systems. In Islam, for example, a mother holds the highest status, and it is said that paradise lies under her feet. A daughter is considered a source of blessings (Barakah) for the family, and a wife is seen as a source of peace and comfort in a man’s life. Similarly, in Hinduism, women are revered as “Devi,” a symbol of power, purity, and creation. In Buddhism and Sikhism as well, women are respected as equal contributors to life, society, and spirituality.
These teachings clearly show that respect for women is not something new or limited to awareness campaigns. It is something we are taught even before we fully understand the world. From our elders, saints, preachers, and Ulamas, we learn how to value, protect, and care for our mothers and women in general. These lessons are part of our upbringing, shaping our character and guiding our behaviour throughout life.
As a male, my message to everyone is simple and sincere: we should not limit our respect and care for women to particular days such as Mother’s Day, Women’s Day, or even National Safe Motherhood Day. Respect should not be occasional; it should be continuous. Every day is Mother’s Day, every day is a daughter’s day, and every day is a day to honour women. If we truly understand their importance, we will not wait for a specific date to show appreciation.
The truth is that if we are here today, if we are able to do good things, and if we are living meaningful lives, it is because of our mothers. They are the foundation of our existence and the source of our strength. A healthy and happy mother leads to a healthy and stable family, and in turn, a strong society. When mothers are cared for, respected, and supported, the entire structure of society becomes stronger.
This is what makes National Safe Motherhood Day so important. It reminds us and gives us the chance to consider if we are doing our part in taking care of the ladies in our lives. It tells us to look after our mothers, wives, and daughters with more care, particularly in terms of their health and nourishment. Pregnancy and motherhood call for special care, the right kind of treatment from doctors, and emotional consideration. Making sure that our women are healthy, well-fed, and well-rested is our obligation.
We often overlook the sacrifices made by our mothers. They spend their entire lives caring for us, cooking for us, and ensuring our comfort without expecting anything in return. We eat because of our mothers, we rest peacefully because they create a safe and comfortable environment for us, and we step out into the world with confidence because they stand behind us with silent strength. Their contributions are endless, yet they rarely complain or seek recognition.
With happy and healthy mothers, things in our surroundings seem to be functioning in harmony. The wellness of our mothers provides a feeling of stability in our surroundings that allows everyone to relax. This will provide us with the strength to concentrate on work. We can work for the achievement of our objectives and proceed with our lives. Mothers make an environment that makes our lives better. They provide the right atmosphere for living. Our mothers’ wellness impacts our own lives. She plays a key role in making our lives peaceful and successful.
Therefore, while this day raises awareness, it should also inspire action. It should encourage us to look beyond symbolic gestures and truly commit to caring for the women in our lives every single day. Respect should be reflected in our behaviour, our words, and our actions. It should be seen in how we support their health, value their efforts, and acknowledge their sacrifices.
In the end, National Safe Motherhood Day is not just about celebration, it is about responsibility. It reminds us of what we already know but sometimes forget in the rush of daily life. It calls us to return to our values, to honour our teachings, and to ensure that our mothers and women are safe, healthy, and respected, not just today, but every day.
The Author is a Writer and Social Educator. shoaibhat2018@gmail.com
