Mothers play a very important role in our lives. Mother’s Day, a day dedicated to mothers the world over. A mother is the pivot of the family and always puts the needs of her children and family above hers. 

On Mother's Day, Monarose Sheila Pereira listens to various music lovers sing praises to their mothers.

Anaida, Director, Performer and Play Back Singer

My mom has definitely been a strong influence in my life. She was a powerful clairvoyant, a naturopath and a healer and she was very impressive and strong as a person. She could spend an hour appreciating a single flower you gave her and she always gave me a feeling that she loves us above anything else: that we were her priority. She instilled very strong standards in me and she was pretty strict and yet gave me the illusion of having the most freedom as a kid. She was always helpful and she taught us that. Whatever I am today and whatever I have achieved or overcome has a lot to do with my mother.

Anand Dhotre, Flutist

My mother was a rock solid support all through my life. My father pushed me and taught me to get better, but mother was always the person I could go to without her having any astronomical expectations from me. She loved me with all her heart. Cared all that she could for me and helped me grow into the person I am. Mom encouraged me to do all that I was best at. I realized my potential through her support which allowed me to become more than my father ever wanted me to become. I became a state level table tennis player, a hotel management graduate and also did modeling for a brief time; thanks to my mum.

Reewa Roopkumar Sunali Rathod, Vocalist, pianist and music composer

A mother's love endures through all. My mother is the biggest role model in my life, but that term doesn’t seem to encompass enough when I use it to describe her. She is the love of my life; she gave me wings and I could fly. She touched my hands and I could touch the sky. I owe her everything - my life, my music, my devotion. My mother is my root, my foundation. She planted the seed that I base my life on. Just want to thank her for the endless love she has given me and for always being there as the sun in this cold universe.

Arinjay Das, Talent Acquisition Team, Qyuki Digital Media

My mother inspired me. Ever since the first day I was matured enough to understand the sacrifices my mother made for me to get a good upbringing, I was inspired. When I used to see her work, there she was multi-tasking. For a time I thought maybe she is the goddess Durga with 10 hands. She could have achieved a lot in life, but then considering her family she never took any steps. I never told her till now what she means to me and how inspired I'm by her. What I know is, if I need an ear to hear me out, she would be there.

Sharon Menezes, Business person, Singer, Crooner and Keyboard player

Right from the womb to the tomb, a mother gives her all to her children and I believe that a mother never stops loving their child ever. I have been blessed with Angela, my mum, who cared for me and who was my best friend, my influencer, my guide, my comfort and countless other things. Right from my childhood, mum loved music and I would hear her sing songs while cooking or sewing and these songs exposed me to the wonderful world of music. She would encourage me to sing with her and a lot of the old songs that we sang together have now become an addition to my music repertoire. At an early age she encouraged me to join the children’s choir where I sang and then led, for several years. Her constant excitement whenever I was performing on stage was what made me want to sing and I can confidently tell you that she was more tensed and stressed about my performance than I ever was. Such was her encouragement. A true friend and guide, she was always there to encourage me and provide the positive criticism I needed to be focused. As a good listener, life coach, inspiration, she was my guide. Her dedication fueled my musical journey and shaped me into the individual I am today. I thank God for the gift of my mother to me which I cherish forever.

Padma Shri, Dr. Mukesh Batra, Homeopath and Singer

My mother Dr. Kaushalya Batra was a practicing allopathic doctor and amongst the first lady doctors in the country. She was simple and honest and believed strongly in leading a transparent life. As a doctor she found inspiration in all things and believed strongly that nature and our surroundings can have a great positive effect on health. She also believed in music and its healing effects. Whether it was while she was cooking or while doing other mundane activities, you would always hear her singing. My mother was a huge influence in my life and I think that in ways I emulated her in my life. She gave back to society by running a free clinic which in turn inspired me to do good and now we have been running the Dr Batra’s Foundation. She always said and something I believe is, “Life is an echo; all comes back, the good, the false, the true. So give the world the best you have and the best will come back to you”.

Monarose Sheila Pereira is an author, journalist, and media professor. She has published several books. She has written for all the major newspapers and magazines and some of her works have been translated into foreign languages. She has worked for All India Radio and Doordarshan. She also conducts self improvement workshops.