HIMA KOHLI, J.

1. A mother, called by any name, in any language, whether as “Ma, Amma, Aayi, Mai, Ammee” in India or as “Madre, Mamma, Moer and Mana” and several others dialects in foreign lands, is universally acknowledged as a symbol of pure and unconditional love for her offsprings. The sanskrit shloka from the Hindu Epic, Ramayana, uttered by Lord Ram, epitomizes the stature of a Mother in our country and treats her at par with the Almighty and the Mother Land in the following words :

“Janani Janma bhoomischa Swarga diapi Gariyasi”

(Translation : Mother and Motherland are greater than Heaven.)

The debt that a child owes to his mother, who is not only the procreator and the rearer, but also a lifelong teacher, mentor, healer and guide, is embodied in the following sanskrit shloka :

“Matridevim Namastubhya Mam Janmdatrim twam Namo Namah Balyakale Ma Palan Kritva Matrakabhyo twam Namamyaham.”

(Translation: I salute my mother, who gave me birth; I also salute my other mother (woman) who added knowledge and wisdom to my actions and life to make me a good human being.)

2. The love for her child that beats in a mother’s heart, has been aptly characterized by Swami Vivekananda as a “co