Unyielding Strength: A Mother’s Courageous Journey

Written by Malvisha Shah

This blog holds a special place in my heart because, for the first time, I am writing about the most important person in my life: My Devi, My Mother. To me, a mother occupies an irreplaceable and sacred space in everyone’s heart.

My mother’s journey, which began from humble beginnings, is not just inspiring; it serves as a powerful reminder that true strength isn’t defined by one's circumstances, but by the determination to rise above them.

From an early age, my mother exhibited a natural sense of responsibility and practicality—traits that shaped her life. She was never one to shy away from hard work; in fact, it became second nature to her.

During my childhood, we didn’t interact as much. I always yearned to understand her more deeply, not just as my mother but as an individual with other roles and a rich personality. Now, after 23 years, when I reflect on her, all I can see is Durga—the embodiment of strength, grace, power, and protection.

I've heard many stories from my grandparents about how she was one of the most obedient children. They also shared that during her college years, she taught and gave tuition to support herself. Despite the financial struggles that interrupted her education, her journey is nothing short of extraordinary. My mother didn’t wait for opportunities to come to her—she created them. She earned a law degree from a government college in Gwalior, even while her parents raised four daughters and two sons. Life was far from easy, but her perseverance and strength were unwavering.

After completing her education, my mother married my father and adapted seamlessly to his family. As a wife and daughter-in-law in a joint family, she faced many challenges, but she handled them with unmatched grace. Sometimes, I am in awe of the strength and courage women show when they enter a new family, adjust to an entirely different environment, and embrace their new home with open arms. Their ability to nurture and adapt with love is truly extraordinary.

She began practicing law after marriage, but the journey was far from simple. Entering a field that required both intellect and immense courage, my mother chose to pursue law during a time when the odds were against her—new motherhood, a young family, and financial instability. Yet, she moved forward, balancing both her career and family with elegance.

It’s difficult to fully articulate the depth of inspiration I feel when reflecting on her journey. Words often fall short when trying to capture how profoundly it touches us.

Today, as I watch her successfully run her own law firm, built on years of hard work, integrity, and unparalleled dedication, I can only marvel at the immense strength it took to reach this point.

Her story is one of extraordinary courage, defined by unwavering determination and an enduring love for her family. While her journey is uniquely hers, it echoes a universal truth: every mother, in her own way, makes sacrifices, overcomes obstacles, and creates opportunities for her children. For me, her journey is a constant source of inspiration, and I believe anyone who hears her story will find reflections of their own mother's strength within it.

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Diving Into Thoughts

    Sometimes I sit and close my eyes,
    And dive into my mind’s wide skies.
    Like sinking deep beneath a sea,
    Where thoughts swim wild and quietly.
    
    At first, it’s calm—I float and see
    Small questions rise and drift to me:
    “Why did I say that?” “Was I right?”
    These thoughts just flicker, soft and light.
    
    Then deeper still, I start to roam,
    Through memories I call my own.
    Old feelings knock, they come and go,
    Like waves that pull me far below.
    
    My mind jumps fast from here to there,
    From “what if” dreams to “why” and “where.”
    One moment clear, the next unsure—
    But every turn helps me explore.
    
    Sometimes it’s stormy, full of doubt,
    And I just want to find a way out.
    But if I stay and look around,
    There’s something quiet to be found.
    
    I start to see the “me” I hide,
    The one that lives so deep inside.
    Each thought, each fear, each dream I chase
    Shows me a little of my face.
    
    So though it’s strange and sometimes tough,
    This journey inward is enough.
    For diving deep, through dark and light,
    Helps me know myself just right.