Mohammad Rukanuddin

Mother's Day is a wonderful occasion celebrated around the world. It is a day when we go out of our way to show extra love and appreciation for our mothers. We might give them gifts, cook them breakfast, send them flowers, or simply spend quality time with them. It is a truly special day, and It is easy to see why so many people look forward to it.

But have you ever thought about why we have Mother's Day? Is it just one day to say "thank you" and then go back to normal? Not at all! Mother's Day is much more than just a date on the calendar. It is a powerful symbol of the respect and honor we should carry for our mothers every single day of the year.

Think about what mothers do for us. From the moment we are born, they are there. They feed us, comfort us, teach us our first words, and help us take our first steps. As we grow, they become our biggest cheerleaders, our best listeners, and often, our toughest critics – all because they want us to be the best versions of ourselves. They sacrifice their own time, energy, and sometimes even their dreams, just to make sure we are safe, happy, and have what we need.

It is not just about the big things either. It is the countless small acts of love that often go unnoticed. The warm meals, the clean clothes, the late-night talks, the bandaged scraped knees, the endless patience with our tantrums. These are the everyday efforts that build the foundation of who we are.

So, when Mother's Day arrives, which typically falls on the second Sunday of May, It is like a worldwide reminder. It is a moment to pause and officially recognize all that our mothers do. It is a chance to make them feel truly special and loved, to make up for all those times we might have taken them for granted. The gifts and celebrations are lovely, but the real gift is the recognition of their immense value in our lives.

However, the respect does not end when Mother's Day is over. Just like a country's flag is a symbol of its values, Mother's Day is a symbol of how much we value mothers. It tells us that our respect for them should be constant. It means listening to them, even when we don't agree. It means appreciating their advice, even when It is tough to hear. It means helping them out, just as they have always helped us. It means being kind, patient, and understanding, remembering that they are human too and sometimes need our support.

In many cultures around the world, honoring elders and parents is a cornerstone of society. Mother's Day fits perfectly into this idea. It is a global nod to the selfless love and tireless dedication that mothers pour into their families. It encourages us to nurture that bond, to keep the lines of communication open, and to show our appreciation not just once a year, but continually.

So, as we celebrate Mother’s Day, let us remember its deeper meaning. It is not just about the cards and flowers on one specific Sunday. It is about recognizing the incredible role mothers play in our lives every single day. It is about letting that day be a powerful symbol that reminds us to treat our mothers with the deepest respect, love, and gratitude, today, tomorrow, and always. After all, a mother’s love is a gift that truly lasts a lifetime.

The writer is Assistant Professor of English and President of AUST Cultural Club at Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology, Dhaka