Father's name and Husband's name

My mom is visiting me these days. I took her for a master health check up yesterday.
We had to fill up the hospital forms and I was filling it up for her.

There was a column for 'Father's/Husband's name.'

I found it meaningless to fill that in as neither her husband nor her father are even alive. How did it matter?
I didn't tell her anything though. The pain of losing my dad still opens up raw wounds inside me.

 'What should I write? Father's name or husband's name?' I asked her.

'Strike that out, write daughter's name and put your name there,' said my mom, very matter of fact .

And  with that statement, in her quiet  unassuming straight-forward way, she struck down the centuries of the subtle, powerful patriarchal system that our great India is seeped in.

 She is an amazing person, my mom.
And my strength too.

A pic of my mom and me clicked two days back :)


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Comments

  1. Oh brilliant ! I am in love with your mom for this !

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  2. That's so wonderful! I bow down to her!

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  3. Proud Mom and Proud Daughter!

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  4. I salute to your mom's thinking and even you.

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  5. very coooooooooooooool n rocking............u look as charming as ever !!!!!!!!!

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  6. Your mom is today's lady in true sense,she said so many things just by her small act but again it is upto us to understand what she meant. Do we really? Again a century long debate with no answer :)

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  7. Great...loved the way your mom answered your question ..!!
    Awesome pic..mom & daughter..!!

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  8. respect her courage! it takes one step to shed many loads of history and she did it so easily! hats off!

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  9. Hats off.... really she did break this patriarchy in just few words which are very powerful

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  11. Its mom's job to convert the tears in to rains, which results into ultimate affection and love :) ;) salute to her :)

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  12. luking sweetheart both of you....

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  13. I love the way you have narrated this sweet incident. Sweet, because your very sensible mom made a meaningful spontaneous decision which is practical, to say the least. The patriarchy bit is arguable, but of course, there's no need to go there.
    Your mom is very sweet indeed.

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  14. I like her "THE STATEMENT "

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  15. Respect ... :-)
    Super awesome pic...

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  16. Bravo aunty! Love love love! Hugs to boyh of you!

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  17. RESPECT!!!! Great Mom! Waiting for your's Upcoming Book Mam!

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  19. We can't expect more from this patriarchal society. However loudly we scream about women empowerment, there are still a lot women who are thriving to be out of the grip. Even I face repgnant stares when I wear sleeveless. Can you believe that?
    Nevertheless, what I understood is that your growth, and prosperity as an author and the most influential woman in India should be credited to your mom. No offence please. Your mom's will power and self possession molded you as what you are. Am I right? Because only a composed, resolute woman could say these words at this age of hers. I couldn't stop praising her. Being a mother myself, I need to instill the qualities your mother did for you. You should consider asking her to take self development classes to this generation since there are thousands of girls who are not able to channelize themselves and a woman of her composure would sent fire through their spiritless and damp soul.
    Hats off to her and envious of you for having a mother like her.
    P.S.-Sorry for the long comment but couldn't help it.

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  20. Like daughter like mother. You mother is cool cheers

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  21. The only relevant at the moment!

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  22. How I wish to see more moms lik her !
    There are teachings from every generation to the next gen ..the one which evokes our 'inner self' is truly worth to take ..

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  23. So very right mam. You always say something unique and new in your writings. Whether that be writing a book or a blog. God bless

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  24. Hi Preeti, I'm just doing a quick round of my blog reading list after what feels like years. I have stopped writing, but I am so thrilled to see how you've grown as a blogger and writer. It's truly inspiring and I wish you all the best. Gotta say I especially love THIS story and pic with your Mum :) Take care. Jane

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