Ankur Bora
There
are certain words that carry with them strong mental images – words that are
capable of painting a picture with just few syllables. Mother is one such word,
instantly transporting anyone that
hear it to joyful feelings of wonder, love and affection. Mom, Mama, Madre, Maa: though these words are all in different
languages, they signify the same concept of motherhood—love, care, nurture, dedication
and selfless sacrifice. Abraham Lincoln once said, “All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my mother.” It must be
true to for many of us - the earliest, the strongest and most impacting force
in life begins with mother and it is impossible to tell our story without
starting with hers.
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| Assam Tribune , Horizon 11th May 2018 |
In
America and as in many parts of the world, to honor all the mothers and their
amazing contributions, Mother’s Day is celebrated every year on the second
Sunday of May. For the non-resident Assamese, thousands of miles away from our
mother, whom we cannot meet, hug or greet, it’s a bittersweet day. Nevertheless,
some of us were still able to celebrate this day in a unique and fulfilling
way. It was made possible due to a few charitable organizations who facilitate meetings
and greetings between senior citizens and interested individuals who are
willing to lend a hand. In the city of Dallas where we live, we got such an
opportunity on 14th of May, last year. A few of us visited a local
Rehabilitation & Nursing Center on Mother’s day where we spend the day, listening,
talking and playing music for them. Some of the mothers who had not met their
own songs or daughters, were delighted to receive flowers, cards and stuffed
toys from us. I was having an animated conversation with a lady in a wheelchair,
when she, with her touching hand alluded to her son – who had passed away never
to be returned. At that moment, I felt, we were brought together as if by some
divine intervention, intertwined in the common thread of love and compassion. My
wife, Anjana, recited a glowing poem dedicated to the mothers while my daughters brighten
the day playing violin - everybody enjoyed getting to know each other in an
atmosphere of tender love and care. As we left, we realized that the seemingly
little things like passing out handmade cards, poetry recitation, playing a
musical instrument, are acts of love that not only make a lasting impact but
also fill the hearts and minds of both the doer and the receiver with immense
joy and happy memory.
 |
| Assam Tribune , Horizon Poem by Anjana Bora |
There
are number ways to lend a hand, a listening ear or one’s skills to senior
citizens— simply giving your time and conversation can sometimes mean the most. The loss of a parent or grandparent can be
painful for many. Though that void can never be replaced, yet there are plenty
of seniors out there whom we can provide tender love and company. An Assamese
man hailing from a small town in upper Assam, inspired by such philanthropic zeal,
has been leading a movement to create awareness and a sense of responsibility
towards mothers for the past 28 years.
Gobin
Bordoloi is a successful entrepreneur, who with hard work and dedication,
established an electric and electronics business in North Lakhimpur town,
thereby, providing employment avenues to scores of Assam Youths. However, it is
a long and enduring story, in the course of his life journey he had to wade
through rough waters, go through painful situations before he could steer clear
and reach the shores. In the year 1990, when he was a young boy, Gobin met with
an accident which shattered his whole world. The day was 20th November
when, while assisting someone, high atop a tree, he suddenly slipped and his
body came into direct contact with a live high voltage electrical wire. The
incident left him with severe burn wounds on the upper and lower half of his
body. Fortunately he survived, though, it took months of hospitalization to
recover and to become fit again. In the face of inconceivable anguish and
suffering, it was his mother who pulled off a miracle in his life. She carried
the burden, oftentimes, working long hours and two to three menial jobs to keep
the family floating. Bordoloi slowly recovered and eventually his life turned
to better sails as became a successful businessman. The story, however does not
end here. The dedication and sacrifice of his mother made a profound impact on Gobin
Bordoloi’s life and thus he decided to establish an organization named “MAA
Anusthan”
Bordoloi
made a commitment to himself that at every opportunity, he would tell his story
– how his mother helped him turning his life around. He commenced his mission
in a right earnest visiting schools and colleges, mobilizing students and
communities and felicitating aged mother or elderly women living alone. Recently,
on 18th March, a program was organized at the Cotton University’s
Sudmersen Hall where more than 50 aged mothers were honored. As Mr. Bordoloi became
more well-known and getting more opportunities to speak to young students, he
is trying to help them realize that they have a responsibility and encourage
them to spend more time with their parents. He also regularly receives letters
from mothers – how they are touched and loved, something that many of them have
never seen in their lifetime.
Love
is not merely a noun, love is also a verb and the only language love truly
speaks is action. Sentiments and words can mean very little when it comes to
expressing love. The language of love and sacrifice made a triumphant win and Gobin
Bordoloi through his selfless act of love and singular quest, won the hearts of
scores of mothers, making a difference in their life, which they otherwise
would have never known. On the eve of this year’s Mother Day, we wish that you
will also, truly, follow your heart with action and spread the enduring and
universal message of love beauty and giving.
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