Mothers are special. They nurture children so that they would not deviate from the right path.
We were five in the family. Our mother ensured that all us had a good education. She spent time with us individually to help us do homework while holding two jobs to expand the family income.
She taught us to devote ourselves to serving others. That way, she said, we shall enlarge our hearts, deepen our compassion and experience true happiness. And, how true it is.
We are sure other mothers are similar. And so, every year, families, organisations and governments honour mothers on Mothers Day for the sacrifices they make to bring up children as useful members of society.
Hotels and restaurants are usually fully booked on Mothers Day, as families treat mothers to a big bash to honour their love and sacrifice.
Celebrations on this auspicious day are just another demonstration of the love that we constantly shower upon our mothers, sometimes expressively, at other times, tacitly.
Governments the world over have acknowledged the important role of mothers.
Our government too has recognised them in several ways, ranging from four-month maternity leave to flexible work arrangements to help them juggle the demands of motherhood.
Additionally, the government encourages breastfeeding and provides the facilities in public places. Childcare subsidies help make those costs manageable and public-funded welfare agencies shelter mothers suffering domestic abuse.
These steps are commendable. The government can take the opportunity on Mothers Day to announce extra measures to further demonstrate its commitment to the welfare of mothers, especially those from the vulnerable and ethnic-minority groups.
Here are some suggestions. First, mothers from these groups tend to rely on their extended family to care for their children.
The government should provide low-cost, if not free, and professionally run daycare centres. This would enable mothers to join the workforce and expand the household income.
Second, the government can offer a cost-of-living relief for mothers from low-income families. A modest sum of, say, RM250 can subsidise expenditure on food and clothes. Additionally, the government could offer tax incentives to businesses that offer discounts on their products to mothers or offer other aid to the needy.
Third, local authorities and community groups can organise Mothers Day celebrations.
These will enable the community, and mothers and their families to bond with one another while having food and fun. Contests could be organised with vouchers given for free meals, and health and beauty treatments.
These and other measures of the government, businesses and non-governmental organisations also serve a larger purpose beyond meeting the needs of mothers. They highlight how significant mothers are and how important it is to show kindness to them. It would help them cope with their daily struggles.
Such initiatives and celebrations will send a strong signal to children to appreciate their mothers more and be grateful for the sacrifices they have made and continue to do so in bringing them up.
They should not take their mothers for granted. Rather, they should honour them through words and conduct. This love should also extend to helping other maternal figures by volunteering in projects that will benefit them.
Such acts of respect and kindness will fortify our value of upholding motherhood. Mothers will find comfort in society's recognition of their important role in nation-building of nurturing the leaders of tomorrow.
Above all, these values reinforce our belief that respect and care are at the heart of every Malaysian.
Abraham Lincoln once said: "All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe it to my angel mother."
In conjunction with tomorrow's celebration: To our mothers, Happy Mothers Day!
The writer is the AIMST University Vice-Chancellor
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times