The unwavering spirit of Gangabai: A portrait of a timeless mother

The spontaneous answer to this prompt for me was my mother. Simply because she is often forgotten when we write something. I have written about my father in various blogs but not on my mother. I can’t miss her mentioning in this post. Her name was Gangabai and she was fondly called as Gangamay.

In the quiet remembrance of a life spanning 86 years, the memory of Gangabai shines brightly—a testament to selfless love, enduring strength, and a spirit as pure and giving as the river from which she drew her name. Born in 1922, her life was a powerful narrative, proving that one’s education is measured not in degrees, but in the depth of their character and the unwavering support they offer to their family.

Gangabai was the steadfast pillar of her family, an unshakeable support for her husband and children. Her love was most profoundly expressed through her relentless devotion in the kitchen, a sacred space where she toiled tirelessly. She prepared nourishing meals for her family, never once considering keeping the best for herself. This act of service was the cornerstone of her selfless nature, a living lesson in generosity.

My grandfather passed away when my father was hardly 10 years old, so he had to take care of the whole family including my uncles and aunts. It was possible for him due to strong support of my mother. She never complained about it and was always fair to everyone in the family.

Her upbringing in a saint family and her childhood spent in a mutt—a monastery devoted to spiritual pursuits—shaped her profound sense of purity and purpose. Well known Keertankar Shri Dhundamaharj Degloorkar was her cousin brother and since she never has real brother, her childhood was spent in their mutt at Degloor. This spiritual foundation manifested not only in her helping others but also in her dignified persona. She was a woman of firm principles, instilling a strong sense of fairness and discipline in her children, believing it was the foundation for a righteous life.

In her appearance, Gangabai carried herself with a distinctive grace, a symbol of her traditional roots. She wore the nine-yard saree, a classic symbol of heritage, and a bold bindi adorned her forehead, signifying her strength and spiritual awareness. But her spirit was not confined to tradition alone. With time, she embraced new techniques, embodying an evolved wisdom that blended the old and the new seamlessly.

Her culinary skills were legendary, a mix of ancient knowledge and adaptable practice. Her oil-free pickles and handcrafted spices were particularly famous, reflecting her mastery of flavour and her concern for her family’s well-being. Her compassion was not limited to her own children; she treated her daughters-in-law with the same love and kindness she showed her daughters, fostering harmony and unity within the entire family.

She was humerus in nature and she used to mimic our chawl residents so well that we used to laugh a lot.

To her family, Gangabai’s legacy is not just a list of accomplishments, but a feeling of warmth, security, and unconditional love. Her memory is a constant source of strength, a guiding light that continues to inspire long after her passing in 2008 at the age of 86. Her life was a portrait of a selfless woman, a matriarch whose love and strength created a beautiful, lasting family legacy.