Neel AcharyBy : Gaurav Bhagat, Managing Director, Consortium Gifts
Between early morning alarms, school tiffins, crying babies, and office calls, India’s modern mothers are weaving miracles—nurturing families while chasing dreams. These are stories of sleepless nights, small wins, and mom guilt, honoring mothers who excel as professionals, wives, daughters-in-law, and leaders, building brighter futures for themselves and their children.
A First Cry, a First Embrace
At a hospital in Jaipur, Ekta Tiwari cradles her newborn son, his cries echoing as her tears of gratitude fall. “I didn’t realize the strength it takes to bring life into this world,” she says, voice steady despite exhaustion. Her high-risk pregnancy, worsened by long work hours, was eased by her company’s maternal health program—nutritional counseling, prenatal check-ups, and emotional support groups. With 14% of Indian pregnancies facing complications (WHO, 2023), Ekta reflects on those without such care. “Every mother deserves this healthy beginning,” she whispers, eyes shining.
The Balancing Act of Corporate Moms
In Noida at the Tandon Household wherein Akanksha Gulati’s home hums with chaos—toddler tantrums, joint family duties, and ringing phones. As a mother and leading authority at Gaurav Bhagat Academy, she juggles household and career. “Some mornings, I’m packing tiffins with one hand, emailing clients with the other, praying the Wi-Fi holds,” she laughs. Flexible scheduling lets her Zoom into meetings from her daughter’s games; her husband reads bedtime stories when deadlines loom. With 68% of working mothers citing work-life balance as critical (Assocham, 2024), such support fosters healthier families and hopeful communities.
Startup founders being Shadow Supporters
Akanksha, a senior sales manager overseeing daily sales, marketing, and events, sits with her mentor in a glass-walled conference room, analyzing performance metrics. Five years ago, she grappled with self-doubt, unsure how to navigate the corporate world while balancing motherhood and family responsibilities. Mentorship (by Gaurav Bhagat), echoing India’s guru-shishya tradition, transformed her path. Her mentor’s guidance—on not just professional strategies but also confidence, work-life harmony, and self-advocacy—ignited her growth. “Someone believing in me before I believed in myself was a turning point,” Akanksha reflects. Now, she pays it forward, mentoring young professionals, particularly women, guiding them through their first projects and challenges. Her story illustrates how investing in women’s potential fosters leaders who inspire and uplift future generations, creating a ripple effect of empowerment and hope.
Carrying the Theme Forward
The 2025 theme Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures urges us to build systems championing maternal health and empowerment. At home, daily rituals like breakfast chats, bedtime stories, or Sunday walks foster emotional well-being, reminding mothers and children their bond is paramount. At work, flexible policies—remote work, hybrid schedules, expanded parental leave, and mental-health days—empower mothers to thrive without burnout. In communities, grassroots initiatives like health worker visits, mentorship circles, and scholarships for girls and mothers break poverty cycles, uplifting every mother.
