Better bonding and bitter goodbyes: Why this Mother's Day is different
The Times of India Delhi|May 09, 2021
Some have been distanced by geography, others thrown closer by circumstances, and those who’ve lost their mums feel a gaping void. Sunday Times charts connections lost and found
Mohua Das
Better bonding and bitter goodbyes: Why this Mother's Day is different

Still making memories, but on video calls

Indrajit De | 52, London Mom Indrani | 85, Kolkata

Having lived on the other side of the world for almost 12 years now, one would think not seeing my mother for long stretches of time was something I was used to. Turns out, that practice hasn’t made the pandemic-induced separation any easier. I never quite imagined in the beginning, when this virus made headlines, that it would change our connections so dramatically. After I lost my father in 2015, I always made sure I took a detour to Kolkata on my business trips to India. That way I could visit her at least twice a year apart from the annual summer holidays. But last March saw all my travels for the year cancelled, and also meant I wouldn’t get to meet my mother.

But the physical distance meant that I learnt to focus on the bond I have with her. If earlier I’d call her twice a day, now I call her four times and it’s not just a check-in to see if things are fine. We’ve transitioned to video calls where I take her on a walk around the house, show her the flowers and vegetables growing in our garden, and keep her perched on the shelf when we’re cooking a meal to give her a sense that we’re all together in the same space. Of course, there are the pitfalls of a video call. When she spots a beard or if my hair is too long, she’ll give me an earful.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE TIMES OF INDIA DELHIView all
Song and dance there, but where is Brazil's soul?
The Times of India

Song and dance there, but where is Brazil's soul?

From swooning over the twirling foot of Richarlison the other day, to fretting over the ankle of Neymar, it is back to business for Brazil. Gone is the exultation to dance and express themselves.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 28, 2022
Marriott to reach 200-hotel mark in India by 2025 from current 134
The Times of India

Marriott to reach 200-hotel mark in India by 2025 from current 134

American hospitality major Marriott International — the group with the largest number of branded hotel rooms in India at about 26,000 — has drawn up very ambitious growth plans for the country.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
India's visually-impaired players dribble, debate on and off field
The Times of India

India's visually-impaired players dribble, debate on and off field

Take 20-year-old Shivam Negi for instance. A member of the national blind football team, Negi along with three other NIEVPD students is ardently following the matches by listening to live commentary.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
SIPS eating into luxe car sales: Merc
The Times of India

SIPS eating into luxe car sales: Merc

‘MF Investments Reducing Disposable Incomes Of Indians’

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
Fury's Ground Xiro
The Times of India

Fury's Ground Xiro

Xi's zero-Covid policy has angered ordinary Chinese as never before. A dangerous moment for the state

time-read
3 mins  |
November 28, 2022
Trump faulted for dinner with white nationalist, rapper Ye
The Times of India

Trump faulted for dinner with white nationalist, rapper Ye

The sportswear manufacturer has also launched a probe into his conduct.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
Blank sheets of paper become symbol of defiance
The Times of India

Blank sheets of paper become symbol of defiance

Chinese protesters have turned to blank sheets of paper to express their anger over Covid-19 restrictions.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
Can't deny mediclaim to a vegetarian, insurer told
The Times of India

Can't deny mediclaim to a vegetarian, insurer told

Dietary Habit Not Patient’s Fault: Consumer Body

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
Thakur: Will host 'grand Olympics' in Gujarat in future
The Times of India

Thakur: Will host 'grand Olympics' in Gujarat in future

Union sports minister Anurag Thakur on Sunday said Gujarat will host a “grand Olympics” sporting event in the future.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
Will restore old pension scheme in Guj: Kejriwal
The Times of India

Will restore old pension scheme in Guj: Kejriwal

He also urged government employees in the state to back AAP while promising implementation of the old pension scheme for them by January 31, 2022.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022