More Than ‘Ma’: Meet 5 Women Who Found Joy Beyond Family Roles

How often have you witnessed your mother take time to pursue a passion — whether it was one she cherished before marriage and motherhood, or one she dreamed of pursuing afterwards?

Throughout history, mothers have devoted themselves entirely to nurturing their families, often putting their dreams and desires on hold. While this commitment is admirable, it can sometimes lead to a lack of personal fulfilment. Hobbies provide a vital outlet, offering mothers a chance to indulge in their passions, explore their identities, and find joy beyond their caregiving roles.

This Mother’s Day, we share stories of five remarkable women who are redefining the narrative of motherhood by pursuing hobbies that ignite their passion.

1. Mukta Singh – A confident model in her 60s

In her early sixties, Mukta Singh challenges societal norms by embracing her grey hair and embarking on a modelling career. Despite harsh online criticism, she remains confident.

“Instead of adhering to stereotypes suggesting I shouldn’t care about being stylish at my age, I aim to demonstrate that I still take pride in myself. It’s about self-worth and self-esteem,” she says.

Confronting societal expectations for women her age wearing red lipsticks or bright clothing, she asserts, “A woman is often expected to care for the family, but not at the cost of neglecting herself. Appearance and health impact a woman’s sense of self-worth.”

2. Subha Surianarayanan – A travel companion

Age poses no barrier for Subha, who is her son S Venkatesh’s travel companion. At 63, she has travelled across Chandigarh, Amritsar, Shimla, Manali, Jaipur, Goa, Ladakh, Gulmarg, Dalhousie, and Dharamshala.

Their Ladakh trip holds special memories, planned as a birthday surprise for Subha. “We cut the birthday cake on Pangong Lake,” Venkatesh recalls, highlighting how they made do with a plum tea cake and a debit card serving as a makeshift knife due to the remote location.

Remarkably, Subha has taken on more adventurous activities than many young people. In Goa, she tried parasailing, and later ziplining in Gulmarg. “I’m happy my son takes me on these adventures. I’m just being me, doing what I love.”

To fellow seniors unsure about adventure, she advises, “You are more than what you think. Confidence comes from within. Take the leap of faith, and things will turn out well.

3. Seema Warrier – At 52, Royal Enfield is her travel mate

Seema (52) is a special needs educator who always dreamt of motorcycling but never pursued it. She’d often photograph herself on bikes, yearning for the experience. A turning point marked when, for her 49th birthday, her husband gifted her a Royal Enfield Meteor 350, endearingly named ‘Pumpkin.’

This gift inspired Seema to finally embrace her passion. To build her confidence, she practised at Wayanad’s hairpin bends.

In 2023, Seema’s journey faced a setback when she fractured her wrist after dozing off while riding. Despite advice to sell her bike, she remained resolute. Encouraged by her doctor and rigorous physiotherapy, she returned to riding and embarked on a Ladakh expedition within three months.

“Motherhood is such a warm, fuzzy, fulfilling experience, and yet deep underneath there could be silent embers of frustration simmering because willingly or unwillingly we mothers tend to put our dreams and aspirations on the back burner without realising that there’s no end to responsibilities. Later in life, when the chaos finally settles and dies down, there’s hardly any more time left for us!” says Seema.

“Luckily for me, my loved ones understand this urge to break free to regroup myself and are willing to let me fly, with or even without a safety net! Now that’s liberating, isn’t it?” she adds.

Seema reflects, “Riding has given me confidence and strength. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

4. Sudha Chandranarayan: Turns food dishes into magnets

Chennai-based Sudha has mastered the art of creating miniature clay food models. Along with her daughter Neha, she crafts popular Indian dishes, like maggi, pani puri, and vada pav, as intricate fridge magnets or keychains, bringing joy to recipients.

Sudha’s dedication has attracted large orders from across India, Singapore, Malaysia, and the USA. “Art has always been my passion, and crafting is my life. Not a single day goes by without creating something. Since food is something that can bring joy, we are giving people pieces that they can cherish,” says Sudha.

5. Sharda Godara: Making a miniature real-life garden

Using props like miniature bullock carts, swans, small nests of birds, rural women dolls, Christmas bells, hedges, wooden chairs, huts, and more, Sharda makes unique miniature tray gardens — a smaller version of a real-life garden.

More than a hobby, creating mini tray gardens is a way for the 55-year-old to deal with her loneliness. Sharda promised herself she would create her own miniature gardens when her kids grew up. After her children left home for higher studies and jobs, she had all the time for herself. 

She missed her children and unleashed her thoughts and loneliness into creative tray gardens. “I made a tray garden where I showed how my kids are now oceans apart from me. I missed their presence, especially during festivals. Some people express their emotions through painting and poetry, I showcase it in my tray gardens,” she adds.

These mothers prove that passion doesn’t fade with age or responsibility — it just waits for a chance to bloom. This Mother’s Day, let their stories remind you: it’s never too late to choose yourself.

Edited by Vidya Gowri

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