9 Life Lessons My Indian Mom Never Said Out Loud but Taught Me Anyway
Indian moms: the ultimate ninjas of subtle life lessons. Call her that and give her the context, she will be so full of flex after this. There is something about Indian moms that screams ‘lesson given’ without even uttering a word. The best part is that she knows it.
They never need to say a word, and yet, we’re somehow magically schooled in the art of living. We know you must be thinking about it all now. Growing up desi, we’ve all been privy to those raised eyebrows, pointed looks, and strategic silences – and each one of those melodramatic scenes serves as one masterclass in life skills.
From mastering the ancient art of “maa ka khana” (read – the ultimate comfort food) to navigating the complex web of family dynamics, our moms have a way of imparting wisdom without ever opening their mouths. Also, what is with her ‘haath ka khana’ and why does it not taste the same when we try making it or when someone else does it for us? Is it really our love for her? Is love that blind? Well, not complaining if it is!
It’s as if they possess a secret language, one that only reveals itself through the subtle art of eyebrow-raising or eye rolling, door-slamming, and – of course – the occasional “arrey beta”.
In this post, we’ll decode some of these unspoken life lessons that Indian moms teach us, often without us even realising it. From the importance of food as love to the art of multitasking like a pro, these lessons might not be explicitly stated, but they’re etched in our minds (and hearts) forever.
So, let’s take a trip down memory lane and appreciate the unsung wisdom of our desi moms. Also, go tell her thank you for all these and stop being so proud!
- Multi-tasking is real and essential
Watching our Indian mom juggle a zillion tasks at once was like witnessing a perfectly choreographed dance. We are not even kidding about this, and it is surely relatable to each one of you. From cooking dinner to getting up early for others in the family, all while keeping an eye on the neighbours, she’s a one-woman show!
It’s like she has a PhD in Multitasking. And somehow, amidst all the chaos, she still manages to take care of us. This desi superpower has rubbed off on me. Although I am very far from her level of doing several tasks at once but boy am I amazed and inspired! I want to be her, but also want to have some ‘me time’, unlike her.
- There is power in routine
My Indian mom’s daily routine was a symphony of precision. Right from her morning puja to evening chai, every moment has its place. Somehow, she can manage it all, every single day. Here I am finding it tough to manage my skin care, workout and work routine, and she is doing so many more things (a lot of my things), without making it look tough.
This routine wasn’t just about schedules, it was about finding peace and productivity in repetition. I’ve since adopted this philosophy, finding comfort in the rhythm of daily life. I understand now that not every day can be filled with newness, and that is okay. Now, when life gets chaotic, I remind myself of Ma’s routine and how she does it repetitively. Routine is indeed a powerful tool!
- Selflessness goes a long way
Mothers are the epitome of selflessness. My mom has never boasted about the fact that she is selfless, but her everyday act proves that. I always wonder if I could be half of what she is, my life would be complete. But, even my thoughts do not support me, lol!
My Indian mom’s selflessness was a quiet lesson in putting others first. She’d sacrifice her own needs, often without a word, to ensure our happiness. She still gives that extra roti to me and my family, she sacrifices so many of her clothes for my DIY projects, all these while smiling.
I’d notice her serving guests with a smile, never expecting anything in return. This selfless love taught me the value of kindness and generosity. She reminds me how peaceful and strong she is.
- Jugaad >> Everything
Indian Moms have a superpower, and that is having a jugaad for everything. If you are having any last-minute panic attacks because of any major (or minor inconvenience), she will be there to fix it with her pro-level juggad that doesn’t even come to your mind. “Jugaad >> Everything”
With a few clever tweaks and some creative problem-solving, she’d turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. You know it, I am not making it up! Whether it was stretching a tight budget or repurposing household items, Mumma’s jugaad skills were unmatched. It’s a valuable lesson that’s served me well, and I’m grateful for her influence. It makes me more desi than I am. Jugaad girl, forever!
- Silence is deadly
I would always wonder why my mom is silent in the places where she should speak up. But growing up, I have understood that she is only silent in the places where her voice or thoughts do not matter. She holds her ground with grace and does not waste her opinions or thoughts where she knows ‘things don’t matter’.
I have seen her arguing with dad on the correct things, I have seen voicing an opinion while shopping, I have seen giving strong suggestions to our close family members, I have seen her making great budgeting for our family, and I have also seen taking us to the doctors and explaining things to the T. You see, everything said at the correct places! This taught me that silence is deadly and matters the most in the places that don’t matter to you.
- Savings come in handy in an emergency
My Indian mom’s frugal wisdom was a masterclass in saving for a rainy day. Her mantra? “Save for the future, beta.” I never understood this before, but once I turned an adult, started earning my own money, and responsibilities cooked upon me, I understood the importance of savings. It is because of her that I want to save and even invest.
Her practical savings lesson taught me the value of financial prudence and planning. Thanks, Ma, for instilling this crucial life skill! I owe this talent to her. Not only did she tell me this, but she also showed me this in real time
- Tupperware is currency
I failed to understand the obsession of Indian moms with their Tupperware. Why the hell was it so important for her that none of the Tupperware go missing, and why does each piece have to have its lid with it? Now that I am an adult and I have a life of my own, I understand her obsession. Well, these containers are expensive, and you cannot afford to lose them here and there.
The worst part is when relatives borrow these and do not return them. My mother always got furious about it, and we made fun of her. Karma has, however, served, and I have started my best Tupperware collection from there, no matter how close they are to me.
- Grocery shopping can be fun
My Indian mom turned grocery shopping into a full-blown production. She would take me along with her, and I would never enjoy it. The markets were her stage, and she’d perform with gusto, expertly navigating the stalls and vendors. I’d watch, mesmerised, as how can she negotiate so much and get the best deals, every damn time.
These outings taught me that grocery shopping isn’t just about buying food – it’s about experiencing the sights, sounds, and flavours of the culture. Now, I approach grocery shopping with a similar enthusiasm and make sure to bag the best deals because there is always room for some savings.
- There’s no such thing as ‘too much ghar ka khana’
My Indian mom’s cooking was legendary, and her mantra was simple: “Ghar ka khana is always the best.” She still feeds me till I’m stuffed. No matter if I am on a diet or not, she keeps believing that ‘ghar ka khan has no calories’.
Now that I can have access to some of the top nutritionists and articles from the best people, I know that she was right all along. Home-cooked food is always the healthiest and does not have high calories, if eaten correctly!
Conclusion
Happy Mother’s Day to all the fabulous moms out there! You all are amazing. You all are unique and still the same. How come all of your love language (to love and spoil us) is also the same? As we celebrate these special women, let’s give it up for the masters of subtlety, the sultanas of sass, and the queens of multitasking.
To our Indian moms, thank you for teaching us life’s greatest lessons, often without saying a word. You see, we coined ‘often’ here because most of the time you are anyway screaming at us. But, we are not complaining, we love you to the moon and back. Thank you for making us who we are!
So, here’s to our moms: may your Mother’s Day be filled with love, laughter, and a healthy dose of guilt-tripping (just kidding, kind of). We love you, Ma! And to all the kids out there, don’t forget to call your mom today (and every day). Trust us, she’s been waiting for that call!”
Indian moms: the ultimate ninjas of subtle life lessons. Call her that and give her the context, she will be so full of flex after this. There is something about Indian moms that screams ‘lesson given’ without even uttering a word. The best part is that she knows it. They never need to say a…