In a world of remarkable women, my mother stands out as the most inspiring figure in my life. Her contributions may not be celebrated on a grand stage, but they mean a lot to me. She has been a constant source of strength, wisdom and love, shaping not only my life but also the lives of those around her. Through her dedication, resilience, and selflessness, she has become my heroine. This assignment is a tribute to her journey, her contributions, and why she holds such a special place in my heart. My mother has not done great things but her small contributions in her capacity also reveal a lot about her as a person, her struggles in life and how she has overcome them, also speak about her personality thus making her a heroine in my eyes.
I have obtained consent from my mother to share her story while ensuring that her identity remains protected. I will refer to her as Rose Fernandes. She requested anonymity because she has always believed in helping others without seeking recognition. Fernandes was born and raised in a village in Colva, as one of nine siblings. She had six sisters and three brothers, and growing up in such a large family meant they always had to be mindful of their expenses. In a conversation with her, she shared how she often wore hand-me-down clothes from her older sisters, never once complaining. Despite having only three pairs of dresses to wear to college, she never let these challenges hinder her pursuit of education or her dreams for a better future.
At home, Fernandes had many responsibilities. After school, she would help her parents with household chores and assist her mother in the fields during the evenings. Yet, despite these demands on her time and energy, she consistently excelled in her studies. She always ranked second in her class and was highly praised by her teachers. This ability to balance academic success with her household duties demonstrates her incredible determination, resilience and time management skills.
Her journey didn’t stop there. Today, she is a teacher, a position she earned through sheer perseverance. Her job allowed her to achieve financial independence and with this newfound independence, she took on the responsibility of supporting her family. Fernandes not only helped her parents but also provided financial assistance for her siblings’ education, as by then her father passed away and the burden of the family was on the mother alone. So she broke the traditional gender roles at a very young age. Her story is one of hard work, dedication, and the courage to rise above societal expectations, which has shaped her into the independent and strong woman she is today.
One story she shared with me involved a time when she was searching for a permanent job. She was already teaching on a contract basis when she received a call from a headmaster asking her to come for an interview in the evening. He also told her not to bring anyone along, which raised suspicion in her mind. Sensing that something was off, she boldly confronted him, threatening to report the matter if his intentions were inappropriate. This courage made him apologize for his comment. Even though she was a young woman seeking employment in a challenging environment, she demonstrated the strength to stand up for herself.
Another story from her youth reflects her compassion and quick thinking. While playing with her friends in a field, a young boy fell into a ditch and was badly injured. This was a time when there were no phones, so communication was difficult. The boy’s bicycle was at the scene, but none of her friends knew how to ride it. Fernandes, however, took the initiative and rode the bicycle, even though she didn’t fully know how to ride it and went to inform his parents. This act of bravery showed her ability to step up in a crisis, a trait that continues to define her today.
At the age of thirty-five, she had an arthritis stroke and was bedridden for at least a year. Many doctors advised her to leave her job, saying she would never fully recover. But Fernandes stayed strong, determined to regain her health and return to teaching. Her persistence paid off and she eventually rejoined her school. As a teacher, she goes the extra mile to help students who are struggling academically, particularly those who cannot afford tuition classes. She used to take extra classes after school for these students, showing her dedication to ensuring that everyone has a fair chance at success.
One moment that left a lasting impression on me was when I was walking on the streets of Margao along with her and a young man approached her, reminding her that she had helped him financially during his schooling years long years ago. He used to come from a poor background and she had secretively supported him. I hadn’t known this until that day and it was then that I realized how generous and giving my mother was.
What I admire most is that she helps without seeking any recognition. Even when walking down the streets, she always gives something to beggars, doing so quietly and without expecting praise. We have a maid who comes to work for two hours on weekdays and even when she leaves, my mother often gives her something for her children. If she asks our maid to do any extra work, she makes sure to pay her fairly for it. Unlike many, she never exploits those who work for her, always treating them with dignity and fairness.
Another thing I deeply respect is that she will fight for her rights. For example, my father didn’t want her to drive a car, but my mother always wanted to learn. She stood up for herself, enrolled in driving school and learned to drive on her own. She refused to be suppressed and moved forward toward her own independence. Even in small acts, such as buying vegetables from hawkers, she shows respect for their hard work. She never bargains with them, acknowledging the effort that goes into their labour.
Through all these experiences, my mother has taught me important lessons. She has shown me that true strength isn’t in big gestures but in quietly persevering, caring for others and maintaining your dignity. Her life shows me that challenges aren’t barriers but opportunities to grow. She has also taught me that kindness, when given selflessly, has the power to make a difference in people’s lives. Most importantly, she has shown me that no matter what, you must stand up for what you believe in and fight for your independence. In every role she plays, whether as a daughter, sister, teacher, mother, or community member, my mother shows resilience, compassion, and strength. Her ability to balance all these roles while always helping others is what makes her my heroine. She has shaped me into who I am today, and her life is a powerful example of how to live with courage, kindness, and integrity. For that, she will always be my heroine.
~ Written By a Goa University student
