A mother is a guide and friend to her children. For some, she is also their inspiration. Ahead of Mother’s Day, Namita Panda talks to mothers and daughters who follow in their footsteps

Pratibha Satpathy and Paramita Satpathy, authors

The writer duo shares a bond of friendship that includes watching movies and travelling together. “I am more of a friend than a mother with Paramita. Both of us love watching movies and exploring new places,” said Pratibha who treasures memories made with her daughter during trips to several literary awards, on in and outside the country.
Paramita feels she will always remain indebted to her mother. “She has sacrificed a lot and is my inspiration and guide. I am amazed by her grasp on Odia literature and often take her advice while writing. She has even named many of my books,” said the young author.

Tanmay Dhuli, Nimishe Akshara and Adha Adha Nakshatra are some works by her mother that Paramita loves to read. 

“Watching my mother receive literary awards makes me immensely proud. She is an ocean of knowledge and I would be extremely grateful if I can achieve a fraction of what she has achieved,” the daughter said.

Sujata Mohapatra and Preetisha Mohapatra, Odissi dancers

While Sujata is known as perfection on stage, her teenaged daughter Preetisha is making a mark already by earning praise for her performances.

“Growing a daughter has been a wonderful experience. But I worry for her because the society is becoming more insecure for women. However, despite finding little time to spend with her owing to my responsibilities 
to Odissi and Guruji’s (Odissi exponent Kelucharan Mohapatra, Sujata’s father-in-law) legacy, I have ensured she understands the society and knows right from wrong,” she said.

“I want her to be a person who everybody loves,” said the mother, adding that she doesn’t need to be a strict teacher at all.

Preetisha said: “She plays both roles (mother and teacher) very well and I am really proud of her. As a kid I used to miss her during her tours but my grandfather helped me understand this and now I used to her being not around.” 

Pushpa Panda and Anubha Shourya, actors

If Pushpa was known for her serious and intense roles, Anubha often comes on screen as a vivacious and bubbly teenager. Off screen, both are full of fun and humour.
“We call each other ‘babe’ and we spend all our free time together. We go shopping and eat out often,” said Pushpa, adding she had always wanted a daughter and she has loved every moment of life with Anubha.
“We fight like sisters and vow never to talk to each other again. But this lasts for a couple of hours at most,” said 
Anubha.

However, they don’t talk a lot about cinema. “I did not want her to do films but never forced my views on her. She is passionate about it and is even a judge on a TV reality show. She is doing well and has also completed her engineering and so, I have no complains,” Pushpa said.

Anubha said: “My mother advises me on who to trust and who to not in the industry,” she said.