Maria Gomes, a "jewel mother" and example for Bangladesh
Dhaka (AsiaNews) - Educating 6 children despite poverty, encouraging them in education and work, by giving priority to their moral education: this is recipe put into practice by Maria Gomes, 71, who received the award "Ma Ratmagarva"("jewel mother" in bengali) from the hands of the President of the Parliament Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury (the first woman to hold this position and the youngest ever elected in the country). Along with Ms. Gomes 35 other women were awarded, all examples of selfless love for their family.
The award was presented on Mother's Day on May 11. Ms. Gomes is the only Catholic in the award-winning group, and a parishioner of St. Joseph's parish in Dhaka. Thanks to her efforts, all 6 children were able to attend college and are now established in various professional fields. The eldest, Prodip Stanley Gomes, is the administrative director of Caritas Bangladesh. The others work in non-governmental organizations, civil service and private enterprise.
Despite hardships and privations, the lady succeeded in her main goal: "As a child I was unable to finish my studies, but after marriage my husband and I both decided that our children would. We are both fanatical about education, and despite a very bad financial situation we always pushed our children to study. They were all talented. I not only provided my children academic education, but also moral education, that is why they make successes in their life".
The organizer of the award, Abul Kalam Azad, said: "Every mother is an artist, and this should be rewarded. A mother who forms her child properly helps to create a prosperous and peaceful society". The President of the Parliament concluded: "This initiative encourages mothers and make them aware of their importance. Without a mother not only a family, but the nation cannot sustain itself".
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