TV
As families in India undergo dramatic transformations due to urbanisation, migration, and dual-income households, grandmothers have quietly emerged as the unifying thread. Often overlooked in modern Mother's Day celebrations, these women are increasingly playing pivotal roles, not only as caretakers but also as cultural transmitters, emotional anchors, and financial contributors.
From bustling metros to small towns, grandmothers are stepping in to raise grandchildren while parents are away at work. "She wakes up before anyone else, packs our tiffins, and still finds time to help with homework," says 14-year-old Anaya from Pune about her 72-year-old dadi. In homes where domestic help is hard to retain or afford, grandmothers provide not just free labour but a depth of wisdom that no hired caretaker can match.
Custodians of Language and Culture
In multicultural households, grandmothers ensure that children remain rooted in their heritage. They teach regional languages, share folk tales, and pass down culinary traditions. In joint families, this function is especially vital. “Without my mother, my son would never have learnt Malayalam. She made it fun, with rhymes and riddles,” says Radhika Menon, a marketing executive in Delhi.
Emotional and Financial Support
Beyond childcare, grandmothers are also stepping up emotionally and even financially. Pensioners contribute to household incomes, while widowed or retired women frequently take charge of household management. Their emotional presence offers a sense of stability and continuity, especially in families facing separation or divorce.
As India celebrates Mother’s Day, it is time to widen the frame. Grandmothers are not just mothers once removed, they are everyday heroes preserving harmony, values, and love in the Indian home.
