No words can ever express the power, the beauty and the heroism of mother’s love.
Made of deep devotion, endless sacrifice and pain, a mother’s love is not only selfless but also eternal. Nothing can destroy it or take it away. As they say – Mother’s love is so powerful that it can move mountains for her kids.
And the story of Vaidehi Ankolekar, a BEST bus conductor, makes you believe in the power of love.
Her inspiring story shows how mothers push themselves to make sure they give the best opportunity to their kids.
Recently when her son made to the Indian Under-19 cricket team for the Youth Asia Cup in Sri Lanka, Vaidehi couldn’t have been prouder of 18-year-old. But knowing how Vaidehi overcame life challenges to make sure her son Atharva scale new heights, we feel she need to be prouder of herself.
When Atharva was only nine years old, his father Vinod died. After Vinod’s death, Vaidehi raised her son single-handedly but definitely it wasn’t easy.
After the death of her husband, Vaidehi was left alone to struggle.
Though she was struggling, she ensured that her son never gives up on his dream. She decided to buckle up and do everything that it takes to make not only her son’s but also her husband’s dream come true.
Recalling her initial challenges, she shared with DNA how she never gave up on her son’s dreams,
“My husband Vinod was a conductor in BEST and the only earning member in the family. His death left me helpless and I began giving tuition at my home with my friend’s help.
Later, I was luckily given my husband’s job. I grateful to BEST, because of it, I could fulfill my son’s dream.”
As the news of his selection spread on Wednesday, her family and close relatives and friends couldn’t stop applauding her courage and determination. So, far she has received around 40,000 congratulatory text messages.
“I have received messages from other BEST staffers and relatives. I am really grateful to all of them; it’s a proud moment for me,”
Vaidehi is posted at Marol Bus depot, and her daily route is on Bus Number 186 (Agarkar Chowk to Vihar Lake) and 340 (Ghatkopar Station to Agarkar Chowk).
At I FOR HER, we are in awe of Vaidehi’s undying spirit as she refused to give up to her circumstances. She left no stone unturned in making her son realise his dreams.
Her story is an inspiration for every parent who is struggling with life situations, but wants to support her kids in living their dreams!