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| Mariamma, Azhakath House, Manimala, Kottayam |
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For village-bred Mariamma, the visit to Bangalore to receive the honour of being the best mother-in-law was a sweet surprise that still lingers. In fact all she did was to treat her daughter-in-law just like her own daughter, and the curious neighbours who saw the bond between the two, informed the Guild of Women Achievers, Bangalore, who finally selected her for the honour.
Widow Mariamma had 2 children, a son and a daughter. Though both married and had children, they did not live long. Thus Mariamma was left with the presence of a daugter-in-law Marikutty and a son-in-law George. Mariamma got an idea to cement the bonds of family by marrying these two in-laws. And thus did Marikutty become her daughter-in-law twice over.
The neighbourhood is pleasantly surprised by the warm relationship between the two. According to them, the duo is always together, while going to church or to hospital, or even while bathing the child. If a neighbour offers a plantain to the old lady, she would insist on a second one for the daughter-in-law.
Mariamma’s recipe for good family includes sharing love, treating daughter-in-law like a daughter, insist on doing one’s personal work without depending on others, etc.
It was with a little trepidation that Mariamma received the invitation to receive the award at Bangalore, for she was unfamiliar with the ways of the cities. Language was another problem. But in the end everything turned out well.
She sums up her observations thus: "if we do good to others, God will surely lead us with Good Light.”
Courtesy: Manu Prathap, Kanyaka, November 30, 2000
Contributed by: Administrator
