Meet Alaknanda Dasgupta, An Unapologetic Mother, Redefining Motherhood, Living Life On Her Own Terms

"Why is the woman or mother always compromising?" asks Alaknanda Dasgupta, an unapologetic mother who believes in living a life on her own terms. Dasgupta believes motherhood doesn't put an end to a mother's life and she shouldn't stop pursuing her dreams. With our Mother's Day special campaign, Good Mother Project, we intend to celebrate mothers like Alaknanda who don't give up to the society shaming women for their life goals.

Rarely you come across women like Dasgupta who inspire you to lead your life to the fullest, on your terms. Dasgupta's tale of taking the road less travelled is inspiring, to say the least. From being a Kathak exponent to an art motivator to a mother, Alaknanda dons many hats. Her will to live and perseverance to pursue her passion for Kathak made her perform at 15 shows in between six Chemotherapies. Alaknanda Dasgupta isn't the regular, sacrificial mother. She will inspire each mother out there to practice self care and hold to their identities.

We had a quick chat with Alaknanda Dasgupta and asked her to share her take on pressures of motherhood.

On Being A Mom

Speaking of being a mother, Dasgupta said, “I am very liberal with sons but strict too at the same time.” We also asked her what has been her hardest learning as a mother. She said, “Hardest learning is that your parents' parenting can’t be your parenting. Children are different, times are different and acceptance is different. So each mother has to deal with her kid differently with love, care and also strictness.”

On Mom Guilt

A lot of mothers experience mom guilt. The guilt comes from society's notion of a 'perfect mom'. This often makes mothers undergo anxiety. While a lot of women struggle through their lives to fit the set societal standards of an ideal mom, others don’t give two hoots about it and Alaknanda Dasgupta is one such mother. Speaking of mom's guilt, she said, “Yes! I did face guilt when I decided to be a single mom but I overcame this as I knew I wanted to give my children a happy home.”

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On Toxic Glorification Of Moms

Sacrifices of a mother are glorified, moms are put on a pedestal and the belief does more harm than good. The toxic glorification of a mom who manages it all puts unhealthy pressure on mothers. We asked Dasgupta for her take. She said, “Absolutely! Toxic glorification adds to the pressures on mothers to make them sacrifice goats. It’s a world of equality. Why is the woman or mother always compromising and very smartly the society uses its tools to make its needs meet.”

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On The Idea Of Being A Good Mother

Getting the ‘good mother’ label is another added pressure on moms. “No! The idea of a good mother is fictional and sometimes the children find her wrong. As they grow they have their ways. Society will always find ways to point out your fault and take up no responsibility. Mother should live her life with honest conscience, parenting, and also pursue her dreams. A strong mother will bring up strong individuals,” she shared her take on the idea of being a good mother.