Panaji
Motherhood often comes with an array of questions that rarely have straightforward answers. How do you nurture a child while pursuing a demanding career? What does success look like when you prioritise your kids and a career?
Across Goa, working mothers are redefining what it means to balance career and family with grace and grit. Take Chef Pratiksha Dessai, a faculty chef at Kamaxi College of Culinary Arts (KCCA) in Verna, who believes motherhood is about passionately navigating both worlds while staying present in the moment, whether at home or at work. “Balancing motherhood with a demanding culinary career is a challenge, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. My children are my greatest source of inspiration,” she says.
Her children, Grishma and Kavya act as a driving force in her life. “They remind me daily of the importance of love, patience and creativity. I prioritise quality over quantity when it comes to family time, making sure the moments we share are meaningful. It’s about being present wherever I am, fully engaged at work and fully connected at home. It’s not always perfect, but the balance comes from passion, planning, and a lot of heart.” she adds.
Chan Yangya handles the operations at The Shop, an eco-conscious fashion brand with branches across Goa. For her, motherhood is not a separate identity from her profession; rather, it’s interwoven. “Motherhood has shaped every part of who I am; at home, work and the world”, Chan says. “It’s taught me balance, patience and purpose. My children inspire me daily to grow, lead by example, and build a meaningful future.” Chan’s approach to motherhood reflects a growing recognition that success doesn’t have to mean sacrifice, her family doesn’t compete with her career; they complete it.
Being a working mother in a demanding field has presented unique challenges for Dr Maneka Fernandes, a consultant pediatrician and neonatologist at Healthway Hospitals, Old Goa. Balancing the unpredictable needs of young children with the demanding schedule of a medical professional has often required her to make difficult choices. There have been times when she’s had no option but to bring her children to the hospital, finding ways to adapt while ensuring that both her patients and her children receive the care and attention they need.
Motherhood, she says, has profoundly transformed her perspective on success. “While I once viewed professional milestones as the primary measure, I now believe success lies in showing up fully for both my patients and my children. Career is a part of my life, not life entirely,” Dr Fernandes reflects. Although her professional goals remain unchanged, motherhood has taught her to slow down, be present, and trust that with time, support, and resilience, she will accomplish everything she has set out to achieve, both as a doctor and as a mother.
Sharada Kerkar, Director of Museum of Goa (MOG), doesn’t hesitate when asked about her mother, Savita Kerkar, the most powerful influence in her life. A professor of microbiology and biotechnology at Goa University, her mother’s dedication goes far beyond the classroom’s four walls.
Her mother is the embodiment of strength to Sharada Kerkar. She mentions: “Mamma is a symbol of strength and hard work and teaches me to never give up in the worst of times.”
Ahead of Mother’s Day, it is worth acknowledging the incredible strength and quiet resilience of working mothers who continue to redefine what success looks like.
