Adi Shankara, Vivekananda and Ramakrishna Paramahamsa attained exalted positions only due to the sacred feelings of their mothers. Gandhiji’s pure and loving mother had a maidservant named Rambha, who looked after children with love and care. One day, Gandhi came running to her and told that he was haunted by fear. Rambha said, “My dear child, where is the need to fear when all-protecting Ramachandra is with us always. Recite the Name of Rama whenever you are fear-stricken.” Since then, Gandhi chanted the name of Rama and did so till his last breath. The reason for My telling you all these examples is to emphasise that women and mothers have noble and sacred feelings. Since time immemorial, women are the repositories of truth and culture. Children take to the path of righteousness because of noble women. November 19 is celebrated as the Ladies’ Day so that you delve deep into the sacred qualities of women and treat them with respect.

- Divine Discourse, Nov 19, 2000.