My mother's determination and perseverance has taught me to hold on till the last breath. She would keep trying at something and wouldn't give up easily.

This mommy career break soon revealed its true magnitude. My friends who weren't moms and had stellar careers couldn't believe the barriers faced by mothers who wanted to return to work.

When an illness meant I could not work as usual, my love of poetry inspired by my mother's love of poetry helped me set up Promising Poetry.

Suddenly, a whole new world opened before me, and before I knew it, there I was, ensconced as her assistant at Hari Sri school, sitting by her, learning the ropes all over again.

“Financial independence is a must for everyone, especially women if you want an equal partnership in marriage. Lifespan and relationships do not come with a guarantee," my mother had said.