Work is the way to fulfil, read many Indian texts. But at times, this work makes life harder and more difficult. In the process, we even tend to forget and neglect those who are responsible for teaching us in the first place, the value of that work and the inherent beauty in it, that is, our parents.
In order to avoid situation and feeling like this, the Government of Assam, nay, the Assam Chief Minister conceived the idea of a two day ‘paid leave’ for employees, and legislators of the State so that they can spent quality time, away from the hustle and bustle of their public service, and with their parents.
Manab Deka, the MLA of 111 Lakhimpur Legislative Assembly Constituency told Asom Barta that even though he spends almost 15 days in a month in his constituency and therefore at his home, yet these two days were indeed special for him. “I get to spend more quality time with them knowing full well that these two days are meant for them,” he told this reporter.
“I realised the value of my parents when I lost my father in 2004. Hence, this out of the box and humane thinking of our Chief Minister made me realise the importance of the day and the need to be with parents. Times have changed, and because of the nature of work, we have been forced to stay away from our parents. Yet, arrangements like these bring back the charm,” he said.
“When I am home, my mother prepares a special delicacy for me. That is always special,” he told this newsletter over the phone.
The General Administration Department of the Government of Assam declared February 9 and 10 as special holidays under the Pitri Matri Bandana Scheme to enable employees, officers, and legislators to be with their parents wherever they are so that they all can spend quality time off from their duties with their parents (including in-laws). The process was executed through the help of a portal specially designed for the occasion.
Rupak Sarma, the MLA of Nagaon took to his Facebook page to share some of his private moments with his mother by visiting the Jagannath Temple in Puri. “Ever since I became a legislator, I realised that I was unable to spend quality time with her. I am happy and blessed,” he wrote of his experience.
