She was born to a rich family in Chennai but educated up to the 3rd Form only (a lower standard of schooling during 1930s). Because girls were restricted from moving out of the house and they were taught to take care of the household chorus like cooking, washing, etc.. However, this girl had developed a keen interest in reading books and possessed an inquisitive mind.
She was married to a poor but stubborn sergeant serving in the Indian Air Force. Her husband was also a hardworking and honest man. As he was away for most of the time in a year, the burden of managing the house and raising the five children fell on his wife. Yes, she succeeded in giving a decent education to the children by putting all hardships and hard work single-handedly. However, she had a soft corner for the elder son as he was weak in both health and education. This resulted in her helping him by giving money and jewels for starting a business without the husband's knowledge.
The children got married in time after her husband retired from the military service. Life was moving smoothly until the elder son got embroiled in a police case. Her husband's health deteriorated rapidly due to the cancer, and he passed away sooner. The family pension was quite enough for the mother to lead a decent life.
The estate of the husband was disposed of, and the proceeds were settled among the family members: this was to enable the elder daughter and son get resources for their family. She stayed with her daughters and gave money to them and the elder son.
By the time she slipped into the twilight years, the bank balance diminished. The children that enjoyed the money and other benefits distanced from her as she was of no avail anymore. Nonetheless, the youngest son came to the rescue and afforded the possible care and support like shelter, health care, etc..
Still, she had been loving the children and started yearning that they would take care of her. However, that never happened. She suffered like anything due to the frustration and dejection from the inhuman behavior of those four selfish children. She went to the extent of saying 'Never inform them upon my death. Nothing should be given from my assets after my death.'
The saddest part of her life came in the end. Due to the persistent thoughts and worries about uncaring daughters and sons, she developed a restless mind. Eventually, she got afflicted with a mild dementia leading to the incoherent actions and attitudes. She underwent a surgery at the ripe 86 years to replace a fractured thigh bone. Though bedridden, her wandering mind again sought the glimpses of her unloving children. Owing to the poor health conditions and to have a change of air, she was moved to a health care centre. Within a fortnight, her soul departed from the frail body for the heavenly abode.
The name of this noble soul is Saraswathi aka Vijaylakshmi and her husband is A K Thulasingam.
We have several mothers living among us. Do respect and appreciate the dedication and love of Mother. That's what a mother desires to have from her children. During her lifetime. Mother is like a candle that sacrifices everything to shed light.