The journey of motherhood is a life-altering experience that leaves an indelible mark on a woman's identity and outlook towards the world. For designers who have embraced motherhood, this transformative experience presents a distinctive set of opportunities and challenges, as they strive to balance the demands of their personal and professional spheres.
To further add to this intriguing dynamic, some mothers are blessed with daughters who have chosen to tread the same path, pursuing a career in design that runs in the family. Sujata Chitalwala, Principal Designer of Designers Group, reflects on her journey as both a mother and a professional in this context, elucidating the captivating experiences she has shared with her daughters, namely Ar. Alisha Chitalwala, Senior Associate Architect of Designers Group, and Ameera Chitalwala, a thriving entrepreneur.
To a mother, her children are a source of pride and happiness, and this sentiment is no different for Sujata, who finds great pride in Alisha’s & Ameera’s accomplishments, their creativity, and their insatiable thirst for knowledge.
"As a mother, I have had the pleasure of experiencing numerous magical moments with my daughters during our journey. From their initial unsteady steps and utterances to their subsequent achievements in mastering the skills of swimming and writing, from their elation upon receiving a commendable grade on an examination to their successful completion of graduation, each of these milestones elicited not only a sense of joy for them but also an equally exhilarating sensation for me,” Sujata expresses.
“As I now behold Alisha thriving in the creative industry, I am filled with an overwhelming sense of satisfaction and pride. It brings me great pleasure to know that she has inherited my passion for designing and is forging her unique path in this domain. Her unyielding efforts to expand the horizons of design and leave her imprint in the industry are a source of inspiration for me. Also, Ameera's steadfast dedication to succeed as an entrepreneur never fails to amaze me, and I feel a sense of pride in her for daring to take bold strides,” she adds.
Designers are often encumbered with protracted schedules, resulting in a quandary of effectively managing work and familial responsibilities. Moreover, mothers who are designers are confronted with the additional burden of nurturing their offspring, overseeing domestic affairs, and striving for a work-life equilibrium.
“Juggling with my career and family responsibilities, akin to any other working mother, has been a challenging yet rewarding experience," emphasises Sujata. "Motherhood is a journey of self-discovery, where one discovers that certain abilities and strengths come naturally, while others are honed through a process of continuous growth, adaptation, and learning in the face of tackling the demands of work and childcare," she elucidates.
The affection that a mother harbours towards her children is a love that transcends all conditions. Sujata, having nurtured two daughters who have excelled immensely in their respective vocations, has proven to be an unwavering source of fortitude for her progeny. As a mentor, confidante, pedagogue, and comrade, she has empowered her daughters to reach their greatest potential, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and aspirations.
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