“Giving Birth Doesn’t Automatically Make You a Mother”: Renowned Author on the Real Meaning of Motherhood

Renowned author Acharya Prashant recently shared his candid views on motherhood during a session, sparking discussions about what truly makes a woman a good mother. According to him, simply conceiving or giving birth does not automatically transform a woman into a nurturing parent—it is a profound responsibility that goes far beyond biology.

Can a Mother Be “Unfit”?
During an Instagram session, a young woman asked, “Sir, we often hear that a son can be ‘unworthy,’ but can a mother be unfit?” Acharya Prashant responded, “Absolutely. Just because a woman gives birth doesn’t mean she can’t be an unfit mother. In fact, many mothers may not live up to the ideal we imagine.”

Childbirth Does Not Make One Divine
Prashant emphasized that giving birth alone does not make a woman a “divine mother.” “All animals conceive, so why should being a good mother be considered such an easy achievement? Simply having sex, becoming pregnant, and giving birth does not suddenly make someone a goddess or a perfect parent,” he said. He urged the young woman to reflect on whether society’s glorified notion of motherhood truly aligns with reality.

The Child’s Future Is in the Mother’s Hands
He further explained that a child’s entire future rests in the hands of the mother. A woman may transform from being carefree to being called “Mother,” but her responsibilities remain substantial. If the woman herself is not mature or responsible, the child’s well-being may be at risk.

Being a Good Person First
According to Acharya Prashant, the foundation of being a good mother lies in being a good human being. “If a woman is not grounded, thoughtful, and responsible, she cannot fulfill the duties of a good mother,” he explained. He highlighted that society often overlooks this truth, assuming that motherhood automatically bestows wisdom or virtue.

Motherhood Is a Great Responsibility
Prashant concluded by reminding everyone that motherhood is not merely a social or biological status—it is a significant responsibility. To truly be a good mother, a woman must first cultivate her own character, values, and humanity.