Honoring Mom's Legacy: Building a Charm of Hummingbirds

Two years ago, I lost the most remarkable woman of my life- my mother, Raj Laxmi Gaur. In her memory, to process my grief towards gratitude, and to honour her enduring legacy, I founded Mission Hummingbirds in 2023 , a movement to #FindFosterFund women and young girls around the globe to become champions of community rights. While I am doing this work along with doing all the other spaces I engage in, I wake up trying to remind myself why I am doing what I am doing.

Today, I want to share a note I read in Hindi at her memorial, a poignant reflection of her life lessons and the values she instilled in us as three daughters and many women and young women she touched. Her words continue to guide and inspire me, and they hold profound wisdom for all of us.

Four Plus One: The Guiding Principles of Raj Laxmi Gaur

1. Kindness and Compassion: "Never think, speak, or act ill of anyone." This was my mother's most cherished teaching. We would often tease her, calling her "Baba Amte," a renowned Indian humanitarian known for his compassion and selfless service. This lesson has deeply shaped my life, reminding me to always approach others with empathy and understanding.
2. Selfless Giving: "Always extend your hand to give, not to receive." My mother's life was an embodiment of selfless giving. When I started earning, she guided me with these words, instilling in me the importance of giving without expecting anything in return. These words remain etched in my heart, a constant reminder of the power of generosity.
3. Empowered Women Create Spaces: "Girls are no less than anyone else; the world just makes them feel that way." My mother never let us feel inferior. She believed society often underestimates girls, and her mission was to empower us to break free from these limitations. She emphasised the importance of confidence, financial independence, love, humanity, and empathy as powerful tools for women to thrive.
4. Resilience in the Face of Adversity: "Don't be afraid of hard work; everyone faces struggles in life." Whenever I felt discouraged or exhausted, these words would echo in my mind. Once, when I dropped my French classes, she gently reminded me, "How could you give up? You've never shied away from hard work." Her words instilled in me the value of perseverance and the belief that our efforts never go in vain.
5. Self-Care and Balance: "Plus One - something she didn't say but we learned by observing." While she never explicitly addressed this, her actions spoke volumes. She taught us the importance of balancing our responsibilities towards others with self-care and personal fulfillment. She encouraged us to find time for activities that brought us joy and rejuvenation, recognizing that our well-being is essential for effectively serving others.

A Legacy of Love and Inspiration; Grief to Gratitude

My mother epitomised courage, wisdom, and love for me and many other people around her. Her smile radiated warmth, her voice carried comfort, and her pride in our achievements was boundless. Her keen observation skills and nurturing nature were unparalleled. Words cannot fully express the depth of her impact on our lives.

As I continue to build Mission Hummingbirds, I carry her legacy close to my heart. Her teachings, love and compassion are a guiding light, inspiring me to create spaces where women and young women are inspired to become and grow as changemakers in their communities. By supporting and resourcing women like her, I continue to carry her vision ahead.

I invite you to join me in honoring her memory by embracing her values of kindness, compassion, empowerment, resilience, and self-care. Follow Mission Hummingbirds and support me as I aim to build something beautiful. Together, we can create a world where every hummingbird human can soar to their full potential. If you are keen to discuss this work, reach out at [email protected] .

Slow and steady, we are off to a great start. We have supported more than 15 women and young women from 8 countries. A website is under works. Our Social Media is growing. I am just humbled by the warm support community around me is offering. As I do this from my own resources, I am happy to see people believing in the vision. Its for a wider good.

But to me, it is so personal as well. Grief to gratitude.

#MissionHummingbirds #RajLaxmiGaur #EmpoweringWomen #CommunityRights #Legacy #HonoringMothers

Ruchi Kaushik (Gaur) Pallavi Gaur