Paintings of love to honour mums


Bonding over art: Jyvani (right) showing her mother the batik portrait of them that she painted as a gift. — LEONG WAI YEE/The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Their mothers once rocked the cradle, now these daughters are crafting heartfelt gifts by hand in tribute to Mothers Day.

Property manager Vanitha Vadivelu said she decided to paint a batik portrait for her mother, Kannagy Palanisamy, 76.

The artwork may not have been flawless but Vanitha said its imperfections made it even more personal as it was a reflection of life, family and unconditional love.

“This is my first time trying batik painting. It may not be perfect, but that is what makes it meaningful.

“Life itself is not perfect, yet the love between a mother and child remains beautiful,” said Vanitha, 45, when met at an event yesterday.

She said she was also glad to be able to paint alongside her children, saying that this made the experience even more truly special.

As a single mother raising three children, Dhanvyn Devindran, 16; Jyvani Devindran, 14; and Dakshan Devindran, 11, Vanitha said her own mother has long been the pillar of strength in their family.

“My mother is generous, kindhearted and always puts family first.

“We may have our disagreements sometimes, but she is still my best friend and the person I turn to whenever life becomes difficult,” she said.

She said she hoped that her own children would grow up having the same values shown by her mother.

For her daughter Jyvani, the batik painting experience was much more than simply completing a piece of art.

“It felt priceless because we were spending time together and creating something meaningful for grandma and mum.

“I was happy that I managed to complete the batik painting within two hours, but what mattered most was doing it together as a family,” she said.

Lawyer Sherene Lee, 40, said this year’s Mothers Day celebration carried a deeper meaning for her.

Instead of the usual outing or meal with her mother, Molly Heng, she chose to create something with her own hands.

“Usually, I would just take my mother out for a meal or a walk, but this feels more personal and memorable.

“I believe gifts made from the heart stay with mothers far longer because they show emotions and effort,” she said.

Lee said no amount of material gifts could truly repay a mother’s sacrifices.

“Mothers Day reminds us not to take our mothers for granted.

“It is not about how expensive the gift is, but whether our mothers feel appreciated, remembered and loved,” she added.

Batik Boutique staff member Hanim Nordin said the organiser hoped to continue inspiring family bonding through art, with a similar programme already being planned for Fathers Day next month.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Nation

INTERACTIVE: Climate woes brewing higher coffee bean prices
Pulau Banggi to get RM31mil special fund to develop island
Govt in AI-driven approach to tackle challenges, cut costs
Malaysia plans to breed and export rescue dogs
Better training needed to tackle smoking and vaping
Public urged to tighten rodent control over hantavirus worries
Demand for gifts to mums coming from more sons these days
Party looks beyond legacy
DAP’s ‘double standards’ criticised
Legal action likely over fake royal accounts, says Fahmi

Others Also Read