Meet Smitha, the mother who is constantly fighting for change

Smitha Gireesh spoke passionately for over two hours about children with disabilities and the lives of their mothers. In the middle of a conversation, she would suddenly become alert and leave the room to see her son. She is the eyes, ears and tongue of her little Ishan, 10 years old, who faces communication disorders. Even if Ishan was in the other room with his grandmother, Smitha would pay attention if she heard a noise or if the door was closed.

There are chances that Ishan left the room and behaved unpredictably. Smitha seemed to revolve around her beloved sun. She has been living this life for 10 years, without any interruption. However, this isn’t just about Smitha’s life. Many mothers, caring for children suffering from various ailments, live within the four walls of their homes. Some rarely go out or party with friends and family.

After getting to know many such mothers, Smitha, who is also a writer and lawyer, decided to speak and work for them too. She constantly calls on the government, through her writings and speeches, for better treatment and education for children suffering from such conditions, as well as better opportunities for their mothers to go out and work.

The birth of Ishan
Smitha was going through mental difficulties following the loss of her first baby after a stillbirth. But Ishan was pure joy and she didn’t notice anything unusual until she was two and a half years old. She noticed that he had minor communication difficulties and also showed signs of hyperactivity. Her husband Gireesh works in the Gulf. Smitha had to give up her dream job in the legal services to take care of Ishan.

Although she passed the initial exam, Smitha was unable to continue her studies. She even opened an office in Kunnamkulam to practice law. However, Smitha could not manage the office as she was often busy with Ishan’s education and treatment. She had a hard time when everyone blamed her for the boy’s condition, at least in the early years.

Smitha boldly faced these challenges by turning to writing, which had always accompanied her since childhood. She wrote three books on her mobile phone with Ishan by her side. Her extremely busy life did not deter her from writing and publishing Bohemian Republic, Kottayam Diary and Swapnamezhuthukari. (Her fourth book will be released soon.) This was indeed an incredible feat for someone who only started writing after age 40.

In 2019, Ishan was enrolled in Sir Rajasree Rama Varma School in Kunnamkulam. Smitha spent her days at school for an entire school year, tending to Ishan’s needs. It was at school that she wrote ‘Kottayam Diaries’, her widely read book. She had moved to Kottayam for a year when Ishan was admitted to the Jewel Therapy Center in Kottayam. The book contains anecdotes from his life in Kottayam. She writes about the people she met there and their experiences. Moreover, Ishan is also a major character in it.

Mothers’ struggles
Social life does not exist for mothers of children with special needs. They do not have the “freedom” to move around or enjoy life outside their homes. They hardly ever go to the cinema to see a film or for a family trip. Eating a meal outside or getting a good night’s sleep is foreign to them. Additionally, they have to give up their careers to care for their children.

Smitha says these women can only pursue a career if they have a great support system within their family. Smitha would have been a competent magistrate if only there was a reliable therapy center or special school where Ishan would be safe and happy. She walks hand in hand with Ishan towards a normal life by creating her own extremely vibrant world through her writings and social media activities.

Achieving this is not easy as it involves struggles and challenges. Smitha’s mother, Valsala Sasikumar, is a great source of support and strength. Her husband Gireesh is also extremely supportive. Smitha says not all mothers are blessed with such a supportive environment, mental strength or other physical abilities.

My world, mine
Smitha engages on social media whenever she manages to find some free time amidst all the household chores and taking care of Ishan. She believes in pursuing your own happiness and not compromising. Only then can you make your life and that of your children better and fulfilling.