Don't be in a relationship for the sake of your children, Gokul Sreedhar wrote in a post celebrating his mother's second marriage.
When Kollam-based Gokul Sreedhar's mother Mini decided to marry again, it was a life changing moment.
Despite being in an abusive relationship, Mini -- a former teacher -- had endured it all for the sake of her son Gokul.
On June 11, 2019, the 23 year old wrote a heart warming post on Facebook (external link) congratulating his mother for everything she's done for him. And for finally being able to choose a life and future she truly deserves.
In his long post, Gokul (pictured left) urged everyone to stop being judgmental and critical of his mother's choice.
Originally written in Malayalam, the translated post reads thus:
'It was my mother's wedding. I pondered a lot over whether I should write such a post. Remarriage is still a taboo for many.'
'Don't look with eyes full of suspicion, contempt or hatred, and even if you do, there is no one here who would care.
'She is a woman who kept aside her life for me. In her marriage, which was a tragedy, she has suffered a lot.
'When I saw her once with blood oozing out from her forehead after being assaulted, I had asked her why she was still enduring it.
'I remember what Amma told me then, that she was living for me and that she was ready to endure more (for my sake).
'When I left that house holding my mother’s hand, I had vowed that day, that I will make this (her remarriage) happen.
'My mother who kept aside her youth for me has many dreams to achieve and heights to conquer. I have nothing more to say. I just didn't feel the need to keep this a secret.'
The post has since gone viral, with over 40,000 likes and 4,000 shares on Facebook.
Gokul who walked out of his father's home along with his mother, when he was in class 10, has a message for everyone who is in an abusive relationship.
'Don’t be in that relationship for the sake of your children.'
'Get out with them. At first they will question your decision, but after reaching an age when they understand how the world works, they will love and respect you,' he said.
