Skip to content

I was a welfare worker for the Indian Council for Child…

“I was a welfare worker for the Indian Council for Child Welfare. I'll tell you a story. Rajiv was only four years old at that time, and was going to kindergarten. One day the mother of one of his little friends came to see us and said in a sugary voice, 'Oh, it must be so sad for you to have no…” quote by Indira Gandhi
Download Open image
“I was a welfare worker for the Indian Council for Child Welfare. I'll tell you a story. Rajiv was only four years old at that time, and was going to kindergarten. One day the mother of one of his little friends came to see us and said in a sugary voice, 'Oh, it must be so sad for you to have no time to spend with your little boy!' Rajiv roared like a lion: 'My mother spends more time with me than you spend with your little boy, see! Your little boy says you always leave him alone so you can play bridge!' I detest women who do nothing and they play bridge.”

Indira Gandhi

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The speaker recounts a child's sharp retort highlighting parental neglect, using humor to criticize women who prioritize leisure over child care.

In simple terms: A child mocked a mother for spending time playing bridge instead of caring for her son.

Key Takeaway

Value time spent with children over idle pastimes.

Themes

parenting gender roles social critique humor

Mood

ironic critical

Type

social family

When to use this quote

  • parental responsibility
  • social expectations
  • child advocacy

Key Concepts

child development family dynamics cultural expectations

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do societal expectations shape parental duties?
  • What impact does leisure have on family life?
A Different Perspective

The anecdote may oversimplify complex family dynamics.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Indira Gandhi

Explore all 290 Indira Gandhi quotes

More Boys quotes

Browse all 7,168 Boys quotes