Photographs: Anwar Mirza
Father's Day is coming up on June 20 and we invited readers to share unforgettable memories of the time they spent with their dad. Here are some of the responses we received. Share yours!
I don't know if he is the best on this earth, or if he is too good to be compared even! All I know is I would like to
be reborn as his son in every birth. The reason being he is such a wonderful human being. He has struggled right from
his childhood, till he got his job in SAIL.
Today, he has everything from a big house, to new car, all out of his own hard work. He saw so many ill-fated days in his life, but never gave up. He ensured that we (myself and my sister) were brought up like a prince and princess. He also raised the son of his eldest brother, that's my cousin without any complaints, or sign of helplessness on his face for more than 10 years or so. So he made sure that all three children got the best school, the best education, the best food, and much more, all with the government salary.
I would say he is pretty organised. Pretty patient. If today I am anything, it is only because of him. If I am a good human even by 1 per cent, I owe it to him. He always encouraged me to be a good human being first, and then chase these worldly things. He never encouraged me for wrong deeds, even if the other person meant to cause harm to him or me.
It's true that he scolded me the most out of three children, but the moment I left home in 2000 for my graduation, since then till today, he has shown utmost trust and faith on me. Today we are more like friends. He always respected our privacy and space. He never forced his ideas on us, but yes, did make it clear every time. I grew up loving my mom, as she saved me couple of times, but today, somehow I love my dad more than anything else. He has shown trust and faith in me, when no other dad would have.
Two things that he taught me, and that I will never forget in my life goes as below:
- Better late than never.
- Nobody on this earth gets more than his fate, and before his time. All we should do is work hard, and not worry about the result.
My Dad, My father, is not just a hero, he is god-like to me, and if I manage to become even 50 per cent like him, then this life is worth living. I salute him. I look up to him.
Papa, I love you.
-- Amit Kumar
My memory goes as far back as 1989 (I was 3 years old), when my dad (or papa as I call him) carrying me in his arms and took me for a bath. I have some sweet memories associated with my papa and I'd like to pen a few of my thoughts for him on this Father's Day.
He always was very disciplined and strict which I used to hate as a child, his scolding would just scare me to death. But as I grew up, I realised how important all this was.
He has been a pillar of strength to our family. Although I haven't seen much of his struggling life and the hard work he had put in to bring stability to his family and his career, my mother always reminds me of the same. His gruelling schedule, less time with the family and working hard (more than what a normal person would do) finally paid off. He has achieved what he wanted to. He can proudly say 'Yes, I am successful'. Although his struggle of life won't end here, he still he has many things he can boast about.
He is a gem of a person whose knowledge is not limited to his particular line of work. I was amazed seeing him speak about mine too! Ranging from politics to non-politics, national and international (you can keep counting) he can speak without prior preparation for any amount of time. His knowledge base is just unlimited. What can you expect of a person who reads around ten newspapers and magazines daily!
He has handled the entire family on his own, meeting the demands if his father, mother, brothers, wife, two young children and even other people around him. I haven't seen anyone so generous and carefree about his money and belongings. He can lend a helping hands to anyone. He has never said no to a single thing bwe have demanded of him. He gave us the best when we wanted good, even if the result was negative for him.
There are ups and downs in everyone's career ans he was no exception but the way he has sailed through is probably an exception! He is a living legend and I hope everyone gets a father like him.
We love you papa.
Happy Father's Day
-- Saurov Pandey
To say that he is just my hero is an understatement. He is my sounding board, my pillar of strength and a symbol of integrity. The values that my parents have imparted to us will keep us in good stead for our entire lives. It is a joy to watch him proud after every small achievement of ours.
He is a glorious mix of middle-class caution and beam of encouragement when we take the road less travelled.
Below is a poem that I wrote a few years back that I published in my blog earlier.
From the time He carried us
On His shoulders, till today,
He has been the Guiding Force,
While being His unassuming best
I Recall vividly the days,
When He took us "Triples"
On his TVS 50, to ensure
That we catch the school bus
The years when he was working
A thousand kms away from home
So that we could enjoy our days
While He missed us all
The summer time when He
Meticulously planned our Trip
It looks like a far cry today
When Holiday is just a Dream Time
The angry yet relieved look,
When we used to return from
Late night movie shows
Was a sight worth watching out for!
His trip all the way to Bombay
To arrange accommodation for me
When I was already into my twenties
Just proves that His care is unflinching
One thing science can't quantify
Is the gratitude that we have towards you
For teaming up with Amma,
And bringing us to where we are today!
-- Arun Sriram, Bangalore
I want to take this opportunity to thank my father K Subramanian who started his journey from a small village in Tamil Nadu called Tiruvenainallur.
My father had humble beginnings from this small village but what he brought with him were the virtues of honesty, hard-work and iron-will determination. He passed on these virtues to me. We migrated to Gujarat and my father worked with the Birla VXL group. Inspite of financial crunches and being migrants to an alien land he made me study in a convent school for the simple reason that I learn English, and speak the language that the world speaks.
He was a visionary. He saw what was the need of the hour. He once gave me the three P formulae and the three D formulae which I carry till date.
He said, 'Son, personally try to be Patient, Persevering and cultivate a Positive attitude and professionally work with Determination, Dedication and Devotion.'
I still carry the formulae with me.
I went to to study with a scholarship at my undergraduate level and studied in one of the top B-schools in India and today am employed with the World Bank, but all because of one great man "My Father". Thanks for being there and
showing me the way.
-- Gopalkrishan Iyer
Share your story with us. Simply write in to getahead@rediff.co.in (subject line: 'My dad, my hero') and we'll publish the best entries right here on rediff.com
If you can, do send in a photograph of you and your dad too, to publish alongside your story!
What better way of showing your dad how much you love him this Father's Day?
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