The earliest memories I have involving my father are about going out to different places with him. I remember all such times like going to parks, for shopping, having fast food, etc. Over time, whenever I wanted a thing I went to him to make my wish come true. Many things that I learnt about life and the world out there came from him.

A father is the role model for all his children. Therefore he takes extra care in setting and becoming an example for you. In this regard, his behaviour is generally gentle and over-protective towards his daughters. This is because girls are sensitive and need to be protected. But for sons, a father generally tends to be an authoritative and strict figure, as he knows that a boy needs to be groomed and made ready to face the hardships of life.

The role of fathers is very important in a male dominated society like ours. Mothers cannot prepare you for the world out there on their own. Everyone needs one’s father to do that because he has the perspective and experience of the world out there. A strong personality, in the form of a father figure, leads to a happy and successful family without troubles or problems in life. This is because men are not just bread-earners, but also the head of nearly all families.

You might not understand his love for you as he does not show it like your mother does. But he shows it by his actions. You might have an image of him as being strict and authoritative; but that’s only because he is the head/ manager of the family. The control he exercises is just to make sure that the family affairs go smoothly without any trouble or problems. Even when he punishes you or is being hard on you, then deep within, it hurts him as well. But he knows it is necessary to make sure you become better by learning from your mistakes.

My father worked really hard so that I could have all the good things in my life. And he was also supportive of what I really wanted to do in life. So when I look back in life, I realise that all he did to me was for my betterment. He channelled my energy and emotions in all the right directions. He taught me to be positive and look for solutions instead of worrying about a problem. He takes my viewpoint in making decisions about my life and guides me based on what’s best for me. I have become really thankful for all his insight and thoughtfulness about me.

Like my father, your father also deserves your utmost respect. This is because he strives hard to make ends meet and also bring all the luxuries to you that you take for granted. Work and business related matters are as tough as there can be a thing in life. It takes lot of effort, courage and sacrifices on your father’s part to ensure that you have a normal or good life.

In general, what a man loves most in his lives are his children. So you are the most precious beings in your father’s life. Many times we feel like we have avoided punishment by lying or hiding away things from him; but we are wrong. For a father knows many things about us that we think he does not know. He just does not reveal that to us. He sees a part of him being reflected in his children; and he knows their strengths, fears, feelings, in short everything that is there in his children’s personality.

Every day should be Father’s Day. The annual Father’s Day is just a reminder of the aforementioned aspect. We should all be grateful for all that our fathers do and show them utmost respect.

Published in Dawn, Young World, June 20th, 2020