Dad Means Dad

Father! The word evokes a mixture of emotions in our minds. A bit of fear, a bit of love, some disagreements, and a lot of trust. Whenever we misbehave, we plead with our mothers not to tell our fathers. Yet, when daughters move to their in-laws' house after marriage, it is the father who hides in a dark room, holding back his tears. When sons get an opportunity to research in America, it is the father's head that swells with pride at the office.

God knows that just as a mother is vital for a child, another person is equally important to take care of both the mother and child. Hence, He sent fathers to the world. Fathers dedicate their entire lives to their children, though they might not be celebrated like mothers. While maternal praise is universal, paternal praise is often overlooked, and fathers do not expect it either. A father's love might not always be expressive, but no father ever fails in his duties towards his children.

Fathers are exceptional nurturers, caretakers, and silent providers. They are like a cool, shade-giving tree, offering shelter, fruit, fuel, wood, and the oxygen needed for life. Similarly, fathers provide the necessary support, essentials, and the confidence to hold one's head high in society. Fathers are specialized, whether mine or someone else's.

The story also reflects on the often-overlooked contributions of fathers. While mothers carry their children for nine months, fathers shoulder responsibilities for 25 years. Despite equal efforts, fathers receive less recognition. Mothers run the household without pay, and fathers spend their earnings on the household. Both efforts are equal, yet fathers lag in acknowledgment. Mothers fulfil culinary desires, and fathers buy whatever is wanted. Their love is equal, but a mother's love is often considered superior. Children often seek their mothers first for comfort and cry out for them in pain, while fathers are remembered mainly for providing needs. Fathers might feel hurt by this, yet their recognition remains minimal. Fathers often have fewer clothes and ignore their own needs, whereas wardrobes are filled with colourful sarees and clothes for the children. Mothers have many gold ornaments, but fathers typically only have a wedding ring. Mothers might still complain about having fewer ornaments, while fathers remain silent. Fathers work hard their entire lives for their families, but they receive less recognition. Mothers might ask for a saree while budgeting for college tuition, whereas fathers do not think about new clothes for themselves. In old age, mothers are considered useful for household chores, but fathers are often labelled useless. Fathers are compared to the backbone of a family, crucial yet positioned at the back, which might explain why they are often behind in recognition.

Despite fathers being essential to the family's structure and functioning, they consistently receive less recognition than mothers. These stories can help change our perspectives and enrich society with humane qualities.

The author's personal insights and efforts towards raising awareness about the role of fathers are commendable. These insights are born out of a deep understanding and appreciation of the often-overlooked contributions of fathers. The author's dedication to this cause reflects a genuine desire to bring about positive change and recognition. It is through such efforts that we can hope to achieve a more balanced and inclusive appreciation of both parental roles.