When your father first set his eyes on you, he was overwhelmed with new emotions, hopes and plans. Time stood still as he marveled at the tiny miracle in his arms.

And then, the wheels of time began to turn. He has since donned many hats and played many roles in your life. From embarking on crazy adventures with you, to bargaining with your mother, and setting strict rules to giving you a chance to break them, your father has been there as both a shadow and a light all throughout your life.

Fathers parent differently than mothers, thus contributing to a rich development experience. More importantly, fathers teach us the difference between men and women, including the physical, mental and emotional differences between the two genders. Needless to say, fathers help us positively channel our strengths without resorting to violence.

Indeed, fathers play an important role in making us confident, well-adjusted adults!

Perfect Playmate

Participating in tea parties and dressing up, engaging in pillow fights, sports in the garden and teaching us to cycle, fathers have been very busy being our best playmates. They listened to our tall orders and complied with our strange requests, and they still do!

Special Storyteller

After a long day at work, our fathers still found time to entertain us with stories of beautiful princesses and big kingdoms, of tough heroes and great kings and of the wise and humble people they made us love and want to become. Their stories taught us life lessons through examples which stuck with us through adulthood.

True Teacher

Dads taught us through preaching and practice, sharing mistakes so we wouldn’t repeat them. Our fathers forewarned us of actions we may regret later, using both words and silence to make a point. They never lost an opportunity to prevent us from falling and getting hurt, both as children and as adults.

Patient Provider

Our fathers ensured we were well fed, even agreeing to all the sugar we didn’t need! They bought us the best clothes and kept us safe. Dads even argued our case with mom, even when we were wrong. To all fathers who are making precious moments, we celebrate your invaluable role in the family!

We spoke to a few fathers to understand how they feel about fatherhood. You’ll be delighted by what we heard.

“I am trying to be my son’s friend. I even try to befriend my son’s friends so that I am regarded as a friend. I consciously don’t raise my voice at him. Even when he does something wrong, I patiently explain to him why it’s wrong.”

Vivek Singh, father of Daksh, 8 1/2 years old

“My daughter is my best friend! She makes my life worthwhile. I love going back to her after work. I am her favorite storyteller. She makes me alive, and I relish making her laugh. I am enjoying her intellect and presence of mind in finding flaws in my stories.”

Vivek Iyer, father of Tvisha, 4 years old

“Fatherhood is an ‘Is this really real?’ experience. My daughter and son are my entire world. My wife and I seek to be active parents, and I am fully invested in their development. I am their teacher, guardian and above all their protector. I protect them from mummy when she’s giving them a shouting for something they did.”

Sarfraz Rumane, father of Suhaana and Aariz, 6 1/2 years and 1 1/2 years old

And here are a few words for some wonderful fathers from their children.

“He is multitalented, supportive and encouraged me to study. I learnt kindness from him. My father used to come with me to college during exam times and wait at the gate until I was done. That was always such a comfort to know he was there for me.”

Shyla, daughter of Narayanaswamy

“He is part of my most favorite memories. He is reserved but carries himself majestically. I have learned to be polite to a fault from him. My father is the one who put my feet on the pedal and gave me the confidence to cycle and go far in life.”

Shruthi daughter of Ashok