My Farther Hero

Father is every girl’s first hero and will remain so. Daughters remain daddy’s little girls and consciously and unconsciously dads impact their personality as they grow into adulthood. On the occasion of Father’s Day, a few daughters pay ode to fatherhood and share how their fathers have been influential in what they are today.

Anam Mirza, founder of Label Bazaar
My Baba is my superhero and pillar of strength. There is so much to learn from him - kindness, generosity and gratitude. He taught me that having a strong faith is more powerful than anything. And it is because of him that I can fight all my battles with grace. “Thank you for always treating me like a princess. Happy Father’s Day!"

Anoo's sisters, Anoo's salon & clinic
We feel so proud to call ourselves his daughters. Whatever we do, wherever life takes us, we will never be able to be bigger than him. The one best thing about him is that he is a father who knows how to balance children and business. Being the father of four daughters, he has changed the notion of bringing up daughters today. “You are not just our dad but our role model for life. Happy Father's Day Dad!"

Aranya Johar, Mumbai-based young poet known for her verses against gender bias and breaking stereotypes
My father has always been my best friend. We've lived apart longer than we've lived together, but my father has found a way to be an active part of my brother’s and my life; whether it's calling us up for bad jokes or to provide us with guidance and advice. Being a poet himself, my father has always been the best and worst critique. He tells me when I can write better but also celebrates new pieces with me. My father has always encouraged my curiosity and made sure my opinion was heard, which I guess really pushed me to write pieces about issues that concern me. I have the privilege of having a supportive family and a loving father. My father always apologizes when he's wrong and reminds us that there is always scope to be better, smarter and happier.

Dipika Prasad,Co-Founder - Lakeer
I want to thank my dad for not burdening me with any sort of forced identity as I was growing up. I didn’t know my religion until 4th or 5th class. I only found out about my caste while filling the EAMCET forms and didn’t figure out that girls were raised different from boys till I got to college. I started my journey into adulthood with a mostly blank identity slate as a result and have had so much fun figuring out who I am on my own terms. For so many years I thought this was normal for all children, but only now realise how much courage and selflessness it takes for a parent to do this.

Amita Desai,
Director, Goethe Zentrum, Hyderabad
I have intense and very happy memories with my father. A retired UN diplomat, Dr Ravindra Dave has instilled in me the zest for learning and spiritual quest. He is the epitome of learning, hard work, sacrifice and devotion to his family. I have always seen him engaged with books, reading, writing, gathering and giving knowledge. He has given me the joy of sharing and learning. An orator par excellence he has made sure I can stand on any stage and hold forth.
Indebted and Blessed to be his daughter.

Changanti Thulasi, writer, translator, daughter of legendary literary personality of Telugu, Chaganti Somayajulu (Chaso)
We experienced a very different way of growing up for the times when we were children. We grew up amidst poets and writers; and rational thinking, secular way of living came to us through our father. We never knew discrimination based on caste and religion. We did not know that it was different to be girls and boys. We would be climbing trees, running around and playing Kabaddi in our premises shouting out loud. We grew to be independent. Chaso was more like a friend to me. I wouldn’t think it was necessary to ask him permission before taking a decision. I would inform him, and he would agree. I had been translating and writing through my growing up years and it is his influence on my literary thinking that made me what I am.