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Tribute to fathers

On reading the articles on fathers in the Open Page (June 19), I was reminded of an incident. At the age of 10, I started writing poems. My father would listen to my poems but say nothing. I always thought he disapproved. At the age of 14, when I completed 50 poems, he announced that he wanted to publish them. I learnt that every night, after I fell sleep, he would open my book and read my poems.

I wasn't sure of my talent but my father had confidence in me and published my first ever book when I was just 14. Even now, when I write a poem I show it first to my father. And even now, he says nothing.

Anjali Tapadiya,

Sedam

When I lost my mother at the age of six, my father had a very agonising period, taking care of four of us, the youngest just three months old. He narrated a very unfortunate incident that happened during those trying times. After coming home from work, he took my elder sister and me to a river. It was getting dark and suddenly my sister slipped into the river. My father left me behind and jumped into the river to save her. Luckily, he pulled her out. Imagine the agony and the ultimate relief my father experienced on that fateful evening. Surely, fathers can be as loving, caring and compassionate as mothers.

K.J. Mathew,

Mavelikkara

I couldn't celebrate my 18th birthday with my family as I was studying in Vijayawada. I felt very lonely and sad because I missed my parents. In the evening, when I returned to the hostel, I was told that someone had come to see me. I rushed downstairs and saw my father sitting in the lounge. I couldn't believe my eyes. He wished me and said he wanted to give me a surprise. He took me out and even made me cut my birthday cake. That was my best birthday ever!

K. Divija,

Visakhapatnam

About 50 years ago, when I was 15, I could not join a college to secure a diploma as I had scored only 39 marks in science, although I scored above 70 per cent in maths and English. I had met with a minor accident while going for my science examination. In those days, there was no provision for improvement examinations.

Since my attempts to join a government college failed for want of one mark, I was fed up and walked from Avadi to my home in Chennai which was about 20 km away. When my father asked me why I was late, I said I was frustrated. I could not control my tears. Even today, I remember what he said: “What has happened is for your good. You have a long way to go.” I joined a private college with a fee concession. Today, I am well off thanks to my father's blessings.

V. Muralidharan,

Chennai

My father had a transferable job. On getting his transfer orders, he would somehow squeeze time from his busy office schedule to pack (no packers/movers those days). He would join his new place of work, look for a house, and get school admissions for me and my brother before moving us there. He donned the hat of a chef when my mother was recovering from a major surgery, ensuring that we went to school in time and never went hungry.

When my mother wanted to get me married, my father, in deference to my wishes, allowed me to continue my studies. Even after I got married, he has been a pillar of strength. His words of courage and advice have helped me wade through difficult times.

Ranjani Ramesh,

Chennai

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