To My Father, My Hero

As of today, my father is 75 years old. It’s impossible to describe him in just one word—he embodies grit, determination, foresight and, at the same time, is loving, nurturing, and protective. 

As a child, whenever I looked at my father, I saw my hero. And with each passing year, my respect and love for him have only deepened. To the outside world, he may have appeared tough, but for me and my brother, he has always been a deeply loving father—one who encouraged open communication and prioritized our emotional well-being at every stage of our lives. His progressive parenting shaped our young minds and strengthened our character, making us the individuals we are today. Looking back, I realize how vital a secure family environment is; children raised with emotional security grow into resilient individuals who can think outside the box and navigate life’s challenges with wisdom. 

There were times when he made mistakes, and he acknowledged them—showing us that being human means embracing imperfection. He taught us that life experiences are our greatest teachers, and they don’t define our worth. Those moments revealed his true strength: the ability to apologize, set aside ego, and move forward gracefully. It’s a rare and beautiful trait—one that fosters unbreakable bonds built on trust and authenticity. Because when ego fades, relationships flourish. 

I also saw a different side of my father—unyielding, resolute, unwilling to compromise when he knew he was in the right. As a child, I sometimes feared this quality, believing he was stretching situations beyond their necessary attention. I preferred peace over confrontation and naively imagined the world to be perfect. But now, as I navigate mid-life and encounter my own challenges, I understand him. I admire his unwavering commitment to truth. Because if we don’t stand up for ourselves, who will? Truth always triumphs, and if it hasn’t yet—it simply means the story isn’t over. 

Pappa, thank you—for the trustworthy friendship that meant I never had to search for support outside, for teaching me to embrace my authentic self without fearing the world’s judgment, and for showing me the courage to walk the path of truth, no matter how difficult it may be. 

Dedicated to my father, my hero—Happy Father’s Day, Pappa! 

Neeta Devadiga