Father’s Day may be celebrated only once a year, but for me, every day is a day to remember and honor my father.
I lost my father in September 2016, but his values continue to guide me every day. Following the Partition, he migrated to Amritsar and later settled in Mumbai. Those were difficult years marked by struggle, hard work, determination, and sacrifice. The sacrifices he made for me and my three siblings cannot be described in words.
My father had a dream—to see me become an engineer. Despite limited resources and many challenges, he never hesitated to invest in my education. At times, I felt I was placing a burden on him, but he never allowed me to think that way. Instead, he encouraged me, supported me, and made every sacrifice necessary to help me succeed. Whatever I have achieved professionally is a reflection of his faith in me and his unwavering commitment to my future.
It was also my father who inspired me to become a Rotarian at a very young age. His spirit of service, humility, compassion, and generosity became the foundation of my Rotary journey. As I look back on more than five decades in Rotary, I realize that whatever I have been able to contribute to society through Rotary is deeply rooted in the values he instilled in me.
As we observed Father’s Day yesterday, I paid silent tribute not only to my own father but to fathers across the world. Their love is often unspoken, their sacrifices unseen, and their contributions immeasurable. They nurture dreams, build character, and shape future generations through their quiet actions and unwavering support.
While every day should belong to our parents, it is heartening that society has set aside at least one day each year to recognize and celebrate fathers and their invaluable role in our lives.
Thank you, Dad. Your dream became my journey, your sacrifices became my strength, and your values remain my guiding light.
Ashok
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