Every year, the third Sunday of June is celebrated as Father’s Day, which is today, June 16. It is a day to express gratitude and recognise the importance of fathers in the family. The idea of Father’s Day came about in the 1900s when Sonora Dodd, a woman whose mother died during childbirth and was raised along with her five siblings by her father, a war veteran. Since Mother’s Day gained popularity in the United States, Dodd felt that a similar day should be dedicated to honour fatherhood. In 1910, she made an effort to campaign for the day with her local church, the YMCA and the government. She had actually put forth the idea of June 5 as Father’s Day since it was her father’s birth date; however, the third Sunday of June was considered more appropriate.
On June 19, 1910, the first official Father’s Day was celebrated in the State of Washington. Although the day did not gain much attention in the beginning, in the 1930s, with the help of manufacturers of male products such as tobacco and men’s clothing retailers, Dodd began a new campaign for Father’s Day, this time at a national level. This eventually spread to other parts of the world and is today celebrated globally.
Fatherhood embodies a multitude of roles - provider, protector, mentor, and friend. Fathers face the difficulties of parenthood with quiet resilience, often giving their own needs the least importance for the sake of their children. From bedtime stories to life lessons, fathers leave a lasting influence. Fathers are also pillars of strength in the community, beyond their roles within the family. Their wisdom and experience are invaluable, guiding their children through life’s twists and turns with unwavering steadiness.
Nathania Baptista, speaking about the bond with her father, says, “Since my father is a musician, he taught me how to play the bass guitar and other music techniques, which inspired my love for music. I have also passively learnt a lot from watching how he carries himself in a respectful and down-to-earth manner. I have very fond memories of watching cartoons with him when I was small. He is someone that I can talk to about anything and has always been there for me. I can be completely myself around him and he always corrects me when I go astray.”
Enrique Rodrigues, when asked about his relationship with his father, says, “I enjoy playing board games and other games such as foosball with my father. He has taught me a lot of things, especially garden work like plucking mangoes, chikoos, and coconuts, drawing water from the well and other such things. I can always go to him with any doubts or questions that I have and he also explains to me subjects that I find difficult to study on my own. Even just before exams, when I feel stressed, he teaches me
the concepts and helps me prepare well.”
Aliza Rebello, who shares a close relationship with her father, says, “My dad and I share a lot of common interests and are both very adventurous. We go on a lot of hikes, treks and water sports together and because he is around, I always feel safe and protected. He has also taught me a lot of things, like swimming, basketball and badminton. I enjoy spending time with him and can always trust him. Whenever I am stressed, especially before exams, he always calms me down and supports me. He encourages me to pursue my talents, especially singing and likes to have karaoke sessions with me.”
Meliston Fernandes, talking about what he feels about his father, says, “My father and I share our love for football and we enjoy watching all matches together. He was the one who actually taught me how to play football and took me in the evenings to play on the ground. He used to take me for Mass every day when growing up and taught me a lot about God, which led me to grow in faith and inspired me to love God and the church as well. He is very hardworking, always puts our family needs before his own and makes a lot of sacrifices for our happiness.”
Delia D’Mello says, “My father has taught me a lot of activities like cycling, swimming, cricket and football. Since I am a very curious person, I keep asking him questions and he always answers me patiently, even if it is a silly question. He also taught me to love God and helped me learn my prayers using drawings and other unique methods. He also pushes me to move out of my comfort zone. Growing up, I was always a shy kid, so he encouraged me to participate in elocutions and singing competitions, which helped me overcome my stage fright. I am the person I am today only because of him. He is my role model and the pillar of strength that keeps our family together.”
One can celebrate this Father’s Day by indulging in quality time together with a family movie or game night. For the sports enthusiast, consider watching a sporting event of his favourite team or playing a friendly match with him. If he enjoys spending time outdoors, plan a fishing trip or a picnic at the beach to bond amidst nature’s beauty. Also, show your appreciation by easing his workload. Complete one of his chores to ease his burden and allow him to relax.
One must also remember that fathers too are humans, with their own frailties and insecurities hidden beneath their tough exterior. They manage their obligations while frequently bearing the burden of their worries in silence. As one commemorates Father’s Day today, it is important to express gratitude for these remarkable men who have shaped the lives of their children in countless ways. Father figures, stepfathers, biological fathers, and adoptive fathers should all be acknowledged and celebrated for their selfless commitment and sacrifices.