Monday, June 30, 2014

My Appa- My Hero!!

I am writing about #MyRoleModel as a part of the activity by Gillette India in association with BlogAdda.com.

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Dear Appa,

As I begin to write this, I realize I have never written to you before! Perhaps, I have never felt the need to write, or tell you anything. You have understood every unspoken word and every unfinished sentence. Irrespective of whether you saw that expression on my face or heard it in my voice on a faraway telephone. That’s the power of you and your bond with me. 

Eternal.

I remember never having needed to ask you for anything. I have never known what to ask. You always gave it to me before I even realized the need to have it. You have brought me up like a true blue princess and I have never known what want is all about. You have taught us to be satisfied and happy than greedy and needy. You taught me that money was only as important as the things it could buy and never a penny more.

You stood against relatives who jeered at you for convent educating your girls. You told them your girls will make you proud one day. I hope we make you proud!  You gifted me my first moped on my 16th birthday with a license to drive. You have let me ride free on the roads of life ever since, showing me what independence is all about.

It was you who pushed me into attending my first interview armed with a hand written resume and oodles of confidence. Whoever had heard of hand written resumes? But I remember you telling me that I had the most beautiful handwriting, the most charming smile and intelligence and if anyone would get the job, it would be me. I remember brimming with conviction that if you thought I could then I would. I remember dancing holding your hand as I showed you my appointment letter. You didn’t think twice when I wanted to go to a different city for that job. You gave me your blessing, while others thought you were being foolish to let a girl stay alone in a strange city.

You let me marry the man of my dreams; in spite of threats from the society, in spite of being ridiculed and in spite of being isolated. Letting me have my happiness was far more important to you than anything else. You always trusted my ability to make decisions, and I couldn’t thank you more for it. Without your faith, without your approval and without your blessing I would have faltered at every step.

You taught me how work was as important as family, friends and hobbies too. If your colleagues talk about your passion to your work, your zeal for theater and writing is still appreciated by your friends and your commitment is most valued by your family. That intricate balance of the three is something I still yearn to learn.

I have never seen a more positive person than you and I have always marveled at your strength to remain optimistic in any situation. You taught me that there is always a way out of our problems and no issue is big enough for us to give up. You taught me that no pain is permanent and the worst situations will also pass. Your sense of humor is your biggest charm and there is hardly anyone who will disagree to that!

You taught me never to hate anyone. You taught me the joy in giving to others, and reaching out to anyone who needs my help. You have led by example and that has taught me more than words ever could.

I never knew what inequality or gender discrimination was all about. Maybe that’s why I never understood why some people would kill their own girls, or deprive them of education or make honor such a big issue. Maybe that’s why I never understood what men could do better that I couldn’t. Maybe if all dads were like you, nobody would either. I am so thankful you raised me that way. Not like it was expected to raise girls, not like raising a girl as a boy, but simply raising a child, empowering me with skills to face the world, doing the best you could for me.

You have always been my hero and I may not say this enough, but you have been the best part of me growing up.

Love you always Appa,
Your little princess

Appa and me!!




15 comments:

  1. You are truly blessed. As I was reading this post, each line made me feel so warmed up with respect for the man your father is. We really need more men like him who can stand tall in the society and protect their daughter from all that the society hurls at them. No wonder you are such a charming and positive person. :)

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    1. Thank U Maithili! I'm indeed blessed to have him as my dad!

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  2. Such a moving post! Thanks so much Titli for writing this. I have no words to describe how I felt after reading this. I am my Dad's daughter too, so can connect with each and every word you write here. Love. And my deepest respects to your Appa.

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    1. :) thank you Beloo for ur kind words. daughters and dads always share that special bond , don't they?

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  3. Titli you are really fortunate to have such an affectionate and loving father. He is a real hero,as he did not bother what society feels about educating the girls. Hats off to him.! You look very cute in the photo.

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    1. Thank U mam! That is one more thing I have learned from him, to do what I think is right and not bother about society...

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  4. awesome.. beautiful moving post .. please do extend my regards to your appa..

    Bikram

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  5. This post is not written just for the sake of writing rather it oozes out your deep respect and emption towards your father. Every word, every line is directly from your heart and a tribute to him. I hope to toe similar line with my daughter :-). Thanks for sharing a piece of your heart.

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    1. This is one post which i did not edit at all...and it just free flowed....it did come naturally to me as it came from my heart...thanks for the kind words Jayanta..

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  6. A rare person - your dad! A tragedy for Society that such us the case -wish it were more common to have people like him.

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  7. Such an heartfelt letter!! :)

    How have you been?

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  8. you are one among a blessed person .. ! society needs more hero like him

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  9. Beautiful letter, Titli :) Every word filled me with longing, to go home n see my babuji :) He's been the greatest inspiration in my life , and this was not much different from what I felt about him :)
    Hats off to your appa for making you so lovely YOU :)
    (We girls.....we never cease to be dad's little cuddlies, do we ? :) )

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  10. Hey Shubhangi !! Beautifully written. This affirms that Girl child would be always more closer to their Dad's.


    Lucky u !!

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At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person..deep gratitude for those who have lighted the flame within me!! your comments will be appreciated..

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