Daughters say Dads Deliver When They Are Needed Most

Fathers support daughters: A progressive dad always stands up for his daughter but in India we continue to have a patriarchal society where the head of the house wants to be 'in control'. Here's a look at how some dad's are setting an example.

My father brought me up as a strong and independent woman who should be able to take decisions and live her life on her own terms. But for many women in India fathers are a fear-factor. The patriarchal society we live projects the father as someone who controls the household and has decision making power for everyone including their daughters. Most girls are expected to obediently follow what her father tells without raising questions. 

A progressive dad always stands up for his daughter

I can proudly say that my father always has my back. Ever since my childhood, my father encouraged and supported me to fight my battles independently but never left me alone in times of crisis. He taught me to travel alone and raise my voice against any injustice. This is why I never hesitate from sharing my troubles with him. I know he will be there whenever I am in despair and will take a stand for me.

Heart warming image of a dad saluting his daughter on the first day of her work

A progressive dad asks his daughter to be ambitious

Discrimination is something I have never seen in my father. It is because of him I grew up to be a feminist. He has forever taught me to set a goal and work hard to achieve it. When I find myself clueless, he seems to be the best advisor. He is the person who guides me and encourages me to follow my heart. 

My father believes in marriage being a choice

Lately, I have seen women my age or even younger to me getting married on being forced by their parents. Fathers of such daughters view them as a burden and are relieved once they get married. On the other hand, my father never speaks of marriage. He knows it is a personal choice and also that I am not ready for it yet. For him, I should now focus on shaping my life and that's exactly what I am doing.

What our favourite stars say about their super dads

Anushka Sharma: "I can cry at the drop of a hat when I am talking about my father, that’s the kind of love I feel for him. He has always let me be. The only advice he gave me was to do the right thing in life. He didn’t put any boundaries around me. I hope every girl can have the same kind of relationship that I share with my dad."

Alia Bhatt: "My super-dad moment happens every day. My father makes it a point to send me a message every morning; it is always something that he’s read — a quote or a picture that he has come across. It makes me realise how fantastic my father is and how he cares to pass on these little words of wisdom."

Kiara Advani: "My dad’s my superhero. He’s the reason I am in the film industry; without his support, I wouldn’t have had the confidence to be who I am. So, thank you, dad. Thank you for helping me fly and being the wind beneath my wings. Love you always."

Ananya Panday: "My dad is a super-dad. Throughout my growing-up years, he has done more than I could ever imagine, for both my younger sister and me. He is constantly smiling and joking and is an inspiration because he has always been himself and lets me be, too. Whenever people say that I’m like my father, I feel that it’s the best compliment somebody can give me."