TV
As Father’s Day trends across social media platforms with nostalgic photos and well-crafted messages, it prompts a deeper reflection: are fathers truly being seen or simply showcased once a year? Beyond the digital tributes lies the quieter reality of many fathers whose daily contributions largely go unnoticed and whose emotional lives are rarely understood.
In Indian families, fathers are traditionally cast as providers, hardworking, distant, and often emotionally reserved. While mothers are embraced as nurturers, fathers are expected to shoulder responsibilities with little expression of need or vulnerability. This social conditioning has created generations of emotionally detached relationships between fathers and children, particularly sons.
Amit, a resident of Odisha, said, "While growing up, I feared my father; I still do. There were times and situations when I would have liked to talk to my father or even express my emotions without feeling criticised that it is not right for a man to do so. I wanted my father to be more cheerful and loving, as I saw them in some movies. Now that I am a father myself, even though I understand my papa's struggles, I will try my best to create a more loving atmosphere for my son."
Children often grow up seeing their fathers leave early for work, manage finances, and make household decisions, but without open affection or personal bonding. Unlike with mothers, conversations with fathers are often formal, even hesitant. This lack of emotional fluency leads to a disconnect that many do not recognise until much later in life, or not at all.
On Father’s Day, many of these fathers receive public appreciation online, even as they continue with their routines, repairing a fan, making a bank run, or quietly cooking in the background. For some, the carefully worded post might be the only emotional gesture they receive all year.
Sameer, a father and grandfather, said, "These are all trending nowadays. When I was young, I feared my father. I have always tried to live an honest life and follow his principles. All that I want from my children is respect and love. Most fathers would not even know that it is Father's Day today. I get to know my birthday when my family wishes me."
"I am not being ignorant towards their feelings, but belonging to a middle-class family, the responsibilities on my shoulders were so heavy that I never had the luxury to remember or celebrate these," he said further.
Father’s Day is a reminder that fathers, too, deserve to be heard, hugged, and held, not just once a year, but every day.
