Mohan Kanda
As in every year, Father’s Day was celebrated in India on June 15. This day is dedicated to honouring fathers, fatherhood, paternal bonds, and the influence of fathers in society. It complements similar celebrations like Mother’s Day and, in some countries, Siblings Day and Grandparents’ Day. While the date varies across countries, each region has its own traditions for celebrating fatherhood.
Father’s Day is an occasion to express gratitude for the love, support, and guidance of fathers and father figures in our lives. The observance originated in the United States, with the first Father’s Day celebrated on June 19, 1910. The date was later standardized to the third Sunday of June. Interestingly, June is also the birth month of the father of Sonora Smart Dodd, who founded the holiday.
Research suggests that children who spend quality time with their fathers are less likely to develop anxiety, depression, or aggressive behavior. Children crave warmth, affection, and tenderness from their fathers—just as they do from their mothers.
The Fatherland Concept
The word “father” has carried various connotations over time. In the New Testament, it referred to a teacher of spiritual matters. During the early centuries of Christianity, certain bishops and scholars who wrote authoritative theological works came to be known as the “Fathers of the Church.”
In Germany, during the Nazi era, the term “Fatherland” was used as a rallying cry to evoke unity and pride in ancient German traditions. This usage contrasted sharply with how similar concepts were employed elsewhere, such as in Russia, where the term “Fatherland” symbolized nourishment and support for citizens, especially in times of hardship.
My first interaction with voluntary organizations came in 1970 when I was serving as Sub-Collector in the Ongole subdivision of the then Andhra Pradesh state. I encountered a non-governmental organization called the Village Reconstruction Organisation (VRO), which was actively working in Guntur district. VRO had undertaken the construction of houses for impoverished families in a village called Ita Nagar on the outskirts of Chirala. Founded by Belgian Jesuit Father Michael A. Windey—fondly known in the region as Father Windey—VRO was largely supported by European donors and focused on rebuilding villages devastated by natural calamities like cyclones.
I was fortunate to become closely acquainted with Father Windey early in my service. Our friendship would last for many years. What struck me most about him was his boundless energy, deep commitment to the poor, and his ever-cheerful demeanor.
Hinduism on Fatherhood
In Hinduism, fatherhood is regarded as a sacred responsibility. Fathers are not only expected to provide physical nourishment and protection but also to guide their children’s spiritual development. In the ancient Vedic tradition, children would leave home to study at a Gurukul under the guidance of a Guru. Acting as a spiritual father, the Guru nurtured and educated the students, preparing them for both worldly and spiritual success. After completing their education, the students would return home enriched in all aspects.
The devotion that children feel for their parents is beautifully illustrated in the epic Ramayana. One such poignant incident involves Prince Dasaratha, who mistakenly kills a boy named Shravan Kumar while hunting by sound near the River Sarayu. Dasaratha is devastated upon discovering that the boy was collecting water for his blind parents. Before dying, Shravan Kumar asks Dasaratha to take the water to his parents. When Dasaratha delivers the tragic news, the grief-stricken parents curse him, saying that he too would suffer the pain of losing a beloved son—which, tragically, he does with Rama’s exile.
Christian and Islamic Interpretations
In Christianity, prayers often begin by invoking the Holy Trinity—God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit—recognizing the fatherhood of God as a central aspect of faith.
In Islam, fatherhood carries significant responsibilities. The Quran and Hadith provide clear guidance on the father’s role as a provider, protector, and moral guide. A father is expected to serve as a positive role model, nurturing his children’s character and faith. One of the most significant responsibilities of fathers in Islam is to provide for their children.
Fathers and Legacy
Contrary to the cynical saying, “Panditha Putra Sunthaha” (a scholar’s son often turns out to be an idiot), there are numerous instances of sons who not only lived up to but surpassed their fathers’ legacies. Take, for instance, Lala Amarnath, one of India’s cricketing legends. His sons, Mohinder and Surinder Amarnath, both represented India in Test cricket with distinction.
Another inspiring example comes from the 12th century. Bhāskaracharya, the great mathematician and astronomer, authored several landmark treatises, including Siddhanta Shiromani. His daughter, Leelavati, was a brilliant mathematician in her own right—so much so that a section of his work was named after her.
In the world of sports, the story of Ramanathan Krishnan stands out. A tennis legend, he reached the Wimbledon semi-finals twice and represented India with distinction in the Davis Cup. His training regimen was famously rigorous—his father made him practice hitting a one-rupee coin from the baseline repeatedly, starting over at the slightest error. I had the pleasure of watching Krishnan play at a tournament in Vizianagaram during my tenure as Deputy Commissioner of Commercial Taxes in Visakhapatnam in the 1970s. I remember the occasion vividly, especially because my wife, Usha, was asked to present the trophy to the winner. The trophy turned out to be quite heavy, and Krishnan, ever the gentleman, stepped in to help her lift it.
And Krishnan’s son, Ramesh Krishnan, carved a niche for himself as well. A chip off the old block, he won both the Wimbledon and French Open junior singles titles in the 1970s. His success affirmed the idea that talent, when combined with discipline and determination, can indeed run in the family.
Political Lineages
A similar pattern is evident in politics. George W. Bush, son of George H. W. Bush, followed in his father’s footsteps to become the President of the United States. In India too, we have numerous instances of political legacies being passed on. Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi, the children of Rajiv and Sonia Gandhi, are among the most prominent examples. Jyotiraditya Scindia, son of Madhavrao Scindia—a respected Union Minister and former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh—has established himself as a formidable political leader. Another case is that of Sachin Pilot, a Member of Parliament who has been steadily rising through the political ranks, continuing the legacy of his father, Rajesh Pilot, a well-known national leader.
One of the most remarkable political dynasties in India is the Nehru-Gandhi family. Motilal Nehru, twice elected as President of the Indian National Congress, laid the foundation for a legacy that would stretch across five generations. His son, Jawaharlal Nehru, was not only India’s first Prime Minister but also a globally admired statesman. His daughter, Indira Gandhi, went on to become one of the most powerful and controversial Prime Ministers in Indian history. Following her assassination, her son Rajiv Gandhi became Prime Minister, and today, his son Rahul Gandhi leads the opposition in the Lok Sabha.
Another example is that of Charan Singh, a former Prime Minister, and his son Ajit Singh, who served as the Union Minister of Agriculture. I had the opportunity to work with Ajit Singh during his tenure, when I served as Secretary, Agriculture, to the Government of India.
Likewise, H.D. Deve Gowda, another former Prime Minister, saw his son H.D. Kumaraswamy become the Chief Minister of Karnataka and, more recently, a Union Cabinet Minister—further extending the tradition of family-led leadership in Indian politics.
Beyond politics and sports, legacy plays a vital role in other cultural spheres as well. I recently came across a delightful post in a WhatsApp group featuring the renowned lyricist Anand Bakshi’s family—his son, grandson, and great-granddaughter—singing together the evergreen melody “Yeh Jeevan Hai…”, originally penned by Bakshi and rendered by the inimitable Kishore Kumar. It was both touching and inspiring to witness four generations united by music.
In the world of Indian cinema, no family better exemplifies a multigenerational artistic legacy than the Kapoor clan. The iconic Prithviraj Kapoor laid the foundation, followed by his son Raj Kapoor—often called the “greatest showman of Indian cinema.” Raj’s son, Rishi Kapoor, continued the tradition, and today, Ranbir Kapoor represents the fourth generation of this legendary family on the silver screen. If one were to list all of Prithviraj’s children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family members who made their mark in the film industry, it would require more space than this column can afford!
However, not all father-son relationships are harmonious. History and mythology are replete with examples of discord. In Greek mythology, strained father-son relationships are central themes. Cronus overthrew his father Uranus, only to be later overthrown by his own son, Zeus. Laius, in an attempt to prevent being killed by his son Oedipus—as foretold by prophecy—abandoned him at birth, only to have fate tragically fulfilled. These stories reflect the deep and often painful complexities of paternal relationships, especially in the context of power and inheritance.
