Father`s day.
It appears to be a corollary to Mother`s day observations. All these special days, Teacher`s day. World day, environmental day etc. are creation of market forces, not to promote love, respect and reverence but primarily and indirectly to promote, boost and demand for business and commerce The celebration of special days is a mere ritual, lip service and one day wonder to create hype and artificial atmosphere. Thus for the remaining days in the year for all purposes, it is business as usual, only to recall and repeat the process one year later .It may focus for the day, concern, appreciation and awareness but lasting effects is a matter of speculation .The event or person receives adulations and made to feel important or king for the day, a little consolation and a fleeting recognition, however pleasurable In the house it is an occasion to family get to- gether, a diner, a party, function with music and dance with family and friends, sharing moments of joy and happiness a routine from drudgery.. The day spent in enjoyment, prayer to profess undying love , affection and exchanging gifts and pleasantries, if it is a personal event .General events, similarly are community based ,arousing emotions and passions towards the cause, and often receive Govt, and world organizational support and patronage. The father`s day observation is filling the lacuna that has remained unthought-of over the years due to oversight because mom`s role was lionized and over emphasized. Now at least there is course correction ,as Father`s day seem to be on the horizon of recognition, appreciation and acceptance. Father`s role is traditionally confined to be a bread winner, to toil all his life to provide all material, physical needs though his personal requirements are curtailed to the minimum. His sacrifice is of another type and less recognized. He is the back bone of the family and more silent. Children look up to him when they need him for physical necessities and rarely confide with him otherwise. Father is often considered as stranger, silent observer in his own family. He is supposed to be a tough disciplinarian to correct mistakes and hence children resent his apparent stern authority. He will help you to climb and raise you when you fall and lend his shoulder to lean on when in difficulties. His affection is not demonstrative, as he loves you from his brain. He loves without expressions and communicates very little and more silent. There are no popular proverbs that resound like “the hand that rocks the cradle, rules the world”. The often repeated one is “father my hero”. Dad is normally the one who will promote sports interests and plan holidays and recreations. He will surprise with purchases and presents. Dad in respect to mother and in comparison appears to be lagging behind in the eyes and estimation of children by tradition and custom. As the mother is in constant and close contact with the children they are more comfortable with her and sure of her sympathetic dispositions, moods towards their needs and expect to act as the mediator with dad. Mother gives in more easily with the demands of children without much fuss due to her soft nature. Mothers are described as home makers and house wives and children are more in contact with mom for the day .The mother is closest to children as father is away for greater part of the day and is tired with routine demands of his profession. He may also be away for long periods, travelling with work related assignments. Presently the working, Educated, professional, career mothers, with independent incomes are influenced by liberation movements since they are no less bread earners contributing substantially towards disposal family income. The fathers need to share responsibility at home in rearing children and lessen the burden of working mothers. Paternity leave emphasizes co operation in child rearing. Studies, career progression is mainly in the domain of dad. The dad`s are now more understanding in their house , family, rearing children, house chores responsibilities and gaining importance as partners in arms . Father`s role may not be dismissed and underestimated. In the unfortunate event of mother`s absence, children have not been abandoned., Father`s have taken the role of mothers when situation demands and such children will affectionately call him mother in disguise. On other side some mother`s have also deserted due to divorces and selfish pleasures and irresponsibility’s. Live in marriages are receiving attention without responsibility of rearing children, while on the other hand same sex marriages, unmarried mothers are demanding right for adoption Celebration of father`s day should lead to the realization that roles of both are equidistant in importance in the welfare of the family and none is superior in their individual roles, It is the partnership of both that will ensure smooth promotion of values love and affection equally towards both parents and that is a healthy attitude that needs to be encouraged and promoted Nevertheless the father is recognized in importance and not as a mere provider, Even in the animal world the mother is saddled with responsibility of bringing up brood and rarely the male share in this responsibility. It is hoped that father who was lagging behind the mother in importance will hereafter receive his due as subordinate to none Nelson Lopes, Chinchinim
