When we speak of love, nurturing, and sacrifice, our minds instinctively paint the picture of a mother — “Maa ki Mamta” has been celebrated in poems, movies, and lullabies. Rightly so. But in this melodic chorus of motherhood, we often forget the silent rhythm of another hero — the father. what about Baap ki Baapta?
Yes, I said it. Baapta. That quiet, unshakable, rarely-glorified superpower of a father.
We celebrate moms with hashtags and spa vouchers (not nearly enough, btw), but fathers? At best, they get a new wallet, a “cool dad” mug, and if they’re really lucky — a slightly burnt pancake shaped like a heart.(Which they will eat anyway, proudly, because… dad 🤣)
But here's the thing — a mother carries a child in her womb for nine months, but a father carries the responsibility of that child in his mind, bank account, and blood pressure for a lifetime. often quietly, invisibly, but always, always steadfastly.
Is that not a kind of sacrifice too?
He may not be the one picking the right-size diapers at 2 AM (though some do, bless them),His sacrifices don’t come wrapped in lullabies or tears. They come in longer hours, missed meals, silent fears, and unread emotions. His love doesn’t always show up in hugs or bedtime stories. It hides in bills paid on time, shoes bought a size bigger so they last longer, and quiet nods of approval when his child stumbles and gets back up.
We talk — and rightly so — about postpartum care, baby blues, and the tsunami of emotions that hit a new mom. But what about new dads?
Does his world not change overnight? Does he not wrestle with emotions — joy, fear, responsibility, doubt — all at once?
Do we ever pause and ask,
“Hey buddy, how you feeling about suddenly being someone’s lifelong superhero, financial planner, handyman, and moral compass?”
Nope. We just hand him the camera and ask him to click pictures of the mother and baby.
Fathers feel.
They feel fear, love, inadequacy, pressure, pride — often all at once. But they don’t vent.
But where do they go with those feelings?
Most often, nowhere.
Because somewhere, we decided that strength equals silence. That emotion is a feminine trait. That if a man expresses vulnerability, it’s weakness.
But let’s be honest — it takes immense strength to carry the emotional weight of a family and not break down. It takes courage to show up every single day, even when you're tired, worried, or unsure.
But what they provide — emotionally, socially, and yes, financially — builds a deep-rooted sense of security in a child that even the most successful, independent woman (me included) might admit:
There’s nothing quite like a father’s protective presence.
This post isn’t about comparing roles or proving who sacrifices more. It’s a gentle reminder:
Let’s stop weighing love in gendered terms. Let’s learn to appreciate both — equally, loudly, and wholeheartedly.
We say women are expressive and nurturing. But maybe it’s time we became more expressive in our gratitude towards the men in our lives — to all the dads, step-dads, father figures, partners, brothers, uncles, friends, neighbours, and even that random man at the airport who lifts a stranger’s toddler stroller with a kind smile — a big, loud, standing ovation to you.
So here’s a loud, unapologetic, full-hearted shoutout to every father and father figure —
To the one who showed up, even when he didn’t know how.
To the one who gave up his dreams so his child could chase theirs.
To the one who stood tall when he was breaking inside.
To the one who never asked for appreciation, but oh, how much he deserves it!
To my own father — who is no longer with me — not a day goes by when I don’t think of you, look up to you, and wish I had told you just how much you meant to me. I carry your strength in every step.
And to my husband, the most amazing father I could have ever wished for my children — your love, presence, and quiet strength are the pillars of our home. Watching you with our kids is one of life’s greatest joys.
This Father’s Day, don’t just behave like he matters.
Tell him. Show him. Celebrate him.
Because sometimes, even our strongest need to be reminded that they are seen, loved, and appreciated — not just on this day, but every day.
Happy Father’s Day to all the incredible men who’ve made us feel safe, strong, and seen.
You are the unsung verses in the song of our lives.
With love and gratitude,
Grace in the Grit
