A Hug, A Dream, and a Film That Stayed With Me – Tanvi the Great

A Hug, A Dream, and a Film That Stayed With Me – Tanvi the Great

It’s been a while since I stepped into a movie theatre. Life has been busy and honestly, my urge to watch films has slowly dwindled especially with the current trend of loud, violent plots. Once a die-hard Bollywood fan, a romantic and an optimist at heart, I find myself steering clear of bloodbaths and chaotic action. Biopics like Tanaji or Sam Manekshaw still catch my eye, but mostly, the magic of cinema has taken a back seat.

Yesterday, while casually browsing through the BookMyShow website for music shows, I happened to glance at the movie section. One trailer stood out for me, Tanvi the Great - A story about an autistic girl. Something about it felt pure, hopeful. On a whim, my friend, and me decided to go to see it.

And what a beautiful choice it turned out to be.

Tanvi the Great is, quite simply, a gentle breeze in a stormy world of cinema. It is rare these days to find a film that tells a story with grace, simplicity, and a soul.

Tanvi, the young protagonist, is autistic. She’s not here to be pitied, she’s here to be understood. She’s here to shine. Her gestures are thoughtful, her eyes full of intent, and every word she speaks carries meaning. She asks for permission before hugging someone, believes in routine and clings to a dream,  her father’s dream of hoisting the Indian flag on Siachen.

Her father, an army officer, is  martyred. Her mother, raises her single-handedly, navigating grief and the everyday challenges of parenting a neurodiverse child. There’s a quiet strength in her, a resilience that doesn’t demand attention, but earns admiration.

The grandfather, a retired Army officer himself, finds it difficult at first to understand Tanvi. His world was shaped by orders, regimentation, and silence. Hers thrives on empathy, predictability, and soft defiance. Watching their relationship grow, tentative at first, then affectionate is one of the most touching parts of the film. 

The story is further enriched by Boman Irani as Tanvi’s music teacher, bringing charm and sensitivity, and Arvind Swamy as a defence services coaching master, grounding the film in its purpose. Each of them adds depth without taking the spotlight away from Tanvi enacted beautifully by Shubhangi, who is the star, in every sense. Anupam Kher adds emotional grace with his perfect acting  and direction. 

As the film ended and we stepped out of the hall, we were moved. Not overwhelmed, but full, like after eating, a warm bowl of comfort food. 

Outside, a massive crowd had gathered for Saiyaara, the latest potboiler which looked loud, predictable. And here we were, quietly thankful that we chose something different.

I am writing this not as a critic, but as a viewer who reconnected with the joy of meaningful cinema.

 If you are someone who longs for storytelling that doesn’t shout, who cherishes kindness in characters, and who believes in the power of a dream then go to watch Tanvi the Great, specially with your kids. 

It may not have the noise, but it surely has the  soothing voice and that, sometimes, is what truly matters.

R. Vimala, IAS, 

Resident Commissioner,

Compassionate Bureaucrat and PhD Scholar at IIT Bombay

संवाद...

संवाद...

कुछ दिन बन जाते ख़ास

किसी से जब होती बातl

भर जाती मन में आस,

कि जग में अब भी है आँचl

किसी के सतकर्मों की

विश्वास से भरी ऊर्जा कीl

प्रेरणा देती हुई सादगी की,

स्नेह से परीपूर्ण राह की।

शब्दों के निर्मल वाणी सी

मौन की विशेष चुप्पी सी l

संगीत सी गूँजते सुरों की

मंद मुस्कान की लाली सी

थके मन को दे ताजगी भी

नव आरंभ हो जैसे जीवन की

कभी-कभी बस एक संवाद,

बदल देता है मन का स्वाद।

जैसे ऋतु बदल दे कली की बात,

 खिल उठता वैसे दिन वह खास।

ना दिखावा, ना कोई बनावट।

ना छल, ना द्वेष, और ना कपट 

केवल करुणा और प्रेम विशेष

जैसे जीवन में ना कोइ क्लेश

तभी तो कुछ दिन बन जाते ख़ास,

क्योंकि मिल जाता है एक एहसास,

कि दुनिया में अब भी हैं लोग ऐसे,

जो भर देते जीवन को ख़ुशी के पलों से

मन विमल

My First Step into the Wari Tradition in Delhi's Sanketik Wari...

My First Step into the Wari Tradition in Delhi's Sanketik  Wari...

I had always heard of the Wari.
Of the lakhs of devoted warkaris walking for weeks, sometimes months to Pandharpur with hearts full of faith and feet tireless in love for Vitthal and Rakhumai.
I had seen them passing through Pune as a student in the university  and later, as Commissioner for Women and Child Development when I was posted there.
But to be a part of it? I had never imagined that.
Somewhere in the back of my mind, the idea of Wari had always seemed too vast, too spiritual, and honestly, too physically demanding for someone like me.
There were mental hesitations. And now, with the years gone by, I felt I wasn’t even physically fit enough.
Yet, Ashadhi Ekadashi 2025 turned out to be transformative.
As Resident Commissioner at Delhi, I was invited to participate in the Delhi Sanketik Wari,  a symbolic wari organised with devotion and meticulous effort by the Dilli Maharashtra Pratishthan, under the leadership of Shri.Vaibhav Dange and his team. This tradition has been kept alive in Delhi for five years now, uniting the over three lakh strong Maharashtrian diaspora of the capital in collective celebration.
A Google form was shared for registration. I remember hovering over it, unsure, hesitant. But something urged me to fill it. As the day approached, I still hadn’t made up my mind. Was this really for me?
Still, something stirred deep within. I visited the Maha Handloom counter at New Maharashtra Sadan and ordered a traditional outfit just in case.

Even the night before the Wari, I wasn't sure. But on the morning of the event, as if drawn by some unseen force, I found myself at the starting point at 5:45 a.m. sharp. 
Dressed in my new traditional avatar, I stood there not knowing a soul. No one from our office team had arrived yet. I felt a bit awkward, a stranger to this world I had admired from a distance. 
But faith has a way of embracing you gently. I took darshan of Prachin Hanuman at the temple in Connaught Place which was the starting point of the Wari. 
Having received the blessings of Lord Hanuman, I walked towards the group and introduced myself to Shri.Dange the main organiser. He and the team greeted me with warmth and joy. Encouraged, I joined the growing dindi. I had told my driver to follow behind. I would walk just symbolically for a few minutes and then return.
But the few minutes turned into an hour, then two. The chants of "Vitthal Vitthal Jai Hari Vitthal" rang in my ears, the rhythm of the dhol-tasha stirred something deep inside, and the sight of the idol of Vitthal in the tempo not only brought inexplicable peace but gave me energy to walk. 
Soon, one of our officials from Maharashtra Sadan joined me on the route. Her presence also boosted my morale and encouraged me to keep walking. Before long, many officers from the Government of India had joined the Wari as well. Seeing familiar faces in unfamiliar settings made me feel at home, and added to the joy of the experience.
I kept walking. Kilometres melted beneath my feet.
By the time we reached the Vitthal Rukmini Temple at R.K. Puram, I had become a part of something so deeply spiritual, so emotionally uplifting, that every thought of physical discomfort had vanished.
There was a sea of devotees waiting to welcome the dindi. The air was festive yet reverent. We played phugdi, watched the ringan, sang abhangas, and danced with joyous abandon. Oblivious to my sore feet, I participated wholeheartedly with the enthusiastic bhaktas.
As Resident Commissioner, I was graciously felicitated by the organising committee. But the real honour was yet to come, to be allowed inside the sanctum sanctorum and join in the aarati of Vitthala himself. It was a moment of great blessing which I had never experienced before.  
And then came the prasad, the simplest, most soul-satisfying meal of sabudana khichadi, bhagar, and taak (buttermilk) which tasted like divinity.
This Ashadhi was unlike any other in my life.
No, I hadn't walked  hundreds of kilometres across the winding paths of Maharashtra to Pandharpur but I had taken the first step and it led me to divine and  sacred blessings in this Sanketik Wari in India's capital. 
I now understand why lakhs walk each year.
Why they sing through the pain, dance despite the blisters, and call out to Vitthal from the depths of their heart. 
That day, under the Delhi sky, surrounded by the love and devotion of strangers who became companions and colleagues who became co-devotees my heart too sang,
Jai Hari Vitthal...Jai Hari Vitthal ! Jai Jai Ram Krishna Hari...Jai Jai Ram Krishna Hari with a hope that some day similarly Vitthal Mauli would lead me to Pandharpur...

Bengal Mango Mela & Handloom Handicraft Expo 2025 : A Walk Through Bengal’s Soul at Janpath – Mangoes, Weaves & Warmth

Bengal Mango Mela & Handloom Handicraft Expo 2025 : A Walk Through Bengal’s Soul at Janpath – Mangoes, Weaves & Warmth

Ever since I received the invitation to the Mango Mela being organised by the Government of West Bengal I was excited. Who does not want to experience the specialities of any state and that too from the culturally rich Bengal in the comfort of a place near your own home? Yet I never imagined that visiting the  Bengal Mango Mela and Handloom Handicrafts Expo would be stepping in a place where my senses came alive with flavours and colours.
As I stepped into Handloom Haat, Janpath, a soft breeze carried with it the scent of ripe mangoes along with the rustle of cotton and silk fabric. It was as if a slice of Bengal had been gently transplanted into the heart of Delhi and I had just walked right into it.
This wasn't just an exhibition, it was a journey through time, taste, and tradition.
The handloom and handicrafts stalls spread over two floors jostled for attention with their colourful display of Tangail or Jamdani weavers displaying their beautiful collection.
Nearby hung Balu Chori sarees, soft yet structured, perfect for summer evenings. The Kantha embroidered dupattas and blouses told tales stitched over hours, days sometimes months. Every thread was a narrative.
I touched soft Kolkata cottons, flipped through stacks of stoles, admired the bold red-and-black patterns on handwoven blouses. There were bags, pouches, bamboo fans and wooden cutlery.
The earthy Patta Chitra scrolls, whispered  Bengal’s stories in lines and colours. As I  looked at them with admiration an artist  sang the story painted on the scroll in his beautiful voice,  praying to Durga Ma seeking her blessings.
As we moved ahead I was drawn by the  aromas of food in the air. I followed my nose to the food court a wonderland of flavours. Being vegetarian I settled with Luchi with Alur Dom and Raw banana cutlets but the non- vegetarian counters buzzed with Shorshe Ilish (mustard fish) and other delicacies. There was a stall selling Mango Sandesh, Mango Kheer and rosogollas with a mango twist. Tea of various flavours as well as pickles, chutneys and condiments were also available.
In a quieter corner, I found a display by Sundarini Organic, a collective of women from the Sundarbans, bringing organic dairy and produce directly to consumers.
I read about how their cows are fed with pesticide-free green fodder, how herbal medicine replaces antibiotics, and how the community works with pride. It wasn't just milk but an empowered livelihood. A QR code on the banner led to an app. "You can order online too".
The second floor had  some more   interesting stalls of clothes and  artefacts. However the main attraction is the Mango Outlet on the second floor where I was greeted by towering crates of golden Malda mangoes  Himsagar, Langra, Fazli, Laxmanbhog etc, all glowing like jewels. Farmers proudly spoke of their journey: how these mangoes travelled farm-to-market, grown organically in Bengal’s fertile soil.
Tasting one slice felt like biting into Bengal’s summer sun, juicy, sweet, and deeply satisfying. And one doesn’t have to worry about the heat since the exhibition is spread out on two floors in the air-conditioned premise of Handloom House.
Kudos to the Resident Commissioner of West Bengal, IAS Ujjani Datta Madam for beautifully converging efforts across departments especially the Horticulture Department  to bring the best of Bengal to Delhi. The freshest varieties of Malda mangoes, curated with care, and a stunning showcase of handicrafts, handlooms, and folk art stand as a tribute to Bengal’s rich heritage. As I walked out, hands full of mangoes and heart full with stories, I couldn’t help but smile.
This expo is not just an event; it is a heartfelt support system for weavers, artisans, self-help groups, and cooperatives, empowering local communities while delighting urban hearts and a celebration of craft and courage.
I heard that on 6th July there would be evening performances of tribal dances from Purulia, vocal recitals by children, and the beloved folk band DOHAR. I have made a mental note to return.
If you’re in Delhi before 8th July, don’t miss this immersive experience. It’s not just about mangoes or sarees  it’s about Bengal’s beating heart, laid bare in colour, warmth, and soul.

R. Vimala, IAS,
Resident Commissioner,
Compassionate Civil Servant and PhD Scholar at IIT Bombay

Sujata Saunik: Maharashtra's First Lady Chief Secretary

Sujata Saunik: Maharashtra's First Lady Chief Secretary

Some leaders leave a mark through their power and others through their presence and action. Sujata Saunik, the first woman Chief Secretary of Maharashtra, is among those rare leaders who has done both with unmatched grace, intellect, and heart. Her retirement from active service does not just mark the end of a stellar career but reflects the great legacy she carries forward.
Sujata Madam’s career spans an  entire spectrum of governance from grassroots to global. Her early years as the Chief Executive Officer, Zilla Parishad, followed by a powerful tenure as Collector of Jalgaon grounded her in the realities of public service.
She took this experience to the urban sector as Municipal Commissioner of Nashik, dealing  with challenges of a growing city to  balance development with citizen-focused service delivery.
Along with administrative brilliance  Sujata Madam took interest in academics. As a Takemi Fellow she studied Public Administration, joining a global cohort of future leaders and changemakers.This sharpened her  keen understanding of governance with international insights into public policy design, institutional reform and the importance of evidence-based decision-making.
This academic lens combined with her field experience made her a rare officer who could think like a policymaker, act like a reformer, and connect like a grassroots worker.
During her tenure with the National Disaster Management Cell, Government of India, Sujata Madam played a pivotal role in shaping India's early strategies on disaster risk reduction and preparedness.
Her work helped lay the foundation for a more proactive, structured national disaster management, which continues to save lives and guide action even today
Back in Maharashtra, her work in Health was marked by both vision and compassion, designing interventions for maternal health, child welfare, and gender equity that truly touched lives. Her international exposure, including work with WHO and UNICEF, strengthened her ability to balance global perspectives with local realities.
Her reformist zeal came alive as Additional Chief Secretary of the General Administration Department, where she led transformational initiatives in digital governance, administrative reforms, and institutional efficiency.
One of her landmark contributions has been in technology-enabled governance. As a believer in systems reform, Sujata Madam championed Maharashtra’s first e-Cabinet, transitioning decision-making processes from paper to digital. This was not just a technological upgrade, it was a shift towards transparency and accountability.
Her push for data-driven governance, real-time dashboards, and digital citizen service platforms placed Maharashtra at the forefront of administrative modernization
Perhaps another of her most defining legacies lies in her work as Additional Chief Secretary of the General Administration Department. She led a quiet but firm revolution ensuring that capable women officers were appointed as Collectors, CEOs, and Divisional Commissioners across the state.
The shift was so visible that many said with pride, “Vidarbha Durgamayi jhaali.” Sujata Madam didn’t just believe in empowerment she created systems that made it real. She didn’t just advocate empowerment she institutionalized it. In contrast she had to be patient for over one year for her own appointment as the first lady Chief Secretary of Maharashtra which shortened her term and cetainly deprived the state of her sagacity. Yet she continued to open doors for women and  ensured they walked through them with confidence and purpose.
I had the privilege of serving as the Officer on Special Duty in the Chief Secretary’s Office. To observe her closely was to witness a masterclass in governance where nothing escaped her attention. Whether it was framing policy, planning a major government review, or managing an emergent situation her clarity of thought and attention to detail were impeccable.
Yet what set her apart most was her deeply human side. Amidst high-pressure meetings and critical decisions, she would make a call to gently remind her mother to take her medicines or talk to her son on the phone with great affection and a smile in the middle of a busy day.
Her leadership also extended beyond government roles. As President of  the Indian Administrative Service Officers’ Wives Association (IASOWA), she was an active force and brought fresh energy, inclusion, and new ideas strengthening  community ties. Whether it was supporting underprivileged children, organizing wellness programs, or undertaking donation drive she made sure that IASOWA became a vibrant, inclusive community.
Her career is a beacon for the future, a reminder that systems can be reformed with heart, that leadership can be inclusive, and that intellect shines brightest when rooted in humility.
Her official journey as Chief Secretary may have come to a close, but her influence is far from over. Whether she chooses a formal role in public policy, national leadership, global platforms or simply continues as a mentor and guide, one thing is certain: she will continue to lead, to inspire, and to illuminate paths for many.
Thank you, Sujata Madam for showing us that government service is not a just any job, but a calling. And that true leadership is not about position but about purpose.

R. Vimala, IAS,
Compassionate Bureaucrat & PhD Scholar at IIT, Bombay



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Suchindram Temple : A Symphony in Stone

Suchindram Temple : A Symphony in Stone

Have you ever heard of stone columns that sing ? Or sculptures with ears so perfectly carved that you can pass a thin stick right through them? Hidden away in the southern tip of India, Suchindram Thanumalayan Temple in Tamil Nadu is one of those rare places where mythology, architecture and precision meet to leave you spellbound.
It was almost two decades ago, eighteen years to be exact, that I first visited Suchindram Temple.  The absolute marvel had left an indelible mark on me even then.  Now, being invited to a conference in nearby Kovalam in Kerala with Suchindram barely two hours away from our venue, I couldn't lose the opportunity to witness its grandeur once more.
We opted for a guide, knowing fully well that understanding the intricate sculptures on our own would be impossible. Our guide, a young enthusiast, truly brought the history to life.
He ushered us quickly toward the main sanctum, explaining it would close at 12:30 PM. Here we got darshan of the beautiful idol of Thanumalayan,  (Thanu = Shiva, Mal = Vishnu, Ayan = Brahma), the presiding diety which symbolises the unity of divine forces in a single sanctum making Suchindram Temple  unique. This inclusive spirit is reflected not just in philosophy, but in the very stones which have created the temple.
Our guide took to various shrines dedicated to other deities, including Lord Indra, who is believed to have worshipped here to be freed from a curse, Goddess Annapoorni, Nataraja, and Ganesha. His commentary gave life to the idols. He pointed out that the Navagrahas in the temple were  particularly unique as they were carved onto the ceiling.
Each step in the ancient halls, reflected  the ingenuity and devotion of the artisans who breathed life into these stones centuries ago. Beautiful carved corridors echoed the chants and footsteps of the great kings under whose reigns this temple was constructed  as well as  generations of pilgrims who would have witnessed it grandeur.
Stepping into the inner halls, we could see the truly magical architectural wonder, a set of musical pillars carved from single blocks of stone. The guide tapped them knowledgeably explaining the distinct musical notes as if the stone itself were the instruments. These sapta swara (seven-note) columns not only amazed me but made me ponder . Centuries ago, how did those artisans manage to craft stone into sound without modern tools? The concentration, the precision required for such a feat is unimaginable. It made me think about the lost knowledge and the incredible dedication of those sculptors.
These pillars are more than a marvel; they are a tribute to the temple’s cultural richness, where music, devotion, and engineering genius combine seamlessly. I felt a surge of pride seeing the sophisticated blend of art and science from the pages of history.
One of the most delightful details in the temple is the lifelike stone sculptures, especially the one with ears carved so finely that a stick can pass right through them. The guide spoke about the deeprooted philosophy behind it saying we should hold back the good we hear and push out all bad things we hear. This wasn’t just a visual wonder, it was a powerful testimony to the incredible precision of ancient Indian sculptors, whose skill transcended the limitations of time and technology. Every figure, every corner of the temple seemed to hold a secret — from intricate celestial dancers and Gods, to fierce guardians and quiet sages. each telling part of a much larger story. I imagined the hands that painstakingly carved these details, the immense focus, and the vision they possessed to create such masterpieces.
A towering 22-foot tall Hanuman statue, one of the tallest in India, carved from a single granite block was another marvel whose sheer scale and detail were breathtaking. A magnificent gopuram (entrance tower) rising to 134 feet, richly adorned with mythological scenes and deities. I felt dwarfed by its grandeur, yet uplifted by its beauty.
A Living Legacy
Suchindram isn't just a monument; it's a living, breathing center of devotion and culture. Our guide said that during the annual Car Festival, the streets come alive as thousands gather to pull the beautifully decorated temple chariot, amidst chants, music, and celebration. I could almost hear the echoes of past festivities, connecting me to a vibrant, unbroken lineage.
Though dynasties like the Cholas, Pandyas, and Nayaks have all left their mark on the temple, its soul remains untouched, vibrant and timeless. While our rich ancient history is sometimes overshadowed by the narratives of the Sultanate and Mughal dynasties, masterpieces like those at Suchindram perhaps give the Cholas and Pandyas their rightful place in history. Standing there, I felt a deep sense of validation and pride in the heritage that often goes unrecognized.
In a world racing ahead, Suchindram Temple offers a chance to pause and wonder — to marvel at human creativity, spiritual unity, and the silent stories carved in stone. It reminds us that beauty is not always in grandeur, but also the quiet mastery of a hand that tranaformed a  stone and made it sing. This journey wasn't just a visit to a temple; it was an experience, a personal revelation of the enduring genius of our ancestors.
If you're planning a journey to Kanyakumari or southern Tamil Nadu, make sure Suchindram is on your list. You won't just visit a temple but also experience a marvel that will resonate with you long after you've left.

R. Vimala, IAS,

Compassionate Bureaucrat and PhD Scholar at IIT Bombay.

Father's Day...

Father's day.... 

Today is Father's Day. I am reminded of a very famous shloka from the Shantiparva of Mahabharata which reads as ,

"पिता स्वर्गः पिता धर्मः पिता परमकं तपः | 

पितरि प्रीतिमापन्ने सर्वाः प्रीयन्ति देवताः ||२०|| 

My father is my heaven, my father is my dharma, he is the ultimate penance of my life. If he is happy, all deities are pleased!"

It has been my fortune to experience this shloka in my father. He was a man of principles, one who has learned to adapt himself to each and every situation he encountered in his life. 

Backsliding from a life of comfort to abject penury due to losses in the family business, and then rising up to be a man of modest means, must not have been without challenges. Yet he consistently rose to the occasion with a balanced mind and mature adaptation. Furthermore, leading a healthy life, he set an example by abstaining from smoking and drinking, exercising regularly and maintaining his weight, while indulging in mentally stimulating activities like Sudoku and Crosswords. 

His emphasis on being  happy through relationships and more importantly the fact that money does not lead to happiness has  been the greatest lesson. He taught us to see the best in people and lead a life of Dharma, which essentially encompassed the path of law, of righteousness, of duty, compassion, love and joy as the right way of living.

Father's day has not only given me but all others an opportunity to discern our existence to our father and mother.  Keeping them happy is therefore our foremost duty. 

In fact the Garuda Purana says,

पितॄन्नमस्ये निवसन्ति साक्षाद्ये देवलोकेऽथ महीतले वा ॥

तथान्तरिक्षे च सुरारिपूज्यास्ते वै प्रतीच्छन्तु मयोपनीतम् ॥ 89.27 ॥

पितॄन्नमस्ये परमार्थभूता ये वै विमाने निवसन्त्यमूर्त्ताः ॥

यजन्ति यानस्तमलैर्मनोभिर्योगीश्वराः क्लेशविमुक्तिहेतून् ॥ 89.28 ॥

पितॄन्नमस्ये दिवि ये च मूर्त्ताः स्वधाभुजः काम्यफलाभिसन्धौ||

प्रदानशक्ताः सकलेप्सितानां विमुक्तिदा येऽनभिसंहितेषु ॥ 89.29 ॥ 

"I bow before my father, in whom all the deities of all realms reside, truly he is my deity. 

I bow before my father who resides in the formless guise of Paramartha, who is worshipped by blameless yogis for liberation from all conflict (of samsara).

I bow before my father, in whom I see all Gods and who fulfills all my aspirations. He is the inspiration for achievements, and he relieves me from all worries. I pay my obseisance to my revered father. " 

If we close our eyes for a moment and ponder about all that our parents do for us since the time we are born, this shloka would become so relevant. Fathers stand by us as we roll, crawl, take our first baby step, walk, run, study, and grow up. They also help us to fire our imagination, set goals for ourselves and encourage us to achieve them. They are not daunted by our failures, in fact,  their belief in us encourages us forever in all our endeavours. They guide us and mentor us or silently support us till we reach our goals.

As children I don't think any of us remember being worried about anything with our fathers around.

Depriving themselves of every little comfort, they ensure that our smallest needs are satisfied

 As children we rarely doubt the propriety of our father. In fact we have full faith in his ability and strength to guide us. Things sometimes go amiss when we are blinded by the brightness and the glamour of youth. On such occasions it is very easy to forget our duty towards our father and overlook all that he has done. 

Only somebody extraordinary like Maryada Purushottam Ram in Ramayana can express  the thought : 

" यतः मूलम् नरः पश्येत् प्रादुर्भावम् इह आत्मनः||

कथम् तस्मिन् न वर्तेत प्रत्यक्षे सति दैवते || २-१८-१६ meaning, " A man can see his father as the cause of his existence; why wouldn't he want to behave towards him as if his father were a visible God (pratyaksha devata)?"

Lord Ram is an example of that ethereally dutiful son which may perhaps be a bit too much to expect in modern times. However what stops us from doing little things that make our father and our parents happy?

For a country deep-rooted in the culture of " Matru-devo bhava, Pitru devo bhava, Acharya devo bhava, where our parents and our gurus, teachers, are our Gods , Father's Day can simply be a reminder of our glorious tradition. However let's not limit our love and respect for our father to this single day. Let this be a reminder of the dharma or duty towards our father to be practised everyday.....

Let everyday be father's day.....