SOME of the resident Eastern Eye columnists marked Father’s Day by paying a tribute to their own respective dads...
Mita Mistry: Words can’t describe my love for my father. I am beyond grateful to be blessed with him. My papa came to this country in 1967 with very little. I admire his integrity, hard work and determination. I am lucky to have grown up feeling protected and loved; his honest and fearless nature has taught me to stand up for my truth in whatever I pursue. He pushed me beyond my comfort zone teaching me how to ride a bike, swim and explore outdoor adventures.
He has a huge heart, is always jolly and inspired me from a young age to kill any confrontations with kindness. He taught me to respect everyone, be strong, independent and not worry because everything in life unfolds how it’s meant to. My dad has been my pillar of strength, supporting me in every decision I have ever made. Thank you for everything dad, I love you.
Shai Hussain: My dad has always been a hero of mine. He worked tirelessly from the moment we arrived in this country to ensure the family was taken care of and has continually supported everything I do, asking about every gig and trawling the newsagents of Huddersfield for a copy of Eastern Eye. Though we all regularly berate him on his stubborn bad habits (put the phone away, papa!), none of us can deny the size of the huge heart of this wonderful man and how empty our lives would be without him.
Priya Mulji: My dad is the strongest man I know, in every way. He has strength, resilience and is able to laugh, and sing in any situation. This is my favourite picture of us and it represents our relationship; always smiling. He taught me to work hard, not to spend too much money and enjoy life.
We’re both night owls, so when I visit my parents we sit together and open a bottle of wine. Sometimes we won’t talk, but we will sit and watch a Bollywood movie together – it’s one of my favourite things to do with him. Last year dad unexpectedly had some major heart surgery and he has made a quick and full recovery. Daddy, I might tell you off for being an ex-smoker, but it’s because I love you.
Dimple Sanghani: I want to thank you dad for being the best father in the world, for supporting me always and making me realise my strengths. There is one girl who will never forget you on Father’s day or any other day. You are my daddy and I couldn’t ask for anyone better.
Thanks for always taking care of me and loving me. Happy Father’s Day!
One day is not enough to honour how special of a father you truly are because you are amazing every day of the year. Thank you for all that you do. I love you! Strong roots, make beautiful leaves. Thank you also to my grandpa for adding so much love to our family tree.
Nazia Khatun: My dad is different. A father to five daughters and a son growing up in a Bangladeshi community could never have been easy with traditional expectations for females. My father worked hard to ensure none of us went without food or miss out on a fun childhood. Growing up, every week was someone's turn to go shopping to replace trainers or a jacket, forever digging a hole in his pocket. He made sure he educated all the children, and his daughters were no different to his son or any other sons in the South Asian community.
We broke all the rules for a traditional Bangladeshi female, including me being an amateur boxer, and running my fitness company, and another sister a police officer. My father always encouraged us to travel and follow our hearts. He’s a kind-hearted man who still works hard to this day to ensure that his daughters and son get the best in this life.
