Daughter’s heart-touching letter to her papa, thanking him for raising her as a strong and independent girl. This letter to dad captures the feelings of every daughter who want to thank her father for whatever he has done for her.
Dear Papa,
I love you.
I am writing this letter not only as your daughter but as one of many daughters, who are what they are today because their fathers defied the norms of the patriarchal society and gave them a fair chance to live life on their own terms.
And, somehow, penning down words seems much easier than standing in front of you and telling you how much you mean to me.
Today, I can call myself a strong and independent woman only because of you, dad.
From teaching me how to ride a cycle, to pushing me on a swing as a child, to teaching me how to change a flat tyre, and to making me learn how to invest money, you made sure that I turn into an independent woman.
I still remember when grandma scolded you as you were quite determined to teach me how to ride a motorbike.
When she disapproved your action and angrily said,
“Ladki Ko Ladka Banana Chahta Hai, Kya? Hasengey Log! “
You just smiled and said,
“Meri Ladki Kisi Ladke Se Kam Nahin Hai!”
And, as I took my first lap on the motorbike, we were greeted by a huge crowd of men and women, giving us disgusting stares as if we have broken a serious law.
But none of it mattered as I knew my HERO & my savior, my dad, was just right behind me.
Neither this was the first time nor the last time when you gave me the strength to fight with the patriarchal society and live life on my own terms!
Thank you, Papa, for giving me wings to fly!
Do you remember when I wanted to do an MBA after my graduation, what Chacha (uncle) told you?
He said my post-graduation would be a sheer waste of your hard-earned money! He believed investing in my education and dreams is a bad investment as I would eventually get married and whatever I will earn will support my husband and my in-laws but not you!
I still remember how you once again became the savior of my dreams.
You told Chacha,
“Her education will not only support her family but many others.
Her education will support our country as my daughter will generate thousands of jobs for young girls and boys, who will support their families in leading a better life.”
And, when I got my first breakthrough at setting a small branch of my company in our home town, I know you were the proudest!
Thank you, Papa, for showing trust in me and my dreams.
Even when the chips were down and I was at my lowest, you offered me such sound advice.
The moment when I was heartbroken as the man I was in love with, abandoned me because he felt I was too ambitious.
As I sat in a dark room grieving my 3-year long relationship, you comforted and told me,
“Pick yourself up, you are better than this. This is just a phase and it too shall pass.
A man who can’t handle your big dreams is never worth it. Because what we live for in this life is nothing but for our dreams.”
And, you were so right! You made me feel that I don’t need to ashamed of my dreams. You ignited that fire and made me jump back on the horse.
Thank you, Papa, for showing me the way when I was lost.
And, when I entered into my 30s without a husband to flaunt or a lover to show off, you never let society bother you. Whenever Rishta Aunty would bother you about your aging unmarried daughter, you would take pride in my life achievements and my awards. Because you knew your daughter was born to be much more than just a wife!
ALSO READ: Society, Stop Failing Fathers Who Raise Strong & Independent Girls: Letter By A Daughter
Thank you, Papa, for always looking out for me.
As time passes by and both of us grow older, I know deep down inside, I will always be your little princess who was born to conquer the world.
ALSO READ: Dear Society, Don’t Teach Daughters To Tolerate, Rather Stand Up
Thank you, Papa, for everything.
Love,
Your Daughter!
