From the Frontlines of 1971 to the Battles of Life: My Rock, My Dad

My father is a 1971 war veteran from the 4th Gorkha Rifles. He was barely 21 when he fought in the war and lost many of his coursemates right in front of his eyes. The 4th Gorkha Rifles played a key role on the Western Front, maintaining an unbreakable line of defense in Jammu & Kashmir. My uncle was also part of the Air Force during that same war. 

Even now, my 75-year-old father still wakes up with jitters in the middle of the night, remembering the blood and the casualties. To me, he is a real-life superhero—every character created by the DC and Marvel universes combined. 

When I lost my husband five years ago, he showed the same grit and determination as that 21-year-old soldier who brought victory to our nation in the 70s. When people ask me how I was able to move on—navigating the tears and heartbreak—I point to my father. He has guided and pushed me every step of the way, giving me the courage to be a soldier in my own life. To look fear in the face and never back down is what my dad has taught me, and continues to teach me. 

From 6 AM wake-up calls for exercise to an occasional rap on my knuckles to do my math homework properly, Daddy truly is the hero of my life. He is rock-solid, dependable, and someone you can trust with your life and your children's lives. He is the best daddy and grandfather anyone could ever ask for. Fathers generally speak less, but mine talks a mile a minute and has a glitter in his eyes every time any of us do something worthwhile. He pushes me to be a better woman, mother, and human being. We love you, Daddy!