‘Don’t take the presence of a father for granted’

Our Correspondent
Kohima, June 19 (EMN): Another year of the Covid pandemic has shrouded many celebrations like Father’s Day that people have been religiously commemorating for years.

However, despite the pandemic disrupting normal life, the significance of Father’s Day, which is observed on the third Sunday of June every year (June 20 this year), has not been lost for people who love and appreciate their fathers or the father figures in their lives.

Namdeilung Hega, a student of class 8 at St. Thomas Higher Secondary School in Dimapur, is excited that this Father’s Day, his dad, who is an Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) personnel, returned home after performing his duties during the lockdown.

“I feel sad that my dad has to be out in the streets despite the situation; I am always worried about whether my dad is safe or not,” he shared with Eastern Mirror.

Hega shared that he always prays for his father’s safety.

“I feel so happy that my father made it this time to come home and stay with us at least during Father’s Day,” he shared.

However, it was learnt that his father would be leaving home for duty soon after the occasion.

“We will be preparing a special meal for my dad to make him happy as he has been toiling very hard for us,” the boy said while acknowledging the sacrifices his father has made for the family.

“A father is a refuge, guide, the pillar that holds the family together,” said V Martha Kulnu whose father passed away years ago.

Kulnu shared that they visit the grave of their father, late Teyiethiizo Kulnu and light candles, decorate with flowers and say prayer for him.

She said that there were many sweet memories with him and ‘it’s hard to pick one because the list goes on’. However, Kulnu shared that his father treated them (his children) like they were “his friends”.

“We would sing together, with daddy on the guitar; we would often go for walks in the early mornings in Kohima and much against the angst of our dear mother. We would have puri and tea at the roadside stalls which was a pure delight,” she recalled.

“And on his return from his many trips, he would always bring us comics, books for us to read. We would often find him reading books and translating it for mom, which was really sweet to witness,” she shared.

She also conveyed a message to those who are still blessed to have their fathers in their lives.

‘Do not take the presence of a father in your life for granted. It is one of the most precious gifts one can ever be blessed with,’ said Kulnu.

“Shower your father with love and respect. You may have acquired more degrees than him, but remember, you will never be able to match your father in the life experiences he has. Trust his capabilities and his love,” she added.

Neise Khieya, who works with Kohima Municipal Council as a safai karamchari, extended Father’s Day greetings to all the male sanitation workers who work their fingers to the bone to support their families.

She also prayed to Almighty to continue bestowing good health and long life to them so that they continue to serve the society with sincerity and diligence despite the hardships.

Sr. Lucy Gangmei, FMA, principal of Little Flower Higher Secondary School, Kohima, also greeted the Catholic fathers (priests) who have been ‘equally battling Covid pandemic like the frontline and healthcare workers’.”A very happy Father’s Day to you all,” she said. “Indeed you inspire many with your daring and courageous services to reach out to people who are in need of spiritual and temporal help.”

S Tovili Swu, Assistant Nursing Superintendent of Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK), also extended her greetings to her male colleagues at the health facility on the occasion.

“Happy Father’s Day to all the healthcare workers (male doctors and staff) of Naga Hospital Authority Kohima who are away from their spouse and children even on this special occasion, while tirelessly looking after the Covid-19 patients,” Swu greeted.

She also prayed that God bless and protect them.