From when a child is very young, through their teenage years and into adulthood, what a father teaches can significantly influence their life. This relationship is very special and can affect many aspects of how a child grows up. A father’s wisdom and teachings can become integral to the child’s identity, shaping their perspectives, beliefs, and choices. The relationship between a father and child is complex, filled with love, respect, teaching, and friendship.

In certain castes, such as the one I was born into, a father becomes a child’s first guru. He initiates them into the path of learning by whispering the Gayatri mantra in a ceremony known as Upanayanam. Generally speaking, our fathers guide us through various aspects of life.

From our earliest steps to our most significant milestones, our fathers play a crucial role in shaping our perspectives and understanding of the world. They impart practical wisdom, teach invaluable skills, instill a sense of morality, and nurture our curiosity. They guide us through the complexities of life, helping us navigate personal challenges, academic pursuits, and professional endeavors. These lessons, both big and small, form the foundation of our character and influence our path in life. However, a father’s role is not just limited to imparting knowledge and wisdom. They share our joys, support us in times of sorrow, and stand as pillars of strength and security. The bond between a father and child transcends the boundaries of a typical teacher-student relationship, making it a unique blend of love, respect, and guidance.

Even when our fathers depart from our lives, they continue to serve as our guiding light. Their teachings and principles echo in our minds, guiding our actions and decisions. The values they instilled in us become our moral compass, steering us through life’s dilemmas. Their memories become a source of strength and inspiration, motivating us to strive for success and overcome obstacles. They continue to live on in our thoughts, our actions, and in the lessons we pass on to the next generation. In essence, the wisdom they impart becomes a legacy, spanning across generations, influencing not just our lives but also those of our children and grandchildren. This enduring impact of a father’s guidance truly encapsulates the timeless essence of fatherhood. That’s the way I feel, and here’s my tribute to my father, soon after he left us for the heavenly abode. Remembering My Father.

Here are three movies in Hindi, Telugu, and English that delve into various aspects of fatherhood and examine father-son relationships:

1. Bangaru Papa (1955): Betrayed by his wife and framed for a crime, Kotayya (SVR garu), a once kind man, spirals into drunken rage seeking revenge, but his path is diverted when he finds an abandoned baby, whom he raises with love, leaving his past behind. (Streaming on Eros Now, YouTube)
2. To Kill a Mockingbird (1962): Scout Finch, a curious young girl in the American South, witnesses her lawyer father Atticus defend a black man wrongly accused of a crime. Through her innocent eyes, we see the racism and prejudice that tear at her community, but also the courage and compassion that challenge it. (Streaming on Plex, Amazon Prime-Rental)
3. Do Ankhen Barah Haath (1957): Warden Adinath, a man who sees the good in everyone, defies tradition by convincing authorities to parole violent criminals. He guides them, like a father, on a run-down farm, using hard work to heal their souls. However, their success threatens a corrupt businessman, leading to a devastating end. (Streaming on YouTube)

And a few more suggestions from mem.ai:

1. The Pursuit of Happyness: This English movie beautifully portrays a father’s struggle to provide for his son while teaching him important life lessons.
2. Dangal: This Hindi film revolves around a father who, despite societal pressures, trains his daughters to be world-class wrestlers, showcasing the importance of a father’s role in challenging gender stereotypes and empowering his daughters.
3. Manam: A Telugu movie that explores the concept of reincarnation within a family, highlighting the enduring bond between a father and son across different lifetimes.
4. Finding Nemo: An animated film that delves into a father’s relentless journey across the ocean to find his missing son, demonstrating a father’s unwavering love and determination.
5. Piku: A Hindi film that humorously explores the relationship between a father and daughter, showing that even amidst constant bickering, the love and care between a father and child never fade.

Each of these films offers a unique perspective on the role of fathers and their relationships with their children, making them must-watch films for anyone interested in exploring the depths of fatherhood.

In conclusion, the bond between a father and a child is profound and impactful, shaping many facets of the child’s life. The life lessons, values, and wisdom a father imparts can truly influence the child’s outlook, beliefs, and decisions. These films provide a glimpse into this intricate relationship and its various dimensions, emphasizing the enduring influence and the essential role of fathers in our lives.