PushkarThakkar
36 years, managing director, Delmont Fire & Safety LLC, Dubai Son: Hrehaan, 3.5 years
When I was around 10 years old, following a tiff with my mother, I locked the door of her room and ran out, forgetting about it completely as I was soon engrossed in play. That evening, I saw the fury in my father’s eyes and learnt my lesson the hard way. Disrespect to elders, especially to my mother, was something he could never tolerate.
Born and brought up in a Gujarati joint family, respecting elders was the unwritten rule that my younger brother and I grew up with. Discipline was another key factor he instilled in us right from the beginning. Even today, at the age of 63, after a long night or a late party, he is up at dawn and out for his daily jog without fail.
One of dad’s greatest qualities that I have always admired is how he struck a fine balance between being strict and lenient during our growing up years. More importantly, he gave us the freedom to follow our own paths. Although I chose engineering with the intention of joining his business, I soon realised that my interests lay elsewhere. However, not once did my father object
I hope my son, Hrehaan, who is three-and-a-half too, will grow up with these solid morals
to my choice; he respected my decision, and I am grateful to him for giving me the freedom to follow my heart. Three years ago, I set up my own company here in Dubai and today, the immense joy and pride my father has in my achievements is very evident.
My son, Hrehaan, is three-and-a-half years old; and I hope that he too will grow up with these solid morals. In our family, tradition and culture are highly valued; education is a priority; and respect for all is always stressed upon. I would like my son also to imbue these traits that would help him grow to be a good citizen and for this, I know I must model the behaviour I want to see in him.
My father is a hardworking person. Through his perseverance and self-discipline, he ensured we had the best of education and all the required comforts. It was when I worked with him for a short period after college that I witnessed firsthand the ethics and integrity he brought to the work place. He has always lived by the motto: Be straight and honest; and keep your word if you have made a commitment. This has since become my guiding principle in my career as well.
Like most Indian dads and sons, our conversations are mostly always short and crisp; it is to my mother that I talk more. However, on the occasion of this Father’s Day, I would like to reach out to my father in Mumbai to say “a big thank you for supporting me and teaching me to become the very best version of myself”.