IN THE tapestry of human life, there are a few strong pillars -- quiet and resilient but largely unnoticed. Yet, they rarely falter. They are the threads that weave one’s lives with their countless sacrifices, unwavering support, their silent cheers in moments of triumph, and the calm in raging storms in one’s lives.They are the first teachers, guides, companions, and often the truest friends too. They are parents! They say parenting is not an easy job. True, because it’s not a job at all. It’s a way of life. If a mother nurtures and inculcates values in her children, then a father builds a child’s character. Parenting is mostly thankless, yet parents strive to nurture their child’s dreams and become their anchor in shaping and moulding their character.

 

They are the only ones who truly love their children without any expectations. Their child’s joy reigns supreme. Many noted personalities, like former President of India Dr A P J Abdul Kalam, have acknowledged this quiet strength in their lives and never missed an opportunity to thank their parents. Dr Kalam, in his book ‘Wings of Fire’, chronicles how his father imbibed the values of simplicity, discipline, and hard work that later became the philosophy of his life. Individuals like Shahrukh Khan, Sachin Tendulkar, Dr M S Swaminathan, Priyanka Chopra, and others have always been vocal about their success that stemmed from the hardships of their parents. Had their parents not supported and believed in them, these personalities would never have tasted success in their lives. Parents are the one-point solution for innumerable problems that the teens and youths encounter in today’s fast-paced and digital world. Youths are increasingly facing stress and mental health issues, with loneliness becoming the major adversary. Parents, though overlooked, can become the greatest refuge for these youths. Certainly, parents sometimes fail to recognise and understand the complexities of modern youth; it’s human after all.

 

Yet they remain the sincerest sounding boards that the youths need. They don’t judge, just listen. They always respond with love. Parenting has also evolved over the years. The traditional parenting, which involved mothers inculcating values while fathers being the breadwinners, has transformed into a supportive and understanding companionship. Gone are those days when parents were only the authority figures. They are now individuals who listen without judgement, guide silently, and celebrate without any expectations. They are the first to believe in their child and the last to give up on them. Their presence will always remain profound. For their child, parents are the jack of all trades. Mahatma Gandhi has rightly said, “Every home is a university, and the parents are the teachers.” They are caregivers, nurturers, guides, and friends who might have different philosophies, ideologies, and cultures but who shower unconditional love on their children. Though seldom celebrated, they remain the architect of many an inspiring life. Now, more than ever, it’s important to pause and recognise and cherish these architects who are the quiet pillars -- always strong, resilient, nurturing, and the bedrock of every child’s life.n