In order to commemorate a specific day fully dedicated to parents for recognising, uplifting and supporting the role of parents in children’s upbringing, the then American President Bill Clinton signed a congressional resolution into law in 1994. So, on 28th July, 1995 the first Parents’ Day was officially celebrated. Since that time, Parents’ Day has been celebrated in several countries on the fourth Sunday of July every year to promote responsible parenting and also to underline the importance of the parents in our lives; to express our gratitude and to honour them appropriately.
Actually, Parents’ Day bears emotional, social, cultural and moral significance for several reasons. The relationship between parents and children is pure and divine. It is the foundation of a family, society, country and the world. The sincerity, dedication and hard work of parents in fostering the children physically, mentally, emotionally and morally has always been the point of appreciation. As such their lives encourage the younger generations – the future parents to carry forward these noble traditions of caring, sharing, affection, love, respect and gratitude.
Interestingly, in Indian culture and tradition, the parents have been respected and revered as living God. So, despite some negative impact of the so-called fast and modern life, it is still a very common scene in Indian families that children bow down to touch the feet of parents and take their blessings whenever they go out or return home. In all family ceremonies and festivals, the direction and decision of parents are respectfully accepted and executed. In fact, they occupy the centre stage in all family matters. It is good to note that in the Indian family system not only the parents take care of the health, happiness and well-being of children, but the children also do likewise, particularly when parents become old. Yes, in this dynamic world, the process of review and suitable rectification should be very much in place for improving and strengthening the family bond for the betterment of everybody.
It is quite interesting and heartening to note that Parents’ Day is celebrated in several unique and beautiful manners in different countries based on the traditional, cultural, social and religious practices prevailing there. Notwithstanding the varying ground realities, these are some of the simple, doable and decent ways to make the day really memorable:
A) Family get-together is one nice way to spend quality time with parents where children get the opportunity to enjoy together their parents’ favourite eatables, may be fruits, snacks, sweets, chocolates etc. while listening about their golden memories and the success stories, discussing the matters of common interest etc. Offering personalised gifts in a surprising manner with a heart touching gesture adds precious value to this occasion.
B) Going out to a nearby picnic spot, cooking the choicest foods there, playing ludo, cards or any other interesting and engaging homely games, listening to their favourite music or doing another such activity do create an atmosphere of love, compassion and real joy for everyone, particularly your parents.
C) If for any reason, you are living away from your parents for cogent reasons, try to come home to celebrate this day. If at all it is not possible, at least do the doable which includes celebrating the day virtually by making a video call, sending personal messages of respect and appreciation for their invaluable contribution to shape your life. Sharing the photos-videos related to this happy occasion on social media is also a good idea to reinforce the feeling of togetherness.
D) If possible, organise a social event to acknowledge
their tireless efforts for your development and honour your parents publicly to
express your heartfelt gratitude. Encourage your parents to share their unique
journey of parenting to look back and relive that eventful period.
To say, the whole idea of celebrating Parents’ Day is to
make your parents feel very special and relish this moment and also to convey
your true feelings of caring, sharing and indebtedness once again. Yes, it is
always good to keep in mind that your parents do not need your tears when they
die. They actually need your love, caring time, hugs, respect and laughter
while still alive. (hellomilansinha@gmail.com)
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