A man does not become a father the day his child is born. He is becoming one much earlier – in the responsibilities he accepts, the thoughts he carries about his child’s future, the plans he makes and the life he hopes to build for his child. Fatherhood is often expressed not through words, but through consistent action – in the effort to provide, protect and care every day.
Father’s Day – The Journey of Recognising Fathers
On 9 May 1909, while attending a Mother’s Day church service, a question struck a young woman named Sonora Smart Dodd: “Why is there no day honouring fathers?”
After losing her mother at the age of 16, she witnessed her father raise her and her siblings with dedication and strength. This experience inspired her lifelong commitment to recognising fathers and their role in shaping families.
Her efforts led to the first Father’s Day celebration on 19 June 1910. However, it wasn’t until 1972 that the day received official recognition in the United States, when President Richard Nixon declared it a national holiday, fulfilling a six-decade-long vision of a woman who was then in her 80s.
Today, Father’s Day is celebrated worldwide on the third Sunday of June.
Like a father, Akshaya Patra Strives to Protect Childhood
When one becomes a father, his everyday work is about ensuring his children are fed, educating them and empowering them to stand on their feet. When Akshaya Patra started its journey in 2000 with 1,500 children, the idea behind it was to serve warm, nutritious mid-day meals every day and thus ensure no child is deprived of education because of hunger.
Today, with the support of central and state governments, corporates and well-wishers, we feed 2.35 million children across India. The success stories of children whose lives were transformed just because they received mid-day meals at schools make all the challenges we faced worthwhile, just as a father feels proud seeing his child win in life.
Fatherhood in Action: Voices from the Ground
For designers – Testimonial is from Kitchen with heart brochure – Guwahati
For designers – Testimonial is from kitchen with heart brochure – Vasantpura
For designers – Testimonial is from kitchen with heart brochure – Vasantpura
For fathers like Devraj, ensuring that their children receive nutritious food at school every day is a huge relief.
Like a Father, We Show up Every Day
Just as a father leaves home every day so that his child can learn, grow and dream without worry, thousands of Akshaya Patra team members begin their day with a similar purpose – to serve millions of children across the country. You can also be part of this endeavour.
This Father’s Day, honour your father or father-like figures by serving mid-day meals to a child who needs your support the most. By contributing, you become part of one of the most trusted NGOs in India, inspiring millions of dreams to come true.
This day, let’s carry forward the meaning of responsibility our fathers taught us. Make a charity donation today.
Every child deserves someone who believes in their future. Will you be one?
