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By Mihar Dias October 2024
In reading Fathers and Their Wisdom By Sonsand Daughters, I couldn’t help but reflect on my own father, a man who raised 11 children on just RM300 a month. His resources were limited, but his wisdom was boundless.
On the night before I left to study in the United States, he reminded me of something simple yet profound: “Son, tomorrow you’ll leave for New York, but remember, God exists in America too.” But the last phrase in Kedah dialect sounded a lot more heartfelt: "Di Amerika pun ada Tuhan!".
It was a quiet but powerful reassurance that, no matter how far I ventured, I would never be alone—faith and integrity would always guide me.
Fathers and Their Wisdom By Sons and Daughters, a collection of 26 heartfelt essays, beautifully captures the essence of paternal love and guidance across various walks of life. Each story is a tribute to the fathers who, like mine, navigated through life with humility, wisdom, and an unwavering commitment to their families.
These fathers, whether they were diplomats, educators, civil servants, or visionaries, shared the same goal: to provide for their families, instill strong values, and help shape their children into decent, well-rounded adults.
Khairy Jamaluddin’s poignant tribute to his late father, Datuk Jamaluddin Abu Bakar, in his essay Gone Too Soon, resonated deeply with me.
Khairy captures the journey of a man who played a vital role in shaping Malaysia’s diplomatic standing while also being a loving, moral compass for his family. The legacy left behind by Datuk Jamaluddin, with his steadfast integrity and service to the nation, reminds me of my own father’s quiet resilience.
These stories are not just recollections of past lives but a living testament to the enduring influence of paternal wisdom. Like the fathers portrayed in the book, mine too led by example. He didn’t have much, but he gave me everything that truly mattered: a sense of purpose, values grounded in faith, and a belief that hard work and decency would carry me through any challenge.
Fathers and Their Wisdom By Sons and Daughters reminds us that fatherhood is not about perfection but about being present, guiding with quiet strength, and imparting lessons that endure far beyond a father’s lifetime.
For anyone who has ever felt the gentle push of a father’s love and wisdom, this book is a treasure trove of reflections that will leave you inspired, perhaps even teary-eyed, as you revisit your own journey under the shadow of your father’s care.
Fathers and Their Wisdom by Sons and Daughters is published by Universiti of Malaya Press, 2024
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