Despite bracing yourself for nine long months, becoming a father happens almost overnight when you see two little toes that look just like yours and a smile that reminds you of the most beautiful woman that you were destined to marry.
One word, but a million feelings! The word, ‘Papa’ suddenly means so much, especially when there’s a missing tooth and the cutest little giggles that follow.
And before you know it, it's June 16, 2024, and you are celebrating Father’s Day, a day that has secretly made its way into your work calendar when you weren’t looking – a day that reminds you that now, you are no longer a provider only at the workplace, but at home as well.
One bound to influence the other, mornings look different at Kilowott, a leading IT firm, based in Porvorim, ever since Aaron Fernandez became a father.
“The way I approach my parental duties has influenced the way Kilowott addresses the work-life balance needs of employees. I am familiar with the importance of defining a clear boundary between family and work, and not letting work pressures and familial obligations overlap,” says the co-founder of the company, who shuffles between Goa and Norway as and when time permits.
“I always strive to balance my work and family life, and I ensure that my employees are able to enjoy the best of both worlds, too,” says Aaron who is blessed with four beautiful children.
"In the midst of this, I also devote some time to myself for rejuvenation, so that I am able to effectively care for my family and my company. Hence, watering both sides of the garden, so that the grass is vibrant green on both sides, so to speak,” he says.
As for Arch. Sacheen Pai Raikar, Principal Architect at Pai Raikar Associates, in Panjim, his journey with fatherhood and running a business stemmed from his admiration for his own father.
“Watching my father, who retired as a Senior Police Officer, I absorbed his humane, sensitive approach towards his juniors and the public who approached him,” says Sacheen, whose son has also taken a liking to architecture just like both his parents.
"My approach towards fatherhood and my professional role has always been inclusive and transparent, with every experience overlapping and informing the other,” he adds.
“As a father, I have evolved alongside my family – right from my son, Sudanshu’s, infancy to adulthood, where he is now rubbing shoulders with my wife, Arch. Hemlata, and I in a professional capacity as part of The Design Online Company,” he smiles.
“His choice to follow in our professional footsteps, as architects, validates that we are doing something worthwhile and worth continuing. He can witness how our approach to professional matters is on a logical and rational path, which he also experiences in our dealing with personal matters concerning him. There are no polar opposites of our maintaining a healthy work-life balance,” says the hopeful, but proud, father.
As for Parixit Pai Fondekar, from the Kamaxi Group and FIERCE Kitchens, “Fatherhood has taught me the importance of resilience and responsibility, which is vital to possess as a leader and a parent. This resilience is displayed through developing a mindset to grow as a father and understand your child, and in a work environment, lead your employees to a goal,” he rightly pens.
"Creating bonds by spending quality time at home with my children, Sachi and Nirvi, as well as spending quality time in the workplace with my team is very important under the mantle of leadership," he continues.
"Daily operations in the workspace can be stressful at times; however, I ensure that I am present for my family and employees, and there is a level of understanding between us so that both the home and workplace are healthy and conducive to growth and fulfilment,” he concludes as he heads home a little earlier to celebrate Father's Day, today.
If life was a body, and a mother, the heart, Papa is the backbone that supports the body.
If life was a car, and a mother, the accelerator, Papa is the engine that powers the car.
And, if life was a house, together with Mama - Papa makes it a home.