A Daughter’s Pledge

Saradha Pandey’s journey from humble beginnings to her role as Deputy Manager at Adani’s Talent Acquisition Department is a testament to the profound influence of paternal love. Her father, Ram Dinesh Pandey, a respected soldier, has been her unwavering support. Ms Pandey recalls his countless sacrifices, including travelling 160 km from Rewa, Madhya Pradesh to Allahabad airport, just to ensure her safety. With immense gratitude, she pledges to honour her father’s dreams by pursuing them with unwavering determination, including creating lasting memories in the dream house he is building.

Symphony of Gratitude

Vinay Nair working in Adani Natural Resources plans to celebrate Father’s Day in a way that it strikes a chord with his father’s lifelong passion: music. Since childhood, Mr Nair has been captivated by the magic of melodies, a love nurtured and encouraged by his father Gopi Nair. “My father lights up when he hears his favourite tunes, I want to give him that joy on a day dedicated to celebrating him,” he shares, as he hopes to give his father a gift that echoes the love and encouragement he received throughout his life. He added that he has curated a special setlist that spans decades, “These songs are more than just music; they are stories of emotions and a way to relieve our precious moments together.”

Legal Legacy on Father's Wisdom Wings

Devshree Patil, part of Adani Ports & SEZ’s legal team, draws inspiration from her father, Dr Patil’s exemplary qualities. His hard work, discipline, patience, family values, and ability to unite people are traits she strives to emulate.

Ms Patil still cannot believe that her fourteen-year-old self, who had probably not even spent 48 hours alone outside her hometown of Amravati, asked her father for permission to leave for Mumbai to pursue her academic dreams. She was taken aback when she learned that her father had already gathered printed brochures from all the colleges she could possibly attend. She lives by her father’s advice: “If you are making an informed and vetted choice, are aware of all consequences, have no doubts, and are confident in your decision, I will always be here to support you.”

She explains how the bond she shares with her father grew over the years: “He used to enquire about all that I had learned at school and build upon it, decorating it with his pearls of wisdom. As I grew older, the stories turned into discussions, sometimes even debates, but the spark in his eyes was always brighter when I had something to educate him on! He is the most wonderful storyteller, and even better are his poem recitals. I wish I still had his renditions of Shakespeare, Keats, and Hemingway constantly echoing in my ears, just like in my childhood!”

As a special Father’s Day present, she plans to craft a heartfelt message for him, playfully anticipating an edited version with grammatical refinements and thoughtful comments. "My father, being a professor of English Literature, finds utmost joy in his daughter’s words,” she muses, envisioning his happiness upon receiving her tribute.

A Royal Tribute!

Nisha Mudhaliyar, a dedicated member of Adani Ports and SEZ, speaks candidly, “To be perfectly honest, I hold a deeper affection for my mother than my father. I have never shied away from admitting this to him. However, the most profound moment of my life owes its existence to my father." Reflecting on her childhood, Ms Mudhaliyar acknowledges that while she always saw her mother as her primary supporter, she now realises the significant role her father played. She credits him for imparting her with invaluable decision-making skills.

One cherished memory stands out—her father singing for her on a special occasion. As a token of appreciation, Ms Mudhaliyar surprised him with a bouquet and cake during her visit to her hometown. Mr Natarajan, a man of simple tastes, values sentimental gestures over material possessions. She recalls his joy at receiving a framed family picture on his birthday, realising his preference for heartfelt gifts.

This Father’s Day, Ms Mudhaliyar intends to pamper her father with his favourite strong chai, prepare his beloved meal, and relieve him of his chores for the day. She plans to conclude the day by watching a movie together, aiming to reciprocate the love and care he showers on her daily. In her words, “He treats me like a princess every day, so it is only fitting that I make an effort to make him feel like a king, even if just for a day!”

Ice Cream and Insights

Arpita Vadgama, working with Adani Foundation, shares that she sees Father’s Day as just another day to ‘invest’ time with family. She reflects on her father Mansukh Vadgama’ s philosophy with fondness: “My dad always says that we never ‘spend’ time with family; rather we ‘invest’ it.” Her father believes in cherishing simpler moments. Arpita looks at this as another opportunity to go for an outing with him, enjoying the peacefulness of the journey and of a dessert or ice cream. These moments are not just about the treat but about the quality time they share. Through these small yet significant moments, they will build life-long memories and strengthen their bond – truly investing time for each other.

Detour to Diu

As someone who does not believe in celebrations and surprises, this year Revant Ravindran, who works with Adani Cements, has meticulously planned a road trip with his father. He believes the best way to show love to his father is to spend quality time together, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. "My father, a hodophile, finds happiness in the serenity of nature and the open road. He will undoubtedly be thrilled about a road trip to his favourite place, Diu, in our car. Along the way, we will stop at quaint roadside cafes to reminisce about old times." By planning this thoughtful trip, Mr Ravindran aims to create everlasting memories with his father.

These employees' stories reflect the diverse ways of expressing love to the family patriarch. As we draw the curtains on this heartwarming journey into the lives of Adani employees, let these stories inspire us all to plan something special with our first heroes. This Father’s Day, take a moment to create lasting memories with your dad, cherishing the time and love you share.