I still remember the tiny you
Your little hands holding mine
It makes me proud to see you grow
But in my heart the fact I know
That away you will go very soon
A piece of my heart will always tell you
In soul and spirit – Papa is always right behind you
I am an Indian father, so naturally, my roots and ideology will shine through in this piece. One of my objectives in writing this article is to explore the father-daughter relationship on a global level, understanding the cultural differences in various parts of the world while recognizing the universal similarities that bind us all.

Background photo: © Jorge Royan
Recently, a piece of news shook me to my core—the horrific Kolkata rape case that occurred in India on August 9, 2024. As a father, this inhuman incident has left a deep scar on my soul. How can some human beings behave with such cruelty? This tragedy has intensified my fears and protective instincts as a father of a daughter. It’s terrifying to think of the dangers that lurk in this world, and I can’t help but feel scared and, at times, helpless in my ability to shield her from such horrors.
The bond between a father and daughter is a relationship woven with threads of unconditional love, silent understanding, and moments of quiet strength. It’s a connection that transcends cultures and traditions, yet each culture leaves its own unique mark on how this bond is perceived and cherished.
In India, the saying “Beti paraya dhan hoti hai” (A daughter is another’s treasure) captures the bittersweet reality that many fathers grapple with. The knowledge that one day, their daughters will leave them to start a new life elsewhere is an emotionally drenching thought, one that stirs deep within the hearts of those who have daughters. It’s a tug-of-war between the joy of seeing them grow and the sorrow of knowing they will, eventually, walk a path that might take them away.
As an Indian father raising a daughter in today’s world, these cultural nuances are more than just words—they constantly hammer my mind. When I became a father to my daughter, it was as though all these societal expectations and traditional beliefs collided with my personal hopes and dreams for her. I wanted her to have the freedom to soar, unburdened by the constraints that society often places on women. But I also knew that this wouldn’t be easy, not in the culture I was raised in.
This internal conflict reached a peak at a certain point in my life, leading to one of the most significant decisions I’ve ever made: to leave behind a flourishing career in India and move to Canada. I did this not just for myself but for my daughter, to give her a chance to grow in an environment where she could be whoever she wanted to be, without the shadows of outdated traditions holding her back. It was a decision filled with uncertainty, fear, and a deep sense of responsibility. But it was a choice I made with love, knowing that her future was worth every sacrifice.

Our relationship is one built on the small, meaningful moments that make life beautiful. We have our little rituals—like bonding over The Lion King, a movie that never fails to bring us closer. We’ve watched it countless times, and every time, we find something new to laugh about, something to hold onto. It’s not just a film to us; it’s a shared experience, a language all our own.
The Lion King has been more than just entertainment; it has been a source of life lessons that I try to pass on to her. We talk about the importance of positivity, about finding light even in the darkest times—much like Simba does when he learns to embrace his destiny.
The movie’s iconic song, “Hakuna Matata,” has become a mantra in our home, a reminder to let go of worries and to live in the moment. The film also teaches the significance of courage, the value of friendship, and the importance of standing up for what’s right. These are lessons that I want her to carry with her throughout her life, and The Lion King gives us a beautiful, relatable way to discuss these important themes.
And then there’s our eye contact language—a silent conversation that needs no words. We can communicate whole thoughts with just a glance, a subtle expression. It’s a skill we’ve honed over the years, often at the expense of my wife’s sanity. We share a quick look, and instantly, we’re on the same page, whether it’s about a joke or a plan. She’s got her sense of humor from me, and I wear that like a badge of honor. There’s something incredibly special about seeing yourself reflected in your child, knowing that the best parts of you live on in them.

Being a father is about more than just providing; it’s about being present, being a guide, and most importantly, leading by example. I’ve made it a point to instill in her the values that I hold dear—kindness, honesty, and a strong sense of spirituality. I want her to understand that while the world can be harsh, there is always room for compassion, for understanding, and for standing up for what’s right.
One of the most tangible ways I’ve tried to lead by example is by changing my own habits. Before she was born, I had a terrible habit of cursing while driving—something I’m not proud of. But the moment I became a father, I knew that had to change. I didn’t want her to grow up thinking that kind of behavior was acceptable, so I made a conscious effort to stop. It wasn’t easy, but every time I bit my tongue, it was worth it because I knew I was setting the right example for her.
And then there’s her cooking—a talent she’s developed with such passion that it amazes me. She’s a wonderful cook, and I make sure to tell her that, to encourage her to keep exploring and trying new things. It’s one of the many ways she surprises me, and I can’t help but feel proud every time she whips up something delicious.
While my story is deeply rooted in Indian culture, the bond between a father and daughter is universal, crossing the boundaries of language, tradition, and geography.
In Japanese culture, for example, the father-daughter relationship is often marked by a deep sense of respect and duty. Fathers are seen as the providers, the protectors, and they take this role very seriously. But beneath this stoic exterior lies a profound love that is expressed through actions rather than words. A Japanese father might not say “I love you” openly, but he’ll work tirelessly to ensure his daughter has everything she needs.
In contrast, American culture often emphasizes a more open and communicative relationship between fathers and daughters. Here, fathers are encouraged to be emotionally available, to express their love and pride openly. The idea of the “Daddy’s girl” is a common trope, where daughters are doted upon and their achievements celebrated with enthusiastic support.
In many African cultures, the father-daughter relationship is deeply intertwined with the extended family. Fathers often play a pivotal role in the community, and their daughters are seen as both their pride and their responsibility. The relationship is one of mutual respect, with daughters often looking up to their fathers as role models and protectors. In some communities, fathers are actively involved in every aspect of their daughters’ lives, from education to marriage, ensuring they are well-prepared for the future.
Yet, despite these cultural differences, one thing remains constant: the love between a father and daughter. It’s a love that transcends time and distance, a love that is expressed in a million different ways—through a shared look, a quiet conversation, a favorite movie. It’s a love that teaches, that guides, that comforts. It’s a love that remains, even as the world around us changes.
As we move forward with this series of articles, I plan to dive deeper into this universal bond, exploring how it manifests in different cultures, while also sharing real-life stories from fathers and daughters around the world. Through these narratives, I hope to uncover the shared emotions and unique challenges that come with this relationship, highlighting both the similarities and the differences that make it so special.
But for now, this is our story—my daughter and I, navigating life together, one silent glance and shared laugh at a time. And while the future is uncertain, one thing remains constant: she will always be my little girl, no matter where life takes her.
And here I believe the following quote would be an apt summary….
“I look into her eyes and I see my world, my joy, my tears, my laughter and love… yes that’s my daughter for me.”
Vije Bhatia is a versatile Indian film actor, media professional, and celebrated TV show host with a rich background in Bollywood, documentaries, corporate films, and more. Known as the ‘King of DD’ (DD stands for Doordarshan which is the Indian National TV network) in India, his journey spans across various facets of the entertainment world. With over 100 TV shows and two books to his name, Vije is also an advocate for mindfulness and self-improvement.
In August 2024, Vije embarked on a new chapter by joining reGEN impact media in Calgary, Canada. He expresses deep gratitude for the opportunity given by Charlene SanJenko, the visionary Founder of reGEN. This partnership is more than a professional step – it’s a creative sanctuary where Vije feels empowered to explore, innovate, and leave a lasting impact. With the freedom to bring his vision to life, he is excited about the journey ahead and envisions a lifelong, fulfilling association that will continue to inspire and resonate with audiences far and wide.