Men for all Times

On International Men's Day yesterday, we spoke with some of the city's men and women to know what significance the day holds for them. While it was surprise and reverence for some, the wish for balance, strength and sense of responsibility was mutual

- Anurita Rathore Jadeja [e-mail] Posts @ahmedabadmirror

While International Women's Day is celebrated with great excitement around the world, International Men's Day hasn't found equal recognition. In a society that cannot do without either, let us focus on how men make a difference, the strength they inject, the bonds they nurture and the silent battles they fight - with quiet dignity and tremendous courage.

Women's Day may be popular but perhaps Men's Day needs to be celebrated as much!

It’s true behind every successful man there is a woman, but behind many successful men, there are men like I had - be it my father, uncle or friends. Without their encouragement I wouldn’t have been a successful artist. My struggles would have seen a different route had my father not been around to encourage me at various points. I want to bow in reverence to the men, my elders, for making a huge contribution to my life. From listening to stories from our Quran and Ramayana, my knowledge sphere broadened owing to these men and I want to remember them ever so fondly today.

Also, be it men or women, there are strengths and weaknesses both have, which they may be unaware of. Being open about accepting one's limitations and faults and expressing emotions transparently must be welcome. And most importantly, when talking about equality between men and women, I believe no one 'allows' the other to be an equal; the two are inherently equal.

Celebrating the men in our lives begins with recognising the strength, care, and responsibility they bring to families, schools, and communities. Many men play multiple roles: companions, protectors, mentors, collaborators, and supportive caregivers. Honouring them means valuing not only what they contribute, but also who they are becoming in a changing world.