Fathers don’t always wear capes. Sometimes, they hold their children’s hands through life’s toughest transitions. This Father’s Day, we bring you two heartfelt stories; one from a bustling school corridor, the other from a crowded bus stand. Both are stories of fathers who never gave up, and of how Railway Children India stood by them, turning pain into hope.
From worry to wisdom: A father’s quiet revolution for his children’s education.
A resident of Bhoor Bharat community, Sujeet*, a father to 11-year-old Aditya and 12-year-old Prateek, was grappling with a tough reality. Though his boys were enrolled in classes 5 and 6 respectively until July 2024, the rising cost of school fees and their declining academic performance were taking a toll, not just on their education, but on the entire family’s peace of mind.
Sujeet knew the value of education. But he also understood that education without support, without joy, and at the cost of financial distress, wasn’t the future he wanted for his sons. That’s when he reached out to Railway Children India (RCI). With compassionate guidance from a team member, Sujeet began exploring better, more nurturing schools for his children. He applied for their Transfer Certificates himself, showing both courage and foresight.
Over two months, while the search continued, Sujeet kept his sons engaged mentally and emotionally. He didn’t let uncertainty cloud their spirits. His dedication was quiet but powerful.
Today, both Aditya and Prateek are attending a new school—one that suits their needs and abilities better. Their smiles radiate fresh hope. Sujeet’s determination reminds us all of what it means to be a father who truly listens, learns, and leads.
Lost and Found: A Father’s Tears and the Journey Back Home
On an ordinary day at the Anand Vihar bus stand, a 15-year-old boy was found alone, disheveled, and starving. He couldn’t clearly recall his name or hometown, sometimes he mentioned Chhapra, other times Saran. But his eyes held a story of deep exhaustion and confusion.
The RCI outreach team immediately took charge. The boy was fed, cleaned, clothed, and gently spoken to. As the conversations continued, pieces of his story emerged. Bit by bit, with patient and persistent effort, his identity was traced; he was from Darbhanga, Bihar.
What followed was a moment of deep emotion. The boy’s father, who had filed a missing report in Mumbai and had been searching relentlessly for over a month, was contacted. Overwhelmed with emotion, he spoke to his son after weeks of fear, uncertainty, and sleepless nights. His voice cracked with tears. His words were soaked in gratitude. And in that moment, a father’s world, which had been out of place for too long, started healing.
RCI’s commitment, combined with a father’s love, brought this child home.
Celebrating Every Dad Who Shows Up
This Father’s Day, we salute not just Sujeet and the father from Darbhanga, but every dad who battles silently for their children’s safety, growth, and dignity. Whether it’s filling forms for a school transfer or scouring cities for a missing child, their efforts are immeasurable.
At Railway Children India, we’re proud to walk alongside such fathers. Because no child should feel lost. And no parent should feel helpless. Happy Father’s Day to the real-life heroes.
*Name and details changed to protect the confidentiality of the child.
