Daughter seeks a wife for her father

For a daughter who grew up in her father's arms after her mother's death 17 years ago, Falguni Patel has no qualms about missing out on a mother's warmth. But it is on days like Mother's Day that she craves for the presence of a mother in her life - not for herself as much as for her single 58-year-old father.

Falguni has approached Vina Mulye Amulya Sewa to find her father a suitable match. Natubhai Patel who runs this organisation labels such trends as positive.

"In last few years, many children looking for spouses for their fathers or mothers have approached us. The societal shackles pertaining to second marriage for the elderly are breaking for good," said Natubhai on Saturday. 

"All these years, my father kept himself busy with work; he is a government servant. His impending retirement will render him alone as my brother and I are now settled with our own families," said Falguni.

She is full of admiration for her father who lived alone all life for his children's sake. "I'm married for only a few years but can't live without my husband for long. That said, my father has lived alone all the time," said Falguni. "He is alone. If he is uncomfortable at night, he cannot complain to anyone. If my brother goes out with his family for a day, there is no one to look after him. In such times, it is necessary he has somebody by his side," she added.

Falguni doesn't believe in the societal image that one has of a stepmother. "What is important here is that there has to be someone who can be a support to my father. She can be of any caste and if she is ready to take care of my father and our home, we will be her children and she our mother," said Falguni.