As someone of Indian descent, it feels natural that this should be one of my first posts. Yet even now, I struggle to distill a single teaching from it. Perhaps that is why this will become a recurring feature until I work out all the kinks — and in truth, that will not be a waste at all.

As a career journalist and politician, my father has led an illustrious and admirable life. I will be the first to admit that when I was younger, I did not always see it. With the benefit of age, however, I now recognize the deep wisdom contained in every conversation we share.

One of the qualities that stands out most is his philosophy of treating everyone with equal respect, regardless of social status or wealth. This is not only a profoundly human attitude, but a deeply spiritual one as well.

We are all children of God and part of His creation. Though we may differ in appearance or circumstance, we ultimately belong to the same larger human family.

For those of us fortunate enough to still have our fathers with us, let us take the time to offer a special thank-you or a word of respect — and not wait for Father’s Day to express the impact they have had on our lives.