Dear Nana,

The title of this article is a bit misleading. According to Dictionary.com, the definition of "father" is "a male parent." But you are more than just "a male parent." You are present, you care about me, you work hard, and you teach me; none of that fits under the simple definition for the word 'father.' Instead, 'dad' is a better term to describe you. A dad is much more than a biological relationship - a dad symbolizes responsibility, love, respect, and diligence.

I want to start off with how much you inspire me each and every day of my life. Daily, in every small conversation and task done with you, I seek to become more like you. Your overwhelming intelligence, logical reasoning, and diplomacy always amaze me. No matter how tough a situation, you always think through everything calmly and devise a solution. Your judgments almost always seem right, and I have always desired to acquire that talent from you.

Not only are you a great teacher/tutor in the classroom but you enlighten me with stories, analogies, motivational speeches, informative articles, and so much more each day. I always gain tons of knowledge and I definitely owe a lot to the teacher within you.

You have lots and lots of nicknames for pretty much everyone you meet. Over the years, you've called me by several different names, some being mere jokes and some being quite sweet. But the most touching name you have for me is "Sister Akkayya" (akkayya means older sister in my native language, Telugu). You call me Sister Akkayya as a joke most of the time but the fact that you give me so much respect to consider me like an older sister and ask me for help and suggestions occasionally solely because you have no other older sisters means the world to me. You make me feel more than just a daughter to you. I truly feel like you are my best friend, and I can always come to you for anything.

Nana, there has not been a moment in my life where I decided I didn't want you to keep guiding me because you are the main for all the privileges and luxurious lifestyle I have today. You have put in your all to keep our family safe and happy for so many years and I cannot appreciate you enough.

From letting me lie on your chest when I was a baby to teaching me the binomial theorem in second grade and to giving me advice for important life decisions, you have been with me to walk me through every possible step of life. Beginning from my first steps, you have always been spreading your wisdom.

Thank you for being the best role model and motivational coach in life. I don't think I would be where I am without you by my side. Amma always jokes about how several of my mannerisms are so similar to you and that I fell directly out of your roots. The truth is, I try to be like you. I strive to always keep a smile on my face just like you and spread positivity and a jovial atmosphere. I aspire to be a great leader and inspire others along the way, just like you. I may not be able to lead the Telangana Movement in Atlanta, but I will definitely follow your footsteps pretty closely :)

I know I have to eventually let go of your finger and walk on my own feet, but our millions of daily jokes and the hundreds of wise thoughts we share will stay in my heart for as long as I live.

I love you dearly and you are the real hero in my life, always and forever.

Love,

Your Bidda, Snigdha