Image: ShutterStock
Late Shri Ram Kunwar Jindal
Late Shri Ram Kunwar Jindal was married to Bharpai Devi, and they had six sons. Life was perfect for them until Bharpai Devi passed away when their eldest son was 16 years old, and the youngest son was just 20 months old.
Single Dad, Double Love
On this Father’s Day, MomJunction celebrates dads who have been playing the role of both the father and mother and the dads who are fighting all odds in raising their children single-handedly.
In a four-part series, we bring you the real-life stories of such single fathers. These fathers have not only provided the best to their children but are also standing as examples.
For the 34-year-old Ram Kunwar, life took a 360-degree turn. The family now comprised eight men – Ram Kunwar, his father, and his six sons.
“Back in those days, finding domestic help to cook or clean was a challenge. Women were not ready to work in a house that had only eight males. My father made all of us self-sufficient. The household chores were age-appropriately divided amongst him and all of us. He was a very disciplined man and led us by example,” reminisces his eldest son Ram Niwas Jindal.
Ram Kunwar, who himself lost his mother at the age of seven months, never re-married as he was not sure if his children would get the love and attention they deserved.
Mothers observing fasts on Ahoi Ashtami for the children’s well-being is a common ritual in their culture. Ram Kunwar used to keep a fast for his children’s well-being on the day every year, until his last breath in 2016 at the age of 78. He raised his children with affection and care. All his children are well-educated and well-settled with one of them being a lawyer, two engineers and three businessmen.
Ram Kunwar’s granddaughter, Prachee, says, “He had 12 grandchildren and was very affectionate with all of us. I will always remember dadaji as someone who used to bring a big bag of seasonal fruits every evening. Not only did he take the responsibilities of a mother for his children, but also played the role of a grandmother for us!”
Community Experiences
Join the conversation and become a part of our nurturing community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with fellow parents.
Read full bio of Dr. Ritika Shah
