Break Free

Despite our best efforts, we all fall in the trap of gender stereotypes. Meet Benny Harlem – a father, trying to break free from one such stereotype, showing his daughter how to love one’s natural beauty by taking pride in who you are. In Benny, who is a singer, songwriter & supermodel, Jaxyn finds a super dad & a role model. The father-daughter duo standout for their crowning glories – awesome hairdos that make them social media icons. Check out their photographs on https://www.instagram.com/bennyharlem/
#myfather #voicestobeheard #heforshe
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[Story source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com/lifestyle/viral-and-trending/270616/father-daughter-duo-with-awesome-hair-takes-over-the-internet.html]

Embrace the brighter side of life

That’s what Shumon Sengupta tells his daughter, Minnie. I was so touched when Shumon shared his blog with me where, out of myriad other ideas, he writes about Minnie who inspires beauty in his life. Shumon is an international aid & #development professional. He has lived in many parts of the world & calls himself a “World Citizen”. But his most cherished moments are spent with the delightful Minnie in whose starry eyes he sees a hope for the future. Here’s a link to his blog http://www.world-citizen-trail.net/world-citizens/

The flying Zahra!

It isn’t easy to fulfil your dreams when there are prejudices against you. But Zahra Lari was lucky. Her father recognised her talent & fought the odds. Zahra is an ice-skater from UAE. She is aiming for the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea, where she may make history not only as the first Emirati athlete to compete at a Winter Olympics but also as the first ice-skater in a hijab. #myfather #voicestobeheard
[source: http://m.thenational.ae/world/americas/hijab-is-a-good-fit-for-the-olympic-games]

A gift that grows when you share

When a Daughter fulfils a Father’s dream…
Mohammed Saleem Haji had this dream – a school for the children living in a remote village in Jammu & Kashmir. He knew good education will show these children the right path. Today, Haji Public School is a reality. People travel for several hours to get their children enrolled there. Sabah Haji, daughter of Mohammed Saleem Haji, is not just the Director of the school but she is making an incredible difference in the lives of many kids in need. #myfather #voicestobeheard
[Story source: http://www.thebetterindia.com/31348/haji-public-school-in-jammu-and-kashmir/]

Silverlake VOICE features My Father illustrations

Thank You Silverlake VOICE for sharing the voices of those fathers who ensure that their daughters have the rights they deserve. Silverlake VOICE is a UK-based platform to discover new generation of artists from across the globe.

Life isn’t about falling. It’s about rising with grace.

Little Dipa wanted to give up #gymnastics because she was scared of falling down. However her father convinced her to continue. Today, at 22, #DipaKarmakar is the first #female #Indian #gymnast ever to secure an Olympic berth. Her father, Dulal gives full credit to Dipa’s hardwork. But she knows, without her father this journey couldn’t be possible. #myfather #illustrations #inspiring #change [source: http://bit.ly/toidipakarmakar]

A smile to cherish

Peter Willimott and Tia are not just father and daughter, they’re the best buddies!!! Story from Australia’s “Bush Capital”, Canberra. Share a smile, spread some happiness 🙂

 

If you speak the truth I will stand by you

“If you speak the truth I will stand by you” – this saying from Sharmeen’s father always keeps her going. Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy is a Pakistani journalist, activist and filmmaker. She is the first Pakistani to win an Academy Award and the first to win twice. #myfather #illustrations salutes this father-daughter duo. [source: http://medskoolchronicles.tumblr.com/post/82289488078/if-you-speak-the-truth-i-will-always-stand-by]

 

 

Reshma’s smile

Reshma (name withheld) was in her teens when she was trafficked from a village in West Bengal and sold in a brothel in Mumbai. Her father, Rezwan Kazi (name withheld) tried all his means to find her out and bring her back. Most of the time families don’t want to take back the survivors because of societal taboos. So when the Kolkata-based organization, Sanjog, approached me and shared this story, I was touched. Sanjog told me that Rezwan is also fighting the case for Reshma and he always says, “Reshma had a beautiful smile and I will stand by her until I see her smiling again”. #myfather #illustrations #stopchildtrafficking #change #rights
[Story source: http://www.sanjogindia.org/]

Why I draw What I draw?

If you want to know the answer, click here 🙂

No success comes without struggle

Vrinda is the daughter of Shekhar Javarikar, a farmer from Maharashtra. Shekhar has seen many hardships in life. But one thing that Vrinda learnt by heart seeing her father is that no success comes without hard work. She can see her father working day & night on the field, taking care of the seeds that grow into crops. Like her father she has learnt not to give up until she finds the light in darkness.#doodlewithdad by My Father illustrations with Magic Bus

Shahnaz shares her story

“I come from a lower middle income family in Mumbai. The neighbourhood where I live is not completely safe for girls. I would have lived a contained life if my father wasn’t there to support me. He inspires me to think freely, be confident and live my dreams” ~ says, Shahnaz Khan (daughter). Her father is Iliyas Khan. A big thanks to Magic Bus which is making a difference through sports in the lives of Shahnaz & her friends. #doodlewithdad by My Father illustrations

 

a daughter’s dream

“One day, my father will see me on stage playing my guitar. This would’ve remained as a distant dream if Papa hadn’t bought home a guitar for me. He’s my best friend and I’m grateful for all his support,” says Archana during ‪#‎doodlewithdad‬ drive at Vikroli with Magic Bus. Sitting next to her, with eyes full of enthusiasm, Archana’s father Suresh Surosh adds, “Living in an under-developed neighbourhood has its own challenges. But I really want to give my daughter as many opportunities as I can to let her explore and express at best.”
[Thanks to Maria Elena De Matteo for volunteering with ‪#‎myfather‬ ‪#‎illustrations‬ in writing this story. Follow her work at https://instagram.com/melenadem/ and @melenadem on Twitter]

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mY FaTHer illustrations on Huff Post

It took me a while to publish this post because I was not sure where to start. In April 2013 when I started “mY FaTHer illustrations” Facebook page I was not thinking to earn any profit or fame. There was no marketing strategy or logical framework behind the idea that was born in my head cross-pollinating my love for art and enthusiasm for social work. The idea just took off holding on to my innocent belief that something good will happen. And today I can confidently say, “it did”. True that I still do not earn any monetary incentives from the project but riding on its wheels I have reached the hearts of many, those who support my project and encourage me to do better. Whether by writing about my project, helping me reach out to communities or by sharing father-daughter stories they know – the supporters of “mY FaTHer illustrations” stand by the fathers who fearlessly fought for the rights of their daughters. Thank You All!

And Thank You Brittany Hodak for this wonderful write-up on Huff Post. I have always believed that art can connect people and my connection with you is a real example of that. You have a wonderful father who has made you an amazing person. I’m glad we met 🙂

Allahditta and Fatimata

At home, in Pakistan, Allahditta looks on while Fatimata, his eldest daughter, finishes her homework. Allahditta’s priority is to give his children the education he did not receive. ‪#‎myfather‬ ‪#‎illustration‬ ‪#‎unicef‬ [Source: UNICEF Pakistan http://fieldnotes.unicefusa.org/…/celebrating-fathers-aroun…] Share with me a positive father-daughter story at my father illustrations

Story of Mrinalini Sarabhai

Dancer Mrinalini Sarabhai’s father, Subbarama Swaminadhan, was the pivot of her existence. With his love and support she excelled as a dancer. Share inspiring father-daughter stories at https://www.facebook.com/myfatherIllustrations

Story of Shannon Lee

Shannon Lee was only 4 when her father, the one and only, Bruce Lee, passed away. Shannon continues to live with his memories.http://bit.ly/14WnU6G
Shannon Lee is an actress and president of the Bruce Lee Foundation.‪#‎myfather‬ ‪#‎illustrations‬

Follow “my father” illustrations at https://www.facebook.com/myfatherIllustrations

Yōji Yamamoto and Limi Feu

Our first father-daughter story of the year is about Yōji Yamamoto, award-winning Japanese fashion designer and his designer daughter, Limi Feu. Limi’s designing prowess is remarkably inspired by her father’s. my father illustrations
If you have an inspiring ‪#‎father‬–‪#‎daughter‬ story, share with me at https://www.facebook.com/myfatherIllustrations

keep the face to the sunshine

Hellen Keller’s father was one of her biggest support helping her overcome the adversity of being blind and deaf and become one of the 20th century’s leading humanitarians…We salute this father-daughter duo ‪#‎myfatherillustrations‬

Link: www.facebook.com/myfatherIllustrations

All I have for You

I always feel more special when you share your stories with me. After all that’s what #myfatherillustrations is all about. It’s about you and your stories that can inspire the world. So today’s story is about Harshini and her father Kumar. Thank you Harshini for sharing your father’s story with me.

Join us at www.facebook.com/myfatherIllustrations

Dreams come true…

Young Adri grew up inspired by her father who used to say: “Dreams do come true…but first you have to believe in yourself”. Today Adri is a graphic-designer/co-owner of Popstudio, based in NYC. Know her more at Adrisworld.com ‪#‎myfatherillustrations‬ https://www.facebook.com/myfatherIllustrations