A father who returned to the classroom
This Father’s Day, we honour fathers like Satrohan, who show that true heroes are those who care, support and stand beside their children every step of the way. His journey shows how a father’s active involvement in education and parenting can break stereotypes and reminds us that when fathers engage, children thrive.
When 35-year-old Satrohan from Dhanusha sits down to do his homework, it is not an unusual scene in his home. What is unusual is that he is often studying side by side with his daughter, Ambika, who is in grade 8. The father-daughter pair shares not only their books but also a commitment to learning that has changed their family life.
Satrohan comes from the Dalit community and lives with his extended family of 8: his parents, wife Laxminiya, and 4 children. He married in 2011, when he was 22, to Laxminiya, who was in grade 10 at the time. After their marriage, she sat for the examination. The following year, they welcomed their first child, Ambika.
To support his growing family, Satrohan travelled to Saudi Arabia for foreign employment. He spent almost 9 years there, gaining skills in air conditioning repair and maintenance. But because he had dropped out of school after grade 7 due to financial difficulties, his work options were limited to labour-intensive jobs. “I learned how important education is the hard way,” he says.
While Satrohan was abroad, his wife completed her higher secondary education and secured a job as an office assistant at one of the schools in her community. Her achievement became a source of pride and motivation for him. “Seeing her working in a school made me think, if she can do it, why can’t I try again?” he recalls.
Then he decided to return to school, enrolling in grade 7 after more than 20 years away from the classroom. He is now in grade 9, studying alongside Ambika, and says the experience has changed the way he sees himself as a father.
“Returning to school after 20 years has changed how I see myself as a father. Learning with my daughter has made me a better parent and a better person,” says Satrohan.
“Returning to school after 20 years has changed how I see myself as a father. Learning with my daughter has made me a better parent and a better person.”
Satrohan, a father
Learning together, breaking stereotypes
Satrohan’s decision to return to school has influenced every aspect of his relationship with his children, especially his daughters. Ambika says, “It makes me happy to see my father study. When I see him do his homework, I also want to work hard. We encourage each other.”
The two often sit at the same table in the evenings, sharing quiet study time. When Ambika struggles with a subject, her father may not always know the answer, but he encourages her to find it. “We ask our teachers together,” Ambika laughs. “Sometimes he asks more questions than me.”
Much of Satrohan’s change in parenting comes from what he learned in parenting education sessions organised by his municipality. These sessions, facilitated by trained health workers, gave him practical tools to be more involved in his children’s education and well-being. He learned about positive discipline, open communication, sharing household responsibilities, and making sure girls have equal opportunities.
“When fathers study with their daughters, they teach more than school lessons; they teach equality, respect, and courage to dream.”
“Before, I thought discipline meant being strict. Now I know listening and guiding are more effective,” he explains. He also learned the importance of praising effort rather than only results. “When my daughter tries something new, I tell her, ‘You are doing well, keep going,’ instead of only saying ‘good job’ when she gets it right.”
The sessions also covered topics like menstrual health, the dangers of child marriage, and the need for both parents to be role models. “Earlier, I never talked to my children about menstruation. Now, I openly ask if my daughter needs pads, and I make sure she has time to rest,” he says.
Ambika notices the difference. “My father listens to me more now. He asks how my day was and what I learned. If I am worried, he says we can solve it together,” she shares.
“My father listens to me more now. He asks how my day was and what I learned. If I am worried, he says we can solve it together.”
Ambika, Satrohan’s daughter
At home, Satrohan challenges traditional gender roles. He cooks, cleans, and fetches water when needed. During Ambika’s exams, he takes on more household chores so she can focus on studying. “It’s important that my sons also see their father doing these things, so they learn that work at home is for everyone,” he says.
Commitment beyond challenges
Satrohan’s dedication extends beyond his own home. He is a member of the school management committee and the parent-teacher association, and takes part in initiatives like the “Clean School, Green School” campaign. At community meetings, he shares what he learned in the parenting sessions, encouraging other fathers to be active in their daughters’ lives.
“Some men in the community used to laugh when they saw me carrying schoolbooks or doing housework,” he says. “But now a few have started asking me how they can join the parenting sessions too.”
However, his commitment to learning has not been without challenges. Supporting 4 children’s education while living on his wife’s irregular salary has been financially difficult. The family also carries a debt of around NPR 6–7 lakh from his sister’s wedding expenses.
After much thought, Satrohan decided to return to Saudi Arabia for a year to work in air conditioning maintenance, but this time, he carried his schoolbooks with him. “I will keep studying in my free time,” he says. “When I return, I will continue my classes.”
His decision to keep learning while abroad speaks to his determination. “I want my children to see that learning never stops,” he explains. “Even if I am far away, I am still their classmate in spirit.”
“I want my children to see that learning never stops. Even if I am far away, I am still their classmate in spirit.”
Satrohan, a father
Ambika says she will miss studying with her father. “When he is here, I feel more motivated,” she admits. “But I know he is working hard for us. He told me we will study together again next year.”
Despite the distance, the lessons Satrohan has learned will continue to shape his parenting. He now understands the value of active involvement in his children’s education, the importance of breaking gender stereotypes, and the need to openly discuss topics like menstrual health, equality, and the rights of girls.
His journey from a school dropout to a grade 9 student alongside his daughter has inspired others in the community. “Some fathers told me, ‘You are too old to go back to school.’ But I tell them, there is no age limit for learning,” he says.
Satrohan’s story is a powerful reminder that change starts at home. By choosing to learn, he has given his daughters a living example of determination, equality, and respect. In doing so, he is not only shaping their future but also helping to change how fathers in his community see their role in their daughters’ lives.
As Ambika puts it, “My father is my hero, not because he works abroad or earns money, but because he believes in me and studies with me. He shows me that education is for everyone, boys, girls, young, or old.”
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