Rose Hill — Paps,

Thank you for the person I am today. I know I gave you a tough time as a kid. Nevertheless, on top of your busy life in politics and literature, you took the time to coach me, listen and understand me. You have always shown me how to see ‘the glass’ half-full rather than half-empty.

When I was a kid, I thought that I had to follow in your footsteps, but you encouraged me to live my own life and not to walk in your shadow. When I was about seven years old, you realised that I was attracted to the Catholic faith, and instead of trying to change my mind, you respected my choice telling me life is a journey and I should follow my own path.

I was too young to fully understand what you meant by that, but looking back I realise that you guided and advised me growing up, never imposing your beliefs on me. You also wanted me to make mistakes, to fall and to get up stronger than before, and you were always by my side to help me stand up again and walk with pride.

You are not only a great father, but also a great teacher. You taught me to appreciate Shakespeare and Chaucer, imparted knowledge on climate change, economics, and inequality, predicting many of the challenges face today.

For the past four years, you and I have cultivated a very special spiritual connection. I am so thankful that we share similar ideas and philosophies. You are one of the rare people I can talk to, who understands my feelings and my quest for inner peace. You have a psychic ability and always manage to sense when I need you.

You have always taught my sister Saskia and I about respect and love, and today we are teaching this to our own children. We used to have very lengthy discussions about same-sex marriage and how everyone deserves equal respect and this is what I teach my daughter Anastasia.

You are a great grandfather too Paps. You give the three grandchildren as much love and guidance as you gave us. These children are truly privileged to have you as their Granddad. Anastasia loves you to bits - the only problem is she listens to you more than she does me!

Anastasia sees you as a “cool” granddad, a friend and someone to talk to when she has problems with her studies. I know she is also grateful that she gets to have one-on-one English literature lessons with you. Thank you for showing my baby so much love and leadership.

Finally, you are one of the fathers of this country. Being a man of principle, conviction and determination, for the past 45 years, you have pioneered the fight for Mauritius to acknowledge and recognise Creole as an official language. You have never diverted from your goal of conserving and defending this important part of Mauritian culture and heritage.

All the years of activism are finally paying off: schools are now teaching Creole, prisoners are learning to read and write in mother tongue, scholars are translating sacred texts and writers are adapting classic plays. Finally people understand the importance of having Creole as a national language. Although there are others who still do not see this as an issue of equality and human rights, your noble willpower will always win.

You have always put the good of all people before your own good. I can say loud and proud, with your strength and firm beliefs, you have made this country a better place. Thank you for what you do for Mauritius!

Your wisdom, knowledge and greatness is inspiring and contagious. You have helped me grow into the woman I am today. You are my role model and I am so privileged and blessed to have you as my dad.

Paps, thank you for everything you do for me, my family and my country. I love you to bits. You are my hero!

Anushka Virahsawmy is a coach and trainer for Leadership and Professional Development. This article is part of the Gender Links Opinion and Commentary Service, special series on celebrating Phenomenal Fathers, bringing you fresh views on everyday news.