Trinidad and Tobago
Guardian
10 things fatherhood has taught me
Minister of Public Utilities Barry Padarath
Barry Padarath, the Member of Parliament for Couva South, Minister
of Public Utilities, and Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, is
first and foremost a devoted father.
His daughter, Sejal Lara Padarath, six, is not just a part of his life—
she is its centre, shaping his every decision and grounding him
through the complexities of public service.
Raised as an only child and having lost his father at a young age,
Padarath’s own experience of parenthood is deeply personal.
While he has achieved numerous academic and professional
milestones, nothing, in his view, compares to the privilege of being a
father. It is a role that brings immense fulfilment, surpassing even
the highest accolades of his career.
Despite the hectic pace of political life, he makes time for the
routines that matter most—from bedtime rituals to quiet
conversations about her school day. Sejal’s mother, who lives abroad,
shares a mutual understanding with Padarath.
Fatherhood has reshaped his daily life, teaching him the importance
of presence, patience, and finding joy in simple, shared moments—
whether it’s a ballet class followed by a quick stop at McDonald’s or
the comfort of coming home to a child eager to help him unwind.
The bond he shares with Sejal is tender and unwavering. During the
COVID-19 border closures, he endured a nine-month separation from
her. The period away from Sejal left a lasting mark and underscored
the value of time together.
That experience deepened his resilience and brought a renewed
appreciation for the fleeting yet profound moments of family life.
Padarath sees in his daughter a constant source of purpose and
inspiration.
Her well-being, happiness, and safety are at the heart of all that he
does. For him, fatherhood is not only transformative—it is the
defining lens through which he views his responsibility to guide and
love.
From learning domestic skills to navigating the demands of
governance, Barry Padarath’s journey as a father has been one of
growth, balance, and deep emotional insight.
on being a dad
1 . Fatherhood has brought me the greatest joy and love that anyone
can ever experience. But most importantly it has taught me
selflessness. Every day when I wake up the first thing I do is thank
God for blessing me with Sejal, I pray for her protection, well-being
and health. It’s always about putting her first in every decision that I
make. Understanding that her life has been entrusted to me.
2 . Fatherhood has taught me the importance of gratitude, there are
so many people out there looking for love. But there is no other love
more pure and true than being a Parent.
3 . Fatherhood has taught me how to appreciate the sacrifices that my
family has made for me. It puts into perspective how difficult, tiring
and emotionally draining balancing a career and a family can be from
time to time.
4 . Fatherhood has taught me to be a stronger person mentally,
during COVID I was separated from Sejal for nine months when our
borders were closed. I missed out on seeing her grow between one
and two years. I was broken by that experience.
5 . Fatherhood taught me that it didn’t matter what some thought of
me personally, what mattered was the life I held in my hands and the
love that radiated from my daughter.
6 . Fatherhood taught me consistency and structure are key to the
development of a productive, well-mannered and happy child.
7. Fatherhood has taught me not to get bogged down by daily routine
and forget to enjoy the precious moments with those I love most. I
still randomly pick her up from school or take her to McDonald’s
after ballet for father-daughter time.
8 . Fatherhood has taught me how to multi-task at home, cook,
clean, and be a fix-it guy. I wear all the hats at the same time.
9 . Fatherhood has taught me to be prepared at any time for any
eventuality. The paediatrician on speed dial most importantly.
10 . Fatherhood has taught me that despite how fast they grow no one
will ever love you more than your child. Seeing her face light up when
I get home from a long day at the office, and helping me take off my
socks and shoes while she tells me about her day at school have been
some of the best life lessons I have learnt in those experiences and
conversations. To be patient, to be kind, to be selfless, to be
responsible and to find happiness in the moments that sometimes
we take for granted.
Photo -
Barry Padarath and his daughter, Sejal./