Behind Every Great Daughter Is a Truly Amazing Dad

Life has a way of steering us toward paths we never imagined. For me, losing my father to COVID was the turning point that reshaped my existence. It wasn’t just a loss—it was a moment that pushed me to redefine myself. At the age of 40, with no formal training or prior experience, I became an author.

My book, My Dad’s Daughter, emerged from this grief, but more importantly, it became a tribute to the man who was my guiding light, my mentor, and my greatest source of inspiration. Moreover, it was my own unique way to continue his legacy and keep his beautiful memories, beliefs, and thoughts fresh and alive forever.

The most heartbreaking pain for any child after losing a parent—or for anyone grieving a loved one—is the realization that memories fade with time, ultimately getting lost in the fast-paced rhythm of life.

Every time I feel lost and alone, or my mind struggles to find the right path, my book becomes the most beautiful source to navigate my journey. It helps me experience the love and warmth of my father in its own unique way, making me feel that he is still around, blessing me.

Embracing the Journey of Writing

Stepping into the world of literature was daunting. I had no roadmap, no background in publishing, and no idea how to begin. But I had my father’s love in my heart, and that was enough to propel me forward. Writing was deeply personal—it was my way of keeping his presence alive and sharing the invaluable lessons he taught me with the world.

Every step of the process was a learning curve. Understanding self-publishing, navigating through the intricacies of editing, and finalizing a book cover felt overwhelming at times. There were moments of doubt, times when I questioned whether I was capable of doing justice to my father’s memory.

But every time I felt lost, I reminded myself of one simple truth: this book wasn’t just about me. It was about him. And that thought gave me the strength to keep going.

I also realized that writing is a very lonely journey. Having my father as my biggest motivation and inspiration was the greatest push to keep moving forward, without finding an excuse to stop or fail. Even today, long after my first book was launched, as I work on my second book and have launched my first anthology, Stories of Courage, I still struggle at times to push myself to the finish line.

Most importantly, the world of literature gave me a platform to heal, wings to fly, and a source to celebrate my father. This new journey inspired me to tell as many people as possible about the beautiful way in which I transformed my biggest pain into purpose.

Overcoming Obstacles and Challenges

When you step into an unfamiliar world, challenges are inevitable. I had no mentor in the publishing industry, no connections, and no understanding of the technicalities involved in bringing a book to life. But what I did have was resilience. I read, I researched, I learned from my mistakes, and I persevered. There were countless late nights spent rewriting sections, reworking the structure, and battling self-doubt.

Despite all these struggles, I knew one thing for certain—this book had to be published. It wasn’t just a passion project; it was my way of honoring my father’s legacy. When My Dad’s Daughter finally made it to bookshelves, I knew that every struggle had been worth it.

Sometimes, the worst and weakest moments in life teach you the biggest lessons and help you realize your inner strength. Making my mark in the unfamiliar world of literature was my biggest challenge, and it motivated me every day to give my best. More importantly, it gave me the opportunity to connect with so many daughters like me, allowing me to heal while also helping others. This realization was far greater than any obstacle or roadblock that came my way.

At every challenge, I felt a divine power guiding me, along with my father’s blessings from above. This feeling remains strong even today, making every problem, no matter how big, seem small.

Achievements and Recognitions

Seeing my book reach readers, touch hearts, and make an impact has been the most rewarding part of this journey. My Dad’s Daughter ranked as the 7th bestseller on Amazon—a milestone I never imagined reaching. But the recognition didn’t stop there. I have been honored with several prestigious awards, and my journey has been acknowledged on significant platforms.

Some of the accolades I hold close to my heart include:

• Being featured in Forbes’ Most Inspiring Leaders
• Receiving the Bharat Samman Award, the Woman of the Year Award, and the Champion of the Year title
• Being honored by the Lions Club of India with the Maa Sw BWTI Sawai Award
• Becoming a TEDx speaker and hosting my own podcast

Additionally, I have been covered by various media outlets, including Femina, Literature Today, The Times of India, Hindustan Times, Outlook, and Mid-Day. My book has been featured in video promotions, book fairs, and even the World Book Fair in Delhi, where I was invited as a panel speaker—an experience that left me feeling truly honored.

Although my story is deeply personal, the theme of my book is universal—it speaks about grief, something no one can ever escape. If I have been able to help even one person on this journey, to save a life or wipe a tear, I feel truly rewarded.

I remember one instance when an unknown daughter reached out to me on Instagram, telling me how she had lost all hope after losing her father to COVID. But reading my book helped her heal and gave her the courage to continue her life in a beautiful way, celebrating her father’s life, too. This story was even covered by Humans of Bombay, gaining immense love and appreciation from readers and followers worldwide.

Finding Purpose Beyond Writing

Beyond writing, my purpose has become clear—I want to create a space where others who have experienced loss can find solace, support, and healing. Grief can be isolating, but I believe in the power of coming together, sharing stories, and finding strength in one another. I want to build a support community for those who have lost loved ones—a space where healing is accessible, emotions are respected, and people feel heard and loved.

My faith in divine power has been my anchor throughout this journey. I have seen how belief and perseverance can turn even the most impossible dreams into reality. My father always told me that resilience and faith could move mountains, and today, I stand as proof of that belief.

As a strong follower of Guruji, I hold my faith in all religions, and this has been a great source of inspiration for me. Whether through praying, chanting, meditating, or finding any way to stay focused, I believe strong spiritual faith ultimately leads to divine guidance and protection.

A Message from My Heart

To everyone reading this—if you have lost someone you love, know that you are not alone. Sharing happiness increases it manyfold, and sharing pain reduces it, helping you move forward in life. Some days, the pain may feel unbearable, but within you lies the strength to turn that pain into purpose. Your loved ones never truly leave you; they live on in your heart, in your memories, and in the legacy you choose to create for them.

On days when you feel alone, look for signs from them to guide you. Pure love is eternal—a gift that nobody can take away unless you choose to let go.

I hope my journey inspires you to find your own path, embrace your pain, and transform it into something beautiful. Because behind every great daughter, there is always a truly amazing dad.

Connect with Me:

• Instagram: @divyatheauthor
• LinkedIn: Divya Gupta Kotawala
• Book: My Dad’s Daughter on Amazon