[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 74 (Monday, June 12, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S5714]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING AMITAV THAMBA--AN OUTSTANDING HOOSIER DAD

 Mr. BAYH. Mr. President, I am proud to have the opportunity 
today to honor Amitav Thamba, an outstanding Hoosier dad, whose 
dedication to his 9-year-old daughter, Aish, was demonstrated in a 
heart-warming essay that she wrote recently.
  Last month, in anticipation of Father's Day, I asked young people 
from across Indiana to write essays about their own outstanding fathers 
as a way of recognizing Hoosier men who working hard to be good 
fathers. Aish wrote a touching essay illustrating her father's 
commitment to helping her achieve her God-given potential, by 
encouraging her to excel in school and become a good citizen.
  As a nation, we have far to go to reverse the trend of absentee 
fathers, but there are millions of men, including Amitav, who are 
already going the extra mile for their children, and they deserve our 
thanks this Father's Day. By holding men like Amitav up as responsible 
fathers, I also hope to encourage other men to play a bigger role in 
their children's lives.
  I echo Aish's concluding sentence about her father, which reads, ``He 
is the kind of Dad I wish every kid in the world had.'' There is no 
question that the world would be a far better place if every child was 
able to have the support of a father like Amitav. By building strong 
family bonds, he has earned not only his daughter's love, but he serves 
as a role model for the community as well.
  Today, I thank Amitav for his devotion to his daughter and for 
setting an example for all of us of what it means to be an outstanding 
dad. It is my honor to read Aish's essay into the Congressional Record 
of the United States.

       I was 3 years when my Dad first read to me ``The Lion 
     King.'' Today, I still enjoy the story!
       In school, there is a program where we read books and take 
     tests on them. My Dad, in spite of his heavy work schedule, 
     has never missed any Reading Night or school function and has 
     motivated me to do my best. Thanks to Dad, I am an avid 
     reader and read more than 2,000 books in 3 years and the Top 
     Star Reader in my school since 2nd Grade.
       My father a hard worker has taught me to be truthful, kind, 
     and respectful. My Dad has inspired me to donate supplies and 
     food to the Wheeler Mission and at the Marion County Juvenile 
     Center.
       My father is a very important factor in all my success. He 
     is the kind of Dad I wish every kid in the world had.--Aish 
     Thamba, age 9.

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