"61st Birthday of Prashant" – Rahul’s gift to His Father ...shashthyabdi poorti !!

 "61st Birthday of Prashant" – Rahul’s gift to His Father ...shashthyabdi poorti !! 

The hall was gently lit, filled with soft music, fresh flowers, and the warmth of familiar faces. It was a quiet, humble celebration—just family and close friends. But for Rahul, this evening was more than just his father’s 61st birthday. It was a moment he had been waiting for—a chance to open his heart.

As Prashant entered the room, his eyes lit up at the chorus of “Happy Birthday!” flower petals shower along the way.  Behind him, Sonia our friend, sister, his wife and lifelong companion, held his arm with a smile that carried years of memories, struggles, and love.

I could feel that as very similar way my wife and kids arranged my 50th surprise birthday for me....I could corelate with everything that was happening around. 

The anchor of the evening arranged nice individual, couple and family games. She then rolled over the throwback of memories.

The lights dimmed, and a projector began to glow. A slideshow played—pictures of a young Prashant holding baby Rahul, Sonia friends, colleagues and old photo memories with a loving gaze, family trips, school events, and quiet moments that now meant everything.

There were some friends who travelled to attend the event and shared their feelings. I was fortunate to be there representing all our Aurangabadi friends...and I was offered a mic to express..but couldn't give full justice as was loaded with emotions...Sonia stood with me when I was sharing the best, though times we all as s group had in our  early phase of professional lives. 

After all of this,  Rahul stood up, holding a mic and was shaking by mixed  emotions.  His voice trembled just slightly as he looked at his parents.

“Papa…,” he began softly, “today is not just a birthday. Today is my chance to say what I should have said long ago—thank you… and I’m sorry.”

A hush fell over the room. He then called all his friends to the stage with whom he lived all happy, tough, sad, joyous moments - what a gesture man. 

He continued, “Growing up, I was too focused on what I didn’t have to see all that you were giving me. Papa, you worked late into the night, came home exhausted, but still managed to smile and ask about my day. Fulfill all my asks only right in time.

Sonia blinked back tears, her hand resting gently over Prashant’s.

“I didn’t understand then the sacrifices you made. I didn’t realize what it meant to go without, to put someone else’s dreams ahead of your own. I fought, I questioned, I made mistakes… and for all those moments—for every careless word and impatient look—I am truly sorry.”

He walked closer to him “But more than anything, I want to say thank you. Thank you, Papa, for being the quiet strength behind everything. You taught me dignity, discipline, and how to hold my ground. 

Prashant stood slowly, walked to his son, and embraced him tightly. Sonia joined them, wrapping her arms around both. The applause from the room was heartfelt, but in that moment, it was just the three of them—bound not by words, but by a lifetime of love, forgiveness, and unbreakable connection.

That evening, Rahul didn’t just celebrate his father’s birthday OR Shashthyabdi Poorti...but He celebrated a journey—of growth, gratitude, and the deep, everlasting bond between a son and his parents.

Sonia and Prashant you are blessed to have a son like Rahul and Snehal a daughter yes...she is not daughters-in-law ...thank you Sonia, Rahul, Snehal for this gesture which is a biggest of gifts in lifetime which you offereed to Prashant as a return gift for all his deeds.

Sharad Puranik