Celebrating Father's Day at EI Library
- Harinath K
- Jun 27
- 3 min read
Idea & Event Lead: Kanak Aggarwal
Creative Support (Leaf Props): Anita Oberoi
Organized by: EI Library, coordinated by Harinath
A simple idea, a grateful heart, and a tree filled with messages reminded us that the greatest gifts often come in a few heartfelt words.
This Father's Day, EI Library brought residents together through the Gratitude Tree—a beautiful activity where children and adults expressed their love for their fathers by writing heartfelt messages on leaf-shaped cards, creating a tree filled with appreciation and memories.
The Story Behind the Tree
Some celebrations begin with months of planning. Others begin with a simple idea and a willing heart.
For Kanak Aggarwal, Father's Day has always been special. Being a true daddy's girl, she loves celebrating the occasion in meaningful ways.
Inspired by the Mother's Day event organized earlier at EI Library, she wondered if fathers too could be celebrated through a community activity.
"I always enjoy celebrating Father's Day," Kanak shared. "When I shared the idea with Harinath, he immediately trusted me to lead the event. That confidence gave me the motivation to make it a success."
The concept was simple yet beautiful—a Gratitude Tree where residents could write messages for their fathers on leaf-shaped cards and place them on the branches, allowing the tree to slowly bloom with love and appreciation.
Special thanks also go to Anita Oberoi, who helped prepare the beautiful leaf props that became the heart of the activity.
When Gratitude Filled the Branches
On the day of the event, children, parents, and grandparents stopped by the tree, picked up a leaf, and wrote messages that came straight from the heart.
Each leaf carried a unique story.
Some thanked their fathers for being their strongest support system.
Some called them their superhero, their everything, or simply the best dad in the whole world.
Others expressed gratitude for life lessons—teaching them to stay simple, kind, peaceful, and courageous.
Some appreciated the little joys: chocolates, surprise gifts, family trips, ice creams, and the precious time fathers always find despite their busy schedules.
A few messages wished only one thing: "Stay healthy."
One beautiful note simply read:
"Whatever I am today, it's because of my Dad."
By the end of the evening, the once-bare tree had transformed into a vibrant canopy of gratitude, carrying dozens of heartfelt messages from across the community.
A Father's Day at Home
When I asked Kanak how she celebrated Father's Day with her father, her answer reflected the very spirit of the Gratitude Tree.
With a smile, she shared that although she rarely cooks, she made French fries especially for him.
Later, the family went out for momos—his favorite—and she gifted him ice cream.
When I jokingly asked whether her father had given her a return gift, she laughed and said, "Yes... we're going out for dinner!"
Sometimes, the most meaningful gifts aren't wrapped in boxes—they're shared over a simple meal, laughter, and time spent together.
More Than an Event
Reflecting on the day, Kanak shared that the happiest part wasn't organizing the activity—it was watching people participate.
Seeing children and adults thoughtfully write messages for their fathers and proudly place them on the tree made the entire effort worthwhile.
What began as one resident's idea became a beautiful community memory—one that reminded us that gratitude grows when it is shared.
Looking at the Gratitude Tree covered in heartfelt messages, Kanak felt that every hour spent planning the event had been worthwhile.
One simple idea had encouraged an entire community to pause, reflect, and say two words we often leave unsaid—"Thank you, Dad."
Event Credits
Idea & Event Lead: Kanak Aggarwal
Creative Support (Leaf Props): Anita Oberoi
Organized by: EI Library, coordinated by Harinath
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