Amid the flood of warm birthday wishes over the past week, I feel compelled to share the unusual story that turned my special day into a week-long celebration—a delightful twist of fate that has now become a cherished tradition.

I was born on April 30, forty-odd years ago (let’s keep it at 40!) at my paternal grandparents’ home. After a week of festivities and rituals to welcome his firstborn, my father assigned my grandfather the important task of registering my birth. But as life settled back into its routine, my birth went unrecorded.

Weeks later, on a hot afternoon as Punjab rested in the stillness of a siesta, my grandfather strolled into the local government office. After exchanging pleasantries and a cup of tea with the officer, he discovered that April 30 was already full in the records. The next available date was May 6. With a casual shrug, my grandfather and the officer decided it was merely a technicality—after all, who would ever notice? And so, my official birthdate became May 6.

Years passed before this twist of fate caught up with me. At 12, dressed in my table tennis uniform, I stood ready to compete in a state championship. But my victory was short-lived when an opponent objected to my eligibility. A stern official asked for my birthdate, and I confidently replied, “April 30.” When he cross-checked my school ID, which stated “May 6,” he dismissed it as a forgery, despite the birth year being correct. Without hesitation, he disqualified me, stripping me of my rightful place on the winners’ podium.

Following this incident, my father decided it was best to embrace my official birthdate, celebrating May 6 and letting April 30 fade away. But how could I erase the significance of the day that had always felt like my true birthday?

In time, I chose to honor both dates, finding joy in this peculiar twist of fate. Whether by accident or destiny, my dual birthdays have given me double the love and celebration, transforming my birthday into an entire birth week. My children now delight in this quirky tradition, and every year, we embrace the joy of celebrating twice. Friends still send their warm wishes on April 30, while my professional circle acknowledges May 6. Each year, this week becomes a beautiful reminder of the love and kindness that surrounds me.

I am deeply grateful for all your thoughtful wishes, whether on April 30 or May 6. Your love and support make both days incredibly special. Thank you for being part of my journey and for celebrating my “birth week” with me, year after year!