Austin, Texas - August 23, 2025 - The Day of Gratitude Gala 2025, held at the Austin Central Library Special Events Center, brought together an extraordinary gathering of leaders, changemakers, and community members in a celebration of kindness, compassion, and gratitude.
The evening opened with a heartfelt welcome note from MJ Charmani Founder, who shared the inspiring vision of The Day of Gratitude - to create a world where kindness, compassion, and gratitude are lived daily, fostering human connection, emotional well-being, and lasting positive change. His words set the tone for the historic evening that followed.
In a moment of historic recognition, Austin Mayor Pro Tem Vanessa Fuentes presented an official Mayoral Proclamation declaring August 23, 2025, as “Dr. Ramesh Aravind Day” in Austin, Texas. The proclamation honored Dr. Aravind’s decades-long contributions as an acclaimed actor, visionary director, best-selling author, TEDx speaker, and globally celebrated motivational leader who has inspired millions across cultures and generations.
Adding to the significance of the evening, a special message from Texas Governor Greg Abbott was read by Michele Lau-Torres, Chief Learning Officer for the City of Austin. The Governor’s letter praised the Gala’s mission, celebrated the enduring legacy of Nihal Charmani, and called on Texans to embrace the values of gratitude, kindness, and compassion to build a more unified and empathetic society.
The highlight of the evening was the keynote address by Dr. Ramesh Aravind, whose powerful and heartfelt message touched the minds and hearts of a highly diverse, multi-generational audience. His words moved attendees to reflect deeply on living with purpose, gratitude, and emotional well-being - leaving an indelible impact on everyone present.
The Gala also featured an insightful and thought-provoking panel discussion, showcasing a diverse group of visionary leaders: Dr. Ed Burger, CEO of St. David’s Foundation; Doniece Sandoval, CNN Hero and nonprofit visionary; and David Gray, Homeless Strategy Officer, City of Austin. Guided by moderator Michele Lau-Torres, Chief Learning Officer for the City of Austin, the panel explored how gratitude-driven leadership can shape policy, philanthropy, and community transformation.
The evening was elevated by soulful performances from Mallory Siegler, Supriya Joshi, and Nagavalli - a globally acclaimed artist and founding partner of The Day of Gratitude. The musical tribute offered moments of reflection and connection, embodying the Gala’s spirit of hope, healing, and harmony.
A special highlight of the evening was the premiere of the theme song “Like Water,” by Nagavalli, written and produced by, AJ Vallejo & Nagavalli a powerful musical tribute reminding us to flow with resilience, love, and gratitude. The song’s debut added an uplifting and transformative dimension to the Gala, leaving the audience inspired and united in spirit.
About The Day of Gratitude: The Day of Gratitude is a transformative nonprofit movement honoring the legacy of Nihal Charmani. Its mission is to cultivate a culture where kindness, compassion, and gratitude are lived daily, fostering human connection and lasting positive change across individuals, communities, and organizations.
The Day of Gratitude (TDG) may have started with a single story, but it has grown into a movement with a mission: to make gratitude a cultural cornerstone. As TDG looks beyond its 2024 milestone event, its vision is more ambitious than ever—integrating gratitude into schools, workplaces, and communities year-round.
This mission is inspired by the legacy of Nihal Charmani, whose life and light continue to guide the movement. What began as a tribute to his compassion and kindness has become a platform for emotional healing, leadership transformation, and civic engagement.
Post-event momentum from the 2024 celebration has already sparked action. Dozens of businesses have begun using the Gratitude Journal for Leaders to cultivate employee appreciation and purpose. Educators are exploring ways to incorporate daily reflection practices into their classrooms. Community leaders have started grassroots gratitude circles that meet monthly to share, reflect, and act.
Looking forward, TDG is set to launch a national Gratitude Challenge in 2025, along with a digital storytelling platform where people from around the world can share their gratitude journeys. Plans are also in motion to introduce a youth ambassador program, empowering young leaders to champion kindness and compassion in their schools and beyond.
TDG’s long-term goal is simple yet powerful: to embed gratitude in the fabric of everyday life. Because when gratitude becomes habitual, communities become more cohesive, workplaces become more human, and lives become more fulfilled.
What TDG offers is not just an event—it’s a cultural shift. A reminder that in a world filled with noise, uncertainty, and division, there’s enduring power in pausing to say: “Thank you.”
When over 300 people gathered on August 24, 2024, for The Day of Gratitude, they did more than attend an event—they joined a growing movement. Rooted in reflection and fueled by purpose, TDG is proving that consistent acts of kindness and compassion can change lives, organizations, and communities.
The 2024 celebration marked a breakthrough year. From the emotional release of the Gratitude Journal for Leaders to a Gratitude Wall filled with handwritten notes of appreciation, the evening was designed to remind attendees that gratitude isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.
Supported by local and national leaders, TDG was recognized with a Congressional Commendation and proclamations from the cities of Austin and Leander. These endorsements have helped position TDG as more than a feel-good initiative—it’s now a respected platform for civic engagement and emotional well-being.
The impact has been measurable: 89 people completed the 31-day Gratitude Journaling Challenge. Dozens of workplaces have adopted gratitude-centered employee programs. And across every level of the community, people are sharing how TDG has shifted their perspective—from focusing on what’s missing to honoring what matters most.
As we look ahead, The Day of Gratitude plans to expand its reach through digital programs, school partnerships, and community-led events. The goal is clear: to embed gratitude in the fabric of everyday life.
Because when gratitude moves from a moment to a movement, it becomes a force that changes everything.
In a city known for innovation and civic pride, Austin, Texas played host to a unique celebration on August 24, 2024—The Day of Gratitude (TDG). The event brought together over 300 community leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, and elected officials for an unforgettable evening centered on one simple but powerful idea: the world needs more gratitude.
TDG 2024 was not just an event—it was a statement of unity and purpose. With official proclamations from Mayor Kirk Watson of Austin and Mayor Christine DeLisle of Leander, August 20th was formally declared “The Day of Gratitude”. The evening also featured a special Congressional Recognition from Rep. Lloyd Doggett, honoring TDG’s mission and its ripple effect of compassion.
The gathering served as both celebration and strategy session. Participants explored how gratitude can reshape leadership, improve emotional well-being, and foster inclusive communities. From a Gratitude Journaling Challenge with 89 participants to live performances and keynote speeches, every element was designed to inspire action.
Leaders shared how their organizations have integrated gratitude into employee culture, improving retention and engagement. Youth ambassadors committed to gratitude-driven service projects in their schools. And at every table, stories of personal transformation emerged—proving that gratitude is a universal language of hope.
The night ended not with a closing remark, but a challenge: to carry this energy into the everyday. Whether it's thanking a colleague, writing in a journal, or showing up for a neighbor, the smallest act of gratitude can begin the biggest change.
