2021 Celebrations of the Center:

 

Thanks to Bank of Baroda as a Grand Benefactor for Silver Jubilee Celebrations 2021-2022. Also thanks to our member Mr. Ashok Sheth for liaising with the Bank. 

The meeting started with a prayer by Mr. & Mrs. Hareshbhai & Sudhaben Kapadia. 

 

President welcomed members and requested them to observe a moment of silence to pay tribute to our member Mrs. Lalitaben C. Mehta who passed away. She was the wife of enthusiastic photographer C.K. Mehta. Our condolences and sympathies to the family. May God rest her soul in peace. Condolence messages may be sent at cklalita@gmail.com

 

1 (i) Mr. Shyambhai Parekh’s Presentation:

 

Mr. Shyambhai Parekh from Ahemedabad (profile attached), a former resident editor of an English daily DNA and a senior journalist with The Times of India, provided an inspirational presentation on “Active Seniors,” the term sometimes was considered oxymoron and a taboo subject. He was introduced to us by Mr. Jigar Rana, who was the speaker last Thursday on Magaj Ni Musafari (મગજની મુસાફરી). Thanks Jigarbhai. 

 

Mr. Parekh’s presentation centered on staying active during retirement life which commences at a certain age. As a measure of social reform and to appease youngsters, Chancellor Bismarck of Germany introduced the concept of retirement at age 65 when anyone hardly lived that long. The concept spread to other European countries and abroad. It is generally believed that at the designated retirement age, a person has worked enough during a lifetime and the time has come to retire from work or alternatively commonly believed that a person is not fit or capable of doing work. 

 

Mr. Parekh strongly urged to retire from the concept of retirement and stay active. He narrated sterling examples of Mr. Chandavarkar, Mr. Nagindas Sanghavi, Mr. Chandubhai Kamdar, among others, who worked efficiently for several years past their normal retirement age. The common thread among these elders was a passion or જિજીવિષા – life force, a solid desire to live a positive life and enjoy working to the fullest extent. 

 

Defying the concept of retirement, the spirit and passion of Wally Funk, 82, a lifelong aspiring astronaut, and billionaire Sir Richard Branson, 70, are striking as they recently completed successfully the space flight. 

 

Mr. Parekh urged seniors to jettison the traditional notions of retirement of giving up the work, stay dormant or be at temples. He referred to the active life of Ratan Tata and others who have stayed active and productive past their retirement age. Inactivity leads to deterioration of health inviting a slew of diseases. 

 

Citing his involvement in literary world, Mr. Parekh, a co-founder of Gujarat Literature Festival, stated that there is no age bar for artists on stage. He recounted his visit to Tokyo where he noticed a lot of Japanese seniors volunteered their services to guide tourists. In short, there is no age bar. 

 

When Mr. Parekh asked viewers to share their views on retirement, an array of them shared their viewpoints citing personal involvements on a myriad of activities in their senior years which keep them extremely busy. Those who responded included Mukesh Kapadia, Drs. Juthani couple, Jagdish Patel, Dr. Sunil Shah, Himatbhai Parekh, Pankaj Parikh, Ashok Sheth, Rekha Tolat, Rama Sampat, Dr. Lila Shah, among others. 

 

Viewers applauded Mr. Parekh’s invigorating and inspirational presentation. 

 

(ii) Musical Program:

 

Deepak Kumar, a virtuoso singer from Mumbai, entertained viewers for over an hour and a half with evergreen Bollywood songs, Gujarati Geets and Garba. The program was arranged through our member Mr. Hemant Shah, President of F-BIMA and Past President of Jain Senior Group. Thanks Hemantbhai. 

 

Deepak Kumar unleashed a series of songs including Mere Sapno Ki Rani, Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas, Suhani Raat Dhal Chuki, Madhuban Mein Radhika Nache Re, Ye Raaten Ye Mausam, Kora Kagaz Tha Yeh Man Mera, Ek Haseena Thi Ek Diwana, Ye Chand Sa Roshan Chehra, Pyaar Ka Geet Sunata Chala, Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai, Pukarta Chala Hoon Mein, Beqarar Karte Hamen Yun Na Jaiye, Nakharewali, Tari Ankhno Afini, Nayan Ne Bandh Rakhi Ne, Mara Bhola Dil No, Nayan Na Jaam Chhalkavine, Ori Aave To Tane Vaat Kahu Khangi, Charar Charar Maru Chakdol Chale, followed by a Garba Ramzat. 

 

Viewers applauded Deepak Kumar’s melodious voice and collection of songs. 

 

(iii) Dr. Manisha Juthani:

 

The Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont nominated Dr. Manisha Juthani, an infectious diseases physician and associate professor of medicine and epidemiology at the Yale School of Medicine, to serve as Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Public Health. Dr. Manisha is the daughter of our members Drs. Virendra & Nalini Juthani. Truly, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Congratulations to Juthanis. Pl see the attachment which was placed on IASCCOFNY WhatsApp. 

 

(iv) Contributions:

 

Janmashtami Sponsors/Well Wishers:

 

Pl see the attached list. 

 

Picnic Sponsor

 

(v) New Members: 

 

We welcome the following new members:

 

Ila Doshi
Ameeta Kothari
Niranjana Kamdar

 

(vi) Announcements:

 

Pankajbhai Parikh , VP, briefed about membership, picnic on 8/1st, and the Janmashtami Mahotsav starting 8/12/21. 

 

A Vote of Thanks by Mukund Mehta. 

 

2. The Computer Class:

 

Prof Rajasekhar Vangapaty is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Computer Technology Course for Senior Members
Time: This is a recurring meeting 10:30 am Sunday 8/1/2021 

Join Zoom Meeting
https://indiahome.zoom.us/j/98114126485?pwd=QVBjZldZTFlrOHlGZVd1YmlYRGlYZz09

Meeting ID: 981 1412 6485
Passcode: 394021

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