2021 Celebrations of the Center:

ગોવિંદ બોલો, હરિ ગોપાલ બોલો

Dear Friends:

The following are brief reports of the Zoom meetings held on Thursday, August 12 and Saturday, August 14, 2021. The meetings were anchored by Pankaj Parikh, VP, hosted by Jagdish Patel, VP -PR, and co-hosted by Niranjan Patel, Secretary. A PowerPoint presentation was prepared by Jyotindra Patel, Past President of GSNY. Proceedings of the meetings will be placed on YouTube. Thanks to all.

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.

1. (i) THE AUGUST 12TH MEETING:

Prior to the start of the meeting, Praher Vora, Kalyani Kothalkar and their group started with the Dhoon Govind Bolo Hari Gopal Bolo, with whom viewers joined.

The meeting started with a prayer by Mr. & Mrs. Mansukhbhai & Ranjanben Patel.

President welcomed viewers, urged them to comply with the CDC guidelines in view of the surge of the Delta variant, and was pleased to inform about Shree Ganeshay Namh of the start of the Janmashtami Mahotsav.

Mr. Harshadbhai (Pakaji) Patel, the Grand Sponsor, while inaugurating the Janmashtami Mahotsav, wished all the success for the eight-day event and praised the team work. President appreciated his generosity.

Mr. Satya Narayan Patra, AGM, Bank of Baroda, while providing information about the Bank, wished well for the Mahotsav. President thanked him for gracing the event.

A brief PowerPoint presentation followed. Thanks to Jyotindrabhai Patel.

Pankajbhai Parikh, VP, introduced Mr. Amit G. Parikh, engineer and businessman who introduced today’s speaker Dr. Darshnaben Thakker (profiles were attached with our 7/8/21 meeting report).

While welcoming Dr. Darshanaben Thakker, President reminded viewers about her last month’s scholarly presentation on સુખના સરનામા, મોજના માઈલસ્ટોન and assured them that today’s lecture on Krishna Samipe Gosthi will be very thought provoking.

Dr. Thakker, while expounding on the subject, stressed on the importance of learning from the life of Krishna and the need for developing the attachment આશક્તિ and ગોષ્ટિ with Krishna, to whom devotees, while sharing happiness and woes, can lovingly address as તુ. In modern life, it is very difficult to find someone reliable with whom a person can share his internal happiness or sorrows. Therefore, there is is a dire need to develop attachment with Krishna. Legendaries such as Mira, Surdas and Narsih Mehta developed such an attachment with Krishna through Prabhu Bhakti. Questions may arise as to what questions be asked to Krishna and whether he will respond.

Another question that arises is as to which type of Navdha (nine types) Bhakti a person should follow to share internal sorrow with Krishna. He may follow any one and Dr. Thakker narrated Sakhya (सख्य) Bhakti of the friendship of Sudama with Krishna who is a versatile and ready for listening and responding quietly. She also delve into the relationship between Krishna and Arjun.

Despite the problems caused by Corona, it has taught us to find ourselves internally by introspection and soul searching. It’s not only us who face adversity, it’s also Krishna who had to cross several hurdles in life. In the era of modern technology, it’s necessary to develop internal connection, rather than internet connection, to have an attachment to Krishna. A person who is accustomed to safety cannot face complex adverse situations or adventures in life. Such person even hesitates to write his woes on a paper fearing that someone will read it. Hence, he accumulates and stores within himself aggravating the adverse situation. In this case, he should seek an attachment to Krishna to unload his internal woes and possibly Krisnha may answer.

For developing an attachment with Krishna, some important elements are necessary such as spirituality instead of materialism, honest વાણી, વિચાર અને વ્યવહાર, concentration, and power of gratitude.

Viewers were impressed by Dr. Darshnaben Thakker’s scholastic presentation.

(ii) Devotional Songs:

Praher Vora and Kalyani Kothalkar along with their group sang beautiful devotional songs. Dr. Darshanben Thakker’s compering was excellent.

Starting with a Stuti, a series of devotional songs mesmerized viewers who danced to some of the songs. The songs included Mehulo Gaaje Madhav Nache, Hari Par Amthun Het, Mara Gharman Birajta ShreeNathji, Haveli Bandhavi Daun, Valane Makhan Bhave Re, Jal Kamal Chhandi Jane, Mara Vala Ne Manavi Lejo Re, Hey Mari Hundi Swikaro Maharaj Re, Radhika Gori Se, Radha Dhundh Rahi, Chhoti Chhoti Gaiya, ShreeNathji Mane Pyarun Laage Shreeji Tarun Naam, followed by a Garba Ramzat.

Viewers enjoyed the pair’s melodious voice, the selection of the devotional songs and the anchoring by Dr. Darshnaben Thakker.

(iii) New Members:

We welcome the following new members:

Dhirendra & Kokila Patel
Ketki & Raxit Shah

(iv) Announcements:

Pankaj Parikh, VP., apprised about the availability of T-shirts, brochure and memberships.

Jitendra Zaveri, Jt. Secretary, provided details of future programs.

(v) Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan:

Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan (BVB), a renowned institution promoting Indian art, culture, values and heritage, is pleased to announce a promotion for memberships until September 15, 2021. Mr. Sudhirbhai Vaishnav, Executive Director, is spearheading to introduce changes and to enlarge BVB’s memberships. Regular life membership fee is reduced from $1,000 to $300 for seniors. Complete details are given in BVB’s attached email.

A Vote of Thanks by Mrs. Ranjanben Patel.

2.(i) THE AUGUST 14TH MEETING:

SurSangam Group from Nagpur chanted today’s Dhoon Hare Ram Hare Ram, Ram Ram Hare Hare.

The meeting started with a prayer by Mr. & Mrs. Pankajbhai, VP, & Varshaben (EC member) Parikh. Congratulations and good wishes were showered on the couple for the 48th wedding anniversary. A PowerPoint presentation honoring the couple was displayed.

President welcomed viewers informing that today’s Janmashtami Mahotsav program of day two by the SurSangam Group would be unique and interesting. We’re thankful to the group since today’s program was offered by them to say a Thank You to Indo-American for about 25 programs performed in the past. Also, thanks for providing T-shirts to our members.

The program started with a Stuti followed by a series of Krishna songs and patriotic songs celebrating India’s 75th Independence Day. Songs were Govind Bolo Hari Gopal Bolo, Jago Re Jago Mohan Pyare Jago, Mohe Panghat Pe Nandlal, Darshan Do Ghanshyam, Aaye Kahanse Ghanshyam, Badi Der Bhai Nandlala, Bada Nathkhat Hai, Vrandavan Ka Krishna Kanaiya, Kisko Kahega Kanaiya, Yasomati Maiya Se Bole Nandlala, Na Bole Na Bole Na Bole Re, Radhika Tune Bansari Churayi, Ek Radha Ek Mira, Shyam Dhale Jamuna Kinare, Madhuban Mein Radhika Nache Re, Radha Kaise Na Jale, Kanha Bajaye Bansuri, Woh Kisna Hai, Guru Brahma Guru Vishnu, Saare Jahan Se Achha, Kasme Vaade Nibhayenge Hum, followed by a Garba Ramzat.

Viewers enjoyed SurSangam Group’s performance and congratulated Surabhi & Sachin Dhomne. Dr. Manoj Salpekar’s anchoring was brilliant.

(ii) PowerPoint Presentation:

A PowerPoint presentation, prepared by Mr. Jyotindrabhai Patel, honoring Grand/Platinum/Gold sponsors (listed in the brochure) was displayed.

(iii) Announcements:

Pankajbhai Parikh, VP, briefed about the upcoming Janmashtami programs, T-shirts and memberships.

(iv) New Members:

We welcome the following new members:

Harshad & Malti Shah
Dr. Maganlal & Vanita Mistry

(v) Announcements:

Pankajbhai Parikh, VP, provided details about the remaining Janmashtami Mahotsav programs. (pl see the updated list of sponsors on WhatsApp), brochure, memberships, and T-shirts.

A Vote of Thanks by Mr. Rajesh Shah.

3. The Computer Class:

NO CLASS ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 15, 2021. ENJOY INDIA’S INDEPENDENCE DAY!

4. The Yoga Class:

NO CLASSES ON TUESDAYS.

Yoga class is going in full swing on Zoom. The next class is on Friday, August 20, 2021.For your queries, please contact her at rdharia78@yahoo.com or by text at 917 435 1890.

ID: 715 3405 1087
Password: 6789

5. The Arts Class:

India Home has extended an invitation to our members to join the arts, creative writing, cooking, crafts and technology classes. Please contact Mrs. Kavita Shah, Creative Aging Director, at 917 825 1559 for the Zoom link as well as for new educational and informative events. For additional programs, you may visit the following link:

https://indiahome.zoom.us/j/7280154731?pwd=d1preTlFMng5NXBQdFlKVjVqenh5Zz09

Meeting ID: 728 015 4731
Passcode: 2007

6. Future Programs:

Niranjanbhai Patel, Secretary, provided details of future programs.

Please note the ID and Password for the programs (i) through (v).

ID: 516 607 5252
Password: 5252

(i) Janmashtami Mahotsav:

Janmashtami Mahotsav Celebration is planned for the remaining three Thursdays, August 19, 26 and September 2, and three Saturdays August 21, 28 and September 4, 2021. Details already given on WhatsApp and in the brochure.

(ii) Mrs. Purnima Desai:

A presentation by Mrs. Purnima Desai, also known as Karuna Reiki Master, a Certified Master REIKI Healer on “REIKI- A Sacred Science”, is planned on Thursday, September 30, 2021 from 10:30am to 12:00pm.

(iii) Diwali:

Diwali celebration is planned on Saturday, October 30, 2021. Details to follow.

(iv) Christmas:

Christmas celebration is planned on Saturday, December 18, 2021.
Details to follow.

(v) Vishnu Sahasranam:

As advised earlier, Dr. Narendra Bhalodkar’s program on Vishnu Sahsranam is on every Monday from 9:45am to 11:45am/12:00pm. His next program will be on Monday, August 16, 2021.

(vi) Bhajan Sandhya:

Spiritual Development Center (Adhyatmik Vikas Kendra) organizes Bhajan Sandhya every Friday from 8:30pm to 10:30pm. For information, pl contact Paragbhai Patel, President, at 646 496 7748.

ID 127 918 441
Password 1975

(vii) GSNY/VTNY/F-BIMA:

A 75th Happy India Independence Day is planned on Sunday, August 15, 2021 from 10am to 1pm (a flyer is attached).

(viii) Music Program:

Parikh Geetmala has planned SurSangam’s musical program on Sunday, August 15, 2021 at 10:30am. (a flyer is attached).

(ix) FIA:

A flag hoisting ceremony at Times Square at 9:30am and a Gala on Hudson from 6pm to 10pm are planned on Sunday, August 15, 2021. (a flyer is attached).

(x) BSNY:

Brahmin Society of New York has planned a Bhajan Sandhya on Sunday, August 15, 2021 at 5pm. (a flyer is attached).

(xi) Jain Senior Group:

A summer beach party for ladies is planned on Thursday, August 19, 2021. (a flyer is attached).

(xii) SAWAO:

SAWAO has planned a musical program on Friday, August 20, 2021 at 8pm. (a flyer is attached).

(xiii) I Love My India:

A virtual flag hosting ceremony with a musical program on Facebook/YouTube is planned on Saturday, August 21, 2021. (a flyer is attached).

(xiv) Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan, USA, has planned the following program. (a flyer and an email attached).
1. Music of India in a Kaliedoscope on 8/15/21.
2.Raga Reflections on 8/21/21.
3. Shaam & Ghazal on 8/28/21.

(xv) VTNY SCC:

A drama is planned on August 29, 2021. Details on the drama later via Zoom. (a flyer is attached).

Please stay healthy.

Mukund Mehta, President
August 14, 2021

718 450 1829 (C)

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