2021 Celebrations of the Center:

શ્રી ક્રિષ્ણ ગોવિંદ હરે મોરારી

Dear Friends:

The following are brief reports of the Zoom meetings held on Thursday, August 19 and Saturday, August 21, 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. THE AUGUST 19TH MEETING:

(i) Prior to the start of the meeting, Shri Krishnadas Nayak and Ranna Vora and their group started with a Dhoon with whom viewers joined.

The meeting started with a prayer by Mrs. Hiraben Modi and her daughter-in-law Mrs. Mayuri Modi.

While welcoming viewers, President requested them to join in paying a tribute to Mrs. Sangita, 45, the wife of Mr. Nischal and the daughter-in-law of our members Kanubhai & Induben Mehta, who passed away. Condolences and sympathies to the family. May God rest her soul in peace. Condolence messages may be sent at kanumehta44@gmail.com

PP Go. Shri Dwarkeshlalji Mahodaya’s Presentation:

PP Go. Shri Dwarkeshlalji Mahodaya (Pujyashri), who had given a couple of presentations in the past, lectured today, an auspicious day of Pavitra Baras, for an hour on the essential elements of Bhagvad Geeta and on the conversation between Lord Krishna and Arjun. He was introduced by Mr. Amitbhai Shah, VA, who was introduced by Pankajbhai Prikh, VP.

Pujyashri was pleased and commended our Center for organizing Zoom programs as he saw countless number of smiling faces of seniors – a sign of pride that people, who have undergone a lot of experiences in their lives, join our programs.

Pujyashri stressed that Bhagavad Geeta, which embodies a dialogue between Krishna and Arjun, is an eternal – શાશ્વત ગ્રંથ (as opposed to a periodical) outlining universal answers by Krishna to a myriad of ever changing situations confronted in our daily lives. The core issues of conflicting relationships and problems have remained the same over ages.

In Bhagvad Geeta, which is a part of Mahabharat and a summary of Upnishad, Krishna answers a litany of questions posed by a confused Arjun who was buffeted between a contrasting scenario whether to fight and kill his own relatives and teachers or to surrender. Krishna, on the other hand, viewed the scenario between Dharma and Adharma in which case Dharma should prevail even if it entailed the destruction of the loving group of Ashwatthama, Dronacharya, Bhishma and Kripacharya who supported wrong side of Kauravas.

The blind King Dhritarashtra’s first verse of Dharma Kshetre Kuru Kshetre, inquiring of Sanjay of what his sons and his brother Pandu’s sons were doing on the battlefield, formed the creation of Bhagavad Geeta. Krishna’s four roles are highlighted in Bhagvad Geeta as – Saarthi, Guru, Bhakta and Sakhha, and teach a universal remedy ઉપાય in contrast to Upnishad which provides a sermon ઉપદેશ.

Pujyashri stressed the importance of maintaining good relations with everyone and to ingrain good qualities of વાણી, વ્યવહાર અને વિચાર. વાણી mirrors મન and nature of a person. A person need not go out and look for Krishna; instead, Krishna comes on his own to his sincere devotees. Krishna’s message in Bhagwad Geeta is to perform one’s duty even in adverse situations without expecting fruits, and to protect one’s religion. Knowledge leads to liberation whereas fear leads to dependency. Quite often people have a tendency to cheat themselves by covering their misdeeds.

Pujyashri’s presentation enlightened viewers who appreciated his clear thoughts on Bhagvad Geeta.

(ii) Musical Program:

Kirtankar Shri Krishnadas Nayak and Ranna Vora together with their musical group entertained viewers with Krishna-related kirtans, bhajans and Garba.

The ensemble unleashed a series of songs including Aavo ShriNathji, Mane Pyarun Laage Taru Naam, Mara Ghatma Birajata, SheeNathji Bolo, Vanke Ambode, Shree Krishna Govind Hare Morari, Aaj Mara Mandiriyama, Vrandavan Ma, followed by a Garba Ramzat.

The program concluded with Aarti.

(iii) The August 15th Celebration:

Our Center participated in the August 15th celebration organized by GSNY/VTNY/F-BIMA at GSNY hall. Eleven organizations participated. A table was assigned to our Center and participants were Drs. Mahendra/Lila Shah, Mr. & Mrs. Baldev Patel, Mr. & Mrs. Telwala, Mr. & Mrs. Aroon Shah, Mrs. Hiraben and her son Ketan Modi, and Mukund Mehta. Jyotindrabhai Patel as well as several other IASCCOFNY members also participated. (Parade photos attached).

(iv) New Member:

We welcome a new member Mr. & Mrs. Ashesh &. Swati Shah.

(v) Mr. Vivek Shah:

Mukund Mehta apprised viewers about the stunning achievements and a meteoric rise of Mr. Vivek Shah, 48, as a successful financial wizard owning an impressive stake in U.S. Corporations as reported in the attached August 18th Wall Street Journal article. He is the son of our members Mr. & Mrs. Ravindra & Shaila Shah. Congratulations Vivek.

(vi) Aging, a Myth Seminar:

Mukund Mehta informed viewers about India Home receiving an email about “Ageing, a Myth – De-hypnotize Yourself” workshop on Sunday, September 12, 2021. The email states that you may remove wrinkles from face, conceal your age, but would that remove the feeling of aging from within or turn you immortal? (email attached).

(vii) Announcements:

Pankajbhai Parikh, VP, briefed about Janmashtami program, T-shirts, brochure and memberships.

(viii) PowerPoint Presentation:

A PowerPoint presentation, prepared by Jyotindrabhai Patel, was displayed and Gold & Silver Sponsors, who were present, were recognized.

A Vote of Thanks by Mrs. Hiraben Modi.

2. THE AUGUST 21ST MEETING:

HAPPY NATIONAL SENIOR CITIZENS DAY

(i) Raseshbhai Shah and Madhviben Shah sang a Dhoon with whom viewers joined.

The meeting started with a prayer by Mrs. Nayanaben Gandhi.

While welcoming viewers, President reminded them PP. GO. Shri Yadunathji Mahodaya’s (Pujyashri) earlier presentation in the beginning of the year about graceful aging of seniors in આથમતા સૂર્યનું ઐશ્વર્ય. Pujyashri and Raseshbhai were introduced by Amitbhai Parikh who was introduced by his uncle Pankajbhai Parikh, VP.

PP GO. 108 Shri Yadunathji Mahodaya ‘s Presentation:

Pujyashri distinguished the image of Krishna of Gokul and Krishna of Geeta. Gokul’s Krishna is full of joy, happiness and enthusiasm in contrast with his role in Geeta as an advisor to Arjun who is in a wavering mind loaded with baffling questions.

Pujyashri explained that the દશમ સ્કંધ reflects the heart of Krishna who says in Geeta that he prevails in the hearts of everyone. There is peace and Dharma so long as a person harbors Krishna within his heart but stress and confusion prevail once Krishna leaves from his heart.

દશમ સ્કંધ narrates પ્રાગટય of Krishna. A question arises that if he was already in existence everywhere previously, then why પ્રાગટ્ય now. Pujyashri explained that માયાનું આવરણ blocked its existence. Therefore, Krishna’s birth – પ્રાગટ્ય is celebrated each year on Janmashtami day and the નંદ મહોત્સવ follows with a joyous celebration. At this juncture, Raseshbhai and his musical group chimed in with ગોકુળમાં આજ દિવાળી, પ્રગટ થયા વનમાળી, in which viewers joined and danced to the tunes.

Pujyashri narrated briefly various લીલા described in the દશમ સ્કંધ including, Putna’s role, Makhan Chor, Revelation of universe in his mouth, Damodar Lila, Kalinag, Goverdhan Parvat. He also delve into Venunad and Gopi Geet.

Viewers enjoyed Pujyashri’s presentation which kept them spellbound.

(ii) Musical Program:

Raseshbhai and Madhviben rendered a series of devotional songs celebrating Krishna’s Baal Lila and Nand Mahotsav in which viewers joined joyously with dancing. The ensemble sang geets and bhajans including Sajan Ayo Re Sakhi, Rango Se Rang Mile, Hun Tane Paraniye Zulavu, Jashoda Tara Kanuda Ne, Aaje Gokulman Navrang Nobat Vage, Zulhe Chhe Nandlal Re, Aaj Maro Gopal Paraniye Zulhe Chhe, Aave Chhe Aave Chhe Maro Vahalo Gokulman Aave Chhe, capping with Nand Ke Anand Bhayo……

(iii) Introduction of Sponsors:

Brief introduction was made of Mr. Harshad (Pakaji) Patel (Grand Sponsor), Mr. Arvindbhai Vora (Gold Sponsor) and Dr. Rajesh Patel (Silver Sponsor).

(iv) Announcements:

Pankajbhai Parikh briefed about Janmashtami programs, brochure and T-shirts.

The program concluded with Aarti.

A Vote of Thanks by Jitendra Zaveri, Jt. Secretary.

3. 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 August 22, 2021

Join Zoom Meeting
https://indiahome.zoom.us/j/98114126485?pwd=cDRHa09pOWZZYTJXK0FsMjRhOGYyZz09

Meeting ID: 981 1412 6485
Passcode: 748663

4. The Yoga Class:

NO CLASSES ON TUESDAYS.

Yoga class is going in full swing on Zoom. The next class is on Friday, August 27, 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 two Thursdays, August 26 and September 2, and two Saturdays August 28and 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 23, 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) Jain Senior Group:

A summer beach party for ladies is planned on Thursday, August 26, 2021 (a flyer is attached).

(viii) Music Program:

Parikh Geetmala has planned a musical program on Sunday, August 29, 2021 at 10:30am. (a flyer is attached).

(ix) Jalaram Satsang:

A Satsang is planned on Sunday, August 29, 2021 at 11am. (a flyer is attached).

(x) VTNY SCC/VTNY Women’s Wing:

A drama is planned on Sunday, August 29, 2021 at 7pm. (a flyer is attached).

A bus trip to Vraj and Casino is planned on Sunday, September 5, 2021 (a flyer is attached).

Please stay healthy.

Mukund Mehta, President
August 21, 2021

718 450 1829 (C)

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