2021 Celebrations of the Center:

હરે ક્રિષ્ણ હરે ક્રિષ્ણ ક્રિષ્ણ ક્રિષ્ણ હરે

Dear Friends:

The following are brief reports of the Zoom meetings held on Thursday, August 26 and Saturday, August 28, 2021. The meetings were anchored by Pankaj Parikh, VP, hosted by Jagdish Patel, VP -PR. Niranjan Patel, Secretary, co-hosted the August 26th meeting. A PowerPoint presentation was prepared by Jyotindra Patel, Past President of GSNY. Proceedings of the meetings were 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 26TH MEETING:

(i) Prior to the start of the meeting, Mr. Rajeshbhai Naik and his group started with a Dhoon with whom viewers joined.

The meeting started with a prayer by Mr. & Mrs. Jitendrabhai & Ritaben Zaveri.

While welcoming viewers, President expressed hope that our viewers living in Eastern Long Island were not severely impacted by the hurricane Henri which luckily was not as harsh as predicted. Referring to the Janmashtami Mahotsav, he observed that the life of Krishna, as depicted in our religious scriptures and as described by a myriad of authors, writers, poets and singers, is extremely fascinating and perhaps Krishna may be the only God for whom so much is described compared to other deities.

1. (i) Mr. Himanshu Shah’s Presentation:

Mr. Himanshu Shah of Ahmedabad (profile attached), introduced by Pankajbhai Parikh, VP, while discussing Krishna’s multifaceted personality, gave interesting details based on his research. Krishna’s life represents three સ્વરૂપ, viz., (૧) રસેશ્વર as an innocent child enjoying happy playful life in Gokul and Vrindavan without any dishonesty or fraud, (૨) રાજેશ્વર as an adult creating and developing Dwarka, caring Yadav’s group, tending to family affairs, and (૩) યોગેશ્વર as a guide and સારથી to Arjun showing his Virat Swarup at the Kurukshetra battle field.

Krishna’s life is covered in Mahabharat, Vishnu Puran and Shreemad Bhagvat. He has been portrayed in several roles including as a destroyer of Kans, a Cheer Haran of Gopis, a helper to Draupadi during Vastraharan, a Sarthi to Arjun, a dancer with Gopis, relishing Sudama’s Rice Krispies, a lifter of the Govarddhan Parvat, and acceptor of Kubja.

Mr. Shah equates Krishna as a management Guru as he knows when to speak and when to stay put. He is a quick learner as at age 15 he went to Sandipani and mastered 64 કળા in 64 days. Was Krishna always happy? Mr. Shah cited various instances of Krishna’s unhappiness or unfavorable situations he faced, e.g., he was born in jail, was separated from parents immediately after birth, had to leave Gokul, was separated from Gopis and Radha, was abused by Shishupal, was cursed by Gandhari, and was fatally injured by an ordinary hunter.

Krishna is remembered by different names, e.g., ShriNathji in Nathdwara, Ranchhod in Dakor, Banke Bihari in Vrindavan, Vishnu in Kerala, and Vithal in Pandharpur. A person perceives Krishna according to his ભાવ અને પ્રેમ towards him.

Mr. Shah, based on his in-depth research, quoted various interesting episodes of the life of Krishna. Viewers listened to his talk intently.

(ii) Musical Program:

Rajeshbhai Naik of Sivam Group from Surat (profile attached), introduced by Niranjanbhai Patel, Secretary, along with his group sang Krishna Bhakti songs કાનુડો કેમ વિસરે રે. Starting with a Stuti, a series of songs followed including Shyam Avine Mari Matki Fode, Aajni Ghadi To Raliyamni, Paraniye Zulave Jashoda Maiya, Jagne Jadva, Dwarikano Nath Maro Raja Ranchhod Chhe, Marun Man Mor Bani Thangat Kare, Shambhu Sharne Padi, Jai Jalaram song, Mathuraman Jaun Gokulman Jaun, Sai Tere Naam Se Diwane Ho Gaye, capping with a Garba Ramzat.

(iii) Pankajbhai Parikh, VP, briefed about the remaining Janmashtami programs, T-shirts, Housie in September and October, and an appeal for volunteers to join our Center.

An announcement was made of Mr. R. D. Patel’s lecture on Seva at a Westchester temple on Friday, 8/27/21.

A PowerPoint presentation, prepared by Jyotindrabhai Patel, of co-sponsors was displayed. Happy birthday to Mrs. Hasuben Dave.

(iv) New Members:

We welcome the following new members:
Rasikbhai & Narmadaben Patel
Bharat & Hansaben Patel

A Vote of Thanks by Mrs. Ritaben Zaveri.

2. THE AUGUST 28TH MEETING:

(i) Prior to the start of the meeting, Mr. Rajeshbhai Naik and his group sang Dhoon with whom viewers joined.

The meeting started with a prayer by Mrs. Ashaben Dharawat.

President welcomed viewers and assured them that they will enjoy today’s dances by the Meghdoot group from Baroda. Pankajbhai Parikh, VP, introduced the group.

Performers in flashy costumes presented dances with Radha Krishna theme which included Madhuradhipate Akhilam, Mero Pyaro Nandlal, Kanha Bansi Bajaye, Marun Man Mor Bani Thangat Kare, Achyutam Keshavam, Aai Re Aai Holi Aai, Meri Ankhomen Shyam, Govind Bolo Hari Gopal Bolo, Ek Radha Ek Meera, Gori Radha Kalo Kanh, Krishna Bhagvan Avya, Mara Ghat Ma Birajata ShreeNathji, and others.

Viewers revved dances including the twirling dance item of Mr. Rajendra Raval making a peacock from a saree.

(ii) PowerPoint Presentation:

A PowerPoint Presentation of co-sponsors, prepared by Jyotindrabhai Patel, was displayed.

President introduced EC members, Jayendrabhai Desai, Jyotindrabhai Patel, Vijaybhai Patel, Mansukhabhai Patel, and Ashokbhai Sheth.He also introduced those who provided their services to seniors during the pandemic which included Prof Raj for computer classes, Dr. Narendra Bhalodkar for Vishnu Sahasranam, Mrs. Rupaben Dharis for Yoga classes and Mr. Bharatbhai Goradia for entertainment through arranging artists. President thanked Founding President Dr. Ashwinbhai Pandya and Past President Mr. Kantibhai Patel for establishing a strong foundation of our Center.

(iii) Mukund Mehta Stepping Down as President:

Mukund Mehta briefed viewers about how he happened to join as President of our Center and his declaration at the Diwali celebration at Antun’s of his desire to step down from his position three years ago which was rejected overwhelmingly by the audience. Today, he announced that he will step down as President at the end of the year since he will be completing six years in the position. However, the instant reaction from Pankajbhai Parikh, VP, Ashok Sheth and others was not to step down.

Mukund Mehta thanked EC members, sponsors, volunteers, and members with whose unwavering support our Center has made a remarkable progress during the six years as its membership increased from 500+ to 1,500+ and bank balance swelled from $80,000 to more than $450,000 and now inching towards a half-million dollar.

(iv) Announcements:

Pankajbhai Parikh, VP, provided information about the remaining Janmashtami programs, T-shirts, Housie games and sponsorships.

A Vote of Thanks by Mrs. Ashaben Dharawat.

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 10:30 am Sunday 8/29/2021Computer Class Z
Join Zoom Meeting
https://indiahome.zoom.us/j/98114126485?pwd=R1ZjN2tYNENzMXUvei80UzNpVE9pZz09

Meeting ID: 981 1412 6485
Passcode: 772849

4. The Yoga Class:

NO CLASSES ON TUESDAYS. NO CLASS ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2021.

Yoga class is going in full swing on Zoom. The next class is on Friday, September 10, 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:

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

Please note the ID and Password for the programs (i) through (vi):

ID: 516 607 5252
Password: 5252

(i) Janmashtami Mahotsav:

Janmashtami Mahotsav Celebration is planned on Thursday, September 2, and Saturday September 4, 2021. Details already given on WhatsApp and in the brochure.

(ii) BenShri Vijayaben Rajani’s Presentation:

BenShri Vijayaben (Vijuben ) Rajani’s (Mumbai) lecture on “Jivan Ek Kurukshetra” is planned on September 9, 2021 between 10:30am and 12:00pm. Her presentation is arranged through our member Mr. Himatbhai Parekh, Florida.

Thereafter, a musical program by Mrs. Manisha Jain is planned. Her program was recommended by our member Mr. Rajesh Shah and is arranged through our member Mr. Bharatbhai Goradia.

(iii) 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.

(iv) Diwali:

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

(v) Christmas:

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

(vi) 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 30, 2021.

(vii) 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

(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).

(xi) India’s 75th Independence Day Celebration:

Amrut Mahotsav, organized by MILAN Cultural Association and NAVATMAN Inc., is planned on Tuesday, August 31, 2021. (a flyer is attached).

Please stay healthy.

Mukund Mehta, President
August 28, 2021

718 450 1829 (C)

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