2021 Celebrations of the Center:

Dear Friends:

The following is a brief report of the Zoom meeting held on Thursday, September 16, 2021. The meeting was anchored by Pankaj Parikh, VP, hosted by Jagdish Patel, VP-PR, and co-hosted by Niranjan Patel, Secretary. Proceedings of the meeting 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.

The meeting started with a prayer by Mr. & Mrs. Manohar & Padmavatiben Parmar.

1. (i) Mr. R. D. Patel’s Presentation:

While welcoming members, President reminded them about Mr. R. D. Patel’s several presentations in the past and a thumping response he received from the audience each time. Thereafter, he introduced Mr. Patel (profile attached) whose today’s topic was “ સંતુષ્ટ કેવી રીતે થવાય? – What is it to be contended?” Although we all know the adage સંતુષ્ટ નર સદા સુખી, a question arises how to be સંતુષ્ટ when the mind is loaded with an endless list of wishes and insatiable desires to own or acquire something. Mr. Patel referred to a Neuroscience study stating that the thoughts which are 90% repetitive and 85% negative in the mind deprive the coveted element of સંતુષ્ટ from a person’s life.

A person who is satisfied with the basic necessities of life without craving for unnecessary materialistic requirements will generally be happy સંતુષ્ટ. Be happy in what you have and cultivate the habit of when to stop chasing acquisitive nature of amassing possessions and wealth. Internal peace is a prerequisite for happiness and satisfaction. Good thoughts, sense of practicality, and genuine life style lead to contentment which is devoid of bad elements like greed, bribe, deceit and fraud. There should be a parity between internal life and external life and practice what you preach.

Mr. Patel cautioned Indian community, which ranks highest among ethnic groups in the U.S., to stay alert since its rise in a relatively short time may get a backlash from those who are not so privileged.

Viewers applauded Mr. Patel’s practical guidance for happiness.

(ii) Musical Program:

Mr. Jigar Rana of Varenyam Foundation, who had recently presented a discussion on મગજની મુસાફરી, entertained with four singers for an hour and a half. The musical program was replete with Bollywood songs and Gujarati lokgeets. Ms. Hina Pandit anchored the program. Mr. Rana was introduced to us by Mr. Sudhirbhai Vaishnav, Executive Director of Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan USA.

The program included songs such as Ae Malik Tere Bande Hum, Hun Amdavadi Hun Rikshawalo, Ajeeb Dastan Hai, Teri Aankhon Ke Siva, Afsana itne Dil Ke, Haal Kaisa He Janab Ka, Diwana Hua Badal, Savariyo Re Maro Savariyo, Madi Tarun Kanku, Tane Jata Joi Panghat Ni Vaate, Neend Na Mujhko Aaye, Hawa Mein Udta Jaye, Mein Hun Zum Zum Zumarun, Musafir Hoon Yaaron, among others.

Viewers cheered the performance of the musical group led by Mr. Rana.

(iii) Yoga Class:

Our member Mrs. Rupa Dharia, a licensed Yoga teacher, provided selfless and valuable services to our members by diligently teaching Yoga twice a week on a regular basis since May 1, 2020, and keeping them occupied during the pandemic period. Recently, she conducted classes once a week as she has been occupied teaching at different locations. Since our members now got fully trained during almost for a year and a half and do Yoga at their own convenient timings, and since Mrs. Dharia will be occupied in her teachings at different locations, she decided to end her classes after her last class on Friday, September 17. Our members may contact her for guidance at rdharia78@yahoo.com or by text at 917 435 1890.

IASSCNY takes this opportunity to thank her for the time spared for the classes and for her dedication and love for our seniors.

(iv) A Secret To Good Health:

The best type of exercise for seniors to improve health and fitness is walking. This was proved today by our member Mrs. Shubhadraben Shah, the mother-in-law of Kavita Shah, Creative Aging Director at India Home. Shubhadraben, 82, walked this morning 10K (6.1 miles) in 1 hour and 52 minutes at Eisenhower Park at an event organized by Long Island Marathon. Hearty Congratulations! (Photos attached). Inspired by the octogenarian, Kavitaji will participate tomorrow in the walking competition. Good luck.

(iv) New Member:

We welcome a new member Mr. & Mrs. Pravin & Nirupama Shah.

A Vote of Thanks by Mr. Manohar Parmar.

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 Sunday September 19, 2021 at 10:30 am
Join Zoom Meeting
https://indiahome.zoom.us/j/98114126485?pwd=Z1FwL2lCV0FWcU1xNE5GcE4zMlR2QT09

Meeting ID: 981 1412 6485
Passcode: 229573

3. 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

4. Future Programs:

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

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

ID: 516 607 5252
Password: 5252

(i) Jugalbandhi:

Shobhit Desai & Chandrakant Shah’s Jugalbandhi program is planned on Thursday, September 23, 2021 from 10:30am to 12:15pm. We’re thankful to Mr. Sudhirbhai Vaishnav, Executive Director, Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan, for liaising. (Photos attached).

(ii) Housie:

The games are planned on Sundays, September 26, and October 24, 2021 between 2pm and 4pm.

(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) Musical Program:

A musical program by Shrii Gautam, London, is planned on Thursday, October 7, 2021 from 12:00pm to 1:30pm. It is arranged through Bharatbhai Goradia.

(v) Navratri:

Navratri celebration on Zoom is planned on Saturday, October 9, 2021between 10:30am and 2:0m. Details to follow.

(vi) Diwali:

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

(vii) Christmas:

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

(viii) Vishnu Sahasranam:

Dr. Narendra Bhalodkar’s program on Vishnu Sahsranam and Radhashtami is on Monday from 9:40am to 12:15pm, September 20, 2021.

(ix) 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

(x) Ganesh Mahotsav:

A 5-day Ganesh Mahotsav is planned from September 15 to 19, 2021. Pl contact Suhagben Mehta at 516 324 5230. (flyers attached).

(xi) LIGCS:

LIGCS has planned Garba on Saturdays, October 9 & 16, 2021 between 8pm and 11pm. (a flyer is attached).

Please stay healthy.

Mukund Mehta, President
September 18, 2021

718 450 1829 (C)