2021 Celebrations of the Center:

PRESIDENT’S  REPORT

Dear Friends:

The following is a brief report of the Zoom meeting held on Thursday, December 9, 2021. The meeting was anchored by Mr. Pankaj Parikh, VP, and hosted by Mr. Niranjan Patel, Secretary. Proceedings of the meeting were placed on YouTube by Mr. Jagdish Patel, VP-PR. 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 Ganpatbhai & Manjulaben Mistry. 

 

President wishing well to viewers and welcoming them mentioned that today’s program by members showing their hidden talents would inspire others to come foreword to do the same in future sessions. Even 5% of the total membership of more than 1,500 participate, there will be 75 participants which will require us to have some more sessions to accommodate them. Like periodical Housie games, we will have periodical ગમતાનો કરીએ ગુલાલ sessions. 

 

1. (i) ગમતાનો કરીએ ગુલાલ – ૨

 

Today’s fun-filled 80-minute session covering varieties of items presented by members entertained viewers. Pankajbhai kicked off the session quoting a bus stand puzzle which was followed by members’ interesting items including Bhakti Geets, mimicry, poem, wedding Geets, dialogues, among others. 

 

The following members participated: Dinbandhu Shah (Bhakti Geet), Gautam Shroff (family relationships puzzle), Niruben Hansoti (mimicry), Manohar Parmar (Bhakti Geet), Dr. Nalini Juthani (poem), Harivadanbhai Patel (Wedding Geet), Mayur & Rekha Trivedi (Domestic dialogue), Jayantibhai Shah(personal interesting story), and Ranjanben Patel (Wedding Geet Fatana). 

 

Participants (profiles attached) were introduced by Niranjan Patel, Pankaj Parikh and Mukund Mehta. Thanks to all participants for their active interest. 

 

Due to time restraints, some participants could not be accommodated but they will be given opportunity next time. 

 

(ii) Musical Program:

 

The Seattle-based singer Sonia Keshwani (profile attached) entertained viewers with evergreen Bollywood songs. Our member Bharatbhai  Goradia introduced her. 

 

Bharatbhail, a Cultural Ambassador between the U.S. and India, had arranged today’s program. This was his 27th program since the onset of the pandemic. He loves to invite talented artists to entertain seniors. His passion is to bring smile on the face of people. His humorous nature has attracted well known Bollywood artists. Thanks Bharatbhai for bringing famous artists to IASCCOFNY for a token honorarium and your own contributions to them. 

 

Sonia sang beautiful songs including Ek Pyar Ka Nagma Hai, Jab Koi Baat Bigad Jaye, Ajeeb Dastan Hay Ye, Kabhi Kabhi Mere Dil Mein, a Medley of 15 songs in 12 minutes, Mein Tenu Samjhaawan Ki, AAP Ki Nazro Ne Samjha, Teri Bindiya Re, Yeh Mera Dil Pyar Ka Deewana, Piya Tu Ab Toh Aja, ending with a Gujarati geet. 

 

Viewers applauded Sonia’s melodious voice and selection of songs. 

 

(iii) Announcements:

 

(a) Mukund Mehta requested members to submit nominations for EC membership by 12/20/21. He reiterated IASCCOFNY’s constitutional provisions and filling up of vacancies through nominations. There will be at least one vacancy due to his stepping down from presidency and EC membership at the end of 2021. If there are more nominations than vacancies, members may be placed on the list for the potential EC members provided they render voluntary services assigned to them. 

 

(b) Pankajbhai Parikh, VP, briefed salient points for the upcoming cruise trip to Alaska from 8/27/22 through 9/3/22. Details will be placed on WhatsApp within a week. He also requested viewers to dress Red at the Christmas celebration on 12/18/21. 

 

(iv) Contributions: 

 

We thank Jyotiben Dave for a generous contribution of $101. 

 

(v) New Members:

 

We welcome the following new members:

 

Rekha Shrimanker

Kiran & Trupti Divanji

 

A Vote of Thanks by Ganpatbhai Mistry. 

 

2. The Computer Class: 

 

Prof Rajasekhar Vangapaty is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting on Sunday, December 12, 2021 at 10:30am. 

 

3. The Arts Class: