2022 Celebrations of the Center:

PRESIDENT’S  REPORT

                                  

                                   HAPPY NEW YEAR

Dear Friends:

The following is a brief report of the Zoom meeting held on Thursday, January 6, 2022. 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 Mr. Ashok Sheth, VP – Finance, for liaising with the Bank. 

The meeting started with a prayer by Mrs. Rita Zaveri. 

 

While welcoming members, President wished them a Happy New Year and Best Wishes for the New Year 2022.

 

 Despite my vehement wish for not continuing as President as declared previously but respecting the persistent and overwhelming, and at times emotional, request by the entire Executive Committee yesterday to continue as President for one more year – 2022, I gave up finally since there was no one at the meeting to defend my desire and I was in a microscopic minority against the tsunami of appeals for the continuation during the Silver Jubilee Celebrations of 2021 – 2022. So, here I’m as President for one more year. 

 

1 (i) Dr. Vipul Patel’s Presentation:

 

Dr. Vipul Patel (profile attached), who had addressed our meetings several times in the past, gave an excellent slides presentation on Covid-19 and Omicron Variant highlighting the severity of the pandemic which affected 53 million people in the U.S., taking a toll on 820,000 with an average of 1,350 daily deaths. The highly contagious and fast spreading Omicron (which eclipsed the Delta strain), though considered a low-impact virus, affects grievously those who are unvaccinated. 

 

Dr. Patel discussed about the new variant B.1.640.2 emanated from France, the efficacy of the third dose of booster being given currently and the application of the fourth booster dose in the U.S. in April which Israel has already started. He showed a comparison between the Delta variant and the Omicron variant. He also discussed heavy burden on healthcare workers, different types of masks, hand sanitizers and wipes, Merck and Pfizer pills, Corbevax vaccine, and several related issues. 

 

An interesting and informative Q&A session followed. Dr. Patel’s presentation was attended by about 350+ viewers (213 logins) who gave a thumping applause to him for his down-to- earth lecture in Gujarati. We’re thankful for his time and the important information shared on the subject via WhatsApp links (attached). 

 

Viewers are requested to view the recording of Dr. Patel’s an hour and a half presentation placed on YouTube. 

 

(ii) Musical Program:

 

 The singer Rupa Soni (profile attached) from London gave a beautiful an hour and 45 minutes musical program of Bollywood songs, Gujarati Geets and Garba. The program was arranged through Mr. Bharatbhai Goradia. 

 

Bharatbhai Goradia, a Cultural Ambassador between the U.S. and India and a recipient of a countless number of coveted recognitions and awards, has brought talented artists to IASCCOFNY during the pandemic period to provide entertainment to our seniors. Today’s program was his 29th and we hope he will continue to arrange more programs in the future. His passion to render selfless services to seniors is very much appreciated. Thanks Bharatbhai. 

 

Rupa Soni kicked off the program with a Ganesh Stuti and a Krishna Bhajan followed by a series of songs including Aapki Nazron Ne Samjha, Pukarta Chala Hun Mein, Chala Jata Hoon, Mera Pyar Bhi Tu Hai, Kisi Raah Men Kisi Mod Par, Shola Jo Bhadke, Tumko Hamari Umar Lag Jaye (honoring Bharatbhai’s birthday on X’mas Day), Meri Mohabbat Jawan Rahegi, Dekho Mera Dil Machal Gaya, Phool TumheBheja  Hai Khat Mein, Yeh Raaten Yeh Mausam, Pankh Hote To Ud Aati, Tari Aankhno Afini, followed by a stunning Garba Ramzat. 

 

Viewers were pleased with Rupa Soni’s melodious voice, selection of songs and Garba Ramzat. 

 

(iii) Changes in the Executive Committee:

 

At the EC meeting held on January 5, 2022, at the home of Rameshbhai Shah, Treasurer, the following changes were approved based on a voting. 

 

(a) Nareshbhai Shah retired as an EC member. The EC thanks Nareshbhai for his excellent services to IASCCOFNY. He is still in charge of updating the membership list. He has been making important suggestions for introducing a computerized system for accounting. He had rendered outstanding services in the preparation of a booklet commemorating IASCCOFNY’s 20th anniversary. 

 

(b) Ashok Sheth joined the EC as a VP – Finance. He is a CPA, Chartered Global Management Accountant and Chartered Accountant. He has rendered services in the past to IASCCOFNY even though he was not a member of EC. He is liaising with Bank of Baroda  for contributions. Welcome Ashokbhai. 

 

(iv) New Members:

 

We welcome the following new members:

 

Dalsukh & Ila Madia, Rajendra & Nita Patel, Dilip & Bindu Yajnik, Balmukund & Rupal Parikh, Rohit & Trishala Shah, Nitin & Mita Shah, Rajat & Sarala Patel, Arvind & Geeta Patel.

 

(v) Announcements:

 

(a) Pankajbhai Parikh, VP, requested members to let’s know their birthdays if they wish to be announced. Also, they may sponsor a program. Eighty rooms have been booked for the cruise. 

 

(b) Pl refer to the attached appeal for “A Shoe Drive For Seniors” which will bring a smile on their face. 

 

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

 

2. The Computer Class:

 

Prof Rajasekhar Vangapaty is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.