2022 Celebrations of the Center:

PRESIDENT’S  REPORT

 

                                              

Dear Friends:

The following is a brief report of the Zoom meeting held on Thursday, January 20, 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. Shashikalaben Shah. 

 

President welcomed members. While introducing today’s speaker Purviben Modi Malkan, he reminded them about her prior research-based presentations. Today’s talk of “સંસ્ક્રુતિની શોધમાં- Amazing Findings in Pakistan!” is primarily a narration of her first-hand experience in Pakistan in search of civilization which was mostly destroyed by the Pakistani regime. 

 

1. (i) Mrs. Purviben Modi Malkan’s Presentation:

 

Purviben’s arrival to Pakistan on May 1, 2011 got coincided with the killing of Osama Bin Laden by U.S. forces on the next morning. She described the fearful situation and how she navigated through the unexpected hostile environment. 

 

Purviben kick-started her presentation with a brief description of the Indus civilization by showing photos of remnants of Haveli, Lord Buddha’s foot, and Sarkap ruins of Harappan civilization. She described the twin sister cities of Ravalpindi and Islamabad – the city which is now the capital of Pakistan. Ravalpindi was surrounded by several Hindu temples. Temple photos of Manpur, the city established by Raja Mansinh – one of the nine Ratnas in the Akabar’s kingdom, renamed as Saidpur after the partition, with artistic wall paintings and ancient edifice of Haveli were striking. 

 

Katasraj temple, located between Islamabad and Lahore and comprised of a cluster of small temples of various deities is spanned over fifty acres. Mr. L.K. Advani visited the temple for worship in 2005 where Hindus go on a pilgrimage. Fascinating photos of Grant Trunk Road, the oldest road in Asia and known by various names in the past starting from Bangladesh and stretching into Afghanistan, were eye catching. 

 

Interesting narration along with a string of attractive photos of the Khevar salt mine and the Wagha Boarder kept the viewers spellbound. 

 

Purviben’s excellent presentation was revved by about 300+ viewers (around 180 zoom logins). Photos displayed during the presentation are attached. 

 

Viewers are requested to view the recording of her impressive presentation placed on YouTube to get a complete picture of the subject. 

 

(ii) Musical Program:

 

Singers Praful Ladwa and Meena Trivedy (profiles attached) from London entertained viewers for an hour and a half with beautiful Bollywood songs, Gujarati Geets and Garba. The program was arranged through Bharatbhai Goradia who introduced the singers.

 

Bharatbhai has a lot of affection for our seniors and his sole aim is to entertain and bring smile on their face. This was his 30th program for seniors. He is a cultural ambassador between India and the U.S. Due to his wide contacts in the entertainment field, he brings talented artists and adds a glamour to our Center. Thanks Bharatbhai. 

 

Starting with a prayer, singers covered a myriad of songs including Ek Haseen Sham Ko, Tum Agar Saath Deneka Vada Karo, Koi Jab Rah Na Paye, Dil Mera Ek Aas Ka Panchhi, Kisi Ki Muskurahaton Pe Ho Nisar, Pukarta Chala Hoon Mein, Humein Aur Jeene Ki Chahat Na Hoti, Najar Na Jaam Chhalkavine, Mara Bhola Dil No Haay Shikar, Zara Si Aahat Hoti Hai, Dil Ki Nazar Se, Teri Aankhon Ke Sivaa, Baiyan Na Dharo, O Sajna Barakhaa Bahar Aayi, Chhelaji Re Mari Hatu Patan Thi Patola, followed by a Garba Ramzat. 

 

Viewers applauded singers for the selection of songs and their melodious voice. 

 

(iii) New Members:

 

We welcome new members Mr. & Mrs. Paresh & Kirti Choksi. 

 

 

(v) Announcements:

 

Pankajbhai Parikh, VP, briefed about participative benefits of becoming a member, Lagnotsav celebration on February 12, 17 & 19, and cruise update. 

 

A Vote of Thanks by Mrs. Shashikalaben Shah. 

 

2. The Computer Class:

 

 

3. The Arts Class: