2022 Celebrations of the Center:

 

The meeting started with a prayer by Mr. Anil Shah, Chairman of VTNY, and Platinum Sponsor for the Lagnotsav Program. 

 

1 (i) Dr. Darshnaben Thakkar’s Presentation: 

 

President welcomed members and wished them a Happy Valentine’s Day. He welcomed Dr. Darshanaben Thakkar (profile attached) who gave a scholarly presentation on સમજણના સથવારે reminiscing sweet memories and the elaborate traditional weddings that prevailed half a century ago; and the matured understanding evolved between spouses with the passage of time. The understanding develops from mutual trust, confidence, openness, love, emotions and recognition of strengths and weaknesses – all these form a foundation of Saptpadi which tend to make spouses’ મન અને તન સ્વસ્થ. The absence of these elements culminate into mismatch of minds and thinking between spouses. 

 

The true understanding is cemented when spouses ingrained the concept of “ours,” instead of “mine and yours.” Love, instead of fear, springs when a spouse accepts the other one “as is,” and abandons adherence to adamance and inflexibility. Where there is love, there is no fear. Although advanced color photography did not exist in good old days, nevertheless, seniors reminisce sweet and colorful memories while rummaging through their black and while wedding pictures. 

 

The real understanding – સમજણ – between spouses exist when they truly develop the habit of “forget & forgive, and say sorry,” rather than blame or taunt each other for their past actions or words. Another important thing to remember is that constant arguments between spouses will percolate into the behavior of their children. More often than not, spouses behave nicely in public but not so when they are at home. In fact, there should be a parity in both atmospheres. Both spouses may not have the same type of skills; one may be a good earner whereas the other one may be an expert in cooking – still, each one should admire and accept the other’s skill. Each day could be a Valentine’s Day if spouses accept and appreciate each other’s skill rather than waste life in unnecessary comparisons. Therefore, try to adjust and realign to each other. 

 

Viewers applauded Dr. Darshnaben Thakkar’s innate pearls of wisdom for developing and maintaining a true lifelong understanding – સમજણ – between spouses. 

 

(ii) Musical Program:

 

A beautiful musical program by Prahar Vora and Aanal Vasavada encompassing various stages of “Propose to Promise,” of a marriage covering songs of mehendi, wedding and Ras Garba, entertained viewers. The anchoring by Dr. Darshnaben Thakkar was excellent. 

 

Starting with Ganesh Stuti, the singers sang Gujarati/Hindi Geets which included પ્રેમ પૂછીને ના થાય, ગણપતિ તમે બોલો, આંગણિયા સજાવો આજ, પાંચીકા રમતી દોરડા કુદતી, સાંવરિયો રે મારો સાંવરિયો, કેવા રે મળેલા મનના મેળ, પાંદડું લીલું ને રંગ રાતો, નાણાવટી રે સાજન બેઠું માંડવે, પીઠી ચોળી લાડકડી, કાળજા કેરો કટકો મારો, કુંચી આપો બાઈજી તમે, તેરે મેરે મિલનકી, જબ કોઇ બાત બીગડ જાયે, અને પછી  થઇ ગરબા રમઝટ. 

 

Viewers enjoyed the beautiful program.

 

(iii) PowerPoint Presentation:

 

An impressive PowerPoint presentation, prepared by Jyotindra Patel, of sponsors was displayed by Jagdish Patel. 

 

(iv) Announcements:

 

(a) Pankajbhai Parikh, VP, detailed information regarding Fatana, religious ceremony, introductions, etc. for the Lagnotsav celebration of 2/17/22. Please log in at 10am. Also, info was given for the 2/19thprogram which includes a musical program and half an hour drama presented by Drs. RP and Binita Shah. 

 

(b) Viewers wished a Happy Birthday to Dr. Lila Shah – Feb 12th.

 

(c) Thanks to Mr. & Mrs. Mukund & Rekha Pancholi for the generous contribution of $125 as a well wisher. 

 

A Vote of Thanks by Mr. Mukesh Kapadia, Toronto, Canada.