2022 Celebrations of the Center:

PRESIDENT’S  REPORT

                                                  

                                                                                   

 

The meeting started with a prayer by Mr. & Mrs. Laxmanbhai & Shantaben Patel. 

 

While welcoming members, President informed that coincidentally today’s speaker and singer were both from Gujarat, India, and the program would be very interesting. 

 

1. Presentation by Ms. Sunitaben Ijjatkumar:

 

President welcomed Sunitaben and thanked Mr. Himatbhai Parekh, who had brought several renowned speakers in the past, for recommending her to be today’s speaker and requested him to introduce Sunitaben. (profile attached)

 

Showering profusely thanks on the elderly viewers, Sunitaben took a pride in describing herself as a lucky daughter of theirs and explained at length the meaning of today’s topic મિલે જો સૂર મેરા તુમ્હારા. Sunitaben aptly distinguished situations when we think about others by a mere પ્રત્યક્ષ observation compared with a પરોક્ષ observation. Where as the પ્રત્યક્ષ observation, though very simple, is mostly incomplete, the પરોક્ષ observation gives a complete picture since it requires not only understanding the feelings of others but also understanding deeply their surrounding circumstances. It is worth noting that even though one gets the basic training in school and college until the age of about 20, the real life lessons of understanding others are truly learned by the પરોક્ષ observation. 

 

Sunitaben illustrated several real life examples where the પરોક્ષ observation culminated into bonding one’s સૂર with other’s સૂર, which ultimately leads to appreciate the feelings, emotions, understanding, empathy and emotions of others. Sometimes, bonding also occurs when there is adversity or dissatisfaction. 

 

Sunitaben inherited salient ingredients of her late father Ijjatkumar who was a literary virtuoso. She described several short stories written by her father including ડાંગે માર્યા પાણી, as well as her own short storybook સંવેદના ની સરવણી. In addition, she narrated countless number of incidents where there was an amalgamation of one’s સૂર with those of others. She brought to bear the common negative attitude of સ્વ (selfishness) which generally results into pain in the long run. In contrast, she strikingly narrated a family story of “One for All and All for One,” featuring an ailing grandfather, and sacrifice by father and a young son. 

 

Sunitaben advocates to play a role depicted in the film Bawarchi, starring Rajesh Khanna, where the newly hired chef defuses family’s internal bickering and reconciles the family. Her description of a short story of છેલું છાણું was emotional. 

 

Viewers applauded Sunitaben’s scholarly and literary presentation. Those who missed her presentation are requested to view it on YouTube. 

 

Note to viewers: Sunitaben, who has excelled remarkably in Gujarati literary world, took early retirement from Government Service to promote Gujarati literature. She is in the process of publishing three Gujarati books which will involve monetary sacrifice on her part. Thanks to Himatbhai Parekh and Mukund Mehta for contributing $51 each. Viewers are requested to contribute whatever they can so that we all become partners in her praiseworthy endeavor. You may contact me. Thanks. 

 

(ii) Musical Program:

 

The singer Jaswant Solanki from Baroda entertained viewers with Bollywood songs. The program was arranged through Ms. Suhagben Mehta, who has brought several artists to IASCCOFNY in the past. One more feather in her hat as she qualified for the coveted award of Top 20 Global Women of Excellence 2022 given to her at a glittering ceremony held at Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C. A short video is attached. Our heartiest congratulations to her. As you know, she is President of SAWAO and the pioneer of the Ganesh Mahotsav in New York. Thanks Suhagben. 

 

The singer kicked off with a Ganesh Vandana followed by Bollywood songs including Aane Wala Pal Jane Wala Hai, O Mere Dil Ke Chain, Maine Puchha Chand Se, Kya Nazare Kya Sitare, Humein Aur Jeene Ki Chahat Na Hoti, Rimzhim Gire Sawan, Main Kahin Kavi Na Ban Jaaun, Roop Tera Mastana, Mere Dil Mein Aaj Kya Hai, Neele Neele Ambar, Musafir Hoon Yaaron, Mere Naina Sawan Bhadon, Likhe Jo Khat Tujhe, O Majhi Re Apna Kinara, Pyar Deewana Hota Hai, among others. 

 

Viewers appreciated singer’s melodious voice and the selection of songs. 

 

(iii) New Members:

 

We welcome the following new members:

 

 

(iv) Announcements:

 

(a) House Calls: President apprised viewers that when you can’t visit your doctor’s office, the services provided by Parker Jewish Institute – – Parker At Your Door Service – – where a team of physicians and nurse practitioners can provide services at your home. See attachment. 

 

(b) Pankajbhai Parikh, VP, briefed about memberships and cruise update. He reminded participants to attend a cruise meeting on Friday, 3/25th. 

 

A Vote of Thanks by Mr. Laxmanbhai Patel. 

 

2. The Computer Class:

 

NO CLASS.