“Aging is not ‘lost youth’ but a new stage of opportunity and strength.”
PRESIDENT’S REPORT # 30 and 31 - Mukund Mehta
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Dear Friends:
The following is a brief report on two Zoom meetings of Thursday, September 24 and Saturday, September 26, 2020. The report is abbreviated as the meetings are recorded and placed on YouTube by our member Mr. Jyotindrabhai Patel. Thanks Jyotindrabhai.
1. The September 24 Meeting:
The meeting started with a prayer by Mrs. Bhanuben Jyotishi.
(A) Giriraj Shastriji’s Presentation:
In his welcome address, President informed viewers that we are fortunate today to listen to sage Giriraj Shastriji from India on the motivational subject of “મન મધુવન બને તો જ મોહન મળે,” the first weekly lecture in a series of four. We thank our member, a Well Wisher, for sponsoring the series.
Pujya Giriraj Shastriji, an attorney and professor of Psychology who has given discourses on Bhagvad in several countries, commenced today his first lecture succinctly explaining the role of મન -mind and how to control it, though it’s very difficult. The common goal of human beings, whatever activities they do, is to get આનંદ – happiness in life. The key to achieve it is to get totally immersed in your goal which will lead towards મધુવન.
મન – Mind has a profound impact on body and negative thoughts such as diseases, old age, etc. in mind will accelerate the downfall. To make મન into મધુવન so as to get મોહન (આનંદ) one has to become choice-less. In order to get મોહન (આનંદ), it is essential to strive for શુઘ મન-mind devoid of any expectation. The two major reasons which destroy આનંદ in one’s life are:
(i) Constantly longing for things which one does not have. People generally don’t think and feel happy with what they already have. Shastriji quoted wise words of a સંન્યાસી “અગલી છોડો, પીછલી છોડો, બીચકી પકડો” meaning forget worrying about future, don’t regurgitate on the past, instead concentrate on the present. In short, one doesn’t live and enjoy the present life. The cardinal principle is ચિંતા છોડો અને ચિંતન કરો. A lack of success in achieving unrealistic goals breeds anger and frustration.
(ii) ભય – fear. Don’t depend on others and don’t be overconfident – just follow your own instincts without expecting anything from others.
Therefore, achieve મોહન (આનંદ) through your true વર્તન, વાણી અને વ્યવહાર. To enjoy old age, wish well for others, follow regular healthy diet, and give advice when asked.
Interesting Q&As followed. Viewers enjoyed Shastriji’s hourlong practical and life-enriching lecture and gave a rousing applause.
(B) Musical Program:
Mrs. Sonal Gadhavi and her son from Rajkot, India, entertained viewers for an hour with a medley of Bollywood songs, Bhajans and Garba. We’re thankful to Mr. & Mrs. Mayurbhai & Rekhaben Trivedi for recommending and sponsoring the Manglam Musical Group.
The duo in their melodious voice sang several songs including Ajeeb Dastan Hai Yeh, Nainon Mein Badra Chhaye Mera Saaya, Phoolon Ke Rang Se Dil Ki Kalam Se, Yeh Dekhke Dil Jhuma Li Pyar Ne Angadai, Sau Saal Pehle, Hole Hole Chalo More Sajna, Hey Mane Pyaro laage Shriji Taru Naam, Mithe Ras Se Bhari Radha Rani Lage, Radha Dhund Rahi Kisine Mera Shyam Dekha, among others. Garba ramzat capped the finale.
Viewers enjoyed and danced to the rhythm of songs.
Pankajbhai Parikh, VP, provided details of future programs.
A Vote of Thanks by Mr. Sudarshan Bhatt.
2. The September 26 Meeting:
The meeting started with a prayer by Mrs. Kaminiben N. Shah.
In his welcome address, President assured viewers that they will enjoy today’s musical orchestra of Mr. Sudesh Parmar from Bhavnagar, Gujarat, and reminded them to fill out the Census 2020 form.
A power point presentation highlighting family photos was displayed for today’s sponsor Mr. & Mrs. Rameshbhai (Treasurer) and Lataben Shah. Thanks to the couple as well as to our member who requested anonymity for sponsoring today’s program. Also thanks to our member Mr. Jyotindrabhai Patel for preparing the power point presentation and recording the program for placing it on YouTube.
After the Lord Ganesh prayer, the ensemble unleashed a series of Gujarati and Hindi Bollywood songs, Garba, Bhajans and Lokgeets including Unchi Talavadi Ni Kor Pani, Apna Malak Na Mayalu Manvi, Tane Jata Joi Panghat Ni Vate, Hansla Halo Re Have Motida Nahi Male, Moti Verana Chokma, Ajeeb Dastan Hai Yeh Kahan Shuru Kahan Khatam, Jo Wada Kiya Woh Nibhana Padega, Krishna Bhagwan Halya Dwarika Ne Kai Lidho Re Maniyaara Kero Vesh, Vagyo Re Dhol Bai Vagyo Re Dhol, Mane To Manavi Lejo Re Mara Vhala, Ambe Maa Na Garba, Dhuni Re Dhakhavi BeliAme Tara Namni, Govind Bolo Hari Gopal Bolo, Mor Bani Thanghat Kare, Aye Watan Tere Liye, among others.
Viewers revved the two and a half hours orchestra comprising of four singers, five musicians and an emcee.
A Vote of Thanks by Mr. Pankaj Devashryee.
3. Parker Jewish Institute at India Home:
Parker and Agewell will be on a talk show with the India Home seniors on Monday, September 28 at 1 pm. Our members Drs. Sarojben and Indravadanbhai Shah will be among speakers. You may wish to join the informative Zoom program. A flyer is attached.
4. Mr. Rajesh Giri’s Presentation on India:
Mr. Rajesh Giri of South Carolina had recently given an excellent presentation on India to US Community members. You may wish to view his well-researched talk on YouTube https://youtu.be/
5. The Computer Class:
Prof Raj Vangapaty is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting on Sunday, September 27, from 10:30am to 12:30pm.
Topic: Computer Technology Course for India Home Members
Time: This is a recurring meeting Meet 10:30 am
Join Zoom Meeting
https://indiahome.zoom.us/j/
Meeting ID: 981 1412 6485
Passcode: 336789
6. The Yoga Class:
Our member Rupaben Dharia’s Yoga class is going in full swing as about 50 families participate on Zoom every Tuesday and Friday at 11:00am. The next class is on Tuesday, September 29.For your queries, please contact her at rdharia78@yahoo.com or by text at 917 435 1890.
ID: 715 3405 1087
Password: 6789
7. The Arts Class:
India Home has extended an invitation to our members to join the arts, creative writing and technology classes. Please contact Mrs. Kavita Shah, Creative Aging Director, at 917 825 1559 for the Zoom link as well as for new educational and informative events.
8. Future Programs:
Mr. Pankajbhai Parikh, VP, provided details of the future programs.
Please note the ID and Password for the programs (i) through (xii).
ID: 516 607 5252
Password: 5252
(i) Adhikmas Lectures:
Four inspirational and motivational lectures by Shri Giriraj Shastriji are planned on Thursdays on October 1, 8 and 15, sponsored by a well wisher. Program details are as follows:
1 October – મરતા સુધી જીવો. Thereafter, Bollywood songs by Mr. Saurav Kishan from Kerala, recommenced and sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. Shantu & Tejal Gohel.
8 October – હું ને તું અમે બનીએ. Thereafter, Bollywood songs by Dr. Dhiren Buch.
15 October – હાસ્ય એ જીવનનો રસ છે
(iii) Musical Program:
A musical program by Dhomne Group with orchestra is planned on Saturday, October 17, 2020 at 11:00am, sponsored by Mayurbhai & Rekhaben Trivedi, Dilipbhai & Rekhben Tolat and Rekhaben Gajiwala.
(iv) The World Traveler:
The globetrotter Mrs. Preety Sengupta, a lone traveler, will describe Extraordinary Destinations in the World on Thursday, October 22, 2020 at 11:00am.
(v) Dance Program:
Kalanidhi Center of Performing Arts, Kanpur, will have a Garba Ramzat on Saturday, October 24, 2020, sponsored by Mukund & Padma Mehta, Indraprasad & Mrudulaben Dave, and Rajendrabhai & Kokilaben Shah.
(vi) Musical Program:
A musical program by Raj & Smruti Pandya and Family of Kentucky is planned on Saturday, November 7, 2020between 6:00 – 8:30pm. The Grand Sponsor of the program is Mr. B. Elango, Head US & Caribbean Operations, Bank of Baroda. Dr. Ishita Sheth (daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Ashok & Priya Sheth) is a co-sponsor.
(vii) Musical Program:
A musical program by the Dhomne Group with orchestra is planned on Saturday, November 21, 2020 at 11:00am, sponsored by Jagadish & Shailaben Patel, Mansukhbhai & Ranjanben Patel and Aroonbhai & Shobhanaben Shah.
(viii) Musical Program:
A musical program Shyam Teri Bansi by the Dhomne Group with orchestra, is planned on Saturday, December 5, 2020 at 11:00am, sponsored by Mrs. Nayanaben Gandhi, Mrs. Jayshreeben Vishnubhai Joshi, and Mr. & Mrs. Indravadanbhai & Hemangiben Shah.
(ix) Musical Program:
A musical program Ek Shaam Lata Ke Naam by Dhomne Group with orchestra is planned on Saturday, December 19, 2020 at 11:00am , sponsored by Dinesh & Kailasben Shah.
(x) Musical Program:
A musical program Mukesh-Sada Bahar by Dhomne Group with orchestra is planned on Saturday, January 9, 2021 at 11:00am, sponsored by Vijay Patel.
(xi) Musical Program:
A musical program by Dhomne Group with orchestra is planned on Saturday, January 23, 2021 at 11:00am, sponsored by Drs. Virendra & Nalini Juthani.
Note: Mr. & Mrs. Narendrabhai & Kaminiben Shah have sponsored a program. Details to be announced later.
(xii) Vishnu Sahsranam:
As advised earlier, Dr. Narendra Bhalodkar’s program on Vishnu Sahsranam is on every Monday from 10:00 and 11:00am. His next program will be on Monday, September 28, 2020.
Please stay healthy.
Mukund Mehta
September 26, 2020