2020 Celebrations of the Center:

 

                                                   SHUBH NAVRATRI – JAI AMBE

Dear Friends:

The following are two brief reports of the October 15 and 17, 2020 Zoom meetings organized by the Center this week. The reports are abbreviated as the meetings were recorded and promptly placed on YouTube by our member Jyotindrabhai Patel. Thanks Jyotindrabhai. 

1. The October 15th Meeting:

The meeting started with a prayer by Mrs. Gitaben Kishorbhai Patel. 

(A) Shri Giriraj Shastriji’s Presentation:

Welcoming Shastriji, President thanked him for his series of four spiritual and motivational lectures culminating today with the subject “હાસ્ય એ જીવનનો રસ છે.” We thank our member, a Well Wisher, for sponsoring the series commemorating the celebration of the Adhik Maas. 

Starting with a prayer, Shastriji complimented our Center for organizing beautiful programs. We all know the Gujarati proverb, “હસે તેનું ઘર વસે.” But in this day and age of fast life, people seem to have forgotten the importance of Smile (સ્મિત) and Laughter (હાસ્ય); as a result, the life has become stressful. Lord Krishna is known for his everlasting smile. Shastriji narrated succinctly the smile-filled dialogue of Lord Krishna with his arch rival Jarasandh while leaving Mathura – – an episode whereafter Lord Krishna became known as Ranchhod (રણછોડ.) 

Shastriji stressed the importance of smile and laughter since it is scientifically proved that they release three important hormones – Endorphin, Serotonin and Dopamine, which empower મન, બુદ્ધિ, અને ચિત. Laughter clubs’ short-term artificial laugh is not enough; instead, one should wear a smile on face all the times. The good habit of smile and laughter improves blood circulation, oxygen supply, hemoglobin and quality of life. 

Life is not a bowl of roses; instead, pain, sadness, failure, sickness, etc., are parts of life. However, these negative aspects are not permanent. One should take them in stride and enjoy the beauty of life which will yield happiness – આનંદ. Contentment and satisfaction are the source of happiness in life as against the materialistic life which breeds stress. Smile and laughter build new relations. 

Shastriji concluded by saying “હસતા રહો, મસ્ત રહો અને વ્યસ્ત રહો,” – keep smiling, be happy and keep busy. This type of positive attitude will provide peace, enthusiasm, beauty, physical and mental fitness and promote good relationships. 

Interesting Q&As followed. Viewers showered accolades for Shastriji’s wisdom and sage advice. 

(B) Music Program:

We are thankful to our member Mr. Bharatbhai Goradia for arranging today’s musical program by Mr. Rocky Patalia. Bharatbhai is a recipient of a countless number of national and international awards, recognitions and honors for promoting Indian arts and culture. He was felicitated at UNO, House of Lords, London, and was named a member of 50 most admired global Indians. Today’s program is the eighth one that Bharatbhai has organized for the benefit of our members. We hope he will continue to arrange more entertaining programs for our members.

In addition to his mimicry, Rocky unleashed either solo or with his wife Mayuri a range of Bollywood songs including Ek Din Bik Jayega Matti Ke Mol, Dil Jalta Hai To Jalne De, Dil Ki Nazar Se Nazaron Ki Dil Se Ye Baat Kyan Hai, Chhupa Lo Dil Mein Yun Pyar Mera, Mein Yahan Tu Wahan, Roop Tera Mastana Pyaar Mera, Mera Juta Hein Japanese, Nadi Mile Sagar Mein, Ye Kahan Aa Gaye Hum Yun Hi Saath Saath Chalte, among others. 

Viewers applauded duo’s melodious voice. 

Pankajbhai Parikh, VP, provided details of the Dussehra Fafda/Jalebi distribution program.

Mr. Niranjanbhai Patel, Secretary, detailed the October 2020 programs. 

Due to a scheduled member’s abrupt internet problem, a Vote of Thanks was performed by Mukund  Mehta. 

2. The October 17th Meeting:

The meeting started with a prayer by Mrs. Priya Sheth.

(A) The Navratri Celebration:

In his welcome address wishing the joyous start of the Navratri celebration, President assured viewers that they will enjoy today’s musical program by  the Dhomne Group sponsored by Mayurbhai & Rekhaben Trivedi, Dilipbhai & Rekhaben Tolat, and Rekhaben Gajiwala. 

The sponsors were introduced and their impressive photos were displayed through power point presentation prepared by our member Jyotindrabhai Patel who also recorded this meeting and placed promptly on YouTube. Thanks Jyotindrabhai. 

The Dhomne Group of Sachin & Surabhi, accompanied by singers Mukul, Mangesh and Neha, and anchorman Amul Shende, entertained viewers for two and a half hours with extraordinary musical program focusing on the Navratri festival and singing a variety of songs and bhajans relating to Amba Maa, Sherawali Mata, Jay Jagdambe Maa, and Maa Bhavani. In addition, the group unleashed an array of Bollywood songs. Neha’s melodious voice for Garba and Dandiya Raas songs enthused hundreds of viewers, clad in colorful dresses, to dance to the tunes in their homes. 

Birthdays of Mayurbhai & Rekhaben Trivedi and Rekhaben Gajiwala were celebrated and their cake cutting colorful ceremonies were hailed by viewers. In addition, October birthdays and wedding anniversaries were celebrated. The Dhomne Group sang birthday and love songs. 

(B) Members’ Participation:

President apprised viewers that members are willingly participating in singing prayers and in proposing a Vote of Thanks. During the Zoom period so far, more than 50 members participated and they were spotlighted on Zoom. Those who are interested, pl let’s know.

(C) Membership Drive:

President informed that membership increased from 500+ to 1,400+ during the last five years. Considering the meteoric growth, he lamented that membership has screeched to a halt precipitously since the onset of the Coronavirus despite the fact the center has arranged various interesting programs which are viewed by a large number of viewers, including potential members. It is urged that non-members become members and become partners in progress of the Center. Your membership will boost the growth of the Center and encourage us to offer quality programs. A membership form is attached. 

A Vote of Thanks by Mrs. Ashaben Dharawat.

 

3. Shanti Fund:

Shanti Fund celebrated Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th Birth Anniversary Finale this month where Mukund Mehta was an honoree in absentia. Other honorees included Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Indian Consulate General, New York; Hon. Steven Bellone, Suffolk County Executive; and Shri Jayantibhai  Shah. A short excerpt from the video is attached. 

4. Helpful Tips for Seniors:

Attached email received from our member Dr. Nalini Juthani highlights tips for seniors to avoid injuries. Thanks Dr. Juthani.