“Aging is not ‘lost youth’ but a new stage of opportunity and strength.”
PRESIDENT’S REPORT # 41 and 42 - Mukund Mehta
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
HAPPY DEEPAVALI AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR
Dear Friends:
AKSHAY PATRA’S GRATITUDE GALA:
Before I submit reports of our meetings, I’d like to say a few words about Akshay Patra’s upcoming Gratitude Gala on November 21, 2020. Akshay Patra provides meals to 1.8 million children and served over 84 million meals to economically disadvantaged communities since the lockdown. Please click on the following link:
https://www.foodforeducation.org/events/gratitude-gala/
Akshay Patra’s additional information in attachments.
Dr. Bhadra Shah, Vice Chair, Board of Trustees, Chair, Development Committee, Parliament of The World’s Religions will address about Akshay Patra and it’s Gratitude Gala at our Thursday, November 19, 2020 meeting after the musical program.
Now, let me continue with our Center’s activities:
The following are brief reports of the Center’s Wednesday, November 11 and Thursday, November 12, 2020 Zoom meetings organized this week. The reports are abbreviated as the meetings were recorded and promptly placed on YouTube by Jagdishbhai Patel, VP-PR. Thanks Jagdishbhai.
1. The November 11th Meeting:
The meeting started with a virtual fireworks show celebrating the Deepavali festival, followed by a prayer by Shantaben Patel.
In his welcome address, President thanked Pujya Shri Giriraj Shastriji for revisiting us on the auspicious day of Agiyaras to explain the religious rituals to be performed during the Deepavali festival. He also thanked today’s sponsor Jitubhai & Ritaben Zaveri and co-sponsors Harshadray & Indiraben Joshi, and Laxmanbhai & Shantaben Patel who were introduced by Pankajbhai Parikh, VP. A PowerPoint presentation for the Zaveri couple, prepared by Jyotindrabhai Patel, was displayed. Thanks Jyotindrabhai. The Zaveri couple’s profile is attached.
Shastriji commenced with a prayer and stressed on performing right types of Poojas during five days of the Deepavali festival for achieving happiness, peace and prosperity.
The first day of the festival starts with Rama (Maha Laxmi) Ekadashi requiring Tulsi Pooja, Radha Krishna Pooja and chanting of Vishnu Sahasranam. The second day is Wagh Baras, also known as Wag (વાણિ remembering Mata Saraswati) Baras, involving ગાય-વાછરડાંની પૂજા and making donations- દક્ષિણા to Brahmins. The third day is Dhan Teras tracing its name to to the સમુદ્ર મંથન’s thirteenth Ratna (out of 14) which was Dhanvantari Ratna which signifies the importance of Dhan, meaning health since Health is Wealth. This is the day of Dhan Pooja. The fourth day is Kali (રૂપ) Chaudas involving Deepdan Pooja paying homage to the departed souls. It’s the day when Narkasur was killed. The finale on the fifth day is the celebration of Deepavali (Shastriji preferred the Sanskrit word દીપાવલિ rather than the word દિવાળી), the day of Laxmi-Chopda-Sharda Poojan. The day is celebrated with Annakot and people savor sweets.
Viewers were very much impressed by Shastriji’s in-depth knowledge. His Gopinath Spiritual Center may be contacted for online Pooja guidance.
Thereafter, leaders of several organizations and social workers including the following wished Happy Diwali & Happy New Year to Zoom viewers:
Harshad Patel (Pakaji), Dr. Vasundhara Kalasapudi, Navin Shah, Drs. Indravadan & Saroj Shah, Shashi Malik, Vijay Shah, Drs. Virendra & Nalini Juthani, Dahyabhai Patel, Arvind Vora, Jagdish Patel, Bakul Matalia, Dilip & Rekha Tolat, Hemant Shah, Labhubhai Upadhyaya, Parag Patel, Gunjan Rastogi, Professor Raj Reddy, Suhag Mehta,
Rupa Dharia, Minesh Patel, Harshadray Joshi, among others.
Mr. Niranjan Patel, Secretary, briefed about future programs.
A Vote of Thanks by Mr. Laxmanbhai Patel.
2. The November 12th Meeting:
The meeting started with a prayer by Mrs. Hansaben Patel.
In his welcome address, President urged members to follow strictly the CDC guidelines to contain the spread of coronavirus.
(a) The Musical Program:
President thanked Ms. Suhag Mehta, a community leader and the pioneer of the Ganesh Utsav in NYC, for sponsoring today’s musical program by Jagruti Chauhan and Anand Upadhyay of Surat, India. A beautiful video of Suhag‘s old memories was displayed. She established Shreenath Enterprise and has been inviting Bollywood artists for last 15 years. She is Founder and President of South Asian Women Organization from 2005. She launched Ganesh Utsav in NYC in 2018 which was also celebrated in 2019 and 2020 virtually. Acting and production assistant in Metro Park web series 1 & 2 (Eros now).
With a prayer of Lord Ganesh Stuti, the duo singers entertained viewers with Bollywood songs, Gazal, and Garba including Ye Shaam Mastani Madahosh Kiye Jaaye, Kya Khoob Lagti Ho Badi Sundar dikhti Ho, Ham Ham Safar Mein, Gulabi Aankhen Joh Teri Dekhi, Ajeeb Daastaan Hai Yeh Kahan Shuru Kahan Khatam, Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai, Hasta Hua Nurani Chehra, Aap Jaisa Koi MeriZidagi Mein Aaye, Waada Karle Saajna tere bina, Aajkal Tere Mere Pyar Ke Charche, Chandi Jaisa Rang Hey Tera, among others.
Viewers enjoyed the melodious voice of the duo and selection of songs.
(b) Dr. Param Dave:
Dr. Param Dave, a first year resident at Good Samaritan Hospital, a fan of Mohammad Rafi, and the grand son of Mr. & Mrs. Harshadray & Indiraben Joshi, entertained viewers with Rafi’s songs of Diwana Hua Badal, Jab Jab Bahar Aaye Aur Phool Muskuraye, Aaj Jaane Ki Zid Na Karo, Chingari Koi Bhadke, and Tere Mere Sapne Ab Eak Rang Hain.
The Center is thankful to Param for sparing his valuable time to entertain seniors.
(c) Mr. Devendra Gohel’s Presentation:
Mr. Devendra Gohel, an independent insurance professional, provided an excellent update on the latest changes in Medicare and Part D drug plan. For details, please refer to today’s recording of the meeting. He has been serving community for last 14 years providing guidance on insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, long term care, retirement planning and asset protection.
It is important to note Medicare’s annual open enrollment period of October 15 – December 7 to avoid late enrollment penalties. Mr. Gohel discussed about the coverage for insulin-dependent persons, COVID related copay waiver, free home gym kit, house call programs, HMO vis a vis PPO, Medicaid saving plan, Tele-Doc, post care program, and a slew of related matters.
Mr. Gohel cautioned not to rely too much for Medicare’s 800 phone number if you have specific individual questions; instead, consult a specialist who can recommend alternatives based on your overall financial situation. He strongly recommended to have a travel medical coverage.
Interesting Q&As followed. Viewers appreciated Mr. Gohel’s in-depth knowledge on the subject. He offered a free consultation and may be contacted at 718 396 2492.
We’re thankful to Mr. Gohel for sharing informative slides in the following link:
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1rL9N-2pVyf4i6NBSFMsQU5FOnazQy57R2Lk8gb1lV5I/edit?usp=sharing
A Vote of Thanks by Mr. Rajesh Shah.
- The Computer Class:
NO CLASS ON SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2020.
The Yoga Class:
Our member Rupaben Dharia’s Yoga class is going in full swing as about 60 families participate on Zoom every Tuesday and Friday at 11:00am. The next class is on Tuesday, November 17, 2020. For your queries, please contact her at rdharia78@yahoo.com or by text at 917 435 1890.
ID: 715 3405 1087
Password: 6789
- The Arts Class:
India Home has extended an invitation to our members to join the arts, creative writing, cooking, crafts 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. For additional programs, you may visit the following link:
https://indiahome.zoom.us/j/7280154731?pwd=d1preTlFMng5NXBQdFlKVjVqenh5Zz09
Meeting ID: 728 015 4731
Passcode: 2007
- Future Programs:
Mr. Jitendra Zaveri, Jt. Secretary, provided details of the future programs.
Please note the ID and Password for the programs (i) through (xiii):
ID: 516 607 5252
Password: 5252
(i) Musical Program:
A musical program of Melodious Memories by Narayan Shah (NK), Aarti Yamu and Jamil Ahmed is planned on Thursday, November 19, 2020 from 10:30am to 12:30pm. Sponsors are welcome.
Dr. Bhadra Shah, Vice Chair, Board of Trustees and Chair, Development Committee, Parliament of the World’s Religions, will brief on Akshay Patra’s upcoming Gala on November 21, 2020. Flyers attached.
(ii) Musical Program:
A musical program by the Dhomne Group with orchestra is planned on Sunday, November 22, 2020 at 10:30am, sponsored by Jagadish & Shailaben Patel, Mansukhbhai & Ranjanben Patel and Aroonbhai & Shobhanaben Shah. (Pl note the original date of November 21 is changed to November 22.)
(iii) Musical Program:
A musical program Shyam Teri Bansi by the Dhomne Group with orchestra, is planned on Saturday, December 5, 2020 at 10:30am, sponsored by Mrs. Nayanaben Gandhi, Mrs. Jayshreeben Vishnubhai Joshi, and Mr. & Mrs. Indravadanbhai & Hemangiben Shah.
(iv) Musical Program:
A musical program Ek Shaam Lata Ke Naam by Dhomne Group with orchestra is planned on Saturday, December 19, 2020 at 10:30am, sponsored by Dinesh & Kailasben Shah, Dipak & Bhartiben Mehta and a Well Wisher.
(v) Christmas Program:
Kanpur Kalanidhi Group’s dance performance is planned on Saturday, December 26, 2020 at 10:30am
(vi) Music Program:
A music program by Sudesh Parmar Group with orchestra, sponsored by Arvindbhai & Kalpanaben Dharia, is planned on Saturday, January 2, 2021 at 10:30am.
(vii) Music Program:
A musical program Mukesh-Sada Bahar by Dhomne Group with orchestra is planned on Saturday, January 9, 2021 at 10:30am, sponsored by Vijay Patel.
(viii) Musical Program:
A musical program by Dhomne Group with orchestra is planned on Saturday, January 23, 2021 at 10:30am, sponsored by Drs. Virendra & Nalini Juthani.
(ix) Valentine’s Day:
Valentine’s Day, sponsored by Narendrabhai & Kaminiben Shah will be celebrated on Saturday, February 13, 2021 at 10:30am.
(x) Music Program:
A musical program Suhani Chandni Raate by Dhomne Group, sponsored by Drs. Binita & RP Shah, is planned on Saturday, February 27, 2021 at 10:30am. (Full Moon Day)
(xi) Music Program:
A musical program, sponsored by Drs. Mahendra & Lila Shah, is planned on Saturday, March 13, 2020 at 10:30am.
(xii) Holi Celebration:
A musical program by Dhomne Group with orchestra is planned on Saturday, March 27, 2021 at 10:30am to celebrate Holi, sponsored by Anil & Meena Shah.
(xiii) Vishnu Sahsranam:
As advised earlier, Dr. Narendra Bhalodkar’s program on Vishnu Sahsranam is on every Monday from 10:00 to 11:30am. His next program will be on Monday, November 16, 2020.
(xiv) Bhajan Sandhya:
Brahmin Society of New York (BSNY) has planned a Bhajan Sandhya, sponsored by Joy & Clara Oza, on November 21, 2020 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm. Please contact Rajesh Pandya at 347 493 9774 for details.
(xv) Music Program:
Long Island Gujarati Cultural Society’s Diwali 2020 program is planned on Saturday, November 21, 2020, 7:30pm – 10:30pm. Contact Vijay Shah, President, at 631 371 6405.
ID 979 9735 0862
Password 12345
(xvi) Music Program:
A musical program is planned by Senior Community Center – VTNY on Sunday, November 29, 2020. Please contact Navinbhai Shah, President, at 646 675 4666 for details.
Please stay healthy.
Mukund Mehta, President
November 14, 2020
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