“Aging is not ‘lost youth’ but a new stage of opportunity and strength.”
PRESIDENT’S REPORT # 48 and 49 - Mukund Mehta
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Dear Friends:
The following are brief reports of the December 17 and December 19, 2020 Zoom meetings which are abbreviated since the meetings were recorded and promptly placed on YouTube by Jagdishbhai Patel, VP-PR. Thanks Jagdishbhai.
1. The December 17th Meeting:
The meeting started with a prayer by Mr. & Mrs. Kulinbhai & Radhikaben Parikh.
While welcoming viewers, President informed about today’s interesting Antakshari program and requested non-members to attend the Annual General Meeting (AGM) this afternoon to get acquainted with the activities and working of the Center.
If today’s scheduled meeting was to be held in-person, it would have been cancelled due to the East Coast’s first major winter storm of the year moved over New York dumping several inches of snow.
(A) The Antakshari Program:
The Center organized a second Anokhi Antakshari program with nine participant members, judged by Sachin & Surabhi Dhomne from Nagpur, India. Pankajbhai Parikh, VP, explained the rules and Mrs. Varshaben Parikh, EC member, scored the tab. Thanks to today’s sponsors Mr. & Mrs. Jagdish & Shaila Patel and Mr. & Mrs. Navin & Harsha Jani. A PowerPoint presentation of the sponsors’ photos, prepared by Jyotindrabhai Patel, was displayed. Thanks to Jyotindrabhai Patel.
The program kicked off with a birthday song celebrating birthday of Mrs. Shailaben Patel. Viewers wished her Happy Birthday.
The nine participants of the program were: 1. Rupaben Dharia, 2. Shashikalaben Shah, 3. Manohar Parmar, 4. Anil Parikh, 5. Mukesh Kapadia from Canada, 6. Smitaben Mehta, 7. Pratibhaben Butala, 8. Ashok Gandhi, and 9. Harshad Joshi. Participants 8 and 9 were non-contestants as they had participated earlier in the first Antakshari program.
The participants were judged based on their response to various categories of items such as: their singing; naming songs based on silent video, lyrics(dhoon) played on violin, photo of an object, etc., and naming a musician, singer, or movie based on a verbal description of a situation.
Based on the judges’ evaluation, the first, second and third winners were as listed numerically above. The fourth winner was a group of four listed numerically 4 through 7. The winners were awarded token prizes. Congratulations to the winners.
The finale was capped with a melodious song by Surabhi Dhomne and a beautiful song played on sitar by Amar Shende. Viewers thanked the ensemble of the Dhomne couple, Amar Shende, Suhas, Rishabh and Mayuresh. Thanks to Pankajbhai & Varshaben for their active role. Also thanks to all the participants for their nice performance and entertainment to viewers.
(B) Annual General Meeting (AGM):
Since the quorum requirement of 50 members (attending more than 100) met, President brought the meeting to order. Mr. Niranjan Patel, Secretary, maintained minutes of the meeting.
President gave an overview progress report of the Center’s activities highlighting: the quality and quantity of interesting programs, robust membership of 900+ new members during the last five years reaching a total of 1,400+, healthy Balance Sheet showing a current net worth (cash/money market) exceeding $435,000, a new trend of having a prayer and a vote of thanks at each meeting performed by different members whereby more than 80 individuals were spotlighted, introduction of twice-a-week Yoga class taught by Mrs. Rupaben Dharia, partnership with India Home for computer training by Prof Raj Reddy (Vangapaty) and multifaceted programs conducted by Mrs. Kavita Shah.
President thanked our members Vijay Patel of J & S Associates for compiling accounts and filing tax returns on a complimentary basis; Jagdish Patel for letting us use his garage for storage without a rental; Jyotindra Patel for preparing excellent PowerPoint presentations; and Bharat Goradia for bringing a variety of entertainment programs from India.
Our Jt. Treasurer Kulinbhai Parikh has resigned from EC as he and Radhikaben will be shortly moving to Florida. Many thanks to him for his valuable services to the Center all these years. The EC committee has appointed Dhiren Gandhi as Jt. Treasurer who had performed the treasury function satisfactorily for the most of the current year as Rameshbhai Shah, Treasurer, happened to be in India.
President thanked all the EC members for their unwavering support without whose cooperation and dedication, the Center would not have progressed so well. Thanks to Niranjan Patel, Secretary, and Rameshbhai Shah, Treasurer, for their valuable and relentless services. He also thanked sponsors whose contributions helped us arrange several entertainment programs.
The 2019 financial statements, previous year’s Minutes and the 2019 activities report were sent to members earlier via WhatsApp. Niranjan Patel, Secretary, read the 2019 activities report. Rameshbhai referred to the financial statements. Since no questions were asked by members, the financial statements were considered approved.
Thanking members, President concluded the AGM after Niranjan Patel, Secretary, proposed a vote of thanks.
(C) Future Programs:
Mr. Niranjan Patel provided details of the future programs.
A Vote of Thanks by Mr. Paragbhai Patel, President, Adhyatmik Vikas Kendra.
The December 19th Meeting:
The meeting started with a prayer by Mr. & Mrs. Pradip & Jyoti Parikh.
While welcoming members, President reminded them that despite the negative and devastating impact of the Coronavirus, it has created a positive environment of increased and frequent socialization on Zoom as we are meeting seven to eight times on Zoom instead of twice a month in-person meetings. Also, attendance is larger on Zoom as is evident from today’s program which listed 500+ Zoom logins which could mean at least 700-800 viewers.
(A) The Musical Program:
Sachin & Surabhi Group’s Sur Sangam presented an excellent musical program Ek Sham Lataji Ke Naam which was revved by hundreds of viewers. The melodious voices of Surabhi, Shriya and Mukul accompanied by the Tabla Master Sachin and five musicians covered a raft of Lata Mangeshkar’s songs.
The program was sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. Dinesh & Kailas Shah, Mr. & Mrs. Deepak & BhartiMehta, Mr. & Mrs. Rameshbhai & Lataben Shah and a Well Wisher. The sponsor Dineshbhai Shah (profile attached), a staunch fan of Lataji, had a keen desire to have a special program of Lataji’s songs. The sponsor Deepakbhai’s (profile attached) 70th birthday was celebrated with a gusto by viewers. Rameshbhai & Lataben sponsored the program to celebrate their granddaughter Jaina’s Sweet Sixteen. A beautiful PowerPoint presentation of sponsors, prepared by Jyotindrabhai Patel, was displayed. Thanks Jyotindrabhai.
Coincidentally, today was the 31st wedding anniversary of Jatin (EC member) and his wife Rupal. Congratulations.
The ensemble unleashed a spate of Lataji’s songs including Kisi Se Mujhe Pyar Ho Gaya, Kisine Apna Bana Ke Mujko, Aap Ki Nazron Ne Samjha, Agar Mujh Se Moabbat Hai, Agar Tum Na Hote, O Neend Na Mujhko Aaye, Bholi Surat Dil Ke Khote, Dil Ka Khilona Hay Toot Gaya, Mera Dil Ye Pukare Aaja, Tera JaanaDil Ke Armaano Ka Lut Jaana, Koi Pathar Se Na Maare, Itna Na Mujhe Tu Pyar Badha, Aaj Ki Mulaquat Bas Itni, Ek Pyar Ka Nagma Hai, Aplam Chaplam, Aaj Phir Jeene Ki Tamanna Hai, Kahin Deep Jale Kanhi Dil, Akele Hai Chale Aao Jahan Ho, Tumhi Mere Mandir Tumhi Meri Puja, Tere Bina Zindagi Se Koi Shikwa, Dil Tera Diwana Hai Sanam, Sheesha Ho Ya Dil Ho Aakhir Tut Jaata Hai, capping with the patriotic song Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon.
Viewers applauded the ensemble’s two-and-a-half hour extraordinary performance, anchored by Dr. Manoj Salpekar.
- The Computer Class:
Prof Raj Vangapaty is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting on Sunday, December 20, 2020 from 10:30am to 12:30pm.
Topic: Computer Technology Course for India Home Members
Time: This is a recurring meeting Meet 10:30 am 12/20/2020
Join Zoom Meeting
https://indiahome.zoom.us/j/98114126485?pwd=dUE5N2IzdUcwRWpTNWY4RkFZdG05UT09
Meeting ID: 981 1412 6485
Passcode: 382497
- The Yoga Class:
Our member Rupaben Dharia’s Yoga class is going in full swing as about 70 families participate on Zoom every Tuesday and Friday at 11:00am. The next class is on Tuesday, December 22, 2020. For your queries, please contact her at rdharia78@yahoo.com or by text at 917 435 1890.
ID: 715 3405 1087
Password: 6789
Pl note there is no class on Friday, December 25th.
- 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
NOTE: No Thursday meetings on December 24 & 31 due to Holiday Celebrations.
(i) Christmas Program:
Kanpur Kalanidhi Group’s dance performance is planned on Saturday, December 26, 2020 at 10:15am.
Sponsors are Ashok & Priya Sheth and Shivani & Jatin Thakker. Co-sponsors are Ravindra & Shaila Shah.
(ii) 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.
(iii) Vaccines Lecture:
Ptresentation on “Vaccines and How They Impact Your Health Decisions” by Ms. Vaidehi Jokhakar, LMSW, MPH, on Thursday, January 7, 2021.
(iv) Music Program:
A musical program of Mukesh-Sada Bahar by Dhomne Group with orchestra is planned on Saturday, January 9, 2021 at 10:30am, sponsored by Vijay Patel. Co-sponsors Mr. & Mrs. Parag & Taraben Patel.
(v) Musical Program:
A musical program of K L Saigal, by Shyamlal & Gargi Bhatt and sponsored by family and friends of Harendra & Pragna Sevak, is planned on Saturday, January 16, 2021 at 10:30am.
(vi) 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.
(vii) Music Program:
An orchestra program by Narayan Shah’s Group of Baroda, sponsored by the Juthani family is planned on Saturday, February 6, 2021 at 10:30am.
(viii) Valentine’s Day:
Valentine’s Day, sponsored by Narendrabhai & Kaminiben Shah and Drs. Mahendra & Lila Shah, will be celebrated on Saturday, February 13, 2021 at 10:30am.
(ix) 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)
(x) Music Program:
A musical program, sponsored by Drs. Mahendra & Lila Shah, is planned on Saturday, March 13, 2021 at 10:30am.
(xi) Holi Celebration:
A musical/entertainment program by the Kanpur Kalanidhi Group to celebrate Holi, sponsored by Anil & Meena Shah, is planned on Saturday, March 27, 2021 at 10:30am.
(xii) Music Program:
A musical program of Ram Navami by Dhomne Group, sponsored by Mukund & Padma Mehta, is planned on Saturday, April 17, 2021 at 10:30am.
(xiii) Vishnu Sahsranam:
As advised earlier, Dr. Narendra Bhalodkar’s program on Vishnu Sahsranam is on every Monday from 9:45 to 11:30am. His next program will be on Monday, December 21, 2020.
(xiv) Music Programs:
VTNY Senior Community Center is organizing two musical programs on December 20 and December 28, 2020. For information, pl contact President Navinbhai Shah at 646 675 4666.
ID 819 408 3415
Passcode 2020
Flyers are attached.
(xv) Vaccines Lecture:
Dr. Basant Sharma’s lecture is planned on vaccines by Mr. Jayantibhai Shah on December 22, 2020 at 8pm. Information was sent on WhatsApp earlier.
ID 392 504 7474
Password 657626
(xvi) Music Program :
Ganesh Utsav of NewYork 2020 has planned a musical program on Monday, December 28, 2020 at 8pm. Contact: Ms. Suhag Mehta at 516 324 5230.
ID 201 974 1974
Password 1974
(xvii) Music Program:
Long Island Gujarati Cultural Society’s Karaoke program is planned on Thursday, December 31, 2020 at 9:30pm. Pl contact Vijay Shah, President, at 631 371 6405.
A flyer was forwarded earlier.
Please stay healthy.
Mukund Mehta, President
December 19, 2020
Profiles:
Dinesh & Kailash Shah.
Bio data: In India Dineshbhai work in Finlay Mill Mumbai. And Kailashben worked in
Asha Parekh’s office as a Assistance Secretary. 1988 came to USA.
Dineshbhai worked in Lab Corporation & Quest Diagnosis…Retired
Kailashben: last 20 years working in Citibank still working.
We have two daughters & two grand daughters.
Deepk and Bharti Mehta
Deepak Mehta is turning 70 this year, he has been living in the U.S for the last 40 years, originally from Mumbai. Mr. Mehta and his wife are currently retired and living in New York. Mr. Deepak Mehta worked for Wachovia Bank and Mrs. Mehta was in the Diamond industry. Together they have a son and daughter. Their son Hiral is a lawyer, living with his wife Tina and two daughters Zara and Sarina Mehta in Brooklyn New York. Their daughter Kinjal is a psychologist, living with her husband Dharmesh and their children Anjani and Akash Panchal in Chicago Illinois. Mr. Mehta enjoys music, cricket, and traveling.
Sent from my iPad