“Aging is not ‘lost youth’ but a new stage of opportunity and strength.”
PRESIDENT’S REPORT # 50 - Mukund Mehta
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
HAPPY NEW YEAR
Dear Friends:
The following is a brief report of the Saturday, December 26, 2020 Zoom meeting which is abbreviated since the meeting was recorded and promptly placed on YouTube by Jagdishbhai Patel, VP-PR. Thanks Jagdishbhai.
1. The December 26th Meeting:
The meeting started with a prayer by Mrs. Shashikalaben Shah.
Many viewers were seen in red clothing befitting the occasion of Christmas.
While welcoming members, President hoped they enjoyed yesterday the Christmas festivities with their family and friends virtually and wished them Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year. The year 2020 has been an unprecedented year of upheaval. Let’s hope the vaccines work and the life becomes normal next year so that we can all meet and greet and celebrate Christmas in person.
(A) The Dance Program:
The Kalanidhi Center of Performing Arts rendered for two hours contemporary and classical dances, directed and choreographed by Dr. Sucharita Khanna, a dance virtuoso, (profile attached) & Aparnika Sahu. The program was sponsored by Ashok & Priya Sheth and Shivani & Jatin Thakker. Ravindra & Shaila Shah were co-sponsors. Profiles attached. A colorful PowerPoint presentation of all sponsors (in items A and B), prepared by Jyotindrabhai Patel, was displayed. Thanks to Jyotindrabhai. Pankajbhai Parikh, VP-PR, introduced sponsors who in turn briefly addressed viewers.
The troupe mainly comprising of girls in colorful garbs entertained viewers (Zoom logins about 400) with a variety of more than a dozen dances drawing frequent applause. The performance of a string of dances based on several themes, Bollywood songs, inspirational matters covered items such as, Jingle Bell Jingle Bell, Shiv Tandav dance, Om Namah Shivaya, Pran Jaye Per Vachan Na Jaye, Mere Sath Nacho, Chidiyon Se Udna Shikhi, Aatm Shakti, Jab Koi Baat Bigad Jaye, Nainowale Ne, Apmaan Na Karna Nari Ka, Arabian dance, Breathless – Shankar Mahadevan’s Hum aur Aap, capping with a 20-minute dance ballet of Siddhi સિદ્ધિ depicting a blind girl with a staunch determination to excel in dancing.
Viewers revved the performance of young dancers.
(B) The Christmas Program:
Pankaj Parikh introduced Toronto-based sponsor Mukesh Kapadia (profile attached) who while kicking of the Christmas program introduced Beryl and Collin Gonsalves, performers of the program. Thanks Mukeshbhai for promoting interfaith culture.
Beryl described briefly the Christmas story, showed the traditional nativity scene of Jesus Christ, and displayed decorations and a gift box of home-made traditional sweets. She and her sister, who joined her recently from Mumbai, stressed the international character and spirit of Christmas with a message of love and joy.
Beryl sang various carols including Jingle Bell, Rudolf the red-nosed reindeer, Wish you a merry Christmas, Felix Navidad. She and Collin danced to the tunes of Christmas songs. Our viewers joined in dancing as seen on Zoom screen.
The icing on the cake was the presence of Nilesh & Rohini Parikh from PA who graced the occasion as Santa couple. The parikh couple has been very helpful in our Center’s activities and had been sponsors in the past.
2. Contributions:
We are thankful to Chandrakant & Renuka Shah for their generous contribution of $151, as announced in the previous meeting.
3. Bharatbhai Goradia:
Hearty congratulations to our member Bharatbhai Goradia, President, V International Inc. who was awarded a Certificate by World Book of Records, London, honoring him for promoting unique 101 talk show of Indian culture and film artists during COVID-19 through TV Asia Channel. He was honored on his birthday on December 25, 2020. It was a birthday gift from Santa Claus and he joins the list of distinguished recipients such as Lata Mangeshkar, Dilip Kumar, Mohammad Rafi, Manoj Kumar, among others.
The Certificate, Press Release and a video are attached.
As announced earlier, we welcome our members to share their and their family members’ awards, winnings, and recognitions which can be inspirational and motivational to other members.
A Vote of Thanks by Mrs. Neela Goradia.
4. The Computer Class:
Prof Raj Vangapaty is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting on Sunday, December 27, 2020 from 10:30am to 12:30pm.
Topic: Computer Technology Course for India Home Members
Time: This is a recurring meeting Meets @ 10:30 am 12/27/20.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://indiahome.zoom.us/j/
Meeting ID: 981 1412 6485
Passcode: 438963
5. 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 29, 2020. For your queries, please contact her at rdharia78@yahoo.com or by text at 917 435 1890.
ID: 715 3405 1087
Password: 6789
6. 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/
Meeting ID: 728 015 4731
Passcode: 2007
7. Future Programs:
Mr. Niranjan Patel, Secretary, provided details of the future programs.
Please note the ID and Password for the programs (i) through (xi) and (xiii).
ID: 516 607 5252
Password: 5252
NOTE: No Thursday meeting on December 31 due to Holiday Celebrations.
(i) 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.
(ii) Vaccines Lecture:
Ptresentation on “Vaccines and How They Impact Your Health Decisions” by Ms. Vaidehi Jokhakar, LMSW, MPH, on Thursday, January 7, 2021.
(iii) 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 are Mr. & Mrs. Parag & Taraben Patel.
(iv) 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.
(v) 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.
(vi) 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.
(vii) Valentine’s Day:
Valentine’s Day, sponsored by Narendrabhai & Kaminiben Shah, Drs. Mahendra & Lila Shah, and Vinodbhai & Ushaben Shah, will be celebrated on Saturday, February 13, 2021 at 10:30am. Co-sponsors are Narendra & Illaben Butala and Chandrakant & Renuka Shah.
(viii) 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)
(ix) Music Program:
A musical program, sponsored by Drs. Mahendra & Lila Shah, is planned on Saturday, March 13, 2021 at 10:30am. Deepak & Shashikala Shah are co-sponsors.
(x) 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.
(xi) 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.
(xii) Music Programs:
VTNY Senior Community Center has organized musical programs on December 27, 2020 and January 1, 2021. For information, pl contact President Navinbhai Shah (12/27/20) at 646 675 4666 and President Amit Parikh (1/1/21) at 516 647 5622.
ID 819 408 3415
Passcode 2020
Flyers are attached.
(xiii) Vishnu Sahasranam:
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 28, 2020.
(xiv) Bhajan Sandhya:
Spiritual Development Center (Adhyatmik Vikas Kendra) organizes Bhajan Sandhya every Friday from 8:30pm to 10:30pm. For information, pl contact Paragbhai Patel, President, at 646 496 7748.
ID 127 918 441
Password 1975
(xv) 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
A flyer is attached.
(xvi) 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.
ID 932 7230 3341
Password 2021
A flyer is attached.
(xvii) Kathiyawadi Dayro:
Gujarati Samaj of New York’s Mahila Mandal has organized a Kathiyawadi Dayro, sponsored by Renukaben & Chandrakantbhai Shah, on January 10, 2021 at 11:00am. For information, pl contact Bhartiben Desai at 516 547 3616.
ID 20 1974 1974
Password 1974
Happy New Year. Please stay healthy.
Mukund Mehta, President
December 26, 2020
Sent from my iPad
Report # 50 (Continued)
Attachments:
Attached are two files for Kalanidhi and Charuji.
Profiles of sponsors as under:
1. Ashok Sheth
1. Qualification: B. Com (Hons.), CPA, Chartered Accountant and Chartered Global
Management Accountant.
2. Present Experience: Cost & Contract Price Advisor with the U.S. Federal Government.
3. Practicing as a CPA – Engaged in Audit, Taxation, Estate Planning and Risk & Control
Management.
4. Past Experience: Worked as a Managing Director, Vice President & Finance Controller
in prestigious firms, such as American Express, Lehman Bros., Standard & Poor’s and
City Global.
5. Overseas Experience: Worked in India, Iraq and West Africa as a Finance Controller and
Managing Director with the Petro Chemical, Fertilizers, Construction and Manufacturing
industries in collaboration with Canada, Italy and West Germany.
6. Achievement: Recipient of the Commendable service AWARD FROM THE FEDERAL
GOVERNMENT.
7. Social Activities: Served as a Vice President with the Vaishnav Temple of New York.
8. Hobbies- Domestic & Int’l Travel, Reading, Dramas and Dancing & Music.
9. Family- Introduction
Priya- Wife- B.S. with Psychology from M S University, Baroda, India
Worked in Long Island, New York for 20 years as a Senior Administrator with Man
Power, Recruiting Agency.
Ishan Saksena- Son in Law- Business Graduate – Cornell University, USA- CEO –
B4U TV channels- Ex CEO- Lakshmi Mittal Group- London
Ex- CEO- QPR Saucer Team, London
Viraj Saksena- Daughter- Business Graduate- with Mgmt. Information System. worked
as a Trader with Citi Global in London. At Present- Owning a firm doing skin Products
business in Dubai, UAE.
Jatin Thakker- Son in Law – Business Graduate- Sterns School of Business, NYU- New HV
York
Chief Operating Officer and Senior Partner- US Software, New York.
Shivani Thakker – Daughter- Physician Assistant – Dermatology- specialized in Skin
Cancer Treatment, adolescent, adult’s acne and pigmentation disorders treatment.
Dr Ishita Sheth- Daughter- MD- Adults Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases
Specialist at – APICHA Community Health Center, New York.
2. Priya Sheth
Qualification- Graduated from M. S. University of Baroda, India, with Degree in Arts & Literature
with Psychology as major subject.
Learned Vocal Classical Music for four years at the School of Music and Dance, affiliated to M.S.
University of Baroda, India.
Experience: Worked as an Administrative & Operation Supervisor for exceeding 20 years at
Manpower Int’l Recruiting Agency, Long Island, New York.
Hobbies- Domestic & Int’l Travel, Reading, Social work, Cooking and participating in the cultural activities.
3. Jatin and Shivani Thakkar
Hello and JSK , my name is Shivani Thakker. I am daughter of Ashok and Priya Sheth both of whom are active members of Indo American Senior Citizen Center . I live in Roslyn Long Island with my husband Jatin and two daughters Alina and Laila . I am a Physician Assistant specializing in Dermatology in private practice in Forest Hills Queens with a focus on skin cancer, adolescent and adult acne as well as pigmentation disorders. My family and I like to spend time travelling but due to the pandemic we have learned to appreciate all things closer to home. We love to go on long bike rides, hikes and spend time in nature. I am truly grateful to the center for providing such a wonderful outlet for the senior citizen community during the pandemic. The level of organization, dedication and passion to bring these activities to fruition is remarkable.
4. RAVINDRA SHAH & SHAILA SHAH
Ravindra Shah – Came to USA in early 70s, got Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering & obtained NY State Professional Engineering License. Hobbies – reading, music & sports.
Shaila Shah – Bachelor of Science Degree from India. Hobbies – dancing, music, cooking & sports.
We have 2 sons, one who is a CEO of a publicly traded internet co. and resides in Westerchester and another who is an executive at a financial services firm
and resides in Long Island. We have 3 Granddaughters and 3 Grandsons.
Mukesh Kapadia:Mukeshbhai is from Toronto, Canada. He is CPA, now retired. However, he works part time for Canada Government. He regularly attends all our Zoom programs and also programs of other organizations with keen interest. He always encourages all artists by posting positive comments. He worked at Mumbai and Muscat, where his late wife, Minaben Kapadia also worked. After 40 years of married life, she passed away some time back. She worked as Executive Assistant to many CEO and MD. The couple gave their services to many religious and seniors’ organizations. He sponsored one of our zoom program and also became member of IASCC.