2021 Celebrations of the Center:

PRESIDENT’S REPORTS

Dear Friends:

The following are brief reports of the January 7 and January 9, 2021 Zoom meeting reports which are abbreviated since the meetings were recorded and promptly placed on YouTube by Jagdishbhai Patel, VP-PR. Thanks Jagdishbhai.

1. THE JANUARY 7TH MEETING:

The meeting started with a prayer by Mr. & Mrs. Bharatbhai & Ushaben Shah. 

While welcoming members, President briefly referred to the yesterday’s mob’s bizarre attack on the Capitol and recounted a terrorist attack on Indian Parliament some two decades ago. 

(a) The Musical Program:

Mr. Umesh Patel, a musical virtuoso, entertained viewers for two hours with a variety of Bollywood songs covering renowned singers including Kishore Kumar, Mohammed Rafi, Mukesh and Hemant Kumar. 

He kicked off with a melodious Bhajan Achyutam Keshavam followed by a string of famous songs including Yeh Jo Mohabbat Hai, Baharon Phool Barsao Mera Mehboob Aya Hai, Aane Se Uske Aaye Bahar, Kahin Door Jab Din Dhal Jaye, O Mere Dil Ke Chain, Chhu Kar Mere Man Ko, Chahunga Main Tujhe Saanjh Savere, Kon Halave Limdi Ne Kon Julave Pipli, Lag Jaa Gale Ki Phir, Tere Mere Sapno Ab Ek Rang Hain, Chhup Gaye Saare Nazare Oh Kya Baat Ho Gai, Ek Pyar Ka Nagma Hai, Kya Khoob Lagti Ho, Kisi Raah Mein Kisi Mod Par, Tere Bina Zindagi Se Koi Shikwa To Nahi, Jo Wada Kiya, Abhi Na Jao Chhod Kar, Yaadon Ki Baarat Nikli Hai, Suhani Raat Dhal Chuki, Dil Ke Jharokhe Mein Tujh Ko Bithaakar, Hai Apanaa Dil To Aawara, Yeh Raaten Yeh Mausam Nadi Ka Kinara, Patan Thi Patola Mongha Lavjo, Aaja Aaja Main Hun Pyar Tera, Aajkal Tere Mere Pyar Ke Charche Har Juban Par, Ek Ke Do Do Ke Char, Yeh Desh Hai Veer Jawano Ka, among others. 

Viewers revved Umesh Patel’s performance. 

(b) Ms. Vaidehi Jokhakar’s Presentation on Vaccines:

Ms. Vaidehi Jokhakar, LMSW, MPH, of Mind the Gap Initiative, Corp., a section 501(c)(3) organization providing guidance on mental health wellness and psychological issues, gave an hourlong presentation on Vaccines showing a myriad of slides. Her profile is attached. 

Starting with the historical background of vaccines for curing polio, small pox and other diseases, she succinctly discussed salient features about the FDA-authorized no-cost Covid-19 vaccines produced by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna. The vaccine uses messenger RNA or mRNA, technology, which does not contain coronavirus itself, but rather a genetic code associated with the virus that triggers the desired immune response which shores up defenses if a vaccinated person is later exposed to the real virus. 

Commenting on side effects, Ms. Jokhakar dispelled the mistrust of side effects that prevailed for earlier vaccines for MMR (autism), H1N1, PCV and HIV.  Regarding the Covid-19 vaccines, common mild or moderate side effects include injection-site pain, fatigue, headache, chills, and joint and muscle pain. Explaining natural immunity and vaccine immunity, she suggested to consult with a doctor prior to taking a vaccine if there are underlying diseases or allergic reaction. However, potential side effects over a longer period are unknown. 

Since the vaccine supply is limited, CDC’s recommended guidelines for giving vaccine is categorized under different phases, e.g., Phase 1(a) covers healthcare personnel and residents of long term care facilities, Phase 1(b) for frontline essential workers and people aged 75 years and older, Phase 1(c) for people aged 65 –  74 years, people aged 16 – 64 years with underlying medical conditions, and other essential workers. As vaccine availability increases, vaccination recommendations will expand to include more groups.