2021 Celebrations of the Center:

                                                       HAPPY MAKARSANKRANTI

Dear Friends:

The following are brief reports of the January 14 and January 16, 2021 Zoom meeting reports. 

1. THE JANUARY 14TH MEETING:

(a) Dr. Narendra Bhalodkar’s Presentation:

Dr. Narendra Bhalodkar started the meeting with a Sloka, 
welcomed viewers of various organizations and wished them a Happy Makarsankranti (Uttarayan). Mrs. Ushaben Mehta recited a prayer. 

While welcoming the viewers, President thanked Dr. Bhalodkar for today’s presentation on Uttarayan which he had also done in previous two years, and briefed new viewers about the Center’s activities. It was a good coincidence that our weekly Thursday meeting today occurred on January 14, the day when Uttarayan is celebrated each year. Thereafter, he introduced Dr. Bhalodkar even though he is well known to the community. His profile is attached and according to his wish, the presentation was not recorded. 

Considering the time constraints on the part of readers, the size of this report is concised. 

Uttarayan occurs on January 14 when the Sun transits from Dhan Rashi  to Makar Rashi indicating the start of the Spring season in India as the days start getting longer and warmer as the Sun moves from South to North. 

At the outset, Dr. Bhalodkar clarified that the aim of his presentation on Uttarayan is not only to provide entertainment (मनोरंजन) but also enlightenment (मनोमंथन) of the subject. In his two-hour plus presentation, he quoted several scriptures and described the importance of the Uttarayan festival which is celebrated throughout India under different names and displayed fascinating photos/videos of kite flying by Lord Ganesh, Lord Rama, foreigners, and famous personalities including Hon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It is customary to celebrate the Makar Sankranti day by savoring different regional food dishes including Til (sesame seed) Ladoo, Jalebi, Undhiyu, Rice preparations, etc. 

Dr. Bhalodkar explained viewers about the importance of donations on the Uttarayan day, citing religious scriptures. He played an emotional video song Dil Haare befitting an appeal for donations. He offered to match the amount of donations. An anonymous donor will also match. Both will match up to $20,000 each. Donations are to be made to Sanskruti Foundation, USA., a section 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Please see two attachments for details. 

Dr. Bhalodkar embedded the presentation with scores of scripture quotations, bhajans, poems and varieties of photos/videos covering Gujarati Dhaba song, Kaypo Chhe by poet Ramesh Parekh, Naamo Surya Deva Prarthana, Patang Ude Re, Manjha, Mangali, poem by PM Mody, Panduranga Mi Patang, Sadguru Mai Teri Patang, Ramesh Parekh’s another poem, Let’s go fly kite, Udi Patang, among others.

A throng of viewers cherished Dr. Bhalodkar’s well-researched presentation. 

(b) Mr. Parthiv Shah’s Update on Vaccine:

Parthiv Shah, VP, VTNY, (son of our members Indravadanbhai & Hemangiben) has been coordinating with several Indian organizations for Covid-19 vaccine availability to our community members through the courtesy of Drs. Sandip & Preeti Jain. He gave an in-depth information and updated viewers about the current situation. Informative Q&A followed. Thanks Parthiv. 

(c) Contributions:

Thanks to a Well Wisher for a $100 contribution to the Center. 

(d) Future Programs: 

Pankaj Parikh, VP, updated viewers about the Housie game and the celebration of golden and diamond anniversaries of members. Niranjan Patel provided details of future programs. 

A Vote of Thanks by Jitendrabhai Kothari. 


2. THE JANUARY 16TH MEETING:

The meeting started with a prayer by Mr. & Mrs. Jitendrabhai & Renukaben Kothari. 

In his welcome address, President discussed about the shortage of Covid-19 vaccine as well as the surging variant creeping into the U.S. and precautions to be taken by seniors.

 

(a) The Musical Program:

 

Today’s musical program Saigal Sandhya, a tribute to the legendary K.L.Saigal, sponsored by family and friends of our members Harendrabhai & Pragnaben Sevak, was revved by a large number of viewers (Zoom login exceeding 485.) Pankaj Parikh, VP, introduced singers Shyamal, Gargi and Megha as well as sponsors Harendrabhai & Pragnaben Sevak. A PowerPoint presentation of the sponsors, prepared by Jyotindrabhai Patel, was displayed. Thanks Jyotindrabhai.  Harendrabhai thanked family and friends for their support for the sponsorship. 

 

The trio entertained viewers for two hours with roughly two dozens of Saigal’s songs which included Diya Jalao Jagmag Jagmag, Do Nainaa Matavaare Tihaare, Mai Kya Janu Kya Jadu Hai, Aye Dil-E-Bekarar, RainGayi Ab Hua Savera, Nain Hin Ko Rah Dikha Prabhu, Panchhi Bawara Chand Se Preet Lagaye, Kahe Guman Kare Ri Gori, Jab Dil Hi Toot Gaya, Duniyaa Mein Hoon Duniya Ka Talabgaar Nahin Hoon, Chaah Barabaad Karegi Hame Maalum Na Thaa, Karun Kyaa Aas Niraas, So Ja Rajkumari So Ja, Kidhar Hain TuAye Meri Tamanna, Ek Bangla Bane Nyara, Ghata Ghan Ghor Ghor, Duniya Rang Rangilee Baba, Aye Quaatib-e-taqdeer Muzhe Itna Bata De, Babul Mora Naihar Chhuto Jaye, among others. 

 

Although K. L. Saigal acted only in 36 Hindi and non-Hindi films with about 110 songs, he is considered a celebrity of the film industry. Several viewers remained nostalgic about Saigal’s good-old-days songs. 

 

Viewers applauded the singers for their superb performance and commended Prasant Rao’s anchoring. 

 

 

(b) Mr. Rajiv Bhalani’s Presentation:

 

Mr. Rajiv Bhalani, mind and meditation coach, gave an hourlong presentation on emotional wellbeing by using the power of breathing, visuals and words. Today’s presentation was a prelude for the three-day workshop on February 1st, 2nd and 3rd. 

 

After kicking off with the famous inspirational songs Naya Khoon Hai Nayi Umangein ab hai Nayi Jawaani Hum Hindustani and Har Zarra Hai Moti Ankh Uthakar Dekho Dekho Sone Ki Ye GangaHai Chandi Ki Jamuna, Mr. Bhalani asked viewers why don’t we have such goals. The reason is our ignorance since we don’t realize our inner wealth. Therefore, he stressed on emotional wellbeing which lays a foundation for the physical and financial wellbeing. Generally, people regurgitate past or think too much of the future but forget the present time. He analyzed at length the tools of emotional wellbeing, viz., power of breathing, power of mental visualization and power of spoken words.

 

 A change in breathing pattern (प्राण शक्ति) triggers changes in Mann मन and body. A change in any one of the three brings changes in the other two. Visualization (कल्पना शक्ति) breeds all power in us by planting seeds in us to change our life. Our sub-conscience mind creates pictures whereby decisions and acts are implemented. A power of words (शब्द ब्रह्म) is a solid tool for a change in mental order, e.g., depression or a disease. 

 

Mr. Bhalani recommended books by Louise Hay dealing with life, body and power within you and by Emil Coue. 

 

Viewers appreciated Mr. Bhalani’s presentation. 

 

(c) New Member:

 

We welcome a new member Dr. Sangeeta Amin. 

 

A Vote of Thanks by Bharatbhai Patel, EC Member of GSNY. 

 

3. The Computer Class:

 

Prof Raj Vangapaty is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting on January 17, 2021 between 1:30pm and 3:30pm. 

Topic: Computer Technology Course for India Home Members
Time: This is a recurring meeting Computer Class time 1:30 pm 1/17/2021

Join Zoom Meeting
https://indiahome.zoom.us/j/98114126485?pwd=ejR2S1BmYytXZEVZT1diNnpvdlpUQT09

Meeting ID: 981 1412 6485
Passcode: 342967