Indo-American Senior Citizen Center of New York

“Aging is not ‘lost youth’ but a new stage of opportunity and strength.”

2021 Celebrations of the Center:

PRESIDENT’S REPORT # 59, 60 and 61 - Mukund Mehta
 

PRESIDENT’S   REPORTS

NOTE: THIS REPORT COVERS FIVE MEETINGS HELD DURING ONE WEEK. 

Dear Friends:

1. Mr. Rajiv Bhalani’s Workshops:

Mr. Rajiv Bhalani’s three days of Workshop on Emotional Wellbeing was held on February 1-2-3, 2021. Pankaj Parikh, VP, anchored meetings. 

(a) February 1st Workshop:

The meeting started with a prayer by Mrs. Ashaben Dharawat.

While welcoming members, President briefly mentioned about a virtual Testimony given by him at a public hearing an hour ago before NYC Council Members, Officers of the Queens Borough President’s office and Chairmen of Community Boards on the Fiscal Year 2022 Preliminary Budget for IASCCOFNY. 

Mr. Bhalani’s talk was on how to use the power of breathing, visuals and words to create the emotional wellbeing, which is at the root of our behavior, decision and action. A change in breathing brings changes in behavior. He referred to the three Step Rhythmic Breathing (3 SRB) technique by Tavariaji that calms the mind and improves emotional, spiritual, physical and mental health in body. Since countless number of thoughts pass through the mind every second, it’s necessary to rest (park) the mind with the help of systematic breathing. A 3-minute video was displayed.  

Mr. Bhalani conducted an exercise of visual meditation by creating visual images in the minds of participants transforming their minds to Shantivan to relax the body and calm the mind.  Audience expressed their reactions.

(b) February 2nd Workshop:

Mr. Bhalani explained the significance and the power of spoken words. Every word creates a picture in mind. Our destiny is built on our imagination expressed in words and the brain pulsates same way as heart pumps the blood. Word has electric power which generates an intention to do something. Dr. Wayne Dyer in his book The Power of Intention notes the idea that intention is a force in the universe that allows the act of creation to take place. 

Our physical and mental health depend on the types of thoughts we harbor. Negative thoughts and emotions invite diseases. In the book You Can Heal your Life, the author Louise Hay suggests that if we are ready to do our mental work, then almost anything can be healed – normally, body heals itself. Forgiveness is the key for healing as the space occupied in the brain for the anger is vacated. 

Mr. Bhalani shared a soothing 12-minute Healing Prayer which is attached. You are requested to listen the prayer. It encourages positive thoughts and actions for the wellbeing of the humankind by forgiving all who had inflicted harms and wishing them well. Also, offer apology to all those who were saddened. Surrender yourself to almighty God and seek blessings for positive thoughts, feelings and actions and hope that these will be accomplished and many thanks for bestowing up on ourselves. The prayer provides healing and purifies body and mind as well as energizes every cell in the body. The current moment is filled with happiness and provides energy to fulfill all the chores easily and sleep daily peacefully. Heart is filled with joy and love. Strongly believe that all people are good from their hearts. Getting better and better each day. Good wishes to everyone. Thank almighty God. 

Mr. Bhalani has graciously provided the attached list of seven Sutras which everyone should read and practice in their daily lives for better healing and healthy life. (already placed on WhatsApp earlier)

You may wish to stay tuned to Mr. Bhalani’s talks, activities, courses, useful tips at the link already placed on WhatsApp earlier. 

His contact number: 98 2408 9849.

(c) February 3rd Workshop:

The meeting started with a prayer by Mrs. Ranjanaben Patel.

Mr. Bhalani thanked members who made nice drawings around the list of seven Sutras. Dr. Nalini Juthani was the first to submit the drawing. He referred to the Law of Attraction which in nutshell states that positive or negative thoughts brings positive or negative results. Positive thoughts clear energy which improves health, happiness and financial situation. Good emotions beget good vibrations. Therefore, try to be happy by following your hobbies such as, music, drawing, writing, etc. Express gratitude to what you have. Thereafter, he conducted a 20-minute body gratitude exercise. (already placed on WhatsApp earlier)
Attendance was 200+ Zoom logins. 

2. The February 4th Meeting:

The meeting started with a prayer by Mrs. Rekhaben Mehta. 

While welcoming members, President requested to observe a moment of silence to pay tribute to Mr. Kishorbhai Mehta, a Vaishnav and a VTNY Secretary, who passed away last week. Condolences and sympathies to his family. May God rest his soul in peace. Condolence messages may be sent to rememberingkishormehta@gmail.com

(a) Dr. Vipul Patel’s Presentation:

In his 90-minute presentation on Covid Vaccines and Healthy Living, Dr. Vipul Patel, Hematologist and Oncologis, (profile attached) succinctly pored over a string of slides embedded with latest statistics and data on Covid-19 and a slew of vaccines with their efficacies. He discussed at length features of two-dose vaccines developed by Pfizer and  Moderna and a single-dose vaccine of Johnson & Johnson. 

Dr. Patel cautioned viewers to consult their doctors prior to taking a shot, particularly if one has an allergy. Covid-related information may be obtained at 833 697 4829 in NY and at 855 568 0545 in NJ. Effects of vaccine could be fatigue, headache , muscle pain, joint pain, chills nausea, fever and vomiting. Report side effects at 800 822 7967. For relief, he recommended Motrin 200mg, Advil 200mg, Tylenol 500mg, plenty of fluid, slightly-salty water, cold and hot packs, etc. Temperature check, oximeter, BP check, Accu-pulse check are worth having at home. He also touched upon different types of masks and variants of U.K., South Africa and Brazil. 

For healthy living, Dr. Patel recommended Vitamin C, Zinc, Vitamin D, 8-hour sleep, daily exercise for half an hour, adu, adharak, limbu, jiru, ajmo, interest in hobbies such as painting, music and drawing. 

Dr. Patel was gracious to share his email vipul8154@gmail.com for queries on vaccines. Interesting Q&A followed. Viewers appreciated his down-to-earth presentation and applauded. 

(b) Musical Program:

Mr. & Mrs. Vinay and Aparna Kamulkar of Mehekte Sur entertained viewers with a Bollywood blitz of old songs. The couple was invited to perform through the courtesy of Suhag Mehta who formally introduced them. Thanks Suhagben. 

The couple unleashed a variety of songs including Lag Ja Gale, Kabhi Na Jao Chhodkar, Ye Raaten, Ye Mosam, Nadika Kinara, Na Tum Hame Jane, Jode Rahenge Ram, Ankho Men Kya Ji, Dil Tadap Tadap, Garba, among others.

(c) Mr. Niranjan Patel, Secretary, provided details of the future programs. 

A Vote of Thanks by Mr. Kulinbhai Parikh, past Jt. Treasurer. 


3. The February 6th Meeting:

The meeting started with a prayer by Mrs. Harshaben Jani. 

While welcoming members, President read an email (copy attached) received last night from Dr. R.P. Shah, commending the February 4 presentation of Dr. Vipul Patel. Dr. R.P. appreciated Dr. Patel’s helpful brilliant talk, his in-depth and up-to-date knowledge on vaccines, succinct explanation, described him as a humble man and request for his revisit. Thanks Dr. R.P. for your candid comments. 

Viewers are encouraged to offer their comments about speakers. 

(a) Musical Program:

A musical program Ye Rangin Shaam…Tumhare Naam by. Mr. N. K. Shah and his ensemble, sponsored by Drs. Virendra and Nalini Juthani, entertained viewers (450+ Zoom logins) for two and a half hours with an array of Bollywood songs. 

The program started with a Happy Birthday song celebrating Dr. Virendra’s 80th birthday followed by a spate of songs including Lag Ja Gale, Agar Tum Na Hote, Suhana Safar Aur Mosam Hasi, Lot Ke Aja Mere Dil, Bol Meri Takdir Men Kya Hai, Lakhon Hain Nigahon Mein, Jeevan Se Bhari Teri Aankhen, Ye Kya Hua Kaise Hua, Yeh Mera Diwanapan Hai, Saranga Teri Yaad Mein, Aaja are Ab Mera Dil Pukara, Wada Karle Sajna, ZindagiKa Safar Hai Yeh Kaisa Safar, Hawa Ke Saath Saath, Aansu Bhari Hain Ye Jeevan Ki Raahein, Chithiya Ho To Har Koi baante, Chandan Sa Badan Chanchal Chitwan, Ruk Ja O Janewali Ruk Ja, Chala Jaata Hoon Kisi Ki Dhun Mein, Phool Tunpmhe Bheja Hai Khat Mein, Har Dil Jo Pyaar Karega, Bhooli Hui. Yaadon Muzhe Itna Na Sataao, Is Mod Se Jate Hain, Jaoon Kahan Bata Ae Dil, Taron Me SajkeApne Sooraj Se Dekho Dharti, among others.

Thereafter, Kapila, the younger daughter of Juthanis thanked the Center, singers, family and friends for celebrating Dad’ 80th birthday and sang a birthday song. Kapila’s daughter Priya sang a beautiful and melodious song for her GrandPa taking jabs at him (lovingly) to which viewers applauded. In response to an impromptu request, Dr. Virendra sang Kishore Kumar’s song Woh Sham Kuchh Ajeeb Thi. 

A PowerPoint presentation of the Juthani family photos, prepared by Jyotindrabhai Patel, was displayed. Thx Jyotindrabhai. The finale ended with Dr. Virendra’s speech. 

A Happy Birthday to Navnitbhai & Premilaben Shah. 

A Vote of Thanks by Mrs. Ushaben N. Shah

(b) New Members:

We welcome the following new members:
i.  Drs. Madhu & Hansa Parikh
ii. Dr. Vajubhai &  Saraswatiben Sanchala
iii. Arun & Dr. Pratibha Ankola
iv. Raju & Deepa Panchal
v.  Kishor & Sonal Joshi

(c) Contributions:

i.  Mukund & Padma Mehta    $251
ii. Navnit & Premila Shah           101

(d) Chanlo celebrating Lagnotsav:

i.   Niranjanaben Parikh             $250
ii.  Dr. Harshad O. Shah               101
iii.  Mukesh Kapadia                      61
iv.  Ashok & Kusumben                 51
v.   Navnit & Premilaben Shah      51
vi.  Jaybhai Patel                            51
vii.  Pulin & Jayshreeben Bhatt    51
viii.  Navin & Harsha Jani              51
ix.    Haresh & Suryaben Sheth    51
x.     Bakulesh & Madhuben
       Dhamecha                             51
xi.    Bhartiben Parikh                     51
xii.   Vanlilaben Parikh                    51
xiii.   A Well Wisher                         51

4. The Computer Class:
 
Prof Raj Vangapaty is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting on Sunday, February 7, 2021 from 10:30am to 12:30pm. 

Topic: Computer Technology Course for India Home Members
Time: This is a recurring meeting Meet anytime

Join Zoom Meeting
https://indiahome.zoom.us/j/98114126485?pwd=YUY4MEdycDhKM29VQjVNQUhrbll6dz09

Meeting ID: 981 1412 6485
Passcode: 886492

5. The Yoga Class:

Our member Rupaben Dharia’s Yoga class is going in full swing as about 80 families participate on Zoom every Tuesday and Friday at 11:00am. The next class is on Tuesday, February 12, 2021.For your queries, please contact her at rdharia78@yahoo.com or by text at 917 435 1890.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE IS NO CLASS ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2021.

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/7280154731?pwd=d1preTlFMng5NXBQdFlKVjVqenh5Zz09

Meeting ID: 728 015 4731
Passcode: 2007

7. Future Programs:
 
(a) Pankajbhai Parikh, VP, updated members regarding the upcoming Lagnotsav and the distribution of Kankotri. Also, Housie information was given. 

(b) Mr. Jitendra Zaveri, Jt. Secretary, provided details of the future programs.

Please note the ID and Password for the programs (i) through (xi):

ID: 516 607 5252
Password: 5252
 
(i) Covid-19 Webinar:
 
JITO USA NY Women’s Forum has planned a webinar on Covid-19 on Sunday, February 7, 2021. Flyer attached. 

(ii) Lagnotsav Dhamaka:

(a) Thursday, February 11, 2021 from 10:30am onwards:
A narration by Mrs. Purvi Malkan on Saptpadi based on Bharatiya Darshanshastra, followed by Lagna Geeto by a singer from Surat, India.

(b) Valentine’s Day:

Valentine’s Day will be celebrated on Saturday, February 13, 2021 at 10:30am.

Grand Sponsor: Bank of Baroda (Through Mr. B. Elango, CEO -US Operations)

Sponsors: Narendra & Kamini Shah, Drs. Mahendra & Lila Shah, Vinod & Usha Shah, Dwarka & Sarla Kalantry, Chandrakant & Renuka Shah, Naresh & Smita Shah, Mansukhbhai & Ranjanben Patel.

Co-sponsors: Narendra & Ila Butala, Prabhakar & Asha Dharawat, Jitendra & Meenakshi Barot, Ramesh & Rasila Shah, Jyotindra & Paranjyoti Patel. 

(c) Reception on Thursday, February 18, 2021 from 10:30am wherein the couples and their family members will share interesting stories.

(iii) 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)

(iv) Housie Game:

Housie Game is planned on Sunday, March 7, 2021 between 2:00pm and 5:00pm.

(v) 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.

(vi) 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.

(vii) Music Program:

A musical program, sponsored by Ramnik & Hansa Shah, is planned on Saturday, April 3, 2021 at 10:30am.

(viii) 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.
 
(ix) Mother’s Day:
 
Mother’s Day celebration is planned on Saturday, May 8, 2021 at 10:30am. Details to follow. 
 
(x) Father’s Day:
 
Father’s Day celebration is planned on Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 10:30am. Details to follow. 

(xi) 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, February 8, 2021.

(xii) 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
 
(xiii) Programs of SCC of VTNY:
 
(a) Valentine’s Day Celebration on Sunday, February 14, 2021 at 7pm. A flyer attached. 
 
(b) A scheduled drama now rescheduled for Saturday, February 20, 2021 at 7 pm. Flyer to follow. 
 
(c) Gujarati Diaro by Vikram Lambadia Group on Sunday, February 28, 2021 at 7 pm. Flyer to follow. 

(xiv) Music Program:

Long Island Gujarati Cultural Society has organized Valentine’s Day celebration, sponsored by Mayur & Aruna Shah, on Sunday, February 14, 2021 from 10:30am. Pl contact Mr. Vijay Shah, President, at 631 371  6405. A flyer attached.
 
(xv) JAIN Senior Group’s Valentine’s Day program is planned on Sunday, February 14, 2021. Flyer attached. 

(xvi) Music Program:

SAWAO has organized Valentine’s Day celebration on Monday, February 15, 2021 at 8:00pm. Pl contact Suhag Mehta at 516 324 5230. A flyer
is attached.

(xvii) Music Program:

Brahmin Society of New York has organized a musical program celebrating MahaShivratri, sponsored by Padma & Mukund Mehta and Clara & Joy Oza, on Saturday, March 6, 2021 from 11:00am to 2:00pm.

Please stay healthy.

Mukund Mehta, President
February 6, 2021

Betty Friedan

“Aging is not ‘lost youth’ but a new stage of opportunity and strength.”