2021 Celebrations of the Center:

PRESIDENT’S  REPORT

Dear Friends:

The following is a brief report of the Thursday, February 11, 2021 meeting. The proceedings of the meeting are recorded and placed promptly on YouTube by Jagdish Patel, VP-PR. The meeting was anchored by Pankaj Parikh, VP. The meeting was hosted by Jagdish Patel and co-hosted by Niranjan Patel, Secretary. The PowerPoint presentation was prepared by Jyotindrabhai Patel, Past President, GSNY. Thanks to all.

The meeting started with a prayer by Mr. & Mrs. Ashokbhai & Kusumben Gandhi.

In his welcome address, President assured viewers that they will find the three-day Lagnotsav absolutely unique and thanked the Grand Sponsor Mr. B. Elango, CEO, Bank of Baroda, U.S. Operations, as well as  other sponsors and co-sponsors and donors.

Mr. B. Elango, introduced by Mr. Ashok Sheth, wished all the success to the Center for the Silver Jubilee celebration and for the Lagnotsav gala. Mr. B. Elango’s profile is attached.

(i) Mrs. Purvi Modi Malkan’s Presentation:

A literary virtuoso and a prolific writer Mrs. Purvi Modi Malkan gave an excellent presentation on Saptpadi, the most important ritual performed at a marriage ceremony, tracing its roots in Ramsyan and Mahabharat teaching the basic and vital tenets to be followed by a couple and their relationships with others including family members and religious Gurus. Her brief profile is attached.

She elaborated the basic concepts of four आश्रमs and three संस्कारs – जन्म , विवाह and मृत्यु as well as the significance of रुशिरुण, देवरुण and पितृरुण. Also described were eight types of marriages including Brahm, Dev, Arya, Prajapatya(?), Gandharva, Asur, Rakshash, and Pishach. Brahm marriage is considered पवित्र. Gandharva marriage refers to weddings in Courts and Temples. Regarding मुहूर्तs, they are considered best in early mornings and in evenings when normally cows return home in villages in India.

She explained Aachakan ceremony, Kashi Yatra which is prevalent in South India, नक्षत्र मंडल, हस्त मेलाप, कुंभ पूजन, विवाह वेदिका, चार or सात फेरा, जवतर, seven वचनs regarding food, health, money, spirituality, happiness, flexibility, and avoiding obstacles.

Saptpadi is exchanging of seven promises by each spouse. Wife needs assurance from husband for travel together, equal caring of parents of both, balancing of happiness and unhappiness, family care, respect, treat everyone else as moms or sisters, and refrain from vices. Likewise, husband promises to be a true friend to her, gives authority and responsibility, make her strong, make her a leader, partners in pleasure and peril, be faithful like Savitri, and avoid adultery.

Viewers applauded Purvi Modi Malkan’s reservoir of knowledge and thanked her for her excellent non-stop presentation.

Readers of this email are requested to listen to the recording to get a complete understanding of Saptpadi.

(ii) Marriage Lokgeets:

The Shivam Group from Surat, India, led by Rajesh Naik, delighted viewers with a wave of Mehndi and marriage songs. We are thankful to Mr. & Mrs. Mansukhbhai & Ranjanaben Patel for sponsoring the musical program.

As singers kicked off with Shri Ganesh Vandana, ladies were seen on Zoom showing and painting Mehndi in their homes.

Singers unleashed a series of lokgeets including Mehndi LagiHai….Shubh Ghadi Mare Aagne, Mara Ghat Ma Birajata, Premse Pukar Tere Prem Tere Pap Ko Jalayenge, Mehndi Laga Ke Rakhna, Kanku Chhanti Kankotri, Tari Aankh No Afini, Nayan Ne Bandh Rakhi Ne, Kyaare Pura Thase Man Na Kod, Mara Bhola Dil No, Najar Na Jaam Chhalkavine, Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas Tum Rehti Ho, Lag Ja Gale Ki Phir Ye Hasin Raat Ho Na Ho, Kya Ye Dharti Ye Nadiya, Chand Si Mehbooba Ho Meri, Sau Saal Pehle Muzhe Tumse Pyaar Tha, Jo Wada Kiya Woh Nibhana Padega, followed by Dandiya Raas.

Viewers enjoyed the Sangeet Mahefil.

Jitendra Zaveri, Jt. Secretary, provided details of future programs.

The Saturday, February 13th meeting report sent earlier had listed details of future programs.

A Vote of Thanks by Dr. Sarojben Shah.


Sent from my iPad