2021 Celebrations of the Center:

PRESIDENT’S  REPORTS

Dear Friends:

The following are brief reports of three Zoom meetings held during a week on March 7, March 11, and March 13, 2021. Proceedings of the meetings are recorded and promptly placed on YouTube by Jagdishbhai Patel, VP- PR. The meetings were anchored by Pankajbhai Parikh, VP, hosted by Jagdishbhai Patel and co-hosted by Niranjanbhai Patel, Secretary. PowerPoint presentation was prepared by Jyotindrabhai Payel, Past President, GSNY. Thanks to all. 

1. THE MARCH 7TH MEETING:

The meeting started with a prayer by Mr. & Mrs. Rajeshbhai & Pareshaben Parikh. 

In his welcome address, President wished good luck to today’s participants in the Housie (Bingo) game, the first ever project undertaken by the Center on Zoom. He welcomed Mr. B. Elango, CEO, U.S. Operations, Bank of Baroda, and thanked him for the Bank being a benefactor for the year 2021. He also thanked our member Mr. Ashok Sheth for acting as a liaison. 

Mr. B. Elango wished good luck to the Housie participants. 

Pankajbhai Parikh explained rules for winning several prizes based on matching numbers in three lines, four corners and a full house. There were three prizes ($100, $80 and $60) for each of the three lines and for four corners; and four prizes ($400, $300, $200 and $100) for a full house. 

More than 80 members participated and several of them won prizes ranging from $20 to $400. Mrs. Sushma Modi was the top winner of $400. Congratulations to all the winners. Several members contributed their winnings to the Center for the Holi celebration. 

Thanks to Pankaj Parikh, VP, for developing and organizing the game. Also thanks to Jagdish Patel, VP-PR, Niranjan Patel, Secretary and Jatin Dharia, EC member who actively monitored the game. 

A Vote of Thanks by Mr. Anil Parikh. 

2. THE MARCH 11TH MEETING:

The meeting started with a prayer by Mrs. Ramaben Sampat.

(i) Tax Workshop:

In his welcome address, President introduced today’s speakers Mr. Dwarka Kalantry and his son Suneil Kalantry, both CPA and CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst), who are partners in the CPA firm Kalantry LLP, practicing in Forest Hills, Queens. Dwarka is also a CFP (Certified Financial Planner). They also provide investment advisory services as Kalantry Advisors LLC.

Today’s topic was Individual Income Tax Update and Planning for 2020. 

Dwarkaji discussed at length for over an hour various key provisions of tax items for the preparation of income tax return form 1040 and Schedule A for itemized deductions for the year 2020. He explained in great detail items for deductions, exemptions, credits, required minimum distributions, traditional and Roth IRAs, section 401(K) amounts, AMT, capital gains and losses, charitable contributions, etc. 

He recommended viewers to file their tax returns early, secure their social security numbers, get credit reports and cautioned to stay alert of scammers. He discussed estate and gift tax provisions and also planning. 

For refund inquiry, visit www.irs.gov and then click Get Your Refund Status or call 800 829 4477. 

Dwarkaji touch based on the tax treatment of crypto currency transactions. He also highlighted some of the provisions of the latest stimulus bill. He was gracious enough to share his notes on Personal Tax Planning 2020, summary of salient features of American Rescue Plan 2021 and President Biden’s Tax Plan Roadmap, which are attached. 

Viewers appreciated Dwarkaji’s in-depth presentation, a Q&A session and applauded for his lucid explanations. His son Suneil’s behind-the-scene preparation was acknowledged. 

(ii) Musical Program:

Mrs. Suhag Mehta introduced Ahemedabad-based singer Mr. Sanjay Vincent, having legendary Kishore Kumar’s voice and more than 2,000 performances under his belt, who operates an NGO for the benefit of children and ladies in Indian villages. Thanks to Suhag Mehta for recommending Sanjay Vincent. 

Sanjay entertained viewers for an hour and a half with varieties of old Bollywood songs including O Mere Dil Ke Chain, Roop Tera Mastana, Bhole O Bhole Mere Yaar Ko Mana De, Aanewala Pal Janewala Hai, Ek Ajanabi Haseena Se Yun Mulakaat Ho Gayi, Humein Aur Jeene Ki Chahat Na Hoti, Zindgi Ka Safar Hai Yeh Kaisa Safar, Yeh Jo Mohabaat Hai Ye Unka Hain Kaam, Sama Hai Suhana Suhana, Phoolon Ka Taron KaSabka Kehna Hai, Phoolon Ke Rang Se, Woh Kal Bhi Pass Thi Woh Aaj Bhi Qareeb Hai, Zindgi Ke Safar Mein Guzar Jate Hain, Chala Jata Hun Kisi Ki Dhun Mein, Zindgi Ek Safar Hai Suhana, capping with Chalte Chalte Mere Yeh Geet Yaad Rakhna. 

Viewers applauded Sanjay’s songs.

(iii) East Meets West:

Through the courtesy of a well wisher Mr. Pramodbhai Mistry, Founder & CEO of Gujaratis of North America (GONA) California, I was introduced to Dr. Gunvantbhai Mehta, President of Indo-American Senior Heritage (IASH) California, serving seniors on the West Coast in the area of health, social services and well beings. It will be better to announce our programs and IASH’s programs on a mutual basis for the benefits of seniors on the East and West Coasts. Thanks Pramodbhai. 

(iv) PowerPoint Presentation and Announcements:

A PowerPoint presentation, prepared by Jyotindrabhai Patel, included a beautiful and graceful Tandav Nrutya dance by a young girl which was revved by viewers. Thanks Jyotindrabhai. 

Regarding the Housie game played last Sunday, Pankajbhai Parikh, VP, informed that there were 27 winners, 80% of winnings were contributed back to the Center, amounting to $1,300. He briefed about The upcoming Holi celebration. 

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

A Vote of Thanks by Mrs. Rupaben (Rajeshbhai) Shah. 

3. THE MARCH 13th MEETING:

The meeting started with a prayer by Mr. & Mrs. Deepak & Shashikala Shah. 

In his welcome address, President thanked today’s sponsor Drs. Mahendra & Lila Shah and co-sponsor Deepak & Shashikala Shah, wished a happy birthday to Dr. Mahendra Shah (80th) and Jitubhai Chawla, son-in-law of Deepak & Shashikala Shah, and a happy wedding anniversary of Deepak & Shashikala Shah. 

Prof Raj Vangapaty is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting on Sunday, March 14, 2021 from 10:30am to 12:30pm. 

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

Join Zoom Meeting
https://indiahome.zoom.us/j/98114126485?pwd=N3orUG1rNWk1b2FiS1NJSDNPaWd4Zz09

Meeting ID: 981 1412 6485
Passcode: 379516

5. The Yoga Class:

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