“Aging is not ‘lost youth’ but a new stage of opportunity and strength.”
PRESIDENT’S REPORT # 71 & 72 - Mukund Mehta
PRESIDENT’S REPORTS
HAPPY HOLI MAHOTSAV
Dear Friends:
The following are brief reports of two Zoom meetings held during a week on March 18 and March 20, 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 Patel, Past President, GSNY. Thanks to all.
1. THE MARCH 18TH MEETING:
The meeting started with a prayer by Mr. & Mrs. Kirit & Minaben Muni.
In his welcome address. President wished everyone a Happy Holi and offered his Dandvat Pranam to Pujya Pad Goswami Shri Dwarkeshlalji Maharajshri.
Mr. B. Elango, CEO, U.S.Operations, Bank of Baroda, a benefactor of the Center’s Silver Jubilee Celebration, wished a success to the 4-day Holi Mahotsav. Mr. Anil Shah, Chairman, VTNY, a grand sponsor for the 4-day Holi Mahotsav, also wished the success.
(i) Pujya Shri Dwarkeshlalji Maharajshri’s Presentation:
Mr. Pankaj Parikh, VP, introduced Mr. Amit R. Parikh, editor of Vaishnav Pariwar, from Mehesana, Gujarat, who introduced Pujya Dwarkeshlalji (Profiles attached).
Starting with a Stuti, Pujya Dwarkeshlalji (Pujyashri) commended Indians residing abroad for maintaining Indian traditions, culture, values and celebrating festivals through the Zoom video. Citing evolutions over the last four centuries, he cited a New York Times article which stated that the 18th century was known for architecture, 19th century for science, 20th century for technology and 21st century for tension and hypertension. This is true nowadays as we see from social, political and international environment. It’s ironic that the present generation celebrates routinely some occasions like Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, whereas the traditional Indian festivals like Diwali, Janmashtami, etc. are required to be taught!
Pujyashri reminded that the life path is replete with several ups & downs, happiness & frustrations depicting varieties of colors. He quoted Poet Dalpatram philosophizing that people experience various colors like red, yellow and others during their life time but ultimately they all leave the world in gray (રાખોડી) color. Therefore, Pujyashri urged everyone to get drenched into Radha & Krishna’s Bhakti Rang (ભક્તિ રંગ) and Prem Rang (પ્રેમ રંગ) while performing their responsibilities in social, financial, family, professional, and medical fields. Once a person is drowned under Prem Rang, Bhakti Rang, and Bhav Rang, the bad elements of pride, ego and selfishness will evaporate. This will ultimately lead to cordial relationships among ladies & gents, neighbors and friends. The foundation of Krisna Bhakti should be laid in children from their young age.
Pujyashri emphasized that Lord Krishna protects his disciples as was the case of Bhakta Prahlad. He explained about ઠાકોરજીની લીલા celebrated by Vaishnavs for 40 days with અબીલ ગુલાલ. Also, he adroitly narrated and explained the significance of Sant Kabir’s Duha (दूहा) relating to the different thread colors in a carpet. The essential elements for a lifetime enjoyment are loyalty, transparency, dedication, honesty and extreme selfless love.
Pujyashri highlighted the concept of Unity in Diversity in India. Although each region in India is having for generations its unique customs, religious functions, costumes, languages, music, dances, food items, the Holi festival is an exception since it is celebrated universally in several regions though it is known by different names.
Viewers expressed their sincere thanks and pranams to Pujyashri for his excellent presentation.
(ii) Rasiya by Mr. Rasesh Shah:
Mr. Amit R. Shah of Mehesana, Gujarat, introduced Mr. Rasesh Shah who won two gold medals and whose expertise in Haveli sangeet Rasiya is unparalleled. His profile is attached. He was accompanied by his elder sister Madhaviben.
The pair unleashed a wave of Rasiya songs to which dozens of our members coordinated and danced from their homes. Viewers enjoyed Rasiyas and coordinated dances by ladies in their colorful dresses.
(iii) New Members:
We welcome the following new members:
Kirit & Kirtida Mehta
Dr. Jyoti Barot
Drs. Ashok & Yogini Kothari
Dr. Sharad & Rekha Desai
Dinesh & Pratibha Master
(iv) Future Programs:
Pankaj Parikh, VP, briefed about the next three days of the Holi festival. Jitendra Zaveri, Jt. secretary, provided details of future programs.
A Vote of Thanks by Mrs. Bhartiben Desai.
2. THE MARCH 20TH MEETING:
The meeting started with a prayer by Mr. Rajnibhai & Dr. Jyotiben Gandhi.
In his welcome address, President apprised viewers about the success of the first day of the Holi festival on Thursday and assured a successful and enjoyable musical program today.
Mr. B. Elango, CEO, U.S.Operations, Bank of Baroda, a benefactor of the Center’s Silver Jubilee, wished a success for today’s program.
(i) Holi Musical Program:
SurSangam Group of Nagpur led by Sachin & Surabhi Dhomne, accompanied by anchorman Dr. Manoj Salpekar, entertained viewers for two and a half hours with Holi songs. The Group kicked off with a Holi song, followed by a Holi Khele Raghuvira song. Chandrakant & Renuka Shah performed an excellent dance to the tunes of a song Tuzhe Chand Ke Bahane Dekhu.
Thereafter, a stream of Holi songs, accompanied by well-coordinated dances by lady members in colorful costumes from their homes, followed which included Teri Chal Hai Nagan Jaisi, Nain Lad Jaihe To Manwaa Mein Kasak Hoibe Kare, Mehndi Laga Ke Rakhna, Mohe Rang Do Lal, Chalt Musafir Moh Liya Re, Aaj Na Chhodenge, Fagun Ka Mahina, Khaike Pan Banaraswala, Aaya Holi Ka Tyohar, Govinda Aala Re Aala, Nagada Sang Dhol Baaje, Holi Ke Din Dil Khil Jate Hain, Rang Barse Bheege Chunarwali, Holi Aayi Re Kanhai , Holiya Me Ude Re Gulal, Jai Jai Shiv Shankar, Holi Aayi Holi Aayi, Ramji Ki Nikli Savari, among others.
Viewers applauded SurSangam’s ensemble and member dancers.
(ii) PowerPoint Presentation:
A beautiful PowerPoint presentation of sponsors, prepared by Jyotindrabhai Patel, past president of GSNY, was displayed by Jagdishbhai Patel, VP-PR. Thanks Jyotindrabhai.
Mr. Harshad (Pakaji) Patel, a Well Wisher and President of Gujarati Samaj of New York as well as Vice Chairman of Vaishnav Temple of New York, praised activities of the Center and wished success for the Silver Jubilee celebration.
Mr. B. Elango, CEO, U.S. Operations, Bank of Baroda, a benefactor for the Silver Jubilee Celebration, appreciated the Holi festival.
Mr. Anil Shah, Chairman of VTNY and Grand Sponsor of the 4-day Holi
Festival, lauded activities of the Center and expressed well wishes for the Holi celebration.
Sponsors Drs. Dilip & Dipika Doctor, and Bhartiben Parikh; and co-sponsors Indravadanbhai & Hemangiben Shah and Labhubhai Upadhyay, appreciated activities of the Center.
Mukund Mehta, President, Niranjan Patel, Secretary, Jitendra Zaveri, Jt. secretary and Dhiren Gandhi, Jt. Treasurer had introduced sponsors.
Profiles of sponsors are attached.
A Vote of Thanks by Mrs. Rekha Tolat.
3. The Computer Class:
Prof Raj Vangapaty is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting on Sunday, March 21, 2021 at 10:30am.
Topic: Computer Technology Course for Senior Members
Time: This is a recurring meeting Meet anytime
Join Zoom Meeting
https://indiahome.zoom.us/j/
Meeting ID: 981 1412 6485
Passcode: 662791
4. 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, March 23, 2021.For your queries, please contact her at rdharia78@yahoo.com or by text at 917 435 1890.ID: 715 3405 1087
Password: 67895. 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= d1preTlFMng5NXBQdFlKVjVqenh5Zz 09 Meeting ID: 728 015 4731
Passcode: 20076. Future Programs:
Niranjan Patel, Secretary, provided details of future programs.
Please note the ID and Password for the programs (i) through (viii).ID: 516 607 5252
Password: 5252
(i) Holi Celebrations:
Mr. & Mrs. Anil & Meena Shah will be Grand Sponsor for the Holi Celebrations.
The Holi celebration will continue on March 25 and 27 from 10:30am to 2:00pm. Details of the program and sponsors are in the Holi Mahotsav flyer, which was placed on WhatsApp earlier.
(ii) Music Program:A musical program by Dhomne Group and sponsored by Ramnik & Hansa Shah, is planned on Saturday, April 3, 2021 at 10:30am.
(iii) Dr. Manoj Shah’s Presentation:
Dr. Manoj Shah, Psychiatrist’s presentation on Psychological effects of Covid-19 is planned on Thursday, April 8, 2021, at 10:30am.
(iv) Music Program:A musical program of Ram Navmi by Dhomne Group, sponsored by Mukund & Padma Mehta, is planned on Saturday, April 17, 2021 at 10:30am. Drs. Shyam & Maya Rao are co-sponsors.
(v) Music Program:
A music program sponsored by Rajni & Dr. Jyoti Gandhi is planned on Saturday, May 1, 2021. Details to follow.
(vi) Mother’s Day:
Mother’s Day celebration sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. Arvindbhai Vora is planned on Saturday, May 8, 2021 at 10:30am. Drs. Shyam & Maya Rao are co-sponsors. Details to follow.
(vii) Father’s Day:
Father’s Day celebration is planned on Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 10:30am. Details to follow.
(viii) 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, March 22, 2021.
(ix) 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
(x) Bhavan’s Cultural Center, Andheri: A flyer is attached.
(a) Ghero Thayo Gulal To Bhagvo Thai Gayo on Sunday, March 21 at 9:00pm IST
(b) Tarla Mehta Mahotsav for eight nights March 14 – March 29
(xi) Programs of VTNY and/or SCC of VTNY:
(a) Masti Ke Rang, Sab Ke Sang on March 26 at 7:45pm. A flyer is attached.
(b) Gujarati Drama – Amari Duniya, Tumari Duniya on April 10 at 8:00pm
(xii) Indo-American Senior Heritage (IASH):
IASH has planned a medical presentation on Sleeping Disorder by Dr. Eric Won, followed by musical entertainment on Saturday, March 20, 2021 from 4:30pm to 7:00pm PST. Event Chairman & Moderator Dr. Gunvantbhai Mehta. A flyer was placed on WhatsApp.
(xiii) BSNY:
Bhajan Sandhya on Sunday, March 21 from 4pm to 7 pm. Pl contact Rajesh Pandya at 347 493 9774. A flyer was placed on WhatsApp.
(xiv) SAWAO’s Program:
SAWAO has organized Holi Ke Rang program on Sunday, March 28, 2021 at 10:30am. Please contact Suhag Mehta at 516 324 5230 . A flyer was placed on WhatsApp.
(xv) Music Program:
Holi celebration is organized by mySANGI group for single seniors (50+) on Sunday, March 28, 2021 at 11:00am. A flyer is attached.
(xvi) Jain Senior Group (JSG):
Jain Senior Group has planned the following events:
(a) Musical program by Sanjeevani Bhelande, 5/8/21 at 8pm
(b) Musical program by Mukhtar Shah, 6/19/21 at 8:30pm
A flyer was placed on WhatsApp.
Please stay healthy.Mukund Mehta, President
March 20, 2021
718 450 1829 (C)
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