“Aging is not ‘lost youth’ but a new stage of opportunity and strength.”
PRESIDENT’S REPORT # 73 & 74 - Mukund Mehta
Dear Friends:
The following are brief reports of two Zoom meetings held during a week on March 25 and March 27, 2021. Proceedings of the meetings are recorded and promptly placed on YouTube by Jagdishbhai Patel, VP- PR, and Jyotindrabhai Patel, Past President, GSNY. 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. Thanks to all.
1. THE MARCH 25TH MEETING:
The meeting started with a prayer by Mr. & Mrs. Vinod & Ushaben Shah.
In his welcome address. President wished everyone a Happy Holi ….
Mr. B. Elango, CEO, U.S.Operations, Bank of Baroda, a benefactor of the Center’s Silver Jubilee Celebration, wished a success to the Holi Festival.
(i) Mrs. Purvi Modi Malkan’s Presentation:
Mrs. Purvi Modi Malkan who had made an impressive presentation last month on Saptpadi presented today an insightful and well-researched lecture on conventional Holi celebration based on Shastras and history.
Pankajbhai Parikh, VP, introduced Purviben (profile provided last month).
At the outset, Purviben acknowledged and thanked Jitendrabhai Padh, Vimlaben Hirpara, Kaushikbhai Mehta and Hiraben Modi for their valuable guidance, recommendations and suggestions.
While tracing the history of Holi celebration, which epitomizes the arrival of the Spring – वसंतरुतु – season, Purviben narrated stories of three Devi Yugals – Shiv & Parvati, Radha & Krishna, and Kamdev & Rati. She also traced the Holi celebration to the story of Lord Vishnu disciple Prahlad and Holika which signified the triumph of good over evil. She explained how the name Dhuleti evolved based on the story of Dulhankumar.
Purviben described Vaidik Holi, अन्न यज्ञ, new crops of the season and the use of cow ghee, cow manure, sandalwood, camphor in Holi fire. Also, she gave a historic background for the use of Attar perfume in Holi fire by Rukaiya, the wife of Badshah Akbar. She narrated stories of Kamdev & Rati, Dhadhi Leela, Putna’s killing by Lord Krishna, Lathmar Holi, Kapadfad Holi, Avadh Holi, among others.
Viewers applauded Purviben’s well-researched presentation on the evolution and conventional celebration of Holi.
(ii) Dr. Manoj Salpekar’s Presentation:
Pankajbhai Parikh, VP, introduced Dr. Manoj Salpekar of Nagpur who often acts as an anchorman of the SurSangam musical programs.
Dr. Salpekar described varieties of festivals celebrated by people in several countries, some are unique and localized in a specific country, e.g., Spain known for tomato throwing, Japan for flowers and lanterns in sky, Brazil’s Rio De Janeiro Carnival, in USA: Hawaiian dance and Louisiana New Orleans’ Carnival. Compared to to the localized nature of these festivals, Holi celebration, a festival of India, can be considered universal since it is celebrated not only in various states in India but it is celebrated in several countries.
Dr. Salpekar documentary video highlighted major landmarks of India such as Rajasthan heritage, Udaypur palace, Amritsar Golden Temple, Somnath Temple, Statute of Unity, Delhi’s Chandni Chok, Red Fort, Lotus Temple, Taj Mahal, Ajanta Ellora caves, and Ganges River. Some of the festivals such as Ganesh Utsav, Durga Pooja, Gujrat’s Garba, Kite flying were shown.
Holi, a festival of colors, signifies an atmosphere of happiness and joy. Dr. Salpekar depicted in video different forms of Holi in India such as Chhoti Holi, Baddi Holi, Khedwada Holi, Kapadfat Holi in Puskar, Lathmar Holi, Nasik Holi, Gujarat’s Dhuleti Holi, Bengal’s Dol Holi, Punjab’s Bahaduri Holi, Goa’s Holi, Uttarakhand’s Khadi and Baithaki Holi, Mithila Janakpur Holi, Vraj’s Phool Holi, Bengal’s Holi folk songs and an array of Bollywood movies involving Holi celebrations.
Dr. Salpekar explained the significance of various colors.
(iii) Garba Dance:
Shobhnaben and Padmaben’s group played Garba synchronizing their acts to the tunes of Garba.
(iv) Future Programs:
Jitendra Zaveri, Jt. Secretary, provided details of future programs.
A Vote of Thanks by Dr. Jyotiben Gandhi.
2. THE MARCH 27TH MEETING:
The meeting started with a prayer by Harishbhai & Naliniben Parikh.
In his welcome address, President assured viewers that they will enjoy today’s finale of the 4-day Holi Mahotsav and hailed the Zoom video system which enabled Indian diaspora to celebrate Holi on a grand scale.
Mr. B. Elango, CEO, U.S.Operations, Bank of Baroda, a benefactor of the Center’s Silver Jubilee Celebration, noting Government of India’s appeal to celebrate Holi in a subdued manner this year, thanked the Zoom system that our Center and others have been thoroughly enjoying the Holi festivities and wished a Happy Holi to all.
Mr. Anil Shah, the Grand Sponsor of the 4-day Holi Mahotsav, wished a Happy Holi to viewers, praised activities of the Center and expressed his desire to be helpful in the future.
(i) Kalanidhi Group’s (Kanpur) Performance:
Pankajbhai Parikh, VP, introduced Dr. Sucharita Khanna of the Kalanidhi Group from Kanpur (profile attached). The Group had given two performances in the past.
The ensemble comprising of about 22 participants, mostly youngsters, in colorful costumes performed, either solo or in groups, seven stunning Holi dances which included Gokul Ki Gali Mein, Dharti Hay Lal, Raas Rachaye Gokul Mein, Mathura Ki Khushbu, Brij Ka Fagva, Mohe Rang Do Lal, Holi Mein Ude Re Gulab.
Thereafter, equally impressive Shastriya Sangeet-based classical ballet – नृत्यनाद – comprising the story of Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati was performed by eight dancers based on five ragas of Shiv and one raga of Parvati which proliferated subsequently into several ragas including Bhairav (first morning Prahar raga) , Todi, and Bhairavi (the last Prahar raga).
The finale capped the program with an eye-catching Garba Ramzat which included Dhol Baaje Dhol Baaje, Holi Khele Raghuvira, Holi Ke Din Dil Khil Jaate Hey, Holi Re Holi, Jata Shivshankar, Ang Ang Se Lagana Aisa Rang, Rang Barse, among others.
Viewers revved the performance and token prizes were distributed to all participants on account of the Center.
Subsequently, scores of viewers participated in the Garba Ramzat before bidding adieu to the Holi Mahotsav.
(ii) Thanks:
The 4-day Holi Mahotsav, enjoyed by hundreds of viewers, involved cooperation and support of sponsors, donors, members, EC members and well wishers. President informed viewers about the considerable time and efforts put in by Pankajbhai Parikh, VP, and Varshaben Parikh, EC member, as well as about Dr. Binita Shah whose concept of synchronizing participants’ dancing actions to the tunes of songs which was adopted by the Center in the subsequent items performed by a series of lady groups. They all received kudos.
A Vote of Thanks by Mr. Vinod Shah (Navika Group).
(iii) New Members:
We welcome the following five new members:
Sachin & Surabhi Dhomne (sponsorship by Chandrakant & Renuka Shah)
Dr. & Mrs. Manoj Salpekar (sponsorship by Mukund & Padma Mehta)
Himatlal & Hansaben Parekh
Hasmukh & Kashmira Shah
Drs. Shirish & Kananbala Patrawalla
3. The Computer Class:
4. The Yoga Class:
Our member Rupaben Dharia’s Yoga class is going in full swing as about 70 families participate on Zoom every Tuesday and Friday at 11:00am. The next class is on Tuesday, March 30, 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)
(ii) Music Program:A musical program of Memories of Golden Years 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 29, 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 was placed on WhatsApp.
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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