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 # 80 - Mukund Mehta
 

PRESIDENT’S  REPORT

Dear Friends: 

The following is a brief report of the Zoom meeting held on April 22, 2021. Proceedings of the meeting were recorded and promptly placed on YouTube by Jagdishbhai Patel, VP- PR. The meeting was anchored by Pankajbhai Parikh, VP, hosted by Jagdishbhai Patel and co-hosted by Niranjanbhai Patel, Secretary. A PowerPoint presentation was prepared by Jyotindrabhai Patel, Past President of GSNY. Thanks to all. 

The meeting started with a prayer by Purnimaben & Sudarshanbhai Bhatt. 
 

As a prelude to Shri Mahavir Jayanti celebration scheduled on April 25, Shri Rameshbhai Lakhani, VP, Jain Senior Group, kicked off with profusely thanking almighty God for giving birth as human beings and their following of principles of religions of which Jainism has given to the world a precious Navkar Mantra which he sang in a melodious voice. 

 
(i) Mr. Nainesh Shah’s Presentation:
 
President introduced Mr. Nainesh Shah, investment advisor, and clarified at the outset that his discussion on Bitcoin and investments are for educational purpose only and not for promoting his business. 
 
Naineshbhai made an impressive presentation on “Barter to Bitcoin and Beyond” detailing, with the aid of slides, the historical background of the trade development dating back to the pre-civilization period. Trade transactions, which initially involved exchanging of animals, precious stones, food, etc., got momentum with the invention of a wheel and introduction of coins which ultimately led to the expansion of trade spanning to several countries, commonly known as the Silk Road route. India’s GDP had reached apex at 32% which plummeted in the 16th century with the arrival of the East India company. 
 
Subsequently, rapid changes emerged such as abandoning of the Gold Standard by the U.S. in 1971 which used to back the U.S. Dollar and lessening of the use of cash due to increased use of checks and credit cards. Finally came the financial and housing crash of 2008. 
 
A historic development evolved in 2009 with the publication of an article by so-called Satoshi Nakamoto who introduced the concepts of Block Chain, obviating the need of a middleman, and a currency called Bitcoin, which gradually dominated the  crypto currency market. The negligible value of Bitcoin in 2009 has currently skyrocketed to more than $54,000 per unit. Later, a number of crypto currencies surfaced in the market. 
 
Mr. Shah succinctly explained the mechanism, risk and rewards, private key and public key, wallets, transactions anonymity, Algorithm complexity, decentralized element, etc., associated with digital crypto currencies. 
 
Interesting Q&As followed. Viewers appreciated Mr. Shah’s fact-filled and well-researched presentation. He was gracious enough to share his email nainman2@yahoo.com to viewers for more information on Bitcoins. 
 
(ii) Musical Program:
 
Ms. Tanmayee Mohapatra, a versatile singer and an acolyte of renowned Bollywood singer Kavita Krishnamurthy, and Dr. Tushar Patel entertained viewers for an hour. 
 
Today’s program was the thirteenth so far since the onset of the pandemic arranged by our member Bharatbhai Goradia, Bollywood cultural ambassador, who renders complimentary services to our seniors and helps the Center by bringing artists at a nominal cost. Thanks Bharatbhai. He introduced the singers. 
 
The pair covered a variety of Bollywood songs including Na Tum Hamein Janno Na Hum Tumhe Jaane, Yeh Ladka Kaisa Hai Deewana, Jaane KyaBaat Hai, Babuji Dhire Chalna, Ajeeb Dastan Hai Yeh Kanha Shuru, Puchho Na Yaar Kya Hua, Jara Haule Haule Chalo More Sajana, Kisiki Muskurahaton Pe Ho Nisar, Ek Din Mit Jayega, Mere Mehboob Kayamat Hogi, Sama Hai Suhana Suhana, Savariyo Re Maro, Do Dilon 
Ki ,Mera Naam Chun Chun Chun, Chithi Na Koi Sandesh, capping with Laila Re Laila. 
 
Viewers applauded the duo’s melodious singing. 
 
(iii) Shri Mahavir Jayanti Celebration:
 
Ramesbhai Lakhani briefed about the upcoming Shri Mahavir Jayanti on Sunday, April 25 and the important lessons to be grasped from Lord Mahavir, the 24th and last Tirthankar. 
 
Rameshbhai and his group consisting of Lataben Shah, Aditi Singhi and Vijuben Parekh recited beautiful and melodious Stavans including Vardhman  No Naam Laine Pragtyo Ek Sitaro, Parshwanath Stotra Uvsaggaram, Kaun Kehte Hai Bhagwan Aate Nahin, Maitri Bhav Nu Pavitra Zaranu, Mahavir Swami Vinanti Sambhalo, and Ame To Tamara Tame Amara. 
 
Viewers enjoyed Stavans and thanked the Lakhani group. 
 
(iv) PowerPoint Presentation:
 
Pankajbhai Parikh introduced today’s sponsor Shri Jayantibhai Shah, 88, an energetic senior and a globe trotter, who completed 50 years in USA today, April 22, 2021. (Profile attached.) Jayantibhai gave an inspiring speech. 
 
A PowerPoint presentation showing beautiful photos of Jayantibhai and family was displayed. 
 
(v) The Housie Game:
 
Pankajbhai Parikh, VP, briefed about the Housie game starting on Sunday, May 23, 2021, 2:00pm – 5:00pm. 
 
A Vote of Thanks by Mr. Yogen Pathak.
 
2. New Members: 
 
We welcome the following new members:
 
Jyoti Zaveri, Ramesh & Sonal  Jhaveri, Illben Joshi, and Hasuben Parekh. 
 
3. Co-Living and Co-Housing Project:
 
Dr. Vasundhara Kalasapudi, Executive Director, India Home Inc., had given last week an interesting presentation on Co-Living and Co-Housing project. In order to determine the feasibility of the project, India Home is conducting a Housing Survey for seniors. The survey will be useful for our seniors as well. Therefore, please fill out the survey. 
 

 

India Home’s Housing Survey 

India Home is looking to gauge need and interest from NY’s South Asian older adult community (age 50+) on housing issues and potential future projects. 

Please use the following link to complete the housing survey and submit the form. This form is hosted on India Home’s domain and your submitted data is safe and secured. 

https://forms.gle/cB1oyury8oWiSwcb7

Feel free to forward this survey form to friends and family members who fall in this category. Your responses will help the process of bringing housing equity to the South Asian older adult community! 

Please feel free to reach out to Shaaranya Pillai at (917) 834-7895 with any questions. 

 
4. The Computer Class:
 

Prof Raj Vangapaty is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Computer Technology Course for Senior Members
Time: April 25, 2021 at 10:30 am Computer Class

Join Zoom Meeting
https://indiahome.zoom.us/j/98114126485?pwd=eHhXMllJcklJWld2ZVo4dFBheEdDQT09

Meeting ID: 981 1412 6485
Passcode: 643225

 

5. 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, April 27, 2021.For your queries, please contact her at rdharia78@yahoo.com or by text at 917 435 1890.
 

It is gratifying to note that Rupaben has conscientiously completed 100 classes and has provided dedicated Yoga services to our seniors during the pandemic period. Thanks Rupaben. 


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:

Niranjan Patel, Secretary, provided details of future programs. 


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

ID: 516 607 5252
Password: 5252

(i) Manage With Covid Trauma:
 
Ms. Vaidehi Jokhakar’s presentation on Manage with Covid Trauma by Caregivers and Care Receivers is planned on Thursday, April 29, 2021 from 10:30am to 12:00pm
 
Thereafter, a musical program by singer Ipshita Roy is planned which is arranged through Bharatbhai Goradia. 

 

(ii) Music Program:
 
A music program of Suneheri Yade of Shankar Jaikishan by Dhomne Group, sponsored by Rajni & Dr. Jyoti Gandhi, is planned on Saturday, May 1, 2021. A flyer was placed on WhatsApp earlier. 
 
(iii) 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. 
 
(iv) Music Program:
 
A music program by Dhomne Group, sponsored by Chandrakant & Bhanuben Shah, is planned on Saturday, May 15, 2021 at 10:30am. Details to follow. 
 
(v) Bhajan Program:
 
A bhajan program by Varsha Joshi, sponsored by Mrs. Hemaxiben Parekh, is planned on Thursday, May 20, 2021 between 12:00pm to 1:30pm. A program for 10:30am to 12:00pm will be announced later. 
 
(vi) Father’s Day:
 

Father’s Day celebration is planned on Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 10:30am. Details to follow. 


(vii) Vishnu Sahasranam:

As advised earlier, Dr. Narendra Bhalodkar’s program on Vishnu Sahsranam is on every Monday from 9:45a to 11:45am. His next program will be on Monday, April 26, 2021 starting at 9:40am. Pujya Bhaishri Rameshbhai Oza will grace the meeting. 


(viii) 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.

AN ADDITIONAL BHAJAN SANDHYA IS PLANNED ON TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 2021 STARTING AT 8:30PM TO CELEBRATE HANUMAN JAYANTI. 

 

ID 127 918 441

Password 1975 
 
(ix) Karaoke Talent Night II : 
 
SCC of VTNY  presents a Karaoke Talent Night II on Saturday, April 24, 2021 at 7:30pm. A flyer is attached. 
 
SCC’s May 7 and May 22, 2021 programs will be announced later. 
 
(x) Ghazals Program:
 
Gujarati Literary Society of USA has arranged Ghazals program on Saturday, April 24, 2021 at 9pm. A flyer is attached. 
 
 
(xi) Music Program:
 

Parikh Geetmala’s musical program is planned on Sunday, April 25, 2021 at 10:30am. A flyer is attached. 

(xii) Shri Mahavir Jayanti Program:
 
A Mahotsav is planned on Sunday, April 25, 2021 at 4pm. A flyer is attached. 
 
(xiii) Gujarat Day:
 
GSNY is planning to celebrate the Gujarat Day on Saturday, May 1, 2021. Details to follow. 
 
(xiv) Gujarat Day:
 
GONA USA is celebrating Gujarat Day on Saturday, May 1, 2021 depicting Gujarat darshan with well known artists. A flyer was placed on WhatsApp earlier. 
 

(xv) SAWAO:

 

SAWAO has organized Mother’s Day program on Sunday, May 9, 2021 at 10:30am. 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

April 24, 2021

718 450 1829 (C)

 

Sent from my iPad

 
 

Betty Friedan

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