2021 Celebrations of the Center:

Dear Friends:

The following is a brief report of the Zoom meeting held on Thursday, June 10, 2021. Proceedings of the meeting were recorded and will be placed on YouTube. The meeting was anchored by Pankajbhai Parikh, VP, hosted by Jagdishbhai Patel, VP -PR 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 Chandrikaben & Gajubhai Patel.

In his welcome address, President requested members to join in paying a tribute to Shri Vallabhbhai Patel, 92, the elder brother of our member Shri Chandrakantbhai Patel, who passed away in India a couple of days ago. He was a popular English teacher and president of NAR town people Mandal. Our condolences and sympathies to the family. May God rest his soul in peace. Condolence messages may be sent to Chandrakantbhai & Manjulaben Patel at Chandrakant.patelc1m2@gmail.com

President welcomed Mrs. Preety Sengupta, a poet, essayist, novelist and renowned globetrotter who has gone around the world at least 15 times covering 112 countries in seven Continents, as well as an Expedition to the Magnetic North Pole. Her brief profile is attached.

1. (i) Mrs. Preety Sengupta’s Presentation:

Mrs. Preety Sengupta, explaining the philosophy of travel, stated that it’s an art akin to creative thinking and writing and involves the elements of happiness, sense of wonder and curiosity. Most of us travel to see new places but do not grasp the intricacies surrounding the places such as geography, history, anthropology, society, etc. She highlighted such intricacies through an array of beautiful slides of her travel to Madagascar, Namibia, Lesotho and South Africa. Although the pandemic has restricted travels, she made good use of her time and wrote a beautiful Gujarati poem on the pandemic – ઓછું થતું ગયું છે, હાથને ખંખેરી લઉં, મનથી ભાર ઉતારી લઉં…….

Brief highlights of the countries:

Madagascar:

Beautiful slides of Madagascar, an island country in the Indian Ocean about 250 miles off the cost of East Africa, covering Antananarivo station, downtown area, vendors selling varieties of items, fertile land growing fruits & vegetables, animals particularly Lemur monkey, were impressive.

Namibia:

Slides of the Southwest African seashore country Namibia, previously a German Colony and became independent since 1990, covered a beautiful garden inundated with purple color flowers, shopping area, handicrafts, sculptures, and reddish sand dunes. Namibia is known for diamonds – since recovery of diamonds from land excavation is waning, a search is now concentrated from the sea.

Lesotho:

Lesotho, a land-locked country located at a high altitude of 3,000 feet and encircled by South Africa, is a very small independent country. Interesting slides of the capital city Maseru showed parks, cows, and peaceful rural life.

South Africa:

A slide of Pietermaritzburg railway station in South Africa where Gandhiji, a young lawyer then, age 23, was thrown off a train on June 7, 1893 after a white man objected to him traveling in the first class coach and spent the night on the footsteps of the station was really touching. Preetyben visited the station and referred to the 125th anniversary of the incidence which had changed the course of his life, fought against racial discrimination and started the nonviolence and civil disobedience movements for which he was sentenced to imprisonment in South Africa. Several slides of Gandhiji’s statues were shown.

Preetyben succinctly described the impact of Gandhiji’s philosophy on Nelson Mandela who fought against South Africa’s apartheid policy and was imprisoned for 27 years. A slide showing Mr. Mandell’s facial image through a pile of pillars developed by an innovative artist was very impressive. She also referred to Gandhiji’s follower Archbishop Desmond Tutu, a leading spokesman for nonviolence in South Africa.

More than 250 viewers (140+ zoom logins) enjoyed Preetyben’s 75-minute fact-filled interesting presentation.

(ii) Musical Program:

Ms. Bhavna Goyal, a soulful singer and recipient of several awards, accompanied by Dr. Tushar Patel, entertained viewers with beautiful songs.

Mr. Bharatbhai Goradia having various contacts with Bollywood artists recommended today’s musical by Ms. Bhavna Goyal to whom he introduced. Due to torrential rain in Mumbai yesterday, the scheduled singer Sagota Chakrabarty’s studio was flooded which knocked out the WIFI system and consequently she couldn’t perform her program. Bharatbhai at the eleventh hour managed to substitute the singer. This was the seventeenth program arranged by Bharatbhai for which the Center is thankful. One more feather in his hat as Hindi Media Newspaper has given a full page article (see the link below) about his journey. Congratulations.

http://hindimedia.in/diligence-honesty-humility-take-special-care-of-these-three-things-bharat-goradia/#

Bhavnaji kicked off the program in her melodious voice with a prayer O Palanhare. Thereafter she and Dr. Tushar Patel entertained viewers for an hour and a half with a variety of songs including Kahan Tak Yeh Man Ko, Rahen Na Rahen Hum, Tumhi mere Mandir, Phool Tumhe Bheja Hai Khat Mein, Kai Baar Yun Bhi Dekha Hai, O Nil Gagan Na Pankheru, Jab Naam Tera Pyaar Se, Aye Mere Humsafar, Jab Chahe Mera Jadoo, Divso Judaina Jaay Chhe, Tere Liye, AapJaisa Koi Meri Zindgi Mein, among others.

Viewers applauded the singers.

(iii) Bank of Baroda:

The Center has celebrated a three-day Lagnotsav, a four-day Holi and is planning for an eight-day Janmastami festival during its Silver Jubilee period. As we may undertake more events, the Executive Committee decided to extend the Silver Jubilee Celebration period through 2022.

We’re pleased to announce that Bank of Baroda will be a Grand Benefactor for the Silver Jubilee Celebrations through 2022 and thanks to Mr. B. Elango, CEO-U.S. Operations for his support. Also, thanks to our member Ashokbhai Sheth for liaising with the Bank.

(iv) Mr. Harshad Patel (Pakaji):

Mr. Harshad Patel (Pakaji) has graciously agreed to be the Grand Sponsor of the eight-day Janmastami Festival starting August 12, 2021 ($5,000). Thanks Pakaji.

Since all sponsors and co-sponsors names will be included in a brochure, please enroll for a sponsorship soon.

(v) PowerPoint Presentation:

A PowerPoint presentation, prepared by Jyotindrabhai Patel, showing photos of the following members for their birthdays was displayed:

Kalpanaben Dharia, Padma Mehta, Rameshbhai Parekh and Jayantibhai Shah.

(vi) Members’ Achievements:

In response to our request to members to let us know of their achievements, Dr. Himanshu Pandya informed that he was a recipient of two prestigious awards this year for working in the U.S. and India during the COVID pandemic (attached). While sharing his achievements, he urges others to do the same to encourage members. Congratulations Dr. Himanshubhai for your sterling achievements.

(vii) Contributions:

Our thanks to the following members for their generous contributions:

Mukund & Padma Mehta $251

Gajubhai & Chandrikaben Patel 101 (Grand daughter Shayli
Sanjay Patel’s graduation)

(viii) Our Members on Radio Zindagi Program:

Parker Jewish Indian Cultural Unit members Shri Dahyabhai Patel and Dr. Hiralal Patel will participate in the Radio Zindagi program scheduled on Monday, June 14, 2021 at 3:30pm. A flyer is attached.

(ix) Pankajbhai Parikh, VP, informed about profile updates of members, Housie on June 27, picnic on August 1, and the Janmastami festival beginning August 12, 2021.

A Vote of Thanks by Mukund Mehta

2. Dr. Madhubhai Parikh – Florida

Dr. Madhubhai Parikh has been entertaining Zoom viewers with a variety of musical programs each Sunday voluntarily since the onset of the pandemic. Hundreds of viewers joined each week. Starting this month, the program will be once a week on last Sunday of the month. A program is scheduled on Sunday, June 27, 2021 at 10:30am.

Dr. Madhubhai has forwarded today two small video clips (attached) which show a great humanitarian work by a group in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, providing free basic necessities of life of food and water to poorest people. The group will be invited during the June 27 program to discuss about its activities of helping the needy people and answer your questions. Please attend the program.

3. The Computer Class:

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

Please note one day class time: 2:30pm

Topic: Computer Technology Course for Senior Members
Time: Please note one day class time: 2:30pm on June 13, 2021

Join Zoom Meeting
https://indiahome.zoom.us/j/98114126485?pwd=cTVySk1UeEJ2ZGRmQWFkdy9YaTZXUT09

Meeting ID: 981 1412 6485
Passcode: 748763

4. The Yoga Class:

NO MORE CLASSES ON TUESDAYS.

Yoga class is going in full swing as about 60 to 70 families participate on Zoom. The next class is on Friday, June 18, 2021.For your queries, please contact her at rdharia78@yahoo.com or by text at 917 435 1890.

ID: 715 3405 1087
Password: 6789

5. 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

6. Future Programs:

Niranjan Patel, Secretary, provided details of future programs.

Please note the ID and Password for the programs (i) through (ix).

ID: 516 607 5252
Password: 5252

(i) Pujya Shri Giriraj Shastriji’s Presentation:

Shri Shastriji’s presentation on पितृ देवो भव: is planned on Thursday, June 17, 2021 from 10:30am to 12:00pm.

Thereafter, a musical program by Jaydeep Solanki (SV Band) (arranged through Suhag Mehta)

(ii) Father’s Day Musical Program:

A musical program by Mayuri & Rocky Patalia’s orchestra celebrating Father’s Day, sponsored by Chandrakantbhai & Manjulaben Patel, is planned on Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 10:30am. (The orchestra arranged through Bharatbhai Goradia).

(iii) Musical Program:

A musical program by Pranita Dasgupta Deshpande (Mumbai) is planned on Thursday, June 24, 2021 from 12:00pm to 1:30pm. (Arranged through Hemant Shah).

(iv) The Housie Game:

The next Housie game is planned on Sunday, June 27, 2021 from 2:00 pm.

(v) Musical Program:

A musical program by singer Sagota Chakrabarty is planned on Thursday, July 1, 2021, 12:00pm-1:30pm (arranged through Bharatbhai Goradia ).

(vi) Reminiscing Binaca Geetmala:

A musical program by SurSangam Nagpur Group based on yesteryear-favorite Binaca Geetmala, sponsored by Parker Jewish Institute, is planned on Saturday, July 17, 2017 at 10:30am.

(vii) Picnic:

A picnic is planned on Sunday, August1, 2021. Details forwarded on WhatsApp.

(viii) Janmashtami Mahotsav:

Janmashtami Mahotsav Celebration is planned for four Thursdays, August 12, 19, 26 and September 2, and four Saturdays August 14, 21, 28 and September 4, 2021. Details to follow.

(ix) Vishnu Sahasranam:

As advised earlier, Dr. Narendra Bhalodkar’s program on Vishnu Sahsranam is on every Monday from 9:45am to 11:45am/12:00pm. His next program will be on Monday, June 14, 2021.

(x) 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

(xi) VTNY:

Senior Community Center of VTNY, VTNY and Women Wing of VTNY have planned a Gujarati Drama Sasu Vahu Ni 20-20 on Sunday, June13, 2021 at 6:30pm. A flyer is attached.
Happy Father’s Day Breakfast meeting is planned on Saturday, June 19, 2021 from 8am to 10am. A flyer is attached.

(xii) Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan:

Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan has planned two 1-Act Gujarati Dramas:
Chakravo and Ek Diwani Ek Mastani on Tuesday, June 15, 2021 at 11am EST. A flyer is attached.

Another program Geet Maarun Mangamtun is planned on Sunday, June 20, 2021 at 2pm. A flyer is attached.

(xiii) FISANA:

FISANA has planned Father’s Day program Eva Amara Pita on Saturday, June 19, 2021. A flyer is attached.

(xiv) Bhajan Sandhya:

Brahmin Society of New York has planned a Bhajan Sandhya on Sunday, June20, 2021 from 4 pm to 7 pm. A flyer was placed on WhatsApp earlier.

Please stay healthy.

Mukund Mehta, President
June 12, 2021

718 450 1829 (C)

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