“Aging is not ‘lost youth’ but a new stage of opportunity and strength.”
PRESIDENT’S REPORT # 92 & 93 - Mukund Mehta
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY
Dear Friends:
The following are brief reports of the Zoom meetings held on Thursday, June 17, and Saturday, June 19, 2021. Proceedings of the meetings were recorded and will be placed on YouTube. The meetings were 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.
1. THE JUNE 17TH MEETING:
The meeting started with a prayer by Bhartiben & Dipakbhai Mehta.
In his welcome address, President requested members to join in paying a tribute to Shri Kanubhai Lakhani, 81, active promoter of Jain activities in the U.S. who passed away, and was the elder brother of our member Shri Rameshbhai Lakhani, VP, Jain Senior Group. Our condolences and sympathies to his wife Kumudben and her family. May God rest his soul in peace.
(i) Pujya Shri Giriraj Shashiji’s Presentation:
President welcomed Pujya Shri Giriraj Shastriji, who had given his presentations to our members in the past, whose subject today was पितृ देवो भव as a prelude to the June 20 Father’s Day. Pankajbhai Parikh introduced Shastriji. Thanks to Shri Mukeshbhai Kapadia, CPA, of Toronto, Canada, for sponsoring today’s program.
Shashtriji, a theologian, chanted Mangla Charan and clarified that all our Shashras शास्त्र are based on scientific and logical principles, contrary to the general belief that they merely represent religion. Expanding the meaning of पितृ – पिता, Shashtriji stated that there are five पिता, viz., Janmdata (father), Bhaymuktidata (fear remover), Anndata (Giriraj Bhagwan), Vidyadata (गुरु) and Kanyadata (daughter’s father). पितृ देवो भव does not mean that पितृ is Dev देव but try to become (भव – था) like Dev देव and preaches us to treat father as देव.
Citing various interesting episodes, including Maharaja Dashrath complying his Vardan to Kaikeyi of sending Shri Ram to Vanvas for 14 years, Shashtriji equated पितृ देवो भव to मातृ देवो भव, although historians, writers and poets stress that the latter has superiority. Mother teaches her baby to walk by holding his fingers but father prepares the young one to survive and prosper on his feet without becoming dependent on others. Mothers soft at heart express their emotions in public whereas fathers suppress them although in their hearts, they feel intense pain.
Shastriji narrated an interesting story of Bhag and Abhag distinguishing between materialistic-minded three brothers and a spiritual- and a religious-minded brother. Shastriji considered two people as his पिता, one Janmdata पिता and another पालकपिता with whom he lived for five and a half years, learned and studied various शास्त्र.
Viewers thanked Shastriji for the reservoir of religious knowledge and for his discourse on पितृ देवो भव.
(ii) Musical Program:
Today’s musical program of singer Jaydeep Solanki, SV Virtual Band, Baroda, was arranged through Suhagben Mehta, a well known social worker and a recipient of the coveted Kashi award for best national event organizer in the U.S., U.K., and India. She is a pioneer of the New York Ganesh Utsav as well as President of SAWAO. Thanks Suhagben. She introduced the singer and announced that she along with Chiragbhai Solanki and others have started a studio in Baroda and is available for musical programs.
Jaydeepbhai sang a variety of Bollywood songs, Gujarati Geets and ghazals including Ye Raatein Ye Mausam Nadi Ka Kinara, Door Rehkar Na Karo Baat, Aaja Tujhko Pukare Mera Pyaar, Kehna Hai Kehna Hai, Zindagi Kaisi Hai Paheli, Ek Pyaar Ka Nagma Hai, Gulabi Aankhe Jo Teri Dekhi, Parda Hai Parda, Tum Bin Jaaun Kahaan, Gujarati Geets Nayan Ne Bandh Rakhi Ne, Nazar Na Jaam Chhalkavine, Mara Bhola Dil No, Suhani Chandni Raatein Hamein Sone Nahin Deti, Aisa Mauka Phir Kahan Milega, Taron Mein Sajke, Kya Hua Tera Wada, Tum Mujhe Yun Bhula Na Paoge, among others.
Viewers enjoyed the singer’s program for an hour and a half.
(iii) Contributions:
Thanks for the generous contributions:
Anonymous $151
(iv) New Member:
We welcome a new member Kokilaben Arvindbhai Shah.
(v) Pankajbhai Parikh, VP, updated information about membership profile form, Housie game on 6/27th, picnic on 8/1st, and the Janmastami Mahotsav starting 8/12th.
A PowerPoint presentation for birthday/wedding anniversary was displayed.
Jitendra Zaveri, Jt. Secretary, provided details of future programs.
A Vote of Thanks by Dipakbhai Mehta.
2. THE JUNE19TH MEETING:
The meeting started with a prayer by Chandrakantbhai & Manjulaben Patel.
In his welcome address, President requested members to join in paying a tribute to Shri Yogendra Parikh, 73, who passed away in Baroda and who was the elder brother of Smt Priyaben Sheth (wife of Shri Ashokbhai Sheth). Our condolences and sympathies to the family. May God rest his soul in peace. Condolence messages may be sent to Ashokbhai at asheth21@gmail.com
(i) Musical Program:
Mayuri & Rocky Patalia’s orchestra group entertained viewers with their beautiful 3-hour Anmol Nagme musical program which was embedded with Bollywood songs, Gujarati Lokgeets, Qawwali, and Ghazals. Mukund Mehta introduced Mayuri (profile attached). The program was sponsored by Chandrakantbhai & Manjulaben Patel. Thanks to the couple.
The musical gala was arranged through Bharatbhai Goradia, cultural ambassador between the U.S. and India. This was the eighteenth program arranged by him for the benefit of our viewers. Thanks Bharatbhai for your selfless service for keeping seniors engaged during the pandemic period.
The orchestra group sang items of yesteryear including Pukarta Chala Hoon Mein, Lag Ja Gale, Bahon Mein Chale Aao, Paan Lilu Joyu, Hai Apna Dil To Awara, Tari Aankhno Afini, Kitna Pyara Wada, Ek Shahenshah Ne Banwa Ke Haseen Taj Mahal, Saawan Ka Mahina, Haal Kaisa Hai Janab Ka, Papa mere Papa (sung by 7-year old Anmol commemorating Father’s Day), Teri Mehfil Mein Kismat , Ramaiya Vastavaiya, Tumne Mujhe Dekha, Sawariyo Re Maro, Bachpan Ki Mohabbat Ko, Yeh Zindagi Usi Ki Hain, Mere Man Ki Ganga, Mujhe Kitna Pyaar Hai, Tumne Pukara Aur Hum Chale Aaye, Aaja Sanam Madhur Chandani Mein Hum, Aaja Re Ab Mera Dil Pukara, Dil Ne Phir Yaad Kiya, Dil Mein Tuzhe Bithake, Jeena Yahan Marna Yahan, among others.
The singers sang Mukhada (first few lines) of Chandrakantbhai Patel’s Farmayish (list attached) of about a dozen songs.
Viewers enjoyed the selection and varieties of evergreen songs and the mellifluous voice of Mayuri, Rocky (husband), Priyanka Rajput and Vijaybhai.
(ii) Contributions:
We’re thankful for the following contributions:
(a) Janmastami :
Indraprasad (83rd Birthday) & Mrudulaben Dave
(56th Wedding Anniversary) $251
Rajesh & Rupa Shah 151
Indravadan & Hemangi Shah 101
(b) Picnic:
Mukund & Padma Mehta 151
(c) General:
Indravadan (75th Birthday) & Dharmishta Mody 101
(iii) Pankajbhai Parikh briefed about the Housie game on 6/27, Picnic on 8/1, and the Janmastami Mahotsav starting on 8/12/21. Thanks to Jayendrabhai Desai for booking the picnic spots.
Niranjanbhai Patel provided details of future programs.
(iii) PowerPoint Presentation:
Jitendra Zaveri, Jt. Secretary, introduced the sponsors Chandrakantbhai & Manjulaben Patel (profile attached) who in turn addressed viewers. A PowerPoint presentation, beautifully prepared by Jyotindrabhai Patel, showing photos of the sponsors was displayed.
A Vote of Thanks by Mrs. Shobhanaben (Aroonbhai) Shah.
3. The Computer Class:
NO CLASS ON SUNDAY, JUNE 20, 2021. ENJOY FATHER’S DAY.
4. The Yoga Class:
NO MORE CLASSES ON TUESDAYS. NO CLASSES ON FRIDAYS, JUNE 25TH AND JULY 2, 2021.
Yoga class is going in full swing as about 60 families participate on Zoom. The next class is on Friday, July 9, 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= d1preTlFMng5NXBQdFlKVjVqenh5Zz 09 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) 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).
(ii) The Housie Game:
(iii) Musical Program:
A musical program by singer Neeti Gupte is planned on Thursday, July 1, 2021, 12:00pm-1:30pm (arranged through Bharatbhai Goradia ).
(iv) Musical Program:
A musical program by singer Rutu Patel is planned on Thursday, July 8, 2021 from 12:00pm to 1:30pm (arranged through Suhagben Mehta.
(v) Musical Program:
A musical program by singer Sogata Chakrbarty is planned on Thursday, July 15, 2021 from 12:00pm to 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 21, 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) Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan:
Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan has planned a program Geet Maarun Mangamtun on Sunday, June 20, 2021 at 2pm. A flyer was placed on WhatsApp earlier.
(xii) Bhajan Sandhya:
Brahmin Society of New York has planned a Bhajan Sandhya on Sunday, June 20, 2021 from 4 pm to 7 pm. A flyer was placed on WhatsApp earlier.
(xiii) Musical Program:
Parikh Geetmala has planned a musical program on Sunday, June 27, 2021 at 10:30am.
(xiv) Jain Senior Group:
Jain Senior Group has planned a musical program by Sanjeevani Bhelande on Saturday , July 10, 2021. A flyer is attached.
Please stay healthy.
Mukund Mehta, President
June 19, 2021
718 450 1829 (C)
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