“Aging is not ‘lost youth’ but a new stage of opportunity and strength.”
PRESIDENT’S REPORT # 97 - Mukund Mehta
Dear Friends:
The following is a brief report of the Zoom meeting held on Thursday, July 8, 2021. Proceedings of the meeting were recorded and will be placed on YouTube. The meeting was anchored by Pankajbhai Panrikh, VP, hosted by Jagdishbhai Patel, VP-PR and co-hosted by Niranjanbhai Patel, Secretary. A PowerPoint presentation was prepared by Jyotindrabhai Patel, Past President, GSNY. Thanks to all.
Thanks to Bank of Baroda as a Grand Benefactor for Silver Jubilee Celebrations 2021-2022. Also thanks to our member Mr. Ashok Sheth for liaising with the Bank.
The meeting started with a prayer by Kashmiraben & Bipinbhai Shah.
While welcoming members, President shared sad news of the demise of our member Mr. Sudarshan Bhatt who passed away this morning. He was jointly operating the Nexus Social Center, Queens, where we had our pre-pandemic biweekly meetings, and had hosted along with his wife Mrs. Purnimaben Bhatt delicious breakfast a few times. Condolence messages may be sent at tejasbhatt0075@gmail.com 51
President was pleased to announce a milestone reached by our member Diwaliben Toprani who celebrated her 100th birthday on July 5, 2021 and resides with her daughter Minaben in Colorado.
1. (i) Presentation by Dr. Darshnaben Thakker:
Dr. Darshnaben Thakker, an inspirational speaker from Ahemedabad, India, (profile attached) was introduced by Mr. Amit G. Parikh (profile attached).
While analyzing the meaning of today’s topic “સુખના સરનામા, મોજના માઈલસ્ટોન,” Dr. Thakker first explained the word સુખ meaning pleasure, comfort, delight derived from an individual’s state of wellbeing which could be subjective, e. g., travel, car, etc. The next question is what’s the address for getting સુખ – it’s not on sale but it’s derived from within by pursuing the subjective activity and erasing from mind unpleasant – દુ:ખ – events, as has been said by Avinash Vyas, દુ:ખને ખંખેરી નાખ. The words મોજ indicates આનંદ and milestone refers to a specific incident which is cemented in mind for ever, e.g., mother remembering the first cry of a new born baby forgetting for a moment the immense pain of delivery.
After analyzing the meaning of the topic, Dr. Thakker reminded the audience that સુખ is obtained by keeping a balance in life which invariably has ups and downs. She said that 80% of the state of wellbeing depends on what is stored in our mind and thoughts.
Milestones are built as we age. There is very little memory built up for a baby growing up to five years. Development milestone is formed during the age 5 to 15 years by learning and observing; emotional fabric sets in during the age 15 to 25 years with the growth of hormones, remembering school/college days and dreaming for future; and realities of life set in during the age of 25 to 40 years due to marriage, family, job, lot of emotions, and experiencing bouts of સુખ and દુ:ખ, likes and dislikes, leading to a state of internal conflict.
For building up મોજના milestones, try to accept realities, be flexible, don’t forget your roots, jettison emotional garbage (sometime it is easier said than done), give up the notion to change others, remember health is wealth, and સુખ and દુ:ખ are two sides of a coin which are not permanent, as rightly said by Norman Vincent Peale that tough time never lasts for ever.
Dr. Thakker’s 70-minute motivational presentation in Gujarati was revved by about 300 (175 Zoom logins) viewers.
(ii) Musical Program:
Rutu Patel, a versatile playback singer specialized in Bollywood songs, bhajans, and Garba, who has performed in several countries during last 10 years, entertained viewers for an hour and a half. The program was arranged through our member Suhagben Mehta, a well known community member and a recipient of the famous Kashi award for best national event organizer in the U.S., U.K. and India. She is President of SAWAO and a pioneer of the Lord Ganesh Mahotsav in New York. Thanks Suhagben for your selfless services on a voluntary basis.
Rutu Patel unleashed a series of Bollywood songs including Lag Ja Gale, O Sama Sama Hai Pyar Ka, Ajeeb Dastan Hai, Tune O Rangile Kaise Jadu Kia, Humein Aur Jeene Ki Chahat Na Hoti, Tujhse Naraaz Nahin Zindagi, Aaja Aai Bahar, Aage Bhi Jaane Na Tu, Pan Lilu Joyu Ne Tame, Ek Pyar Ka Nagma Hai, O Mere Sona Re, Rahen Na Rahen Hum, Jab Chhaye Mera Jaadu, Tu Kitni Achhi Hai, Dikri Mari Ladakvayi, capping with Garba.
Viewers applauded her melodious voice and selection of songs.
(iii) Centenarian Diwaliben Toprani:
The Center takes pride in celebrating its member Diwali Ba’s 100th birthday. The Founding President Mr. Ashwinbhai Pandya conveyed congratulations to her. Mr. Kantibhai Patel, Past President, also congratulated and wished her a happy birthday; appreciated services rendered to the Center; and commended the Center for its meteoric growth during last few years. Hundreds of viewers congratulated Diwali Ba and wished her good health and a long life. Jagdishbhai Patel played a recorded song of Happy Birthday. Her daughter Minaben was commended for taking care of her mother in Colorado.
(iv) Contributions:
Janmastami:
Co-Sponsors: Vanlila and Bharti Parikh – $251, Indrajit & Kailas Shah –
$251.
A Wellwisher – $101.
Picnic:
Drs. Shyam & Maya Rao – $200, Jayant Zaveri – $50
(v) Pankajbhai Parikh, VP., briefed regarding next Housie on Saturday, 7/24th, picnic on 8/1st, and Janmastami Mahotsav from 8/12thconsisting of 14 programs and supported by 24 sponsors, co-sponsors and well wishers. Pl enroll your name as a sponsor, co-sponsor or well wisher as soon as possible so as to include names in a brochure.
A PowerPoint presentation, prepared by Jyotindrabhai Patel, was displayed by Jagdishbhai Patel showing photos of Diwali Ba’s 100th birthday and belated birthdays of Jagdishbhai Patel and Chandrakantbhai Patel.
A Vote of Thanks by Mr. Indravadanbhai Shah.
2. The Computer Class:
Prof Rajasekhar Vangapaty is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Computer Technology Course for Senior Members
Time: This is a recurring meeting, July 11, 2021 at 12 noon.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://indiahome.zoom.us/j/
Meeting ID: 981 1412 6485
Passcode: 672885
3. The Yoga Class:
NO CLASSES ON TUESDAYS.
Yoga class is going in full swing as about 60 families participate on Zoom. The next class is on Friday, July 16, 2021.For your queries, please contact her at rdharia78@yahoo.com or by text at 917 435 1890.
ID: 715 3405 1087
Password: 6789
4. 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
5. Future Programs:
Jitendra Zaveri, Jt. 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) 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).
(ii) 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.
(iii) Housie Game:
A Housie game is planned on Saturday, July 24, 2021, from 3pm to 5pm.
(iv) Picnic:
A picnic is planned on Sunday, August 1, 2021. Details forwarded on WhatsApp.
(v) Musical Program:
A musical program by singer Meena Trivedy, London, U.K., is planned on Thursday, August 5, 2021 from 12:00pm to 1:30pm (arranged through Bharatbhai Goradia).
(vi) 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.
(vii) 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, July 12, 2021.(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.
ID 127 918 441
Password 1975
(ix) SCC of VTNY/VTNY/WOMEN WING:
Anand Bazar Funfare is planned on Saturday, July 10, 2021, 4pm to 7:30pm. A flyer is attached
(x) Jain Senior Group:
Jain Senior Group has planned a musical program by Sanjeevani Bhelande on Saturday, July 10, 2021 at 9pm. A flyer is attached.
(xi) India Home:
India Home resumes senior center programs at Jamaica Estates, Queens, from July 16, 2021 every Friday 10am to 1pm. A flyer is attached.
(xii) Brahmin Society of New York (BSNY):
BSNY’s Bhajan Sandhya is planned on Sunday, July 18, 2021 from 1pm to 4pm. A flyer is attached.
(xiii) Adhytmic Vikas Kendra (AVK)
AVK’s picnic is planned on Sunday, July 25, 2021 from 10am to 7pm at Valley Stream State Park, Long Island, NY. Pl contact Paragbhai Patel, President, 646 496 7748.
(xiv) Music Program:
Parikh Geetmala has a musical program planned on Sunday, July 25, 2021 at 10:30am. A flyer is attached.
Please stay healthy.
Mukund Mehta, President
July 10, 2021
718 450 1829 (C)
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