Indian Seniors of Chicago in festivity mood

Chicago IL: Members of Indian Seniors of Chicago met at Manav Seva Mandir on Saturday 11th August, 2012 at 11.30am for the celebration of Independence Day, Raksha Bandhan, Janmashtami and Birthday of seniors. Around 135 members attended the program. Mrs Hema Shastri, executive Committee member, Mrs Mayura Desai and Shri Bipin Shah opened the commencing of gathering by prayer and Hanuman Chalisa and all the members cooperated to sing with them. Then Hema Shastri, Mrs Bhadra Shah and some of the female members chanted Bhajans appropriate to the celebration of Janmashtami.

Shri CV Desai presented the detailed accounts which included 2 days tour to Maharishi Vedic City, Fairfield, Iowa and July 14th picnic. He also congratulated some hard working members who helped during the tour. Tour and Picnic were successfully conducted with the help of various member volunteers.

Shri Hirabhai Patel gave highlights recent 9 days member bus tour to include Las Vegas, Mt. Rushmore, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon and Hoover dam. He also thanked certain members for cash contribution given to Indian Seniors of Chicago. Shri Narsinhbhai Patel gave the sponserars’ names and the amount and materials they have contributed for picnic and Chimanbhai Patel gave congratulation to those who have helped one or the other way for the very enjoyable successful picnic.

Shri Bipin Shah, highlights the importance of 15th August, Independence day. He said that India achieved independence following the Indian independence movement noted for largely peaceful nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience led by the Mahatma Gandhi and Indian National Congress. On 15 August, then Prime Minister of India Mr. Jawaharlal Nehru who hoists the tricolor Indian Flag on the historical site Red Fort in Delhi. Twenty one gun salute were given for the jubilant historic occasion. He paid tribute to the leaders of the sacrifice and freedom struggle. The prime Minister highlights the future goals to move newly born independent Nation. The ceremony was highlighted by 1st time singing of Indian national anthem, Jana Gana Mana. This was followed by huge parade encompassing show of mighty Indian Army, Navy, Air force and paramilitary forces. The parade and pageants showcasing events from the struggle for independence as well as cultural traditions of the country were also included.

Next, the celebration of members birthdays which was in the month of August were recognized with birthday greeting cards and gift booklet by Shri Dr. Chandrakant Modi, president of Indian Cremation of Chicagoland
All members collectively sang the sang ‘ Bar Bar Ye Din Aaye Tum Jio Hajare Sal, Happy Birth Day To you’ and gave blessing through this song. Hindus celebrate Janmashtami by fasting and staying up until midnight, the time when Krishna is believed to have been born. Images of Krishna’s infancy are placed in swings and cradles in temples and homes. At midnight devotees gather around for devotional songs.Shri Naranbhai Mody and Mrs Surya Mody started the celebration of Janmashtmi with the bhajan and Arti with the help of some of the lady members. Bhadra Shah also sang a Krishna bhajan in her typical sweet and melodious voice. All the members of the gathering also cooperated and sang the song. Some of the lady members highlighted the celebration by performing “Garba” on this attractive occasion.

Then Hema Shastri gave the brief history behind historical significance and meaning of Raksha bandhan. It is the Hindu festival that celebrates brotherhood and love. It is celebrated on the full moon in the month of Sravana in the lunar calendar.

She narrated the meaning of Raksha means protection, whilst Bandhan is the verb to tie. Traditionally, during the festival sisters straps a colorful Rakhi, around their brothers’ wrists to wish relationship. To celebrate the occasion ‘Raksha bandhan’ some lady members become sisters and they tie rakhi to their selected brothers’ wrists and wished happy and prosperous life and sang a song ‘Rakhi ke bandhan nibhana’

One of the main speaker of the day, Shri Sureshbhai Bodiwala spoke on values of volunteering service for human kind by giving various examples. Dr Chandrakant Modi spoke on Hindu/Jain/ Sikh cremation facilities available for the use of death of our dear one. Their team of volunteers has negotiated fixed traditional all inclusive Indian (Hindu/JainSikh) cremation service with 14 funeral home/cremation facilities all around Chicago land. The mission of the organization is dignified funeral and reasonable price. All the details are published at WWW. IndiancremationNFP.org and in a companion book for the guidance and help to our community. Mr Shali Kumar also spoke about his work for the benefit of Indian community.

Shri Jashvant Sheth gave information about the Nand Mahotsav celebration organized in Manav Seva Mandir and announce for 2 minutes silence in memory of our member shri Rameshbhai Gandhi, Shri Suresh Dalal and recent Milwaukee shooting victims. The meeting concluded with delicious lunch.

Photographs and Press release by: Asian Media USA

Suresh Bodiwala
Chairman
Asian Media USA
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