CURRENT EVENTS

2011-10-02T14:08:00.000-07:00

The summing up of 'Current Events' Program
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(IN THE ABOVE PHOTOS FROM TOP 'THE COMMENDATION PRESENTED BY ASH KALRA, COUNCIL MEMBER OF CITY OF SAN JOSE,CA' ON THE 95TH SESSION OF CURRENT EVENTS"- "IN SECOND PHOTO 'AWARD FOR 'CURRENT EVENTS' IN THE YEAR 2002 BY INDO AMERICAN COMMUNITY SERVICE CENTER,SANTA CLARA"- "IN BELOW THIRD PHOTO 'AWARD BY INDIA COMMUNITY CENTER MILPITAS FOR CURRENT EVENTS' IN THE YEAR 2010"-" IN THE BELOW FOURTH PHOTO 'FACILITATION BY GOPI GODHWANI, CHAIRPERSON, 'ICC' FOR 'CURRENT EVENTS"-" IN THE BOTTOM PHOTO OF 'DINESH BAJAJ, WHO GAVE TRIBUTE FOR THE CURRENT EVENTS' IN THE YEAR 2011 ON BEHALF OF MANAGING COMMITTEE OF INDIA COMMUNITY CENTER, CUPERTINO.CA")
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The Current Events program was conducted upto 111 th Session (i.e. Upto September 2011) by the Advisory committee members i.e. M Santhnam, A Narayanaswami, M K RAO, Hari Verma, Dr V K Jotwani in my absence. I thank them for their cooperation.
Bharat Desai
(FOUNDER PROGRAM MANAGER)
What members and others had said about 'Current Events' Program
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1) Respected bhaiya,
Current affairs (Current Events) is doing very good. I wish I could come everytime.
Regards,
Gopi
(Gopi Godhwani,Director, and Chairperson Senior, India Community Center, )
2)Dear Mr. Bharat Desai,
I congratulate you for organizing such a great event at "Gandhi Ji's 137th Birthday Celebrations" on 02 October 2006. I am amazed at the great planning and execution of the CURRENT EVENTS program and the zeal with which you are organizing the program. It is GREAT! The changes you are bringing about to improve the program are highly commendable. Every one is liking your programs. I wish you all the best. Thank you.
With Best Regards,
Yours Sincerely,
M.L. Swamy
(Secretary, Friends On Same Wavelength, ICC, Cupertino, CA)

3)Dear Bharatbhai Desai,
I appreciate the 'current events' program you are so nicely organising, with a music session included. We have been enjoying it.
Thanking you,
Regards,
Badami
(M C Badami, Senior member and Former General Manager Indian Public Sector Company)
4)Bharat Bhai,
I enjoyed your wonderful feed backs with colourful pictures . Current-Affairs event is becoming more and more interesting and enjoyable day by day. Music programs and humour are also attracting audience very well. You are doing a comendable job through this event,which is informative as well as refreshing . Please accept my heartiest felicitations for this successful and very well organized event ,
Warm regards,
Shakuntala Bahadur
(Shakuntala Bahadur, Very Senior Active Member of ICC, Cupertino, CA)
5)Regarding' CURRENT EVENTS' program
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"Today's programme was good. Congratulations."
Umakantha Sarma Anumula
(Umakantha Sarma, IAS, Member an Former Secretary of Government of India)
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The closing Tribute from the India community center, Cupertino, CA, Managing Committee regarding 'Current Events' Program
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"Dear Bharatbhai,
I am moved by your commitment and love for this program. You are the Founder Program Manager of this program and conducted it with decorum, determination and vision.
The committee recognizes your contributions to keep this program for over 100 meetings and you managed it well even during your absence. You have been a stalwart of ICSC/ICC and have participated and contributed in a positive way. We thank you for your support.
Dinesh Bajaj
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2011-05-10T06:21:00.002-07:00

Current Events program as on 2ND May 2010
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(In the above photo B K Rao is giving talk)
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(107 th Monthly Sessions)
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Following Eminent speakers presented their talk as under:-
1 Mr.B.K.Rao Spoke on "Middle East Developments" and then followed by Questions and Answers.
2 Mrs.Amrit Verma Presented on 'India'
Thereafter Ms.Sumedha Gogte Entertained the members with Vocal Music.
The Vote of Thanks was proposed by Mr.Satish Gadagkar.
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2011-04-17T10:20:00.000-07:00

Current Events as on 4th April 2010
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(IN THE ABOVE PHOTO DR V. JOTWANI IS MAKING PRESENTATION)
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(106TH MONTHLY SESSION)
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FOLLOWING EMINENT PERSONS WILL SPEAK AS FOLLOWS:
1)Gen(Rtd) Dr.R.M.Mathur will gave a presentation on 'India-China border conflict.'
2)Dr.Vishin Jotwani spoke on 'The American Foreign Policy with special reference to North Africa and West Asia.' and Mrs.Gaurangi Chinmulgund entertained the Members with Hindusthani Classical Music at the end.
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2011-03-08T09:29:00.000-08:00

Current Events program as on 7th March 2011
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(In the above Photo one of the participants Ramjibhai Patel)
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(105th Monthly Session)
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The Current Events Program was hold on 7th March 2011 at ICC,Cupertino. It was arranged by Mr.Justice Santhanam as given below:
1)Mr.Suresh Jalundhwala spoke On 'USA'
2)Mrs.Rajeswari Dhanu Siva talked On 'India'
3)Mr.Ramjibhai Patel gave talk On the 'World'
The musical presentations was given by Ms.Nikita Parekh at the end.
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2011-02-05T04:22:00.000-08:00

The Current Events programme on 7th February 2011
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(104TH MONTHLY SESSION)
(In the above photo Mrs Sunila Fondekar an active Senior during 'Current Events Program)
The program is conducted as detailed below:
1)Mr.Dinesh Bajaj Speaks on' USA'
2)Mrs.Sunila Fondekar On 'India'
and
3)Mr.A.M.Sinha On' The other parts of the World'
The Musical performance by Mr.Satish Gadagkar and his Associates. The program is coordinated by Justice M Santhnam, A Narayanaswami.
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2011-01-03T05:10:00.000-08:00

Current Events Program as on 3rd January 2011 at India community center, Cupertino,CA
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(103RD MONTHLY SESSION)
(In the above photo SVR Parangusam addressing the meeting)
The Current Events Programme on 3rd January,2011 was conducted as follows. It is first programme during New Year of 2011.
1)Mr.T.P.Subramonian on 'USA'
2)Mr.S.V.R.Parangusam on 'India'
3)Mr.Dhanu Shiva on'world'
4)Mr.Satish Ghadekar has kindly agreed to arrange the music;
Justice M.Santhanam and A.Narayanaswamy coordinated the program
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2010-12-06T10:57:00.000-08:00

CURRENT EVENTS AS ON 6TH DECEMBER2010 AT INDIA COMMUNITY CENTER,CUPERTINO
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(102ND MONTHLY SESSIONS)
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IN THE ABOVE PHOTO M SANTHNAM IS GIVING TALK)
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The Suresh Julundwall spoke on the latest regarding India. Thereafter Dinesh Bajaj went on reviewing the latest on 'American Scenario. M Santhnam spoke regarding the current hot events of the world.
The members were entertained through musical presentation at the end.
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2010-12-05T06:32:00.000-08:00

CURRENT EVENTS AS ON 1ST NOVEMBER 2010
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(IN THE ABOVE PROGRAM HARI VERMA IS PARTICIPATING IN THE PROGRAM)
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(101ST MONTHLY SESSION)
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Following eminent persons participated in the session as under:-
1)Dr V T Jotwani spoke on 'America'
2)H N Verma gave talk on'The Indian Government Involvement in Ayodhaya verdict.'
3) Smt Anuradha Jagdisan reviewed International Events.
and thereafter Priya Kulkarni presented Hindi and Kanada songs
The program was received very well.
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2010-10-07T17:52:00.000-07:00

CURRENT EVENTS PROGRAM AS ON 4TH OCTOBER 2010
(100TH MONTHLY SESSION)
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BACK GROUND
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The Current Events program was initiated in the month of February 2002 at 'Indo American Community Service Center' Santa Clara,CA and which merged with India community center,CA. Thereafter the program continued at ICC,Sunnyvale and Cupertino respectively.
The main objectives of the program is to brief and create interest among members regarding the latest developments in the fields of politic, business/finance,science/technology, art/culture, sport. Besides that we wanted to involve learned members and to share their knowledge and experiences mutually.We have been able to involve about more then 80 members in the process. We have also invited 43 eminent persons from the various fields to share their knowledge and experience with our members including dozen prominent Artist from the Bay Area for entertainment.
The program is being successfully organized and coordinated by Bharat Desai with the active support of members and staff of the Center. The whole Hearted cooperation, supports of Dinesh Bajaj, Prof. A Srinivasan, M L Swamy, M Santhnam,A Narayanaswami,C G Desai,R Parthsarthy,Dr V K Jotwani, Hari Verma, A M Krishna, T P Subramonian,Smt Premlatabahen Majmundar, and Smt Shakuntalabahadur brought this program to the Greater Height. We have to thank them all for same. The staff and volunteers of ICC, Cupertino always gave their best support and cooperation for its success. We are also thankful to our members for their unflinching loyalty to the program and their support.
BHARAT DESAI
ORGANIZER
CURRENT EVENTS
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100 Th Monthly Session Program of Current Events
As on 4Th October 2010
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(Photos from the left Dr V K Jotwani giving talk. In the middle photo Smt Sunila Fondekar welcoming Fawn Reed, Staff Attorney, 'SALA'. In the extreme right photo T P Subramonian is giving talk while in the bottom photos from left Shubhangi Sakhalkar, a Guest Artist, after being welcomed. In the middle Kris Wang, Mayor of Cupertino, Chief guest giving speech.)
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The above program arranged at India community center, Cupertino,CA. Bharat Desai who organized and coordinated the program could not handle the program due to unavoidable circumstances. It was conducted by A Srinivansan with the active support of M Santhnam in the absence of Bharat Desai.
The program stared with devotional song by Smt Pushpa Mathur.
Thereafter T P Subramonian gave talk on 'The Two Years of Obama'. He gave details regarding Obama's achievements and Failures thereof. It was received very well.
Kris Wang, Chief Guest and Hon. Mayor of Cupertino was introduced by Dinesh Bajaj. Thereafter Mayor was honored with the flowers by Smt Premlata Majmundar. Kris Wang, was very happy with program and praised the dedicated work of Bharat Desai who has been organizing and running the program successfully.
Tanuja Bahal, Executive Director of India community Center also appreciated the program and the dedicated work of Bharat Desai
Thereafter Fawn Reed,Staff Attorney, Senior Adult Law Assistance(SALA),and a Guest Speaker was introduced and was welcomed with flowers by Smt Sunila Fondekar. Fawn Reed gave talk on the Services offered by 'SALA' i.e. The services regarding SSI/MEDICAL/MEDICARE ETC. Her talk was received very well.
Shubhangi Sakhalkar, Renowned Artist of Bay Area who gave musical presentation of classical music was also honored with the flowers. Her musical presentation was praised by all.
The hand drawn sketches of Indian leaders of independence by Talwalkar, an eminent artist and member were also exhibited in the center during the 100th session of 'Current Events'
The Sum up and vote of thanks was proposed by Dr V K Jotwani at the end.
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2010-08-03T16:18:00.000-07:00

CURRENT EVENTS AS ON 2ND AUGUST 2010
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(FROM LEFT RAJALAKSHMI JAGANNATH GIVING TALK. IN THE NEXT PHOTO BHARAT DESAI ALONG WITH H N VERMA AND IN THE NEXT PHOTO MANILAL JAGTAP. IN THE BOTTOM PHOTO RINA VALIA, A GUEST SPEAKER)
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Amrita Verma presented prayer in the beginning of program. Thereafter Bharat Desai introduced the speakers of the day H N Verma, a Eminent Writer, Historian and Rajalakshmi Jagannath, a Thinker, Educator respectively.
H N Verma narrated the ancient Indian version of Guru. He also described Brahmin as Brahma. He added that the Gurukul culture also started disappearing with the deterioration of intellectual standard of Brahmins.. However reformers like Adi Sankeracharya, Raja Rammohanrai, Ramkrishna Paramhansha, Vivekananda, Mahatma Gandhi,and philosopher like Dr Sarvapalli Radhakrishna had courage to tell the truth. Besides that even British colonial power and some of the Western Historians,Thinkers could not bare the good things regarding Hindu religion and its philosophy. They twisted and uglyfied certain rituals and teaching of Hindu philosophy. However Gandhi and Vivekananda brought tolerance in the approach towards such anti Indian elements. However overall people in western countries appreciated the good element in the Hinduism and Hindu philosophy. The Hindu gurus have also created very good impression on westerner. He concluded with caution that the opportunities given by westerners should be use to increase good will for Hinduism instead of misusing it.
Rajalakshmi Jagannath then spoke on universal spiritualism including Buddhist philosophy. She added that faith and soul have very close relationship. Besides that body with out soul is meaningless. The spiritualism also closely connected with physics. she concluded that good health also depends upon on the proper understanding of spiritual values.
A Srinivasan introduced the Guest Speaker Rina Valia thereafter.
Rina Valia a Guest speaker presented power point presentation on homeopathy and its use on the chronic deceases of seniors. Besides that she gave the briefing regarding the homeopathic medicines.and its main ingredients. she informed that homeopathy goes deep in to the case history and main symptoms, before prescribing the medicine. The Plants, Cow milk, Mineral elements and Vegetables are used in the homeopathy medicines. Besides that there are no side effect of those medicines. she concluded that homeopathy treatments increase level of resisting power, reduce the illness and gives feelings of fullness. It also eliminates decease from the root.
Premlata Majmundar, Shushilaji, A M Krishna, and Tyagrajan also took part in the discussions.
Thereafter Manilal Jagtap gave Musical presentation of old and hit Hindi songs on mouth organ Nango and Harmonica. It was received very well.
A M Krishna summed up wherein he complemented speakers and participants. He also proposed vote of thanks.
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2010-07-08T00:23:00.000-07:00

CURRENT EVENTS AS ON 07/05/2010
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(IN THE TOP PHOTO ON LIFT SIDE ROCHIT GUPTA PRESENTING MUSIC AND IN THE RIGHT PHOTO ROCHIT GUPTA PRESENTING INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC. IN THE BOTTOM PHOTO SITTING FROM LEFT RAJ TANDON, KIRAN JOTWANI, BHARAT DESAI AND PREMA SANTHNAM PRESENTING HER TALK)
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(98Th Session)
The program was inaugurated with the devotional prayer. Thereafter Bharat Desai introduced all presenters.
Kiran Jotwanti started talk on global warming wherein she mentioned that there are valid and scientific reasons for increasing global warming but vested interest like Politicians, Industrial Houses and Business Circles are questioning the same. The emission of carbon is the main reason for climate change and global warming. The Arctic Ice, The ice peaks of Mountains are melting and they are creating increase of sea levels and flooding in the rivers. She added that car exhaust, municipal garbage, nitrogen oxide also increase the warming of our planet. We will have to change our life style in order create healthy atmosphere in the world. She concluded that we will have to control population, and to find the alternative ways to produce clean energy. We will have to go for new technology which can produce energy without carbon emission. The Electricity produce from wind, solar and nuclear reactors is the best substitute than the energy produce from the coal. However if people fail to change their ways then it may bring disaster like Drought, Flood and Extreme Hot Weather.
Prema Santhnam said India is having very old civilization of more than 5000 years. Besides that it is a third largest economy in the Asia and has become soft power in the world. Besides that India is having majority young population which is an Asset. Mukhesh Ambani and Laxmi Mittal are considered to be the richest persons in the world. India has achieved considerable progress in scientific world including in space science.It has also made considerable progress in the field of Education. However still more requires to be done in order to further improve the quality of Education. Besides that India is also facing two doubtful Nebours like Pakistan and China. Besides that India is also facing the problems like erosion of values, lack of character and corruption. She concluded that ‘It is very unfortunate that after independence of sixty years India has fail to supply clean water, and decent sanitation to the people.
Raj Tandon explained’ How he has to struggle during British rule in respect of his Marin Engineering career. He also described his visit to Russia wherein he found that people were very friendly and responsive. It was also found that they were very fond of some of the film stars like Raj Kapoor. He also mentioned about his visit to Labia which was under dictatorial rule. He added that German people are very hardworking,sincere and honest.
Thereafter Ramji Patel, Dhanu Siva, and Dr V K Jotwani, took part in the discussion.
Rochit Gupta gave musical presentation at the end, which was received very well. He presented classical Hindustani music, Gazal, and Bhajan. He also played Bollywood Music.
Bharat Desai sum up the program and proposed vote of Thanks
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2010-06-10T23:24:00.003-07:00

Current Events program as on 7th June 2010, Monday (97th session) at India community center, Cupertino
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(IN THE TOP PHOTO ALONG WITH SENIORS AND GUEST SPEAKER AND ARTIST JAYARAM KOMATI,PRESIDENT OF TELUGU ASSOCIATION OF NORTH AMERICA(TANA)AND RAJESHWARI PANSHIKAR RECEPECTIVELY.(I.E.IN MIDDLE)IN THE NEXT ROW SUPERVISOR OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY RECOGNIZING BHARAT DESAI, ORGANIZOR OF 'CURRENT EVENTS' PROGRAM ON BEHALF OF INDIA COMMUNITY CENTER, MILPITAS ON 'SENIOR DAY' PROGRAM. IN NEXT ROW SITTING FROM LEFT JAYARAM KOMATI, A K KRISNA, RAJESHWARI PANSHIKAR AND PRASAD GOTTIPATI INTRODUCING A GUEST SPEAKER. NEXT BELOW ROW PHOTO A K KRISHNA IS PRESENTING TALK WHILE IN THE BOTTOM PHOTO RAJESHWARI PNASHIKAR IS PRESENTING MUSICAL PROPGRAM)

The program was inaugurated with the melodious prayer of Symala. Thereafter Bharat Desai introduced presenters of the talk.
Dr Mahipal Ghemawat presented his talk on the ‘The Health issues for ‘seniors’ wherein he gave tips to the seniors how to remain healthy and happy? He said that with the increasing age seniors must take light food consist of less Oil, Fat and Low Sugar/Salt. In short Food consumed should be of Balance diet.
He added that Senior should be active and to make considerable movements. The decease like arthritis also requires regular exercise to remain comfortable.
Besides that they may avoid loneliness in order to avoid depression. The socialization is the solution of such problem. The hobbies like music, dance and reading also keep you healthy and fit. Those things will also immune you from loneliness.
The enough sleep and regular time for getting up also helps you to remain healthy. They should also regularly do some exercise with suitable medicine to avoid chronic illness. However one has to always take prescribed dosses of medicines. Besides that seniors must take preventive vaccines for protecting them against virus and deceases.
A M Krishna explained the advantage and disadvantage of interlinking of Indian Rivers. He informed that the inter linking of rivers in India will help to irrigate about 35 Million hectors of land and may able to produce 30000 megawatts of electricity. It can also help us to grow more food to feed our future requirements. Besides that it can give water to deficit rain areas and it can also control the flooding of rivers.
However there are problems to interlink the rivers because so many countries are involve in the project. (I.e. China, Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal and Bangladesh with different interest) Ganja and Brahmaputra passes through so many Areas. Besides that there are several states are involve with different interest and geographical situation. There are problems regarding sharing of the cost and the water of the project among different Indian states. Hence it is clumsy situation regarding the whole project. In short we have to consider all these aspect which are making it difficult to implement this project.
There after Pramila Desai welcome the Jayaram Komati, a guest speaker, community leader with flowers and Prasad Gottipati introduced him
Jayaram Komati said that he appreciate the problems of seniors very well as he will also soon enter into their Group. He appreciated the quality of ‘Current Event’ program and assures that he is always ready to help seniors cause. He generously donated $500/- dollars for encouraging the program.
Rajeshwari Panshikar gave a melodious musical presentation through Classical Music and Bhajans. It was received very well.
M C Badami sum up and proposed the vote of thanks wherein he complimented the participants and organizer of the program.
Bharat Desai Organized and conducted the program
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2010-05-06T14:57:00.000-07:00

Current Events as on 3 RD May 2010,(96 TH Session)
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(THE TOP ROW PHOTO FROM LEFT DR V JOTWANI IS INTRODUCING A GUEST SPEAKER DR DARSHANA NADKARNI, ON TOP ROW RIGHT PHOTO DR DARSHANA NADKARNI GIVING TALK, BELOW PHOTO FROM LEFT URMILA TALWALKAR GIVING TALK WHILE IN THE RIGHT PHOTO SVR PARANGUSAM GIVING POWER POINT PRESENTATION.)
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The 96th Session of Current Events was conducted by Bharat Desai at India Community Center, Cupertino, CA. The session was opened with prayer given by Ramanad Dinker. Bharat Desai introduced SVR Parangusam, Former Director General,(Transport), Ministry of Transport, Government of India and Urmila Talwalkar,Writer, Thinker and Critic.
SVR Parangusam made power point presentation on the 'Nuclear Security' which was interesting and very informative. He made the reference regarding throwing of Atom Bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki by America during the end of last world war. He described the amount of destruction it brought to people of those Japanese Cities and the after effect of the same. He informed that thousands of people died thereafter due to radiation(i.e. Radiation leads to deceases like Cancer, Tumer and Genetic damages.).
He further informed that One hundred and eighty nine countries of the world signed 'The Nuclear Proliferation Treaty in the year 1970 regarding Atomic Arms. However four countries refuse to sign the same. India and Pakistan, also refused to sign the said Treaty.However the Atomic Treaty was revised and signed on 8th April 2010.
He also explained the various theories the basis on which the Atomic and Hydrogen Bombs are manufactured. He also briefed regarding the number of atomic weapons possess by the various Nuclear Power Countries. He said as per example USA may be having about 10500 atomic weapons while Russia may be having about 10000.
He also referred the last world leaders meeting on the 8th of April 2010 at Washington DC. Therein world leaders discussed the important problem regarding the Nuclear Security and the steps are to be taken to reduces the atomic weapons. However SVR Parangusam concluded that steps taken by all Nuclear Power Countries are not adequate to protect the Weapons.
Urmila Talwalkar gave very analytical talk on 'The life and Death' Wherein she described death by consent or by desire. She added that some people ask for the death due to physical suffering while some are condemned to death by court of law. Even some time people wants die as they feel that their work is over and no use of further living. In this connection she she quoted the theme of Marathi movie 'Sukhant'. Besides that she also added that Saint like Bhishmapitamah, Gyaneshwar,Vinoba Bhave desired a peaceful and pleasant death. however she concluded that death on mercy ground is still controversial.
Dr Darshana Nadkarni, a Guest Speaker gave talk on ' The stress and Relaxation'. She gave causes of stress i.e. Worries, Anxiety, Personal problems. etc. However stress gives adverse effect on the Heart problem,Diabetes,Headache,Insomnia, Constipation,Digestion,Memory,Depression etc. However she pointed out that stress can be reduced by Exercise, Walking, Yoga, Deep Breathing, Meditation, Socialization, etc. She concluded that to reduce the stress the life style will have to be changed.
B K Rao, Dr V Jotwani, S Krishnamurti, Ramji Patel and Akur Srinivasan took active part in the discussion
Renoo Nathan presented the classical Music along with Devotional song at the end. It was received very well.
Ramji Patel gave summing up wherein he complimented all participants. He also proposed vote of thank at the end.
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2010-04-06T22:36:00.000-07:00

Current Events as on 5Th April 2010
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(In the above photos Top row from left 1) Ash Kalra is accepting book from Hari Verma,writer and on the right side photo 2) The commendation presented for 'Current Events' program. Below row, in left side photo 3) B K Rao is giving talk 4)While on right side photo Prema Santhnam is welcoming Ash Kalra with flowers5)The below in central photo Ash Kalra is presenting Commendation to Bharat Desai.6)On the left side photo in the bottom Ash Kalra is giving talk.)
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Sita Dorairaj offered devotional prayer at the beginning of the program. Thereafter Prema Santhnam welcomed Ash Kalra, a council member and a Guest speaker with flowers. M Santhnam then introduced the Guest Speaker.
Ash Kalra,a Guest speaker praised the Seniors for their positive role in building up the successful careers of their children in USA. He added that the success of Indian American in the USA is also due to the sacrificed made by their Parents. Therefore we should strengthen our Heritage and Culture. He also informed that First time 'Diwali' was celebrated in the San Jose city Hall. He said We are also planning to take business delegation to India in order to further improve trade relation between India and USA.
B K Rao gave talk on his impression regarding India. He observed that the life styles of Indian people are changing very fast. Besides that India have now accepted the concept of Global village. He observed that Andhra and Telangana situation shows that still Indians have not learnt how to run the Democracy. He added that some demands are more political then rational. He concluded that politicianS purpose is different then People. He also pointed out that the lower level of Godaveri river has also created development problems for the Telangana Region. There fore Developement problem of Telangana may not be considered as a sole reason for creating New State of Telangana. He said that 'The women reservation Bill' which is now pending in the Loksabha is very important legislation. He further pointed out that passing of the said Bill may bring major changes in the Indian social life.( i.e. In the spheres of family life, kitchen management and even in the health care)
Kalyani Subramonian talked on the ' Trend in the food habits of American'. It has created very big problem of obesity. She said that the food habits of people are more for pleasure then Health. She informed that 54% of children in Santa Cruz County are prone to obesity.The 7% childern between the group of 6 to 11 year are in danger group relating to decease.(i.e. Deceases like Blood pressure, Cholesterol, Diabetes etc.) Therefore it is advisable to eat healthy food like Green Salad,Vegetables,Fresh Food, fish and to take green tea. She concluded that it is better to avoid food with high Sugar,Salt and Fat.
Smt Jayshree Vasavada,Smt Varsha Desai,Mr Puranik,Hari Verma,Ramji Patel,Krishnamurthy and Dr V Jotwani also participated in the Discussion.
Sita Dorairaj presented songs in Hindi and Tamil. It was received very well
T P Subramonian complimented all participants including Bhrat Desai who organized the program.
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2010-03-02T15:30:00.000-08:00

CURRENT EVENTS AS ON ST MARCH 2010, MONDAY AT INDIA COMMUNITY CENTER, CUPERTINO,CA.
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1)IN THE ABOVE TOP PHOTO SENIORS WITH GUEST SPEAKER UDAY PATEL, AND HARSHADA JAWALE A GUEST ARTIST.
2)IN THE NEXT ROW SMT HARSHADA JAWALE, A GUEST ARTIST GIVING MUSICAL PRESENTATIONS.
3)IN THE THIRD ROW./ IN THE LEFT SIDE PHOTO UDAY PATEL, A GUEST SPEAKER AND IN THE RIGHT SIDE PHOTO VARSHA B DESAI ARE GIVING TALK.
4)IN THE BOTTOM ROW /IN THE LEFT SIDE PHOTO DHANU SIVA AND IN THE RIGHT SIDE PHOTO SUJAYA ASHWADHATI ARE GIVING TALK
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CURRENT EVENTS AS ON 03/01/2010, MONDAY AT 'ICC' CUPERTINO,CALIFORNIA
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The current event program was conducted by Bharat Desai at India Community Center, CA. The program covered the hottest topics like ‘The latest on America’, and ‘The remarkable economic developments of Gujarat State’, India were also discussed. The production side of Movie was also explained. Besides analytical review of movie ‘My Name is Khan’ was also presented.
Mr. Jagtap offered Sanskrit devotional Mantras in the beginning of the program. It was received very well.
Mr. Dhanu Siva gave talk on ‘The latest on America’ wherein he described the practical problems faced by car user regarding manufacturing defects of Toyota, Maruti Suzuki, and Honda cars. He also gave highlight on the winter Olympic. Besides that he discussed the American relationship with China which is very much under strain due to military aid to Taiwan and its support to Dalai Lama on Tibet. He also pointed out that America is going to now put up two Nuclear Plants in Georgia. He added that America is producing only 20% of its power from nuclear plants while France is producing78% power from nuclear Plants. This is because America is facing the severe problem regarding the disposal of nuclear waste. He further informed that ‘Google’ is planning to introduce the 100 times faster Broad Band Internet for its user. He concluded that High Tech has brought the changes in the life of American youth as print is becoming their language with the future change of modes even in reading.
Smt Sujaya Aswadhati described the experiences of her late husband in the production of movies as Director. He was connected with the Telugu and Kanada Movie industries. He had also worked with Nageshwar Rao and Sri Devi in the production of movies. She said her husband had to struggle with successes and failures but she could understand that movie making is not easy. The life of movie Director is very strenuous as he has to look after all aspect of movies i.e. Editing, Dubbing, Sound Engineering, Music and Photography etc. It was a firsthand description from the wife of the Movie Director. She also briefly reviewed the movie ‘My Name is Khan’ wherein she congratulated the Karan Johor for handing the theme very well. She concluded that the acting of Shahrukhkhan and Kajal is also good.
Varsha Desai presented Gujarat state as growth machine of India which is compensating the growth rate of India i.e. Gujarat is having growth rate of about 10.6% while India’s growth rate is about 8%. She substantiated the above statements with the Facts and figures. She also added that Gujarat makes major Contribution in the India’s output i.e. 1)20% of Industrial output2)80% of Diamond production3)50% Natural Gas Production4) 54% of Crude Oil Production5)45% of Pharmaceutical Production 6) 24% of Textile Production7) 9% of Mineral production8) 22%of Export.9)35% of Sponge Iron Production10)47%of Petrochemical Production.11) 35%of Stock Market Wealth of India is with Guajarati People12)Gujarat stood first in India with investments of US $17.8 BILLION in the year 2006-2007 as per RBI Study. She concluded that Gujarat is really vibrant.
Thereafter Ramji Patel, M Santhnam, Suresh Sharma, Akur Srinivasan, R B Singh and C G Desai also participated in the discussion on the presentations.
Harshada Jawale presented Classical and Semi Classical Music including devotional song from Kabir. It was received very well by the members. Mr. M K Rao complimented the participants for their fine presentations and proposed vote of thanks.
==========================================

2010-02-03T01:38:00.001-08:00

CURRENT EVENTS AS ON 1ST FEBRUARY 2010 AT ICC, CUPERTINO
=====================================================
(In the top photo from left Suresh Sharma is summing up. In the Middle row sitting from left Padma Sohoni,a Guest Artist,Amrita Verma,and Shakuntalabahadur. In the bottom photo Dr R K Mathur is giving talk)
Smt Shyamala K Narvankar offered devotional songs in her melodious voice at the beginning of the program. Thereafter Bharat Desai introduced the eminent persons who were supposed to present talk on the various topics.
Smt Shakuntalabahadur a writer/poetess presented her talk on the present ‘UP’ state of India. She went on briefing on the contributions of UP in the Spheres of politics, education, religion art and culture. She informed that the ‘UP’ had given number of prime ministers to India including Jawaharlal Nehru, Lalbahadur Shashtri, Indira Gandhi, Chandra Shekhar etc. She added that major pious rivers like Ganges, Yamuna are flowing through ‘UP’. Besides that the major Hindu religious centers like Ayodhya, Mathura, Allahabad, Varanasi and Buddhist centers like Sarnath, Kushinagar are also situated in the UP. Thus it is a political religious base of major religions of India. Lucknow is well known in art and culture as well as. Artist like Pundit Ravishanker, Allrakhakhan, Hariprashad Chorasia, Bismillahkhan and Amitabh Bachan are the gift of UP. IIT, Kanpur IIM,Lucknow and Banaras Kashi Vidyapith, Banaras are some of the prominent educational institutions of the UP. The UP is also rich in verities of Food. She added that even modern development has also taken place in the UP, including developments of Big Mall, Shopping Centers etc. She concluded that UP has also given leadership in freedom struggle including the historical revolt of independence in the year 1857.
Smt Amrita Verma gave analytical briefing on American health care system and on the present health Care Bill. She briefed that American health care system is very expensive in comparison with other developed countries. It requires immediate repaired. She pointed out that millions of Americans are not covered under health care. She emphasized on universal health care system with quality, low-cost and elimination of malpractices.
Dr R M Mathur described the position of Indian army during Indo China conflict of 1962. He said army was lacking in ammunition other supply during the war. Army was not supplied even proper clothes, shoes and tents in very extreme weather. Four soldiers were asked to accommodate themselves in small tent in such cold weather. He informed that even canons were not installed at proper angel on the war front. He concluded that it was due to the lack of proper leadership then.
Bharat Desai informed that India is now well prepared with speedy troop movements facilities, and better arm supplies. The modern air strips are built up near Ladakh and Tejpure at Assam. He also informed that one full squadron with Russian Sukhoi Aircrafts is posted at Tejpure, Assam. This is in view of china’s claim over Arunachal Pradesh. The separate mountain divisions are also created. He further added that India is also exploring to buy light tanks which can be used in Hilly areas. The Indian authorities have come to conclusion that the different versions of Indo China boundary’s maps prepared by various agencies have created confusion. We are pushed far behind the actual line of control because of those reasons. Besides that China has now also started challenging super power America on different issues for showing its economical and military strength. However in view of above developments Indian government is now more conscious and well prepared then year 1962.
Thereafter Dr V T Jotwani, Suresh Sharma, Hari Verma, Shashtri and Shakuntalabahadur also participated in the discussion on the presentations.
Padma Sohoni presented melodious song which was received very well by members. Shakuntalabahadur, Pushpa Mathur, Padma Sohoni, also sang chorus.
Suresh Sharma summed up and complimented all participants for their interesting presentations. He also proposed vote of thanks at the end.

**********************

2010-01-04T23:49:00.000-08:00

CURRENT EVENTS AS ON 4TH JANUARY 2010,MONDAY(92ND SESSION)
==========================================================
(IN THE TOP PHOTO SMT PADMA SOHONI PRESENTING MUSIC AND SATISH GADADKAR ACCOMPANIED HER ON VIOLIN . NEXT ROW SMT BHANUMATIBAHEN C DESAI IS MAKING PRESENTATION/NEXT ROW SITTING FROM LEFT PREMLATABAHEN MAJMUNDAR, WHO SUMMED UP THE PROGRAM.( ALONG WITH HARIKRISHNA MAJMUNDAR)IN THE BOTTOM PHOTO ALL SENIORS DURING CURRENT EVENTS PROGRAM)
Varsha Desai presented Sarvadharma prarthana in the beginning of the program. Thereafter Bharat Desai introduced the eminent lady members who presented the talks. He also introduced the two Senior artists Sita Dorairaj, and Padma Sohini.
V K Dorairaj gave talk on America after Obama wherein he mentioned the problem faced by Obama when he became president and the present handling of those crisis. Besides that he has to also handle financial crisis of America. He is still handling Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran and North Korea in his own way. He has told Muslim world that he is not fighting against Islam but his fight is against terrorism. He has also tried to encourage confidence in the allies. He visited more then 20 countries including Europe.
Smt Rangamani Swamy gave talk on recent movement regarding Telagana. She said that India was never one.Britishers created one India with different administrative regions. however dividing states we have open Pandora box for further division of the India.
Smt Bhanumati Desai gave talk on 'The hidden comparative highlights of economic growth in Gujarat' wherein she substantiated with facts and figures regarding the economical progress of Gujarat. She informed that 30% cotton of India is grown in Gujarat. It is handing 40%of art silk industry. 1/3 of Denim is produced in Gujarat. 40% of pharmaceutical production of India is in Gujarat. Gujarat economic growth is 12% equivalent to china.in short Gujarat growth is very high in competition with other states.
A Narayanaswami, V T Jotwani, Jayshribahen Vasavada, C G desai m l swamy, tyigrajan and sashtri took part in the discussion regarding presented subjects. it was mainly related to the reorganization of the Indian states i.e. its
merits and demerits.
Premlatabahen Majmundar sumed up and congratulated the presenters.
She also proposed vote of thanks.
Sita Dorairaj presented songs in different languages while Padma Sohini also presented Devotiona Songs at the end. It was received well by members.
=================================
20/34

2009-12-08T15:22:00.000-08:00

CURRENT EVENTS AS ON 7TH DECEMBER 2009, MONDAY AT ICC, CUPERTINO, CA
====================================================================
(In the above top photo from left sitting Bharat Desai, M santhnam giving talk and Dr V T Jotwani while in the bottom photo Satish Gadakar is presenting music)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nisha Harpalani offered devotional songs in the beginning of the program.It was received very well.
Thereafter Bharat Desai introduced the eminent guest Dr V K Jotwani, M Santhnam and Artist a Violinist Satish Gadadkar to the members.
Dr Jotwani who is a former Senior Doctor from the Health Services of Government of India spoke on America, Health Services of the various countries including on the present Health Care Bill.
Dr V T Jotwani stated that the America has real democracy along with Justice and Transparency in the day to day administration. However America is misunderstood in the middle east as it supports modern outlook and condemn fanaticism and conservatism. Besides that America always went against some of the countries to protect over all interest of the world and that too against the evil forces. The presence of America in those countries have always encouraged the developments. The countries like South Korea, Japan,Vietnam, West Germany are some of the shining examples of American help for rebuilding.
He further added that America is spending the 18% of its budget on Health Care in comparison with the budget of 6% to 7% of UK and other European Countries. He said the Health Care Reforms are very much due as 30% of American population is still not covered under Health Insurance. Besides that the uncovered people are compelled to go under emergency which is very expensive. In view of above it is necessary to cover them under Health Care Insurance. He further pointed out that in UK people are covered by Government insurance but there is a considerable waiting period. However he concluded that we will have to trim our health care system in order to make it available to all uninsured American.
M Santhanam then gave talk on 'India '. He pointed out the recent state visit of Indian Prim Minister to America.
He added that India has come to some understanding with America regarding Nuclear Energy and Terrorism Successfully. Besides that India has also signed Nuclear Deal with Russia.
He also discussed 'The Babri Masjid Demolition' Report. He said that it came after 16 years with 8 crores rupees expenses. It appears to be futile exercise as it does not held any body responsible. Besides that it does not mention anything about then Central Government Under P Narshirao which did not took any active steps to prevent demolition of mosque.
Santhnam then discussed the 26/11 terror attack on Mumbai. He commented that it was the black spot on India as no proper steps were taken to prevent it. Even our intelligence is also found ineffective as Hadley and his friend visited India several time unchecked before that terror attack.
He was also sorry that one of the best Public Sector Air lines 'Air India' is loosing five to ten crores daily with the accumulated losses are up to five thousand crores. He said 'It may be due to high fuel cost and low yields but misuse of certain travel facilities by VIPs may be also adding to its losses.
On the Global Warming he said that Himalayan Glaciers are shifting which may reduce the flows of water in Ganges, and Brahmaputra Rivers etc. We have to take concrete steps against Global Warming. He also informed that China is doing better then India in respect of Global Warming.
M Santhnam concluded his talk by giving details regarding present popular movies like 'Paa'. He praised Sachin Tandulkar on establishing various world record in cricket.
Hari Varma,Bhikhubhai Patel, Tyagrajan and M L Swamy considerably contributed in the discussion.
Satish Gadadkar presented classical and semi classical music on violin. it was also received very well
Vimala Balan summed up and proposed vote of Thanks.
Bharat Desai Conducted the Program.
=================

2009-11-03T22:07:00.000-08:00

Current Events as on 2nd November 09, Monday(90TH Session) at India Community Center, Cupertino,CA
===============================
(AJKA TAZZA KHABAR)
-----------------------
((1)IN THE TOP PHOTO FROM LEFT SITTING BHARAT DESAI, A NARAYANASWMI,MITUN BATTACHARYAJEE, WHILE M L SWAMY IS GIVING TALK.2)IN THE BOTTOM PHOTO MITUN BHATTACHARYAJI IS PRESENTING MUSIC.)
The program was inaugurated with the devotional song by Bharat Desai. Thereafter Bharat Desai introduced the Guest speakers Dinesh Bajaj, A Narayanaswami, and Guest Artist Mitun Bhattacharyajee,
Dinesh Bajaj gave talk on America and world wherein he gave some of details regarding Health Care Agenda of President Barak Obama. He also added that Barak Obama popularity rate may also reflect in the November 09 elections for Governors,Congress Seat and other Local Elected Positions.
A Narayanaswami gave detail review of the latest position regarding India. He said that out come of recent elections of Hariyana, Arunachal Pradesh, and Maharshtra States proved that Sonia Gandhi strategy of making Manmohansing as a Prime minister has been very much successful. She had spared him free for handling Government policies without botheration of Congress organizational problems. Besides that the Economic and Foreign policies of Manohansingh Government are more or less successful. However he added that there is a 2/3 Growth in Urban Area while Rural Area is lacking.
Dr V K Jotwani referred the recent visit of Hillary Clinton to Pakistan and her frank speeches given thereon.
Jayshree Vasavada said that we require strong leadership in India.
C G Desai briefed regarding the recent election in Maharashtra State and how Marathi sentiments are being being exploited for political purpose. He also described the simplicity and humbleness of India's prime minister Manmohansing
M L Swamy referred the present political situation in the Pakistan.
Thereafter Mitun Battacharyajee, a rising Artist of Bay Area presented Classical Music including Devotional songs which was received very well.
Akur Srinivasan proposed vote of thanks wherein he congratulated all participants.
Bharat Desai Coordinated and Conducted tne program
*******-*******

2009-10-06T18:11:00.000-07:00

CURRENT EVENTS AS ON 5TH OCTOBER 09(89TH SESSION)
=================================================
(IN THE ABOVE PHOTOS ON TOP FROM LEFT SATISH GADAGKAR IS PRESENTING MUSIC,ON THE RIGHT T C NGUYEN OF 'ON LOK SAFEWAYS' MAKING PRESENTATION. IN THE MIDDLE PHOTO BHIKHUBHAI PATEL IS GIVING TALK WHILE IN THE BOTTOM PHOTO T P SUBRAMANIAN IS GIVING TALK)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Varsha Desai presented devotional song ‘Vaisanav Jan To En Kahie’ in the beginning of the program. It was song, which was very dear to Mahatma Gandhi a father of nation. Bharat Desai gave due tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadure Sastry,(former prim minister of India) as their birthday falls on 2nd October 09.
There after Bharat Desai introduced T P Subramanian and Bhikhubhai Patel who were to give talk.
T P Subramanian gave talk on ‘America-Is ready for change?’ wherein he gave information regarding various steps taken by Barrack Obama for the changes. He added that Barrack Obama administration took serious actions regarding the dishonest practices, Housing crisis, Collapses of several major Banks, Unemployment, and Dishonest Corporate mismanagement. However there is resistance against all those actions i.e. one or in other form.
Besides that on war front there is no peace in Iraq and Afghan war is going worse. Even health care reforms are being also targeted. The drug companies, Doctors, Insurance companies, and Politicians are fighting the proxy war. It appears that these resistances may be for status quo. However it raise questions regarding whether America is ready for strict regulations for fuel efficient Car? Or For affordable Health Care? Or For controlling Carbon Emission? ? Or For controlling frauds, or for decreasing waste?
Barrack Obama is being branded as Socialist in the certain section, which is considered to be adverse in American concept of ideology.
America is also facing difficult problem of illegal immigrants. The American foreign policy has created lot of contempt for America in the Muslim world. It appears that congress and senate also opposes certain measures and president has little control over them. In short Barrack Obama has to take very strong and decisive actions in order to bring changes. However it is to be seen whether there is positive will of Americans people to support it?
The invited Guest Bhikhubhai also gave details regarding chronology of Biblical history and ancient Indian history. He added that Indian civilizations of Mohan Jodero, Harrappa, are older then Christ period but western historians had doctored in their fevour by involving the theory of Aryan and Dravidian. He concluded that all Hindus are Aryan with power of knowledge. Thereafter Chandravadan Desai, and B K Rao also took part in the discussion.
T C (Thanh) Nguyen and Swamini from ‘On Lok Lifeways’ presented the details of service offered to the seniors by their organization.
Satish Gadagkar presented few devotional songs on violin at the end of the program. It was received very well
Bharat Desai proposed vote of thanks.
(The program was organized and conducted by Bharat Desai.)

=========================

2009-08-06T22:22:00.000-07:00

Current Events as on 3rd August 09,Monday(88TH SESSION)
=======================================================
IN THE LEFT SIDE PHOTO ON THE TOP ROW IS ONE OF THE SAMPLES OF BATIKS AND ON THE RIGHT PHOTO B K RAO IS GIVING TALK. IN THE SECOND ROW IN THE LEFT SIDE PHOTO SITTING FROM LEFT BHARAT DESAI AND DR V K JOTWANI IS GIVING TALK. ON THE RIGHT SIDE PHOTO RHUCHA JOSHI IS PRESENTING MUSIC. IN THE THIRD ROW ON THE LEFT PHOTO MEMBERS ARE ALONG WITH RHUCHA JOSHI WHILE IN THE RIGHT PHOTO M L SWAMY PROPOSING THE VOTE OF THANKS. IN THE BOTTOM PHOTO IN RIGHT SITTING FROM LEFT MATHANGI SUNDERARAJAN, DR V T JOTWANI AND B K RAO IS GIVING TALK.
-------------------------------------------------------
The above program was conducted by Bharat Desai at India Community Center, Cupertino,CA. Sita Dorairaj and Padma Rajgopal offered prayers at the begining of the program. Bharat Desai introduced Mathangi Sundararajan a guest speaker, including prominent seniors B K Rao and Dr V K Jotwani who gave talk in the program.
Thereafter a Guest Speaker Matangi Sundararajan made power point presentation on Batik. She stated that art of Batik has its roots in India, and Indonesia. It was brought to western countries by Dutch people.She further added that the natural colors from fruits, flowers, plants and indigo are used in the Batik. She said art of Batik is very old and it is mainly located in Gujarat,Rajasthan and North West India. It is also printed on handwoven Silk or on Cotton cloths. Indian artist are using costume design and jewllery from Ajanta and Chola Mandal. She also explained how the design of Batik are printed on clothes. However she concluded that the art of Batik is slowly disappearing.
B K Rao stated that 'IMF' and 'World Bank introduced the idea of Globalization among develop counties. He referred the comment of Aditya Birla a prominent industralist of India regarding the Globalization. Birla said that we will show the World' Model of Management' through Globalization. 'The take over Steel plants by Mittal and Tata in abroad proves him right' He added that 'Even Pepsi has CEO of Indian origin'. He further stated that the Globalization encourages the high quality goods and high productivity but with law wages. He stated that the Health Care, Lebour, Overtime and disability laws etc are required to be amended in order to sustain in the world market. The Globalization some time hit developeing countries. He quoted a example of Zambia wherein once copper was sold at lower price then its productive cost. However he said that the Globalization makes us compitative nebour with use of technology and skilled management.
He also ponted out the ugly cosequences of Globalization wherein well being of huminity is being ignored. It also implied that persuit of happiness is in persuit of profit.He concluded with the statement that 10% population of America is haveing 85%of investment which is self explanatory.
Dr V K Jotwani also spoke on 'Medical Myths. He explained that some of the misconception have arised in medical system due to wrong beliefs.
He said some people avoid to remove catract thinking that it will not make much difference. However catract can be removed successfully with new the technology and can also correct the eye sight. It is a wrong impression that too much use of computor adversely effect the eyes. It may makes once eyes dry and tired. He added that vitamins can be taken through suitable medicine. some people thinks that one can get it only by eating vegetables like carrot etc. Some people avoid glasses as it may make their eyes more weak. However glasses always help one to read the matter clearly and sharply. He concluded that some of the wrong beliefs adversely affects the health of the people.
Bharat Desai introduced a Guest artist Rhucha Joshi who presented classical and devotional songs. The musical presentation was received very well by members.
M L Swamy did summing up of the program and proposed vote of thanks.
----------------------------------

2009-07-07T13:15:00.000-07:00

Current Events as on 07/06/09, Monday, at 'ICC,' Cupertino
==========================================================
(In the above photos from top left Richard Hobbs a Guest Speaker and on the right all eminent Seniors. Next row Richard Hobbs giving Talk. Below row on left Seema Gupta,a Guest Artist giving musical performance. Below row right Dhanu Siva giving talk. Next below right A Narayanaswami giving talk. Next below on left C G Desai giving Talk. Next below right Bhanumati Desai rendering prayer. In the bottom on left volunteer staff of ICC,Cupertino.)
==========================================================
(87th session)
----------------
The current event session was conducted at India Community Center, Cupertino, by Bharat Desai. It was inaugurated with the devotional song by Mrs Bhanumati Desai
Thereafter Bharat Desai introduced the seniors who presented the talk on different topics.
C G Desai presented on the latest of America wherein he pointed out present relation of America with Iran in context of recent controversial election of president in Iran. He also mentioned regarding present American relation with Russia. The American withdrawal process of Iraq and the Pakistani war against Taliban were also explained briefly. He also discussed regarding the popularity of net book and introduction 0f touch less electronic gadgets.
A Narayanaswami informed that Indian children are doing very good in spelling competition. He added that Barack Obama, American president also hailed the educational achievement of Indian students. He said America has also now started giving importance to human capital like India. He pointed out the India's economic progress including the completion Bandra Worli Bridge link over sea at Mumbai
Dhanu siva also discussed important world issues. He pointed out the women abuses in Bangladesh. He briefed regarding the Sri Lanka situation after defeat of Tamil Tigers and political impact thereof. He said that President Carter has been doing better now then during his presidency of America.
Thereafter Bharat Desai introduced a guest speaker Richard Hobbs, a Immigrant Attorney, Former Director Citizenship and Immigrant Program of Santa Clara County and a Director of 'SIREN'
He briefed regarding the proposed budget cut of California State. He said that Governor wants to eliminate 'Capi', Food Stamp, and Certain benefits from Medical. He said that even 'Siren' has also taken up the matter regarding proposed cuts with the concerned authority.
He explained immigration laws. He said there are various reasons on the basis of which lawful immigration can be expedited. He further quoted certain reasons as the family unification, or by sponsored petition by lawful citizen, or through working visa, or by political asylum,or under draw visa quota, or in certain cases of overstaying etc
He informed that there are about 12 million undocumented people in the America and it is very difficult problem. There are about 10000 students who are deprived of scholarship as they are undocumented. He added all undocumented persons are not criminals but they are very hardworking and some of them came to USA for better future. They can not even get lawful employments. Besides that it is a great loss to the economy of USA. Therefore immigration laws have to be rationalized by reforms. He informed that we are also working in that direction. He also asked the members to give there opinions to the effect that' How citizenship process can be simplified'. This is in order to bring more and more people into the main stream of America.
Kamalratnam, M Santhanam, Jagdish Sindhi,also took part in the discussion.
Seema gupta rising artist of Bay Area gave Musical presentation at the end.
R Parthasarthy proposed vote of thanks after summing up.
*****************************

2009-06-04T22:58:00.000-07:00

(IN THE ABOVE PHOTOS FROM LEFT GIRISH CHITALIA,A GUEST SPEAKER GIVING TALK IN THE MIDDLE DR RM MATHUR GIVING PRESENTATION WHILE ON RIGHT PHOTO JIM WALKER, PAST DISTRICT GOVERNOR, ROTARY INTERNATIONAL IS EXPLAINING ROTARY PROJECT AT CUPERTINO, CA)
Current Events as on 06/01/09,Monday(86TH SESSION)
===================================================
The program was started with prayer by Prema Santhnam'. Thereafter following Seniors presented their talk
Dr R M Mathur presented on 'Heart Attack' through slide presentations. He explained the causes of Heart Attack and the preventive measures thereof.
Hari Varma, writer and historian gave talk on' Pakistan and Afghanistan'. He gave Geographical, Historical and Religious reasons for prevailing conditions in those countries
Bharat Desai then introduced the Guest Speaker Girish Chitilia. Harikrisha Majmundar also gave his comments on the Guest Speaker
Thereafter Girish Chitilia gave talk on various encounters with VIPs like, Sarvapalli Radhakrishna,Mrs Vijayalaxmi Pandit, Sanjiva Reddy, Morarji Desai, S K Patil and others.
Arabhi Sundararajan Guest Artist presented Classical and Semi Classical Music including devotional Songs. Vikas Yendluri was accompning her on Tabla
Parangusam SVR proposed vote of Thanks at the end.
**************************

2009-05-08T21:08:00.001-07:00

'CURRENT EVENTS'AS ON O5/04/09,MONDAY(85th Session)
====================================================
The Program was started with the 'Sarvadharma Prarthana offered by Mrs Varsha Desai.
FOLLOWING EMINENT SPEAKERS PARTICIPATED:-
1) Parangusam SVR gave Power Point Presentation on
'The Indian Premier League/Twenty Matches'(8 Team)'(i.e. Cricket
Matches played at South Africa between 04/18/09 to04/24/09)
2) A Srinivasan gave a talk 0n ' The Indian
General Election-2009'.
4) Narendra Pathak, a Community Leader and a Guest Speaker spoke on 'Seniors related problems.
Thereafter Musical program of classical and Devotional songs were given by Renoo Nathan and upcoming artist of Bay Area. Arshid Sayyed well known artist was accompanied her on tabla.
Vote of thanks at the end
-----------******---------=

2009-04-16T13:38:00.000-07:00

(IN THE ABOVE PHOTOS SOME OF THE EMINENT SENIORS OF THE 'ICC' CUPERTINO CENTER)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current Events as on 04/06/09, Monday at 'ICC' Cupertino (84Th Session)
======================================================================
Date: 6Th April 2009 Time 10.45 AM to 1pm
Venue: INDIA COMMUNITY CENTER , 18000 CHELMSOFORD DRIVE ,
CUPERTINO CA 95014-6412
Speakers:
1)Mr Dinesh Bajaj on 'The Current Events US/International/India'

2)Mr. Vijay Mankermi on 'The Indo Pak Relations'

3)Mr.T.P.Subramanian on 'The Control over other people's minds

4)Dr. M.K.Rao on ' The Basics of Nano Technology'

Thereafter musical presentations.

Coordinator: M Santhnam and A Narayanasami
===============================

2009-03-22T14:50:00.000-07:00

CURRENT EVENTS(83RD SESSION) AS ON 2ND MARCH, MONDAY AT ICC, CUPERTINO, BETWEEN 10.45AM TO 1.15PM.
============================================================================== FOLLOWING EMINENT SPEAKERS SPOKE AS
FOLLOWS
1) C G Desai gave talk on 'The Senior Health Care in
context of present Financial Crisis'
2)Hemant Upadhayay, a Guest Speaker,Former Chief Manager, Bank of Baroda,made power point presentation on 'The Vibrant Gujarat in the context of its present Economic Developments'.
3)C Mukherjee gave a talk on'The Strategy'
4) Dinesh Bajaj spoke on 'The latest on American Events'
5)Thereafter ' Gurubani' and devotional song from P K Banga for about 30 minutes
at the end and the vote of thanks.
Coordinator- A Narayanswami in the absence of Bharat Desai
=============================

2009-01-22T21:04:00.000-08:00

Current Events Program on First Monday of the month were handled by the co-ordination committee of following Senior Members in my absence(i.e. From Aug 08/76TH Session onwards until my taking over again).
1)M Santhnam2)A Narayanswami3)V K Dorairaj4)R Parthsarthy(In the above photo Mr M Santhnam and A Narayanswami both are seen with other Seniors)
=======================================
(Time between 10.45 Am to 1.00 Pm at "India Community Center", Cupertino,CA)
CURRENT EVENTS FOR AUG 08(76th session)
---------------------------------------
1. Prayer was rendered by Mrs. Prema
Santhanam
Justice Santhanam requested Mr. B.K. Rau to
preside over the meeting.
2. Dr. Jotwani spoke for 30mts. on subject
of Corruption. He felt sad that it was visible in all
departments like Judiciary, Police as well in in election.
He felt sad that honesty is at jeopardy.He narrated a few
incidents during his service. This cannot be eradicated
unless there is a self regulation in Society. This may yield
a better atmosphere , though it cannot be eradicated. In
the recent Vote of Confidence Motion this was evident.
3. Mr. Subodh Desai spoke over 45 mts on
subject of Democracy in India. The Indian Constitution
containing around 250 pages with various Amendments still
valued and able to sustain our Democracy for over 60 years..
This itself an admirable challenge to other nations in the
world. He further added the people ask for their rights but
are not able to discharge their duties. Due to Dynasty rules
lacks Dynamism and also educational qualifications are not
taken into account.
4. Mr. B. K Rau in his concluding remarks
said that corruption is in every country including in USA
but in different forms. The basic reason is the Supply vs
Demand needs. Of course this is an indication of unity in
Diversity.
5. Mrs. Seetha Dorairaj rendered a
scintilating vocal music in 6 languages.for about 20mts.
6. Mr. V. K Dorairaj gave vote of thanks
==================================
Current Events for September 08(77th Session)
---------------------------------------------
1. Mr. T.H. Iyer spoke on Indian affairs and his talk was quite interesting as he mostly dwelt on Industrial front. His emphasis on Power needs of the country, which appears to be in short and may improve with 123 Nuclear treaty now underway. It is heartening to observe that Multinational setting up plants for export has further improved Indian status in the world market.
It is quite a ghost to observe that Tax collection system exceeds the amount to be collected due to level of corruption. It should be borne in mind that Linguist approach is a snag for the much faster development. Similarly Political system dampens the faster growth in International market.
2. Mr. Dhanu Shiva spoke on International affairs . He commended the performance of China in the Olympics having spent 43 billion dollars and it is remain to be seen whether in 2012 London can match anywhere this grand approach.
He mentioned that after 200 years of Monarch rule in Nepal Democracy has come into .force to reckon with.
3. Ms. Kannan Srivastava explained in detail about second world war and this has resulted in the present chaos of Palestinians creating tension in Israel
4. Mr M , Santhanam spoke for 10 mts. on American Election front and the Democratic system of electing President of USA. He also mentioned the system of tackling the Hurricanes by taking precaution of evacuation in advance to save lives and properties too. He particularly commended that the Governor is an Indian by name Jindal.
A scintillating music was rendered by Ms. Sakunthala Parthasarathy & Ms. Subhashini Chandra.
Mr. A. Narayanaswami gave tribute to the speakers as the Chair person
Mr. V.K Dorairaj proposed vote of thanks
========================================
Current Events for October 08(78th Session)
-------------------------------------------
Item 1. Mr. Balwanth Puranik spoke in detail on Pakistan & Afghanistan and gave
a vivid picture as to how the hub of terrorism is entrenched. It is unfortunate that this has resulted in HATE India movement as a weapon. With statistics he explained the turmoil after the departure of the Dictator Musharaff. He felt that this is going to be a never ending problem such as Iraq
Item 2 Mr. A. Narayanaswami gave an interesting talk on Counterfeit economy, which create imbalances in the world,as the terrorists are printing notes of all currencies of the world except Australian Notes, which are made of thin
plastic sheets. However, the usage of credit card system minimizes the circulation of Notes. Similarly,Thailand generates various plastic items for duplicate toys. Now the warfare is on for cyber crimes.
Item 3. Dr. P.K Verma gave an in-sight on Replacement of Organs like Eyes,Heart,
Lungs as well as Liver. He particularly drew the attention of audience on an
interesting subject of research STEM Cells. It is interesting to observe that Gift of life is in Umbilical Chord Blood, but it is not on vogue al these years,Hopefully, this may become more needed for the future.
Item 4. Mr. T.H. Iyer gave an overall view that people in India mostly accepting
everything on Fate & Destiny. The so called secularism is a total failure.Though there is an improvement in education, the reservation policy fails to achieve the results. He suggested that all major Industries to be asked to undertake the creation of infrastructure for the surrounding 50 villages for improving the nations overall image.
Item 5. Mr. B.K.Rao as chair person analyzed the various speaker's points and finally concluded with a note on the so called 700 billion dollar Bailout plan
Item 6. There was a music rendered by Mrs.Mohini Sinha & Mr. A.M. Sinha

Prof. A Srinivasan proposed the Vote of thanks

==========================================
Current Events for November 08(79th session)
--------------------------------------------

Chair Person :- Prof. Akkur Srinivasan

Item. 1 Dr. C.V. Subramanian .Ph.D -- Preview on American Presidential Election 2008

Item. 2. Mr. R. Mani M.I.E. -- Talk on Linking of Indian Rivers

Item 3. Ms. Shakunthala Bahadur -- Talk on East & West German Wall

Item 4.Summing up by Chair Person

Item 5. Violin Recital By Mr.Satish Gadagkar

Item 6. Vote of Thanks
===========================================
Current Events for December 08(80th Session)
--------------------------------------------
Chair Person :- Mr. S. V. Parangusam

Item 1. Balasubramanian Iyer -- Talk on "New Direction of President Elect Obama Govt.

Item 2. Mr. Kshitish Divatia -- Talk about Global Economic Crisis

Item 3. Mr. C. Kamalrathnam -- Talk On Russia

Item 4. Prof. Dr. Rustogi -- Talk on his recent visit to India
===================================
Current Events for January 09(81st Session)
-------------------------------------------
Speakers 1.Mr.Dinesh Bajaj

2.MR S V R Parangusam

3. Mrs Amirt Verma
========================================
Current Events for February 09(82nd Session)
--------------------------------------------
Speakers 1. Mr Dinesh Bajaj on "Current Events" and on "Award winning American Movies".
2. Mr. B K Rao " Anthropic coincidences and the constants of Nature"

Music 3. Seema Gupta " Hidustani Music" and Satish Gadagkar on
"Violin".
============================================

2008-07-10T16:07:00.000-07:00

DIAMOND JUBILEE SESSION
=======================
(IN THE ABOVE PHOTOS FROM TOP1) MRS RUSTOGI, MRS SANTHNAM,(SITTING IN CHAIR FROM LEFT) GOPI GODHWANI, CHAIRPERSON,SENIOR, ICC, SITTING FROM LEFT WATCHING PROGRAM ALONG WITH GUEST. 2)IN THE NEXT ROW C G DESAI IS GIVING TALK WHILE SITTING FROM LEFT BHARAT DESAI, NAREN BAKSHI,PRESIDENT, ICC, CHIEF GUEST AND Y S HEGDE. 3)IN THE NEXT ROW MEMBERS PHOTO 4)THE PHOTO OF ANOTHER SECTION OF MEMBERS 5)IN THE NEXT ROW SITTING FROM LEFT SURESH SHARMA IS GIVING TALK, NAREN BAKSHI, PRESIDENT, ICC, Y S HEGDE AND BHARAT DESAI 6) IN THE NEXT ROW Y S HEGDE A GUEST SPEAKER GIVING TALK 7)IN THE NEXT ROW SNNIHITA A GUEST ARTIST GIVING MUSICAL PERFORMANCE.)
'Current Events Session as on 07/07/08, Monday
----------------------------------------------
The Diamond Jubilee Session of 'Current Events' program was celebrated on a Grand scale at India Community Center ,Cupertino on 7th July 08. It was attended by Naren Bakshi, President ,Gopi Godhwani, Chairperson,Senior, and Vishnu Sharma,Director, of India Community Center, respectively.
The Guest Speaker of the day was Y S Hegde, former Managing Director of 'The Can finance, Home Ltd,and former General Manager of Canara Bank, India. Sannihita a Guest artist presented melodious Classical, Semi classical, Music. It was well attended celebration and Community Hall was fully packed. The program was conducted by Bharat Desai.
The program started with the Sarvadharma prayer by Varsha Desai.
Thereafter Bharat Desai introduced all Seniors who presented the talk on various subjects.
V K Dorairaj , talked on the present sensitive situation in Iran and Iraq. He added that the Iran proceeding with the making of Nuclear Bomb have made the Middle East crises bad to worse. A Narayanaswami talked on the Dynasty Rule wherein he mentioned about Nehru to Bush including Clinton Dynasty in detailed. He added that dynasty have now infiltrated in Movie Industry and including in all walk of life. C G Desai briefed the seniors in detailed regarding various benefits available in the Santa Clara county. He gave details regarding SSI, Medical/Medicare, Citizenship, and Transportation System. He also gave details regarding In-Home Supportive services for disable Seniors. Suresh Sharma was of view that cultural changes are being taking place in the Indian Society. He added that even our good cultural value are being also diluted due to economical changes. Dr a Srinivasan gave advantage of fermented food and cautioned regarding the processed food.
Thereafter Y S Hegde, Consultant, The TaTa Consultative Services was introduced by Bharat Desai. He gave very interesting and informative talk on the India's Past, Present and Future. He said India was robbed by colonial power and educationally also ruin during their rule. It brought poverty and illiteracy. However now India is again on the path of prosperity. He also mentioned about the Indians who made major contribution in world economy. He predicted that within two decades India will be economic power in the world.

Naren Bakshi, President, India Community Center, appealed to work for the progress and unity of the Indo American Community. He appreciated the contributions made by various people in making India Community Center successful. He also appreciated the' Current Events' Program.
Dinesh Bajaj former president of Indo American Community Service Center also appreciated and gave his best wishes to 'Current Events' program. Gopi Godhwani described how India community center have helped Indo American Community in Bay Area. She gave few instances to substantiate the same.
Thereafter Sunnihita a rising Classical and Semi Classical Musical artist of Bay Area presented a Music which was received very well.
R Parthasarthy summed up regarding the program and praised all the participants. He also proposed vote of thanks at the end.
( The program was conducted and coordinated by Bharat Desai)
**********************************

2008-06-04T18:03:00.000-07:00

Current Events as on Monday, 2nd June 08(74 TH SESSION)
=======================================================
In the above photo on the top row from left to right R P Banga presenting devotional songs and on the right members with invited Guest. In the second row from left Dr R M Mathur presenting the 'Indo-China conflict 1962-Part2' and on the right Mitun Bhattacharjee is presenting classical and semiclassical music. In the bottom a guest speaker presenting 'Vastusashtra')
--------------
R P Banga gave melodious musical song in the beginning of the program.
Then Bharat Desai introduced two seniors R Parthasarthy and Dr R M Mathur.
Dr R M Mathur, Major General, continued his talk on 'The Indo-China border conflict of 1962, wherein he mentioned the reasons of India's reverses then. He also described the adverse weather under which our army fought out the said battle. However he added that instead of positive support Indian army then received very sarcastic comments from some of the Indian political leaders.He quoted the incident between Indira Gandhi,former Prime minister and former chief of army Sam Manechshow wherein she had complied with the strategic advise of the army chief during the Bangladesh War. However he concluded that Indian army had learnt the lessons from the 1962 reverses and we have now overcome all those drawbacks in order to face any eventuality with chines in future.
R Parthasarthy was sorry that human values have deteriorated in the society. Therefore he said that we should give more importance to intelligent, courage, discipline and character. Besides that love, mercy, and human relationship are the factors which are important for bringing up the human values. He concluded that with proper education, good reading and going back to our cultural heritage we can further improve the human values.
Thereafter Bharat Desai introduced the Guest Speaker Dr Munjalkant Dwiwedi who gave very interesting and informative talk on' The Good Health through Vastusashtra'. He said Principles of 'Vastushastra' are also quoted in our Purana. Its principles are scientific and logical. He said Sun rays, and clean air are always necessary for Healthy life. Therefore the situation of door, widows, kitchen, Master Bedroom, etc are very much important for well being of people living in the said House. He explained the 'Vastusashtra' with the help of various types of Maps of the Houses.He said all window should be opened in the morning for some time for healthy atmosphere of the House. Besides that it is good if main door is facing on the North side and the Master Bedroom may be on the South West. He added that even kitchen may be on Southwest. The favorable situation of the kitchen may help the people living in the house Healthy. In short by observing positive principles of 'Vastusashra' will bring Happiness, Prosperity, Healthy life.
Thereafter Bharat Desai introduced a Guest Artist Mitun Bhattacharjee, a budding Indian Classical Music Artist. She presented Classical, Semi classical, Music including few Devotional Songs. Her musical presentation was received very well.
M L Swamy complimented for very interesting and informative talk. He also congratulated a guest Speaker and a Guest Artist for their very good presentations. He congratulated Bharat Desai for arranging such nice program. He also proposed a vote of thanks at the end.
(The program was composed and co ordinated by Bharat Desai)
****************
India West Report Dated 06/24/08
================================
ICC Hosts Current Events Programs
The India Community Center recently hosted two “Current Events” programs May 5 and June 2 in Cupertino, Calif. Bharat Desai coordinated both the programs and introduced the guest speakers. R.K. Garg, Madhusudan Thatte and R.M. Mathur spoke at the event on May 5.

Garg spoke about the Indian judicial system and Thatte shared his own experiences of Mumbai, India, in the area of work ethics. Mathur, a former major General in the Indian army, presented slides of the old historical maps of the northern Indian border with China.

Pragna Dadbhawala briefed the audience regarding the recent “Gujarat Day” celebrations and made a presentation on the economic developments in Gujarat, India. In the concluding remarks, V.K. Dorairaj thanked the guests and the audience.

Mathur continued his talk on “The Indo-China Border Conflict of 1962” at the event on June 2. R. Parthasarthy spoke about the cultural heritage of India while guest speaker Dr. Munjalkant Dwiwedi gave a talk on “Good Health through Vastusashtra.” A budding Indian classical music artist, Mitun Bhattacharjee, presented a concert at the event, while M.L. Swamy proposed a vote of thanks.
:by indiawest
---------------------------

Export Import Global Marketplace

=======================

2008-05-08T22:38:00.000-07:00

Current Events as on 5th May 08. Monday.
(73rd Session)
=======================================
The photos on top row from left Pragna Dadbhawala presenting 'Gujarat Day' celebration/On the right Mrs Dorairaj is singing devotional song/
In the second row from left Dr R M Mathur, Madhusudan Thatte, and R K Garg is addressing the meeting/ In the bottom Map showing Indo-China Border and Disputed areas therein.)
--------------------------------------
Mrs R M Mathur offered prayer at the beginning of program.Thereafter Bharat Desai introduced the various Speakers.
R K Garg gave very interesting talk on' The present state of India and measures to brings back its ancient Glory'. He said that India has made very good economic progress including in High Tech. However we are still continuing with the system which are given by British rulers. Therefore it is very much necessary to bring changes in our Executive, Judicial and Legislative system which are outdated and does not suits to our present democratic rule. He further pointed out that the recommendations made by various administrative Reform commissions have not been implemented. He informed that' About ten million cases are pending in the Indian Judicial system. The Lokpal bill is pending since last 30 years. The corruption has increased and Moral values have gone down in public life. We are more after material gain then happiness. In short there is no control over human desire which has brought down the moral values. He concluded that with material progress we must make more efforts to preserve what is good for our Culture and Country. Besides that he impressed upon the speedy Reforms in our Executive, Judicial, Legislative Systems.
Madhusudan Thatte gave his own practical experiences of Mumbai, regarding work Ethics. He said that it relates both i.e. Employers and Employees. He further informed that some of the attitude of Employers were deplorable then, but the restrictive, and violent attitudes of Trade Unions were also undesirable. In short Employers must see the welfare of the Employees and Employees should be also sincere to their work.
Thereafter former Major General of Indian army Dr R M Mathur presented the slides of past Historical maps of the Northern Indian Border with China. He pointed out the difficulties regarding demarcation of Northern Indian boarders with China.
Pragna Dadbhawala briefed regarding 'Gujarat Day' Celebration on 24 th May 08, Saturday at Sunnyvale Hindu Temple, Sunnyvale. She also made Video presentation regarding Economical Progress Achieved by Gujarat.
Mrs Dorairaj offered Devotional Songs from Tukaram, Tulsidas and Mira.
Mr V K Dorairaj did summing up and proposed the vote of Thanks at the end.
( The program was composed and co-ordinated by Bharat Desai)
************************

2008-04-11T17:00:00.001-07:00

CURRENT EVENTS AS ON 7TH APRIL 08, MONDAY
=========================================
(In the bottom photo 'People of Tibet.' and on the top photo you can see the Logo, 'India shining' i.e. 'Through Its Economical Developments'.)
(72ND SESSION)
------------------
All prominent seniors gave talk in the session.
K.S.Ramaswami gave very interesting talk on' The Indian Economy' and also gave the brief idea about the economic developments in India.
while Rajlaxmi Jagannathan gave the fair idea about 'The systems of college admissions in India and USA' with its benefits and drawbacks thereof.
P S Manoher briefed regarding the the latest political situation in Tibet. He also mentioned about its reflection on the world Olympic Games 2008 which are going to be hold in China.
Despande Jorapur gave very interesting talk on 'The latest hot topics'.
Thereafter Mrs Dinker presented Devotional songs in her melodious voice. The program was received well by members.
A Narayanaswami co-ordinated the program.

*******************************************

2008-03-07T13:15:00.000-08:00

CURRENT EVENTS AS ON MARCH 3, O8,Monday
========================================
(In the above photo Dr Shakuntala Gheewala,sitting in second row third from right reading and Balvant Puranik sitting in second row fourth from left.)
(71st Session)
--------------

DR Shakuntala Gheewala gave very interesting talk on the various problems faced by Seniors in India and America. She also briefed how they go through hardship in their lives.
Dhanu Siva spoke on the various award winning Indian cinemas and stars thereon. He had also collected very interesting information regarding award winning/outstanding Hollywood Movies.
Balvant Puranik also gave very interesting talk on "The issues of urbanization in the world and solutions thereof"
Then some Entertainment.
The program was well received by the members.
(The above program was coordinated by A Narayanaswami, M Santhnam and C G Desai in the absence of Bharat Desai.)
--------------------------------

2008-02-05T19:13:00.000-08:00

Current Events as on 02/04/08
=============================
(Overview picture of the federal bureau of prison)

(70TH SESSION)
----------------
Jerry Rodrigues, Retired correction officer, Federal Bureau of Prison was a Guest Speaker of the day. He was welcomed and introduced by A Narayanaswami. He briefed in detail regarding the American Judicial System and also Answered the various quarries raised by the members.
Venkatesan Laxminarayanan described the interesting features of the American Election campaign. Mrs Amrita Verma gave very good Pictures of the roles played by Regional parties in India. However she emphasized the importance of regional parties in the present power structured of India.
S V R Parangusam also discussed the targets fixed in the India's eleventh five year plan in view of the tremendous economical developments in India.
All talks were received very well by the members.
Shrimati Jayalaxshmi gave very melodious vocal musical presentations which was taken very well.
(The program was coordinated by A Narayanaswami, C G Desai and N Santhnam in the absence of Bharat Desai.)
***************************

2008-02-02T22:08:00.000-08:00

Current Events as on 7th January 08
-----------------------------------
(In the above top photo from left M Santhnam, Middle in front A Narayanaswami,next M L Swamy and on Extreme right C G Desai along with Harikrishna Majmundar and A Srinivasan. Next row you can see officials of the Consulate General of India, San Francisco.)
(69TH SESSION)
==============
C G Desai introduced and welcomed the the Guest Speaker Patrik Sirkar, Dy Consul General, Indian Consulate, San Francisco. He briefed the members regarding the various provisions under Duel Citizenship, PIO Card, VISA, etc. He also answered the questions raised by the members.
M Santhanam focused on the various events of year 2007, While T P Subrmaniiam talk on the Important and recent Events of the America. A Narayanaswami spoke on the Economic Growth of the India.
M L Swamy presided over the session. Thereafter Musical Program was presented by the prominent Artist.

(The program was coordinated by C G Desai, M Sanathnam and A Narayanaswami in the absence of Bharat Desai.)

***********************

2007-12-06T15:56:00.000-08:00

CURRENT EVENTS AS ON 3RD DECEMBER 07
===================================
Smt Raj Kumari offered prayer at the beginning of the program.
Thereafter C G Desai gave talk on 'The benefits for Seniors'. He also enlighten members regarding 'Health Trust' program of the Santa Clara County. It will be implemented early next year. It will convey information regarding Housing, leadership coordination, Senior Center and Supportive services thereon. He also pointed out that several communications are issued under'Medicare RX PLAN' to Seniors which are of confusing nature. Therefore it is necessary to form forum which can guide the Seniors suitably.A Narayanswamy further contributed in the discussion and stated that one may get lot of information regarding 'Medicare RX Plan 'by going on web site 'www.mymedicare.com'
He also cautioned Seniors that you will brake your residency if you are out of 'USA' for a long time. The result of that you may lose all benefits in spite of having Citizenship. C G Desai also said that all Green card holder Seniors are not entitle for those benefits due to cut off line of 08/22/1996 fixed under law.
A Narayanaswami gave talk on 'India's Growth, Reality or Myth'. Therein he gave Positive and Negative points of Indian Economy. He stated that India is the largest democracy in the world with the Third largest Arm forces. The Indian high tech industries of about $8.8 Billions are bringing millions of Dollars of Foreign Exchange. It has put Indian Economy into very comfortable position in respect of foreign Exchange Reserve.
We have prestigious educational schools and colleges with vast Young Manpower. Besides that we have entered into international market through company like 'Sulzon' which is offering alternate source of Energy(i.e. Windmill). In short Indian economy is booming with more Billioners then even Japan.
But he also pointed out that we are still lacking in the infrastructure of Roads, Airports, Ports and Educational Reforms. The Economical gap between Rural and Urban areas are also increasing. The result of it Rich are becoming more Rich leaving the Poor section where it is. He stressed that India also need to look after Educational Reforms,Health Care,and Increasing of Export.
Thereafter Mrs Sastry welcomed Gopi Godhwani, a Guest Speaker, Chairperson, India Community Center with flower Buckie and Bharat Desai introduced her.
She gave talk on'The vision of ICC for Seniors'. She described how the 'ICC' was build up for the American Indian Community? She added that it has now become cultural place for all religions. She added that rich,and poor all are taken care equally at India Community Center. Besides that she gave information regarding free 'Health Clinic' at ICC,Milpitas for those community members who are not having Health Insurance. she appealed all members to help in the endeavor to built up strong India community center.
Gopi Godhwani also answered questions of members at the end.
Smt Parimal Gandhi a Guest Artist was also welcomed by Smt Jaysreeben Vasavada and introduced by Bharat Desai.
Then Smt Parimal presented melodious Classical and Semi Classical Music including Songs and Bhajans. It was received very well by members.
S V Sastry proposed vote of thanks wherein he congratulated participants C G Desai, A Narayanaswami, Guest Speaker/Artist for very interesting session. He also appreciated the efforts put by Bharat Desai for co-ordinating and composing the program.
THE DETAILS REGARDING PHOTOS
============================
(In the above photos from top row left side photo sitting in last but one row from right Ramesh Mathur, Senior Member and Vishnu Sharma, Director, Senior'ICC'/Right side photo from Right Sitting M Santhnam,Dhanu Siva, Deshican and M P Wancho all Senior members
/Second row from top A Narayanaswmi giving talk/ Third row in left side photo C G Desai is giving talk/On the right photo musical presentation by Smt Parimal Gandhi/The last bottom photo Gopi Godhwani giving talk.)
*****************************************

2007-11-08T17:17:00.001-08:00

CURRENT EVENTS AS ON 11/05/07
==========================
(67TH SESSION)
---------------
Amrita Verma recited the Serva Dharma Prarthana at inauguration of the program.
Thereafter Smt Pragnabahen presented the recitation regarding 'Leading to the right path'.
Kshitish Divatia then gave talk on 'The Language of God '. He said that The language of God is not different then the language of science. He substantiated with the theory of genetic code'. He added that faith in God is not threat to the science and Science is no threat to the God. He further added that 'whatever is talk on the name of God is being substantiated and practically proved by Science. Therefore God and Science are compensating each other in the Human Life.
Niranjan Parikh then talk on the right of information under Indian Law which was very informative. He quoted one example of ordinary citizen who fought battle for obtaining information regarding' Ration Card 'successfully with the help of said Act. He said that people should be conscious about their right under the act and should try to educate other citizen even. He informed that' Any citizen in case of need may go on the web side relating to the information act and down load the application form in order to get the required information. He added that' there are provisions to punish the public servant who defy to give required information under the act'. But he also pointed out regarding certain specific items which are listed as classified and for which information can not be released. He concluded that it has brought more efficiency and transparency in administration.
Bharat Desia then introduced a Guest Speaker Naranji Patel, a community leader of the Bay Area and one of the founder members of the Sunnyvale Temple, Sunnyvale. He was also welcomed through flowers Buckie by Smt Pragnabahen.
Naranjibhai Patel stressed more emphasize on the Unity of the Community. He added that main motto of the Sunnyvale Temple is to serve Indian American community. He added that they are adding more facilities at the cost of $ 7.5 million in order to serve better the Indian American community in the Bay Area. He also supported the causes of Indian American seniors in Bay Area.
Thereafter B K Rao, A Narayanaswami, S V Sastry, Ramkrishna Ayyer, Guha and Chandravadan Desai took active part in the question answer session.
Smt Pragnabahen then welcomed the Guest Artist Harshada Jawale with flowers Buckie and Bharat Desai introduced her.
Harshada Jawale entertained the members with the presentation of classical and semi classical music in her melodious voice.
Chandravadan Desai summarised the program and proposed vote of Thanks.
(Bharat Desai composed and coordinated the program)
=====================================================================================

2007-10-04T00:27:00.000-07:00

CURRENT EVENTS AS ON 1ST OCTOBER O7
===============================
(66 TH SESSION)
----------------
(In above photos on the top Rochit Gupta, a Guest artist is giving musical presentation. In the second row Pravin Sheth a guest speaker is giving talk on 'The meaning of Gandhi To Day. In the third row some of the member can be seen along wih Guest. In the fourth row Nagin Jagada is giving talk on 'Buddha' and In the bottam row Pragnaben welcoming the Guest on the behalf of India Community Center)
=====================================================================================
Mrs Varsha Desai recited Serva Dharma prayer at the beginning of the program.
Thereafter Nagin Jagada presented his talk on 'Buddha' wherein he gave the message of Buddha briefly. He explained that' The Right of view, thought, speech, action, efforts, awareness, livelihood and concentration are the principles of the Buddhism, but the Devotion, Satya and Tyag are the foundations on which it stands. The Buddha preached the Vipasana mediation on the later stage, which is very scientific. It is meant for personal purification.
Bharat Desai thereafter introduced the guest speaker Pravin Sheth and invited him for talk on 'The Meaning of Gandhi Today'.
Pravin Sheth then gave talk wherein he stated that Gandhi is still respected and his teachings are very much relevant. He said that' On going Violence, Racial conflict and Terrorism has created global crisis, which has made Gandhism more and more relevant even today. He added that 'It may not give solutions of all our problems but we can find road map from the same. The noble prizewinner Dr Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, and Dash Band Toto are the example who were inspired by Gandhism. Even present day youth are very much inspired by Gandhian thought in view of feedback received by them from books, media’s and movies related to Mahatma Gandhi.
He described Mahatma Gandhi in many roles at different time and period. He said Mahatma Gandhi' role against the Racial discrimination in the South Africa was different stage of his life. He gained many things from the said struggle. Then came his role as a leader of freedom struggle. He was then talking in the language of the masses and observed simplicity to carry them along with him. He talked about Hindu Muslim unity and opposed the partition of the country. He was sure that it would create lot of killing and suffering. Therefore his role after partition was for creating communal harmony. He was moving in communal affected area of Bengal after partition. After his death the period came when he received lot of attention of western world through movie on his life by British Director Richard Edinburgh. The Movie 'Gandhi' made him popular in the west and they started reading his writing. It was period when Gandhism spreaded universally. It is now period when Gandhiism revived once again through movies like' Lage Raho Munnabhai, 'My father Gandhi' and Exhibition showing Gandhi's life organized by Aditya Birla. Besides that Ghandhiji's experiments of Padyatra, Satyagraha etc are being adopted by present generation, which are very much projected by electronic media. Pravin sheth concluded that all these stages and developments shows that Ghandhism is very much relevant and alive in present world. Thereafter Pravin Sheth gave his comments on the questions raised by members,
Rochit Gupta a young guest artist was introduced by Bharat Desai.
He presented Mohmadali's famous Gazals, Bhajans, and old Movies songs on instrument. He also sang two Bhanjans which were very dear to Mahatma Gandhi. It was received very well.
Pragnaben and Laxmiben presented flower bucaus to Pravin Sheth, Nagin Jagada and Rochit Gupta on the behalf of India Community Center respectively.
M L Swamy proposed vote of thanks.
(Bharat Desai conducted the program)
*************

2007-08-08T23:19:00.000-07:00

Current Events as on 08/06/07, Monday

==============================
(65Th Session)
(In the above photos-1)In the first row on the top Subodh Desai,Guest Speaker is giving talk and on the left sitting Bharat Desai, Coordinator of the program2)In the second row on left R Chandrasekhar and on the Right Group of members3)In the third row on the left M Santhanam and on the right M L Swamy4)In the fourth row from left sitting Arabhi Sunderarajan,Guest Artist,Subhodh Desai,Guest Speaker giving talk and on the exterm right sitting is Nagin Jagada and in the right photo Subodh Desai is in discussion with other Senior Members5)In the fifth row from left Arabhi Sundrrajan giving musical performance along with Nikhil Joshi on tabala and on the right members are engrossed in the program6) In the bottom row S V Sastry is giving talk.)
------------

The 65 Th session started with the song by Bharat Desai.

Thereafter eminent seniors, M L Swamy, Former Chief Engineer Andhra Pradesh, M Santhanam, Former Judge of Chennai high court, B K Rao, IAS, Former Secretary of Steel and Mines Government of India, R Chandra Shekher, Former Corporate Executive, and Pradeep Joshi,Program Manager joined in congratulating Bharat Desai for running well structured and interesting Current Event program successfully.

S V Sastry gave very, informative and analytical talk on 'How we can avoid violence in any form prevailing every where at present'? He was of view that violence is prevalent in Iraq, Afghanistan,and many other countries. It is also there in form of suicide bomber etc. The violent destruction of of 9/11 is also very much in our mind. He further that we have to find causes for the same in order to find some solution. He explained that lack of opportunity, eduction, and employments are the root causes of prevailing violence at present. He concluded that proper education and providing basic needs of every one is the right answer for all the violence in the society.

Bharat Desai then introduced the Guest speaker Subodh Desai, a former Joint Secretary and Chief Protocol Officer, Gujarat government.Thereafter guest speaker gave talk on ' The latest progress of Gujarat' . He said that India is going to be one of the world powers by 2025 and its economy is booming accordingly. He added that Gujarat has to keep space with those developments for giving its own contributions thereon. Besides that he further stated that' There is no need to introduce Gujarat as it has produced Dayanand Sarasvati to Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel. Gujarat was also patronized by Lord Krishna,Adi Sankeracharya to Sahajanand Swami. It is well known fact that Gujarati have done very well in science, industry, and even in foreign lands. There are Gujarat oriented Industrial houses like Reliance, Tata, and has also produced scientist like Vikram Sarabhai, Homi Bhabha. In short Gujarat has been the source of new waves and ideas, in entrepreneurship. In that context he said that Gujarat is still on the path of developments. He substantiated his statement with the figures. He said that Gujarat has achieved very high GDP(between 12% to15%), which indicates the high rate of growth. Beside that Gujarat is producing 80% of cut and polished diamond,40% of pharmaceutical product,40% of art silk, and 40%of Sponge Iron of India. Its share in industrial production of India is 15% and in Export 14% respectively. Besides that it has develop 71000 Miles of Road. It has 5000 Miles of Railway, 41 ports and produces 14000 Mega Walt of electricity. It is interlinking 20 rivers for lifting the water and providing it to its dry area in north and west. Gujarat has also internationally attracted investment of more then 4lakes cores during Vibrant Gujarat 2007. It is also developing 33 special economic along with IT parks. This gives insight of the Gujarat progress. He concluded that the credit of all progress goes to the administration along with the entrepreneurship of Gujarati people.

Naginbhai Jagada then presented humour which was also received well .

Bharat Desai then introduce the Guest Artist Arabhi Sunderarajan and young tabla player Nikhil Joshi. Arabhi Sunderarajan presented classical and semi classical songs in her melodious voice. It was received very well by audience. Nikhil Joshi, 11th grade student accompanied her on tabla. His talent was also appreciated.

The program was concluded with the vote of thanks by Nagin Jagada.

( The program was composed and conducted by Bharat Desai.)

*********************
You may click on a link given below and then reclick on 'P08- America Local-1' in order to read the Report of 'Gujarat Times'
==================================================================
Report of 'Gujarat Times' a Gujarati Weekly dated 14th September 07

2007-07-05T00:42:00.000-07:00

CURRENT EVENTS AS ON 2ND JULY 07

================================
(In the above photos on the top members are at the program. In the next row photo A Narayanaswami answering some of the points raised by member.In the third row left photo Dr V K Jotwani and in the right photo Chittranjan Mukherjee giving talk. In the forth row from left Veena Menon reciting prayer and in the right photo A Narayanaswami giving talk. In the bottom photo Seema Gupta along with Shakeel Avadhany on tabla giving Musical presentations.)
------------------------------------------------

Veena Menon sang prayer at the beginning of the program and it was very appealing.

Thereafter A Narayanaswami, Former Deputy General Manager of Bharat Heavy Electrical presented his version of China and India by giving comparative facts and figures. He visited China very recently and could give realistic pictures of progress made by china in various fields. He said china is ahead of India in spheres of literacy,investment, infrastructure and GDP Growth. He further added that China is having 25000 Miles of Roads as good as road of USA. He pointed out that' The the public sector projects are not treated like holly cow in china 'and all manufacturing activities are labor incentive. Besides that even direct investments are welcomed and the overseas chines are investing substantially in the economy. It is apparent that china is very much in need of energy for its booming industries and in that context they have developed very good relationship with all the countries from whom can get energy resources. The china's finest relationship with African countries, and some of the Asian countries are glaring examples of their diplomatic success. China is also having fine relations then India with Bangladesh,Myanmar, and Pakistan which are having one or other form the source of energy. China is having strong central authority but states are given incentive for their better performances. There may not be political freedom in China but it has achieved economical freedom up to large extent. India is having democracy but we have to go long for economical freedom. The literacy rate of India is one third if China. The overseas Indians have recently started investing in Indian industries and its impacts on our progress will be seen in long run. He added that high amount of subsidiaries in various sectors of industries have also adversely effected the efficiencies and productions thereon. he acknowledged that India has now become conscious about the lack of proper infrastructure and that had led lot of developments in the spheres of Roads, Transport, and communication. The service sector is also improving gradually. Besides that India is having better financial and banking system. it has finest capital market. However India has to make more efforts to take High Tech to villages in order to increase the Agriculture production and to improve the standard of living in Rural Areas. In the absence of rural development the gap between rich and poor will go on increasing and it will come in the way of economical freedom of India. He found Chines are more dedication towards work then gossiping.

Dr V K Jotwani who was a Emergency Medical officer,Central Government Health Scheme at Wellington Hospital, New Delhi, gave his few memories of fifties wherein he came in touch with VIPS. He said it was a time when India has just become independent. The most of the VIPs were very humble, discipline, and good natured in those days. He observed that even from the President Rajendra Prasad to Prime minister Jawaherlal Nehru, and including ministers like Govind Vallabh Pant, B C Roy and Nurul Hasan were very polite with officers. However with the passing of time the standard was deteriorated and he found that the some of the VIP were very arrogant. They demanded some of the facilities outside the rules prevailing then. However there were then VIP like Morarji Desai, a former Prime Minister who was for rule of law and refused the facilities which are given outside the administrative rules.

Chittranjan Mukherjee gave his comments on ' The Rural India-Past and Present' wherein he mentioned regarding the increase of gap between urban and rural areas. He said while urban population of India is having privilege of enjoying all luxuries of life i.e. Automobiles, Consumer Durables etc while Indian Rural Population is still struggling to survives. Their debts are increasing and some of them are loosing even lands. He said we should not forget that 76.12% of Indian population lives in rural area which consist of 700000 villages. There may be less epidemic in village areas now but that does not mean everything is well therein. In this connection he quoted Amarta Sen, a noble price winner economist ' We are going to the top of the mountain within 20 years as per media but forget not we are enjoying picnic on a sleeping volcano and no one knows when the lava will wipe our existence'.

Bharat Desai presented few humorous Jokes thereafter.

Bharat Desai introduced a guest artist of the day Seema Gupta and Tabla player Shakeel Avadhany before the presentations of musical program. They both presented very melodious and pleasant music. Seema Gupta presented classical and semi classical devotional songs. Even Shakeel Avadhany was excellent on tabla.Seema presented Kabir's Bhajan in Yaman Raga. In short musical presentations were received very well.

Akur Srinivasan in his summing up praised fine presentations of various participants including musical artists. He also congratulated Bharat Desai for organizing such interesting and pleasant program and proposed vote of Thanks.

( The program was composed, coordinated and conducted by Bharat Desai)
Report of India West dated 26th July 07, under Community Corner
==============================================================
Community Leaders Discuss Current Events at ICC

-----------------------------------------------

India Community Center members met informally to discuss matters pertinent to the Indian American community July 2 in Sunnyvale, Calif.

The program began with a musical line-up featuring Seema Gupta and tabla player Shakeel Avadhany.

A. Narayanaswami, former deputy general manager of Bharat Heavy Electricals, compared the economic prowess of India and China based on observations made during his recent visit to the latter country.

Narayanaswami suggested that China currently surpasses India in the realms of literacy, infrastructure and gross domestic product. He attributed this observation to China's emerging solid relationships with the African nations, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Pakistan for the purpose of acquiring sources of energy.

He also pointed out that India's literacy rate is approximately one-third of China's, a possible barrier to many economic and educational developments.

V.K. Jotwani discussed the personality discrepancies between political VIPs of the 1950s and today. A former head of the VIP section of New Delhi's Wellington Hospital, Jotwani claimed that VIPs of the past had more respect for the law and common courtesy.

Finally, Chittranjan Mukherjee spoke on the increasing gap between rural and urban India, with most rural areas suffering from less attention to infrastructure and development than their urban counterparts.
:by indiawest
===========================

2007-07-05T00:09:00.000-07:00

CURRENT EVENTS AS ON 2ND JULY 07

============================

Veena Menon sang prayer at the beginning of the program and it was very appealing.

Thereafter A Narayanaswami, Former Deputy General Manager of Bharat Heavy Electrical presented his version of China and India by giving comparative facts and figures. He visited China very recently and could give realistic pictures of progress made by china in various fields. He said china is ahead of India in spheres of literacy,investment, infrastructure and GDP Growth. He further added that China is having 25000 Miles of Roads as good as road of USA. He pointed out that' The the public sector projects are not treated like holly cow in china 'and all manufacturing activities are labor incentive. Besides that even direct investments are welcomed and the overseas chines are investing substantially in the economy. It is apparent that china is very much in need of energy for its booming industries and in that context they have developed very good relationship with all the countries from whom can get energy resources. The china's finest relationship with African countries, and some of the Asian countries are glaring examples of their diplomatic success. China is also having fine relations then India with Bangladesh,Myanmar, and Pakistan which are having one or other form the source of energy. China is having strong central authority but states are given incentive for their better performances. There may not be political freedom in China but it has achieved economical freedom up to large extent. India is having democracy but we have to go long for economical freedom. The literacy rate of India is one third if China. The overseas Indians have recently started investing in Indian industries and its impacts on our progress will be seen in long run. He added that high amount of subsidiaries in various sectors of industries have also adversely effected the efficiencies and productions thereon. he acknowledged that India has now become conscious about the lack of proper infrastructure and that had led lot of developments in the spheres of Roads, Transport, and communication. The service sector is also improving gradually. Besides that India is having better financial and banking system. it has finest capital market. However India has to make more efforts to take High Tech to villages in order to increase the Agriculture production and to improve the standard of living in Rural Areas. In the absence of rural development the gap between rich and poor will go on increasing and it will come in the way of economical freedom of India. He found Chines are more dedication towards work then gossiping.

Dr V K Jotwani who was in charge of the VIP section of the Wellington Hospital, New Delhi, gave his few memories of fifties. He said it was a time when India has just become independent. The most of the VIPs were very humble, discipline, and good natured in those days. He observed that even from the President Rajendra Prasad to Prime minister Jawaherlal Nehru, and including ministers like Govind Vallabh Pant, B C Roy and Nurul Hasan were very polite with officers. However with the passing of time the standard was deteriorated and he found that the some of the VIP were very arrogant. They demanded some of the facilities outside the rules prevailing then. However there were then VIP like Morarji Desai, a former Prime Minister who was for rule of law and refused the facilities which are given outside the administrative rules.

Chittranjan Mukherjee gave his comments on ' The Rural India-Past and Present' wherein he mentioned regarding the increase of gap between urban and rural areas. He said while urban population of India is having privilege of enjoying all luxuries of life i.e. Automobiles, Consumer Durables etc while Indian Rural Population is still struggling to survives. Their debts are increasing and some of them are loosing even lands. He said we should not forget that 76.12% of Indian population lives in rural area which consist of 700000 villages. There may be less epidemic in village areas now but that does not mean everything is well therein. In this connection he quoted Amarta Sen, a noble price winner economist ' We are going to the top of the mountain within 20 years as per media but forget not we are enjoying picnic on a sleeping volcano and no one knows when the lava will wipe our existence'.
Bharat Desai presented few humorous Jokes thereafter.
Bharat Desai also introduced a guest artist of the day Seema Gupta and Tabla player Shakeel Avadhany before the presentations of musical program.
They both presented very melodious and pleasant music. Seema Gupta presented classical and semi classical devotional songs. Even Shakeel Avadhany was excellent on tabla.Seema presented Kabir's Bhajan in Yaman Raga. In short musical presentations were received very well.
Akur Srinivasan in his summing up praised fine presentations of various participants including musical artists. He also congratulated Bharat Desai for organizing such interesting and pleasant program and proposed vote of Thanks.
( The program was composed, coordinated and conducted by Bharat Desai)

===========================

2007-07-04T22:53:00.000-07:00

CURRENT EVENTS AS ON 2ND JULY 07

================================

Veena Menon sang prayer very well and it was very appealing.

Thereafter A Narayanaswami, Former Deputy General Manager of Bharat Heavy Electrical presented his version of China and India by giving comparative facts and figures. He visited china very recently and could give realistic pictures of progress made by china in various fields. He said china is ahead of India in spheres of literacy,investment, infrastructure and GDP Growth. He stated that china is having 25000 Miles of Roads as good as road of USA. He added that' The public sector projects are not treated like holly cow in china '. He further informed that the whole mfg activities are labor incentive. Besides that direct investments are welcomed in china and the overseas chines are investing substantially in the same. It is apparent that china is very much in need of energy for its booming industries and in that context they have developed very good relationship with all the countries from whom can get energy sources. The china's finest relationship with African countries, and some of the Asian countries are glaring examples. China is also having fine relations then India with Bangladesh,Myanmar, Pakistan etc which are having one or other form source of energy.
China is having strong central authority but those states are given incentive who are showing better performances. There may not be political freedom in China but it has achieved economical freedom up to large extent.

India is having democracy but we have to go long for economical freedom. The literacy rate of India is one third if China. The overseas Indians have recently started investing in Indian industries and its impacts on our progress will be seen in long run. He added that high amount of subsidiaries in various sectors of Indian industries have also effected the efficiencies and productions thereon.
He accepted that India has now become conscious about the lack of proper infrastructure and that have led lot of developments in the spheres of roads, airports, and communications. The service sector is also improving gradually. The Indian financial, and Banking systems along with law and judiciary may be better then China. Besides that India have better capital market.

However India has to make more efforts to take High Tech to villages in order to increase the Agriculture production and to improve the standard of living in Rural Areas. In the absence of rural development the gap between rich and poor will go on increasing and it will come in the way of economical freedom of the country as a whole.
He also found more dedication towards work in China then gossiping. while it is observed in reverse trend in India.

Dr V K Jotwani who was in charge of the VIP section in the Wellington Hospital, New Delhi, gave few memories of fifties. It was a time when India has just become independent. He said those days most of the VIPs were very humble, discipline, and good natured. He observed that even from the President Rajendra Prasad to Prime minister Jawaherlal Nehru, and including ministers like Govind Vallabh Pant, B C Roy and Nurul Hasan were very polite with officers. However with the time the standard was deteriorated and he found that the some of the VIPs were very arrogant. They demanded some of the facilities outside the rules prevailing then. However there were VIPs like Morarji Desai, a former Prime minister who was for rule of law and refused the facilities which are given outside the rule as a special consideration.

Chittranjan Mukherjee gave his comments on ' The Rural India-Past and Present' wherein he mentioned regarding the increase of wide gap between urban and rural equalities. He said while urban population of India is having privilege of enjoying all luxuries of life i.e. Automobiles, Consumer Durables etc while Indian Rural Population is still struggling to survives. Their debts are increasing and some of them are loosing even lands. He said we should not forget that 76.12% of Indian population live in rural area which consist of 700000 villages. There may be less epidemic in village areas now but that does not mean everything is well therein. In this connection he quoted Amarta Sen, a noble price winner economist ' We are going to the top of the mountain within 20 years as per media but forget not we are enjoying picnic on a sleeping volcano and no one knows when the lava will wipe our existence'.

Bharat Desai presented few humorous Jokes when musical presentation was on tne way.

Bharat Desai also introduced a guest artist of the day Seema Gupta and Tabla player Shakeel Avadhany before the presentations of musical program. They both presented very melodious and pleasant music. Seema Gupta presented classical and semi classical devotional songs. Even Shakeel Avadhany was excellent on tabla.Seema presented Kabir's Bhajan in Yaman Raga. In short musical presentations were received very well.

Akur Srinivasan in his summing up praised fine presentations of various participants including musical artists. He also congratulated Bharat Desai for organizing such interesting and pleasant program. He also proposed vote of Thanks.

( The program was composed, coordinated and conducted by Bharat Desai)

===========================

2007-06-06T19:59:00.000-07:00

Current Events as on 06/04/07

(63rd Session)

=============================
(In the above photos on the top from left M P Wanchoo is giving talk and on the right Narshihman, a guest,Ex- Executive from Hindustan Lever is introducing him self/In the second row from left Indu Chhabra is presenting humour,and on the right M K Rao is giving talk/ In the third row from left Chandravadan Desai giving talk and on the right Dhanu Siva is giving talk/ In the last row in bottom on right members and on the right Pradeep Joshi, Guest Artist giving Musical Performance.)
----------------------------------------------------------------

It was started with devotional song rendered by Bharat Desai

Thereafter Chandravadan Desai gave impression gathered during his recent visit to India. He saw that lot of wealth is generated but the gap between poor and rich is increasing. The rich people are enjoying the fruits of prosperity but the lower, middle and fixed income group life's are becoming hard due to high inflation. The black money generation is also increasing that too is adding fuel for inflation. He observed that High Tech, Real estate Industries and Stock Market are booming. We have also made very good improvement in communication sector along with some developments in infrastructure sector, ex specially regarding roads. However in infrastructure sphere we will have to go long way in order to attract more and more foreign investments. We are trying to imitate the American culture and due to that big malls are coming up. However small retailers are suffering due to such developments. In education sector while government is increasing seats for overall Engineering faculties but some of the seats are remaining vacant due to rush on Hi tech faculty. Besides that in the sphere of politics the election of next Indian president is getting hot. He added that the corruption and insecurity is increasing which requires to be dealt with top most priority.

Dhanu Siva also gave very good information regarding the space developments. He gave reference regarding the Marathon race taken up by Sunita William on space station . He added that the said satellite which was carrying her along with other astronauts could be seen with bare eyes in some of the cities of the southern India i. e. Chennai, Kanjipuram etc. He was of opinion that within few year space travel will be possible for people due to efforts of the person like Richard Bronson. He also presented some humorous part of the the conversations which took place at the white house dinner party between Queen Elizabeth of England and American President Bush. He also pointed out the opening of hospital for dogs and cat at sanfrancisco. He also highlighted the world boxing champion Mike Tyson's acting assignments in Bollywood Movies.

M K Rao gave Details regarding Wireless technology and how it is regulated. He said there are 33 types of radio communication services. The radio waves are divided in the bends and they are used for broadcasting,mobile, and aeronautic purposes. It is also used in instrumental landing, slope indicator, Rader for defence purpose, and for maritime uses. The radio waves are controlled by various countries as per allocation. The radio waves are also allotted for private use under licences through various specified agencies.

Manoher Wanchoo also gave his memories regarding Indian freedom struggle and his association with the Indian Atomic developments after independence. He described the first atomic test at Pokharan in the year 1974. He said even country like America also complimented the Indian authorities for keeping the said test very much secret. It was narrated in very interesting manner.

Indu Chhabra entertained the people with a very humorous jokes.

Thereafter a Guest Artist Pradeep Joshi who is a creator of Karaoke and The Classical Music Sessions at India Community Center, Sunnyvale, presented some of the hit songs of the old popular Indian Movies. He sang some of the hit songs of Mukesh, and Talat Mehmood in his melodious voice. It was received very well by Audience.

M S Burji did summing of the program and gave compliments to all participant for presenting very interesting topics. He also complimented Pradeep Joshi for presenting very pleasant music. He also proposed the vote of thanks at the end.

(Bharat Desai conducted and coordinated the program.)
Report of the Akila News,Rajkot,Dated 2nd July 07, Gujarati Internet News Paper
(You may Click on the above link and thereafter on News link related to program at ICC,Sunnyvale Center, CA,)
Gujarat Times report dated 7th July 07
(You may click on the above link and thereafter on P06-Local America-1)
=======================================

2007-05-11T16:11:00.000-07:00

Current Events Program as on 05/07/07
=====================================
(62nd Session)
(IN THE ABOVE PHOTOS,TOP- From left Suresh Patel, Harikrishna Majmundar, and Gopi Godhwani, Chairperson Senior,ICC,giving talk. In the second photo- From the left Gopi Godhwani, Chairperson ICC along with Mrs Varsha B Desai and Bharat Desai. In the third photo Suresh Patel, a Guest Speaker is giving talk on Gujarat and the celebration of Gujarat Day. In the third photo Anima Desai, Guest, a recipient of American President Award for Women in business along with her husband Himanshu Desai and in the last photo at bottom Bharat Desai is giving talk on 'The climatic changes')
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The program was stared with the Tamil devotional song by Sita Dorairaj.

Thereafter A Narayanaswami talked on America and relative topics with India. He added that America even-though believes in democratic principles but some time supported dictators in the various countries who can serve its interest.(i.e. as for example in Egypt and Pakistan etc) It maybe political support and not ideological but it apparently turn out into ideological conflict.He also said Indian American atomic deal is also facing some problems in view of new developments.However he observed that all good said and done in respect India, the Indians are still suffering of complexes like skin. He further said that poor in India has little to say in the economical field in in India. there are no bank accounts facilities for poor in India.

Chittaranjan Mukherjee gave his memories of Subhashchandra Bose who was a hero of freedom struggle. He was one of the most charming and hansom leaders during those day. He was elected as Congress president even though Mahatma Gandhi gave call to defeat him. He went on and described how he escaped from India as a pathan and reached to japan via Berlin, Germany. He was a leader who formed the Indian national army and hosted Indian flag on Indian soil of Manipur and at the islands of Andaman/Nicobar.

Bharat Desai talked on the climatic changes and how to rectify the same. He also described the rectifying measures which are taken by private and governmental level by various countries. Besides that he also pointed out that how as individual we can contribute in such measures. He concluded that the reduction of carbon emission and use renewable energies can only save the situation

L Venkatesan also gave very humorous and interesting talk.

Varsha B Desai welcomed Suresh Patel, a guest speaker of the program by presenting flowers Buckie. Pradeep Joshi, program Director introduced the Guest.

Suresh Patel then talked on the development of vibrant Gujarat and details regarding the celebration of Gujarat Day.

R M Mathur recited few shayaries from well known Urdu Shayers and Pushpa Mathur entertained the people with classical music and Gazal.

R B Singh proposed vote of thanks.

(The program was conducted and coordinated by Bharat Desai.)

Report Gujarat Times
( First click on the above link 'Report Gujarat Times' and then click on 'America local-4'. You will be able to read the Report of the above program in Gujarati)

2007-04-03T11:46:00.000-07:00

CURRENT EVENTS AS ON 2ND APRIL 07
=================================
61ST SESSION
------------
(IN THE ABOVE TOP PHOTO CHITTARANJAN MUKHERJI IS SUMMING UP AND BELOW THAT A GUEST SPEAKER SACHIN DESHMUKH IS GIVING TALK.ON THIRD ROW EXTREME LEFT AND RIGHT MANILAL JAGTAP GIVING MUSICAL PERFORMANCE ON BENZO AND HARMONICA RESPECTIVELY. IN THE SAM ROW SECOND FROM LEFT R PARTHASARTHY AND THIRD NAGIN JAGADA GIVING TALK. IN THE LAST ROW MEMBERS ALONG WITH GUEST.)
Veena Kriplani offered prayer in the beginning of the program.

Thereafter Two minutes silence was observed on the sad demise of one of the seniors Sampatkumar Ramanuj.

R Parthasarthy presented his memories of his recent visit to India. He said India is booming with high technology. The GDP is also gradually increasing. The new class of highly rich is coming up very fast. The new big mall culture is developing in form of big shopping centers. Even middle class is making money due to establishments of call centers. There are very good opportunities in trade and business. In short we are progressing but the gap between rich and poor is increasing. He further observed that' It has also changed our social values and deteriorated our cultural system. Besides that the infrastructure is not developing as fast as the industrial developments. In a long term it may go against our future development process. The administration, security, and political system are also deteriorating. He said still about 26% of the population is living in below poverty line. We are also trying to imitate west without looking at its suitability to our cultural and social system.

Nagin Jagada was for creating suitable mental and spiritual conditions through which inner happiness can be brought in the life. He said it is very much necessary to have control over Raga and Dwesha (i.e. Jealousy and Vindictiveness)as they are the root cause of problem in our mind. The negative thoughts are bad for the once health. He said meditation is more important then medicine for the healthy body. He said person is visible only up to 16% but rest of the things one has to take care in order to remain healthy physically and mentally.

Thereafter Bharat Desai presented few humorous tit bits.

Manilal Jagtap presented Bollywood Film music including classical on harmonica and benzo.

The Guest speaker of the day Sachin Deshmukh was welcomed by Pradeep Joshi, Program Director and was introduce by Bharat Desai.

Sachin Deshmukh a guest speaker presented his talk on ' The importance aryuvedic medicine for Seniors. He said ayurvedic medical science is thousands of years old with concept that Eat fresh and suitable food according to the season with some limit. He added that some time food is eating us instead of we are eating it. He said for happiness and healthy life you must have harmony between your body and mind. In short you must practice what you preach by dully digesting it mentally. Some time it is better to learn from others experiences then under going our selves. He added the introspection always give one, lot of help in living healthy life.

He Advised that one can observe following for living healthy life

1) To drink sufficient water per day i. e. 1.5 litter per day minimum

2) The 40% of the food input has be row.

3) One should cultivate the habit of taking food with family. i.e. The food may taken in a good atmosphere

4) The input of four time fruits per a day is enough

5) The 30 minutes walk in the morning and 15 minutes easy walk after dinner is good for health.

The summing up of the discussion was done by Chittranjan Mukherji at the end and he also proposed vote of thanks

Bharat Desai coordinated and composed the program

***********************

2007-03-08T16:10:00.000-08:00

Current Events as on 03/05/07
( THE 60 TH SESSION- THE COMPLETION OF FIVE YEARS)

==================================================
(In the above photos on the top row from left Narindar Chopra, Dr N Srinivasan,Mrs Rukkmini Srinivasan are giving talk and Dr Mathur is paricipating in the discussions. In the middle row Satish Gadadkar is giving musical presentations along with Sonali Srivastav accompanied him on tabla. In last row some of the Seniors attendees of the program)
------------------------------------------------
The program was inaugurated with the devotional song of Mrs Laxmi Ramkrishna Ayyar.
Thereafter Dr N Srinivasan gave his presentation on certain diseases which are related to seniors i.e. diseases like Parkinson and diabetes.
He also explained the symptoms and treatments for those diseases. He said that Parkinson makes a person disabled. The patient Cannot to do his daily activities normally.
He further briefed regarding the two types of diabetes, i.e. Type one and Type two. In the type one person may be deficient of sugar and some time victims are supposed to be kept on insulin while the Type two is generally genetic or because of old age wherein system create more sugar and it has to be control by medications. The side effect of diabetes are that it affects eyes, kidney, liver, and create and joints pain problems. Even person feels fatigue due to diabetes. Dr Srinivasan guided Seniors how to control the diabetes with various type of exercises.
Ramakrishna Ayyar , L Venkatesan, Dr Mathur and Jayshree Vasavada also took part in the discussion thereon.
Rukkmini Srinivasan gave account of Indian parliamentary delegation visit to china under the leadership of Anantsam Iyenger then speaker of Loksabha of Indian parliament. The 90 minutes meeting of the delegation with then chairman Mao Tse Tung of china was very interesting. She described the talk delegation had with Chines chairman on the world problems. Mao Tse Tung was also worried about high defence budget of China then. He wanted it to be reduced gradually so that money can be diverted for reconstruction of China. He wanted China and India both should progress and go ahead. All these talk was noted by former foreign minister Natversingh, who was then foreign service official and who accompanied the delegation. The most remarkable qualities of Mao Tse Tung was his modesty and simplicity. He also said that now he knows Gandhi better.
Narindar Chopra spoke on Kabir and his messages. He said that Kabir was born as a orphan and uneducated but was a person with practical wisdom and was very much secular. He was also spiritualist. He lived simple life and and was always search of truth. He contributed 700 verses in the literature.
Bharat Desai, L Venkatesan and Dr Mathur contributed few humorous presentations.
Thereafter Guest Artist Satish Gadagkar, presented his musical presentations on violin and Sonali Srivastav accompanied him on tabla. He also presented Indian filmy tunes in his presentations. It was very well received
M Santhnam proposed vote of thanks at the end.
(The program was coordinated and conducted by Bharat Desai.)
*******************
REPORT OF INDIA WEST
====================
ICC Sunnyvale Reviews Current Events
------------------------------------

The India Community Center of Sunnyvale reviewed current events Mar. 5 at its center in Sunnyvale, Calif.

Laxmi Ramkrishna Ayyar started off the program with a devotional song. Ayyar was followed by N. Srinivasan, a doctor by profession, who gave his presentation on diseases prevalent among seniors such as parkinson’s and diabetes.

Rukkmini Srinivasan gave an account of a visit her father Anantsam Iyenger had made to China during which time Iyenger also visited Mao Tse Tung. Iyenger was then the speaker of the Lok sabha of the Indian Parliament and was leading a delegation of parliamentary officials. Srinivasan shared the concerns that both her father and Tung had at the time regarding the two countries’ future.

Following Srinivasan, Narindar Chopra spoke about Kabir and his messages of brotherhood and love, which can be found in the 700 or so verses that Kabir contributed to Indian literature.

Entertainment for the event was provided by Bharat Desai, L. Venkatesan, and Mathur’s comedy presentations. Guest artist Satish Gadagkar performed with his violin while Sonali Srivastav accompanied him on tabla. M. Santhnam offered the vote of thanks at the end.

The event was conducted by Bharat Desai.
:by indiawest
*************

2007-02-07T21:01:00.000-08:00

CURRENT EVENTS AS ON 02/05/07

=============================
(59Th Session)
(In the above photos 1) on the top photo Mary tinker, a guest speaker, director,public authority on in-home supportive services is giving talk2)In the above next photo siting from left Mary Tinker, Director,Public Authority on'IHSS',Pradeep Joshi,Program Director,'ICC',Sunnyvale and P K Banga presenting his Musical presentations 3)In the next middle Nagin Jagada presenting his humourious Presentation 4) In the last raw from left Balwant Puranik, In the middle Mrs Sita Doraiswamy presenting songs in Multi languages,and Mrs Nilu Gupta giving talk.)
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The program was started with the devotional song by Veena Menon.

Thereafter Balwant Puranik presented his analytical talk on 'The Middle East Crisis'.

He apprised that Taliban have been removed from Afghanistan and elected government is being installed, but Taliban are reemerging from their hide out. In short stability and security still lacking in Afghanistan.

Saddam was also removed by USA from Iraq and have established the elected government. However they had overlooked the depth of sectarian conflict between shia and sunny. It is creating ever going violence in that country.

He was of opinion that even Arabs are not interested in solving the conflict between Israel and Palestine for the reason best known to them.

He further added that Iran's economy depends upon oil and if sanction is imposed on it, then it will further deteriorate the condition of common men in Iran.

He concluded that America is trying sincerely to establish democracies in the Middle East countries, but those countries are uncomfortable with it due to their deep rooted problems.

Dhanu Siva, Ramakrishna Ayyar also took part in further discussion thereon.

Nilu Gupta gave talk on ' The Adult and Women Abuses'. She described the various type of abuses, i.e. emotional, physical,Neglect,Mistreatment,Domestic violence etc. She also gave the names of the agencies who helps the victims. Besides that she also informed regarding laws against abuse, prevailing in the various states of USA. However she was of opinion that adult and women should face such abuses more effectively. she concluded that it is a good sign that the lot of consciousness have come among victims to face such abuses.

Nagin Jagada entertained very well with his humorous jokes.

Mrs Sita Dorairaj presented songs in Tamil, Kannada, Marathi and Gujarati in her melodious voice. She presented Tukaram and Mirabai songs in Marathi and Gujarati very well.

Thereafter P K Banga presented few devotional songs and made whole atmosphere very light.

Pradeep Joshi, welcomed a guest speaker with flowers and gave brief idea regarding the seniors activities at the center.

Bharat Desai Event coordinator introduced the participants and a Guest Speaker Mary Tinker, Director, Public authority,In-home supportive services, Santa Clara County, Silicon Valley.

Mary Tinker gave brief idea regarding the services rendered by the In- home supportive services, Santa Clara County. She said that county is offering 12500 consumers In -home supportive Services with the help of 10000 care givers. She also distributed relative broachers to the Seniors which gives the out line of various schemes. Besides that she also answered the queries from some of the seniors regarding their practical problems. The vote of thanks was proposed by V K Dorairaj at the end.

The program was conducted and coordinated by Bharat Desai.

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2006-12-27T20:15:00.001-08:00

What they have to say about 'Current Events' program
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1)Seemaji- The exponent of Hindustani Music
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"Thank you for sending the link and also for giving me the recognition as independent artist at ICC for the first time. I always come there due to the love and affection of all the seniors. I checked out your web site and it looks impressive."
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2)Suresh Sharma-Thinker and Writer/Former Senior statistic officer of Indian Government
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"My profound thanks for the feedback on Current Affairs(i.e.Events), which was so fascinating"
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3)Umakanth Serma,IAS, Former Chief Secretary of Bihar regarding "GANDHI JAYANTI PROGRAM UNDER CURRENT EVENTS" As on 10/02/06
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"Today's programme was good. Congratulations."
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4)M L Swamy-Former Chief Engineer, Andhra Pradesh State, India and World Bank Consultant
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" Congratulate you for organizing such a great event at "Gandhi Ji's 137th Birthday Celebrations" on 02 October 2006. I am amazed at the great planning and execution of the CURRENT EVENTS program and the zeal with which you are organizing the program. It is GREAT! The changes you are bringing about to improve the program are highly commendable. Every one is liking your programs. I wish you all the best. "
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5)Gopi Godhwani, Chairperson, For Seniors, INDIA COMMUNITY CENTER.
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"Current affairs(i.e.Events) is doing very good. I wish I could come everytime.
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2006-12-05T21:23:00.000-08:00

Current Events as on 4th December 06, at ICC Sunnyvale
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IN THE ABOVE PHOTOS FROM TOP BALWANT PURANIK,(I.E. FROM RIGHT TO LEFT) RAMJI PATEL, AND CHANDRASEKHAR R I ARE TAKING PART IN THE DISCUSSIONS WHILE (I.E. FROM RIGHT TO LEFT)V K DORAIRAJ, A SRINIVASAN ARE PRESENTING THE LATEST ON WORLD AND INDIA RESPECTIVELY. IN THE CENTRAL PHOTO SEEMAJI A GUEST SPEAKER/ARTIST, THE EXPONENT OF HINDHUSTANI MUSIC PRESENTING GAZALS,DEVOTIONAL SONGS. ARSAD SAIYED IS ALSO SEEN ACCOMPANIES SEEMAAJI ON TABALA.)
Mrs. Mathur inaugurated the above program with the devotional songs.
Thereafter A Srinivasan presented his talk on North Korea and Iran. He briefly talked regarding the nuclear test by North Korea and its implication on the balance of power on surrounding countries like South Korea, Japan, and China. He said that atomic development in Iran will also make effect on the countries like Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Israel who are supporting America.
He stated that attack on Iraq without completing the mission in Afghanistan was also error of judgment. He said no weapon of mass destruction was found in Iraq for which the America attacked Iraq. All these actions have created anti American sentiment in Middle East and now America is not considered liberator but invader. Besides that civil war situation is created in Iraq due to the sectarian conflict. American people have also resented against American policy and due to that in mid term election republican have lost control on both the houses. The reverse of republican in midterm election resulted in the resignation of defense secretary Rams field.
Dr B M Mathur, Chandrasekhar R I,Balwant Puranik, A Narayanswami and Ramji Patel also took part in the discussion.
V K Dorairaj gave talk on India wherein he mentioned that India and china are planning to increase their trade up to $40 billion. Besides that they are going have Joint military exercise first time in the history. It shows that Indo-China relationship is further consolidating. He stated that India is developing with great speed. He substainsated it with the figures. He said India's Stock Sensex has crossed 13000 and its GDP is being maintained around 9.1%. Besides that foreign investment is also on increasing side.
Bharat Desai then talked about the latest on America. He briefed with the latest figures of population along with the reasons thereon. He also observed that Asian economies are very much competing with American economy. The local consumption, and productions in Asia are on high side which has reduce saving rate and increased the borrowings. All these factors will compensate even if American economy will slow down.
Thereafter Guest Speaker and Artist Seemaaji presented Hindustani classical Music and history thereon. Aarsad Saiyed played tabla with her. Seemaji also presented devotional songs of Meera / Kabir and Gazal of Talat Hasan on the request of members.
The solo presentation of Aarsad Saiyed on tabla was marvelous.
A Narayanswami summarized the presentations and proposed vote of Thanks.
1)India West Report on the above program
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(The above program was conducted at ICC, SUNNYVALE not at Milpitas as reported)
ICC Reviews Current Events
--------------------------

The India Community Center of Milpitas held its current events program Dec. 4 in Milpitas, Calif. The program featured talks by A. Srinivasan on North Korea, Iran, and the Iraq War; V.K. Dorairaj on Sino-Indian relations; and Bharat Desai on the Asian economy.

The program also featured Hindustani classical singer Seema and tabla player Aarsad Saiyed, who performed the devotional songs of Meera and Kabir, and the gazals of Talat Aziz.
:by indiawest
================
2)Gujarat Times
===============
It was also covered by Gujarat Times, Gujarati Weekly dated 01/05/07 which is published from New York, and Canada.
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********

2006-11-07T20:06:00.000-08:00

CURRENT EVENTS AS ON 6TH NOVEMBER, 06, MONDAY
AT INDIA COMMUNITY CENTER, SUNNYVALE
(In the above photos from left A Narayanaswami is giving talk, in the middle KRS Murthy is ginving musical presentation and in the right Sanat Desai is giving talk.)

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( 57 TH SESSION)
The above Program was inaugurated with devotional song by Bharat Desai.
Thereafter A NanarayanswamI talked regarding the latest development on forthcoming partial election of American Congress and Senate. He also discussed Iraq and said that America has also objectives to spread democracy in Iraq. However some people have stared thinking in terms of partition of Iraq due to on going sectarian violence. He also discussed Middle East problems including nuclear weapons problem with Iran and North Korea. He said it appears that security of America is reducing in context of world’s political situation.
Sanat Desai said that India is flourishing with foreign investments in the sphere of Automobile, High tech Industries etc. He further stated that following foreign blue chips companies are investing in Indian industries
1) Microsoft- $41.7 billion,
2) Cisco-$1 million,
3) Motorola- $70million and
4) DMV/Hyundai/Suzuki- $1.5 billion
He also gave brief idea regarding mode of moderate individual investment in the flourishing Stock Market.
Kanu Shah gave humorous talk on Indian politicians. It was received very well.
H Tyagrajan gave talk on the progressing economy of China. However he said there is lot of resentment and protest from the people within china. He said that in health care sector the china has increase the individual average longevity to 82 years but their per capita GDP is still within $1000/-. He further added for information that common man in China does not know English.
The Guest Speaker/Artist KRS Murthy was welcomed and introduced by Bharat Desai.
Thereafter KRS Murthy briefly explained about classical music. He presented his owned composed Ragas/Tunes like Durga, Malkoush, Dipak etc. He also presented Chines tunes. It was very well appreciated and received by the members.
Ramji Patel, Satish Gadadkar, A Narayanaswami, Prema Santhnam also participated in the discussion.
Akur Srinivasan proposed vote of thanks and Bharat Desai Co-ordinated and composed the program.

=========
REPORTING OF PROGRAM BY INDIA WEST DATED 12/01/06
=================================================
Sunnyvale ICC Reviews Current Events

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The India Community Center of Sunnyvale held its latest session of "Current Events" Nov. 6 at its center in Sunnyvale, Calif. The session started with a devotional song by Bharat Desai and continued with a talk by A. Nanarayanswami, who spoke on issues ranging from the latest U.S. elections to Middle East and North Korea foreign policy. Sanat Desai brought focus to current economic trends by highlighting the fact that foreign companies like Microsoft and Motorola are investing heavily in India. H. Tyagrajan shared his ideas on China based on his recent visit to the country.

Kanu Shah provided doses of humor by telling jokes about Indian politicians, while guest speaker and artist K.R.S. Murthy entertained attendees with his talk and musical performance.
:by indiawest

2006-10-03T14:50:00.000-07:00

GANDHI JAYANTI CELEBRATION ON 2ND OCTOBER 06, MONDAY UNDER CURRENT EVENTS PROGRAM (56TH SESSION DEDICATED TO ‘MAHATMA GANDHI) AT ICC SUNNYVALE.
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(Photos-On the leftside above- Shakuntala Bahadur and Pushpa Mathur Group singing 'Dhun'/Below Chandravadan Desai giving talk/On the right side above- In the front row from right Jayshree Vasavada, Prof.Akur Srinivasan who edited booklet title'Homage to Mahatma Gandhi'/ Below Talat Hasan, Chief Guest,Chairperson of 'ICC' giving talk and sitting from left Bharat Desai, and Anayya Deshpande, a Guest Speaker)
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Gandhi Jayanti program was organized at ICC Sunnyvale under the chairmanship of Talat Hasan, chairperson ‘ICC’ along with a Guest Speaker, Anayya Deshpande a Gandhian. All paid due respect to Mahatma Gandhi on his 137 Th Birth Anniversary at the beginning of the program.
The program was inaugurated with Sarvadharma Prarthana, which was recited by Shankuntala Bahadur.
Bharat Desai presented present events in the world, which reflects violence, killing, and sectarian conflicts. He said that solution of all problems is in Gandhi preaching. He said that even world leaders and including American leaders are of the same view. In that context Gandhian ideology is more relevant to day.
Bharat Desai then introduced the Guest Speaker Anayya Despande to the audience.
Thereafter the Guest speaker Anayya Despande spoke analytically on Gandhian philosophy. He raised question why Gandhiji was great? What was his non- violence and Satyagraha? He said Gandhiji was great as he practiced what he preached. His non-violence meant not hurt any one in any form. He always supported the violence in self defense. He always acted as per his inner voice i.e. Truth. In that sense he was karmayogi.
The chief guest of the function Talat Hasan also gave talk on Gandhiji. She gave with illustrations how Gandhiji recognized the power of the women and always supported their cause. She said Gandhiji was a great reformist. He was for communal harmony and believed that Hindu and Muslim of the India cannot be separated.
The several distinguished Seniors, Shuresh Sharma, Chandravadan Desai, V K Jotwani, R B Singh, Sanat Desai, Manoher Wanchoo, A Narayanswami, Jayshree Vasavada, Premlatabahen Majamundar, gave talk on Gandhiji and some of them described their experiences of meeting him in their life time.
Sita Dorairaj sang ‘Vaishnav jan to ene kahie’. Pushpa Mathur sang the Bengali song written by Ravindranath Tagore for Gandhiji. Amrita Varma also presented very old but popular song regarding Mahatma Gandhi. The ‘Dhun’, which was presented in-group of Shakuntala Bahadur, Seema, Sita Dorairaj and Pushpa Mathur, was also well received by members. Those distinguished lady seniors and singers made whole atmosphere very pious and pleasant. It was befitting to the birth anniversary of father of the nation.
The small booklet Title ‘Homage to Mahatma Gandhi was released by Talat Hasan. Prof. A Srinivasan edited the booklet.
The meeting was very well attended.
Pradeep Joshi welcomed the Chief Guest and M Santhnam proposed vote of thanks.
Bharat Desai coordinated and composed the program.
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2006-09-09T21:45:00.000-07:00

Current events program as on 7th September, Thursday 2006
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(In the above photos participants of this program- On the left Mr Ramkrishna Ayyar, In tne middle Indu Chhabra and on the right Dr Mahipal Ghemawat)
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The program was started by Veena Kriplani who presented the Sarvadharma Prarthana.
Thereafter Dr Mahipal Ghemawat talked on ‘ Health Care’. He advised members to take care of health by following the instructions of Doctors meticulously. He wanted that people must take care of their medication by keeping them away from Light, Moisture and Temperature. It is not advisable to keep medicines in folded papers. Besides that patient must describe all problems to doctor in detail for diagnoses of the decease. He added it is also very important to take proper care after the decease is identified. It is better to develop self-discipline in order to remain fit. He cautioned regarding the expiry date of medication as thereafter it would loose its effectiveness. He said that the ‘ The yogurt has the bacteria which are more hygienic for the consumer. Therefore it is good for health. It is better to use computer for keeping your health data up to date. He submitted paper and advised the members to give their specific health problems in order to do research thereon. It will also enable him to give better guidance.
Ramkrisna Ayyar talked on his encounter with the people and institutions during his professional life as Accountant General of Maharashtra State. He felt that whenever any important job was assigned to him it created lot of resentments in ‘Indian Administrative Service’ lobby of the state. He worked on many important projects like Koyna Dam, Secretariat Gymkhana, and Metro for Bombay. However he was more connected with scrutiny of those projects. He observed in light manner that some time white papers were pasted by higher office on the file wherein adverse noting is being made at lower level. He said that ‘It was very funny that some officer use to draw separates salaries for holding two posts. It came under scrutiny from account section of the government. However he said he learnt that ‘ Do not to give too much stress that you are doing right. Besides that always keep in mind the mistakes of the past. He ended his talk by stating that ‘ when courage ends stupidity begins.’
Indu Chhabra made atmosphere lighter by presenting humorous tit bits.
P Thiyagrajan former chief income tax commissioner talked on ‘ How the political power is used by the government to help its supporters and to pressurized the political opponents through income tax machinery.’ He gave few incidents regarding the same. Besides that he stated that it is difficult to understand the Indian income tax law, as income is not clearly defined. Therefore all receipts are taxable. However he observed that ‘ the income tax receipts have increased due to lowering the tax rates.
C G Desai, Dr V K Jotwani, Akur Srinivasan and Arya Bhusan also took part in the discussion.
Dr Padma Rajgopalan sang classical karnataki music along with some devotional songs. It was also well received by members.
A Narayanaswami proposed vote of Thanks.
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2006-08-09T19:43:00.000-07:00

'Current Events' as on 7th August 06
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1)(In the above group photo on left-The participants of the above' Current Events' Program - At the exterm left standing Capt. Raj Tandon. In the front row from the left Seema,(Artist) Subhangi Sakhalkar(Guest Speaker/ Artist), Pravin Shah, Shaun(Artist),Mrs Varsha Desai, Bharat Desai(Coordinator of the 'Current Events' Program), In the second row from left A Narayanaswamy, M Santhnam, and C Mukherjee.)2)In the above group photo on right/(i.e.Top) Second from right standing Bharati sister of Bollywood Star Madhuri Dixit and Third from left standing Mr Pradeep Joshi, Program Director,ICC,Sunnyvale along with Shubhangi Sakhalkar and other members)
=======
Captain Raj Tandon presented his interaction with the various communities of the world wherein he mentioned that people in UK were very much upset with the Indian independence of 1947 and they were not in fevour of India. However Scottish people were very friendly and they liked Indians. He found Germany was very discipline country, friendly and sympathetic to India. He also observed that people of Belgium, Holland, and France were very much against Germany, as they had suffered at its hand during Second World War. He said eventhough Russia was close society but found their lot of goodwill for India.In Iraq and Middle East he found lot of unfavorable feeling against Indian people. In Japan the people were very much interested in knowing regarding India, which they consider as birthplace of Buddha. In Malaysia people admires India. Besides that he found traces of Hindu culture in Indonesia. (i.e. In Bali)However he concluded that Japanese, and German people are very hardworking, discipline and nationalist.
Thereafter Smt Geeta Mahajan presented Servadharma prayer, which was also well received.
Pravin shah presented on the recent Bombay blast wherein 201 persons died and about 1000 was injured. He compared the said incidents with 9/11 incidents of World Trade centers wherein 3086 persons died. He said that compensation of Rupees one lakh was paid to each victim in India, while it was one million dollar to each victim in USA.
He also mentioned about number of time veto used by American presidents against legislation past by the congress in comparison with the veto power used by Indian president. He was discussing the matter in context of veto power used by Indian president against the Bill regarding ‘Office of profit’. Besides that he also reffered regarding recent measures of Indian government to introduce further reservation in India.
Bharat Desai discussed on ‘ Global warming’ and on ‘ whether California has maintained its position as a Golden State?
Thyagrajan also took part in the discussion.
Smt Premlatabahen Majmundar presented flower to the Guest speaker Shubhangi Sakhalkar. Thereafter Pradeep Joshi, Program Director welcomed and introduced the Guest speaker.
Shubhangi Sakhalkar presented on 'Indian Classical Music' with demonstration thereon. She gave the demonstrations of Ragas Bhairavi, Yaman, Bhageshwari, Bhopali, Malhar etc. The members very well received it.
Thereafter Justice M Santhanam proposed vote of thanks.
Bharat Desai coordinated the program.
Reported in India west dated 09/22/06
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ICC Discusses Current Events

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The India Community Center held a discussion on current events in Sunnyvale, Calif., Aug. 7.

Raj Tandon spoke on his interaction with various communities around the world stating that the U.K. was displeased with India's independence in 1947, but the Scottish and German communities were friendly and sympathetic towards Indians.
Even Russia, Tandon said, had a lot of goodwill for India, but in the Middle East and particularly in Iraq, there were unfavorable sentiments for Indians.He also noted that Japan was curious about India and that there were traces of Hindu
culture in Indonesia.
Pravin Shah spoke on the Mumbai train bomb explosions and compared the incident to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in the U.S.
Shah said that Rs. 1 lakh was paid to each victim in India, while in the U.S., $ 1 million was given to the victims of the attack.He also compared the use of veto power by American presidents to that used by Indian presidents, making reference to the Indian president vetoing a bill on "Office of Profit."
Bharat Desai discussed global warming and whether California has maintained its position as a golden state.
Guest speaker Shubhangi Sakhalkar, a classical music artist, received flowers from Premlatabahen Majmundar, and the program's director Pradeep Joshi welcomed Sakhalkar.
The artist demonstrated ragas bhairavi, yaman, bhageshwari, bhopali and malhar.
:by indiawest
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2006-07-28T15:27:00.000-07:00

The Current Events program is very well receieved by Media Even. The Editor of India Currents, Ashok Jethanandani and NBC Assistant News Director,San Jose, Todd Mukhatri also attended the program as a Guest Speaker. I give here below the details regarding positive News coverage given to the said program.(Photo of one of the presentations in the 'Current Events' program)
Name of News Paper/ Coloums under which Published/ Date
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1)INDIA WEST/ COMMUNITY BRIEFS/ 04/28/06
2) " " 05/26/06
3) " " 07/14/06
4) " " 09/22/06
5) " Relegious 10/20/06
6) " Community Briefs 12/01/06
7) " " 01/12/07
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1)INDIA CURRENTS/ OUTGOING EVENTS/ JUNE/AUGUST/NOV/DEC/06
2) " " /JAN07
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1)INDIA ABROAD-NEW YORK/ COMMUNITY NEWS/ 03/05/04
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1)INDIA POST/ COMMUNITY ACCROSS AMERICA/ 07/11/03
2) " " 09/05/03
3) " " 10/O3/03
4) " " 10/31/03
5) " " 12/26/03
6) " " 02/20/04
7) " " 01/23/04
8) " " 01/09/04
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1)GUJARAT TIMES(GUJARATI WEEKLY)/ AMERICA/ 01/30/04
2) " " / " / 12/22/2006
3) " " / " / 01/05/07
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1)GUJARAT DARPAN(GUJARATI MONTHLY)/ COMMUNITY NEWS/ JAN/FEB06
2) " " APRILO6
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1) India Journal/ Metro/ 11/03/06
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2006-07-07T19:44:00.000-07:00

Current Events as on 3rd July, Monday 06 at India community center, Sunnyvale,
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(In the above photo from right Dr R M Mathur,Dr V K Jotwani,Bharat Desai, and Mrs Mathur presenting Divotional song)
Mrs. Mathur started the program with devotional song.
Thereafter (Retd, Major) Dr R M Mathur presented the ‘The Indo-China conflict of 1962,’ with the help of Maps of actual positions then on the front. (i.e. The North Himalayan region near Aksaychin and Ladak etc.) He also gave the historical background of the Indo- china border which is based on Himalayan ranges, rivers and by marking on the land at the height of 16ooo feet. Britishers carved out the boundaries with a view to keep Indian border away from then Russia. In the process demarcation of borders were not made clear.
In the concluding remarks he said that ‘Indian army was not well equipped then to face the aggression. Besides that supply lines were also not very comfortable on the account of lack of proper roads. The supply was sent through planes, which were not convenient for the fighting soldiers. China had already built up roads through our occupied area and on the Pakistani land which was handedover to them by Pakistan. The soldiers had also snow bites. In short the well-equipped chines forces had nearly defeated Indian forces.’
Dr V K Jotwani spoke on ‘American Health Care System with reference to Indian ’
Dr Jotwani said that ‘The American health care system is very high quality system. The children and women are well covered. However it is expensive. The standard of hospitals is not less then five star hotels. The 40% of American do not have health insurance, as they cannot afford it. The high cost of Drugs, Counter insurance and relative lobbies have made the health care very expensive.’
‘ The Indian health service is considered to be one of the best. Rajkumari Amrit kaur then health minister had introduced Central Government Health Scheme.’ He informed.
‘However the organized sectors in India are only having Good health schemes i.e. Army, Railways, Banks, Insurance Companies etc. The other sectors are lacking in such facilities. Besides that India has now become Medical Center for foreigners with high quality of medical services and also due to high standard hospitals like, Apollo, Jaslock, Escort, etc. India has to spare more funds for further improving the standard of health services.’ Dr Jotwani added further.
Bharat Desai then talk on the Hydropower addiction of India and its plan to generate 60000 MW from the Himalayan rivers. He also briefed regarding the progress made by Russia after fall of communism.
C Mukharjee, and Ramji Patel also actively participated in the discussion.
Thereafter Veena and Pradeep Joshi entertained the members with their melodious voices.
Mr. Pradeep Joshi, Program Director of ICC proposed vote of thanks. Bharat Desai coordinated the program.

===============

2006-06-09T16:58:00.000-07:00

Current Events as on 5th June 06
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(In the above pictures top on the left sitting from right SVR Parangusam and Niranjan Parikh. On the top right Mrs Rajeshwari Siva present couplets from 'Tirukural. At the Center Haresh Panchal,Guest speaker seen delivering his Speech.)
Mrs. Rajeshwari Siva presented few couplets from the Ancient Tamil Classic literature called Thirukural (i.e. Holy Kurul). The Great Tamil Sage Thiruvalluvar wrote it before 2000 years back. It conveys a single complete idea, in each couplet by precise and forceful words. The Thirukural contains teaching on Wealth, Love, Marriage, Ones duty and Moksha (i.e. God realization).
Dhanu Siva talked on how the former presidents of USA SR Bush and Clinton are contributing in the charitable cause like Tsunami, Earthquakes, and storm victims. He also discussed the latest position regarding the immigrant's problems. He said that Mexico economy is deriving the maximum economical advantage out of immigrant's remittances. He referred the speech of President George Bush wherein he wished that His younger brother who is at present the Governor Florida should also become president of America.
Mr. Laxminarayan Venkates said that one must read the book 'DA Vinci code' in order to understand the mysteries behind it. There are many gospels regarding Christ and 'DA Vinci code' mysteries is one of the outcome it. He gave details regarding the so called story and stated that the recent movie on the said subject has become very popular in Europe including in the France which has 70% population as christen.
RSV Parangusam substantiated with facts and figures that India has made very good progress in developing infrastructures facilities in context of Railways, Roads, Airports, Shipping, Communication and Ports.
Niranjan Parikh presented the video regarding his recent goodwill visit to Pakistan wherein he showed welcome received thereon. He said that his tour was very successful with creating lot of Goodwill.
Thereafter Haresh Panchal talk on the Unity of Indian American community in USA in context of strengthening our common interest. He referred the history of India in order to show that how we have suffered at the hands of foreign invaders due to infighting among our selves. We must learn from the history to make our selves strong here by uniting.
Vimala Balam proposed vote of Thanks.
Bharat Desai coordinated the program.
==================

2006-05-08T16:57:00.000-07:00

"CURRENT EVENTS" AS ON O5/01/06
-----------------------------

M L SWAMY TALKING WHILE FROM SITTING LEFT BHARAT DESAI, AND CHIEF GUEST HARI VERMA
AT
CURRENT EVENTS OF MAY 06
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'Current Events' program, as on 1st May 06
========================================
The Current Event program for the month of was held at ICC Sunnyvale on 1st may, Monday, 06. Mrs. Nalini Bhalerao recited prayer in the Marathi at the beginning of the program. There after Bharat Desai conveyed best wishes for the inaugural anniversary day (i.e.1st May) of the state of Maharashta and Gujarat on the behalf of ICC and its members.
M L Swamy presented the tremendous progress made by India in the every sphere of activities. He pointed out regarding the latest developments like the kidnapping and killing of Indian Engineer in Afghanistan, the rise of India as a nuclear power in the world, the sad demise of kanada screen Hiro Rajkumar, the upcoming of Hydrabad as a high tech city, the investments of millions of dollars in India by Silicon Valley Giants like Vinod Khosla and Subir Bhatia, the world biggest pipeline project between India and Iran, and the latest controversies regarding Narmada Dam.
He also mentioned regarding Mohendra Dhoni occupying the top position in the one-day world cricket tournaments.
C Kamalrathnam spoke in detail regarding the latest Indo American nuclear deal. He went on describing nuclear reactor process and material being used thereon. He thereafter analyzed the deal and briefed regarding points which are in fevour and against American and Indian point of view. He said India is a nuclear power with 36 reactors. However treaty wants 14 military reactors should be separated for inspection for time to time.
Hari Varma spoke on Iran and Iraq with their historical and religious backgrounds.
He said Muslim always believed that Jihad is a duty of life for each and every Muslim. All non-Muslim they believed to be kafir. It is Muslim belief that fighting is better then fasting and sacrifice of life take one to heaven. Muslim further believes to use state power to propagate Islam. Even between shiaist and shunny sect there are lot of difference of opinions. The shiaist want to protect the authority of prophet family at all means. In Iran and Iraq there are shiaist and shunny.
While Christian believe in spiritual values and secularism. They believe to live a life of mutual understanding. In short Christian wants to separate religion from the state and it teaches that one shall love thy nebours. Christian also believes in offering another chick if some one slaps.
Besides that above it is historical facts that conflict between Muslim and Christian are going on since centuries to gather.
‘In the context of all above we have see the conflict faced in Iraq and Iran.’ He said
In the discussion Hari Varma pointed out regarding the closing of Newspapers in Manipure under terrorist threats. ‘This are the very unfortunate developments’ he added.
He also pointed out regarding Narmada Dam controversies and is of opinion that rehabilitation measures have to be given equal importance.
‘Some people has to sacrifice in the interest of the majority.’ Observed Mr. M L Swamy. He said the development work like Narmada Dam, has to continue and rehabilitation work has to also continue simultaneously. He has come across such instances so many times in his Engineering Career. However we can not give up such development activities in the developing country like India.
Bharat Desai said Narmada is a lifeline for the water thirsty areas of Gujarat. The Narmada project will not only irrigate the agriculture land but it will also supply drinking waters to the villages, towns and cities of Gujarat. It will also produce a hydroelectric power, which will be shared by all the states involved. The project cost has gone up due to the delay in execution of the project. It has gone up from 4000 Crores to 21000 Crores. It is a very heavy burden on the people of Gujarat including poor people.
Therefore there is no way out then to complete the project so that its fruits can be derived. The environments standard are burden and luxuries for the developing country like India
Bharat Desai coordinated the program and proposed vote of thanks.
=============
REPORT OF 'INDIAWEST' THEREON DATED 26TH MAY06
============================================
ICC Holds Current Events Discussion
-----------------------------------
The India Community Center held a current events discussion in Sunnyvale, Calif., May 1.
The program began with a Marathi prayer by Nalini Bhalerao and Bharat Desai's address on the anniversary day of Maharashtra and Gujarat.
M. L. Swamy spoke about the kidnapping and killing of an Indian engineer in Afghanistan, the rise of India as a nuclear power and the death of Kannada actor Rajkumar.
Swamy also spoke on Silicon Valley giants Vinod Khosla and Sabeer Bhatia's investments in India and a pipeline project between India and Iran.
Hari Varma shed light on the shutdown of newspapers in Manipur and the Narmada Dam project controversies.
He said that rehabilitation efforts should continue for a dam that could provide drinking water for Gujarat and irrigate agricultural land. Varma said that rising costs of the project has delayed its execution.
He also spoke on the historical and religious backgrounds of Iran and Iraq. He explained that Muslims believe that jihad is every Muslim's duty and state power is used to propagate Islam, while Christians believe in secularism and separation of church and the state.
:by indiawest
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2006-04-06T15:02:00.001-07:00

CURRENT EVENTS AS ON 04/03/O6
=============================

T P Subramonion takling on 'Intellegent Design' at the Current Events Session
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Todd Mokhatri,Assistant News Director,NBC,San Jose,giving Talk
at Current Events

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Current Events program on Monday, 3rd April 2006 at India Community Center, Sunnyvale.
=====================================================================================
The Current Events program was conducted at India community center Sunnyvale on 3rd April 2006. The guest speaker was Todd Mokhatri, Assistant Director, NBC, San Jose.
The program was started with the prayer by Varsha B Desai.
Thereafter T P Subramonian presented his talk on ‘Intelligent Design’ it was very interesting and very informative. The extract of which is given here below.*
A Narayanaswami spoke very well on world. He briefed regarding the latest positions in Russia, Iran, Iraq, and Srilanka. He said that Taiwan wants to divert its investments from china to India and their business delegation is at present in India to study the various avenues of investments.
A Srinivasan briefed regarding the latest development in India. He mentioned regarding the recent visit of prince Charles and primeminister of Bangladesh and good will created thereof. He said that India is considering making rupees convertible and also made observation regarding the effect thereof.
Tyagrajan talked in detail regarding the present immigration bill and its provision thereof. He briefly gave the position of American economy along with increase of rate of interest. He said that African American had major share in American sport, which is now going on reducing periodically. It present stands to 46%.
Amrita Verma is of view that reason of the degradation in environment is due to some time natural calamities. However it is also due barberiou acts of men. She said that environment is spoil and pollution is being increased on account of vested interest. She quoted that ‘Tajmahal’, and Ganges is the living example. However she was happy that at world level lot of consciousness has come and lot of measures are being taken or suggested to improve environment.
Pradeep Joshi, Program Director welcoming Todd Mukhatri gave idea which type community activities are being carried on at the ICC.
The Todd Mokhatri made two audio/ visual presentations of two small films regarding media teaching at famous UC Berkeley, and regarding Lisa Amin, NBC Journalist recent visit to India. He added that ‘ present media market has become very competitive. Therefore media has to be very alert regarding the latest developments in the world.
The media has to also consider how and which way their viewers want to see the news. Besides that they have to also see their convenience. He said that ‘Morning News is becoming very popular then Night News.
‘In short we have to change with the time.’ he added. However he noted that change process is very slow.
Besides that he said ‘ involvement of local community is also very important. The some of the news are also telecasts over Internet.
He pointed out it as a new trend in TV industries.
He said that we have to give priorities to news as per situation prevailing on the particular day. The news regarding flooding, mudsliding, future weather forecast are important during rainy seasons while news of immigrants agitation, and their protest thereon is very important when illegal immigration bill is pending before American congress/senate.
The all news of the days is short-listed and it is decided by the committee that which news is to be given priority for that particular day.
He tried to explain the working of TV industries.
Thereafter there was question/answer session in which A Narayanswami, Ramji Patel, M Santhnam, T P Subramonian, Chandrasekher, L Vanketas and Jaysribahen Vasavada also took active part.
M Santhanam proposed vote of thanks.
Bharat Desai coordinated the program.
-------------------------------------
*
INTELLIGENT DESIGN
==================
PRESNTED BY T P SUBRAMONIAN
--------------------------

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. And then He created light. And then over the course of six days, He created the lakes and the rivers, the seas and the mountains, the plants and the trees, the birds and the animals and every form of life. And then he created man and asked him to look after all that he had created. That was the sixth day. And then He rested on the seventh day. That is the origin of life, according to the Bible and the Christian faith all over the world. Since then there have been other theories and speculations over the origin of life but they made little impact in the Christian world.

In the year 1859, Charles Darwin, an English naturalist, published his treatise, ‘On the Origin of Species by means of Natural Selection’. This work was, next to Newton’s Principia, perhaps the most important single book in the history of science. It was after long years of data collection and observation that Darwin concluded that species had not been independently created, but had descended from other species. External conditions like climate, food etc have contributed to variation , but in the struggle for existence, any being , “if it vary, in any manner profitable to itself, under the complex and varying conditions of life, will have a better chance of surviving and thus be naturally selected. From the strong principle of inheritance, any selected variety will tend to propagate its new and modified form”. Natural selection or the survival of the fittest almost inevitably causes much extinction of the less improved forms of life and leads to ‘divergence of character’. “It leads to the improvement of each creature in relation to its organic and inorganic conditions of life; and consequently, in most cases, to an advance in organization. Nevertheless, low and simple forms will long endure if well fitted for their simple conditions of life.”

The theory of organic evolution had burst like a bombshell upon the England of the late 1850s and early 1860s. The theory was violently attacked by certain clergymen as contrary to the teachings of the Bible. The Origin of Species lumped man with other living things as a product of organic evolution, thus apparently contradicting the Biblical story of creation. At the meeting of the British Association for the Advancement of Science in 1860, there was a debate on the revolutionary book. Among the debaters, were the Rev Samuel Wilberforce, Bishop of Oxford and a sworn foe of the revolutionary theory on one side and the famous biologist Thomas Huxley, one of Darwin’s ardent supporters on the other.
After an impassioned attack on Darwin’s theory, The Bishop turned to Huxley and said smilingly, “I should like to ask Prof Huxley as to his belief in being descended from an ape. Is it on his grandfather’s or his grandmother’s side that the ancestry comes in?”

The good Bishop was evidently under the impression, as so many people have been from that time to this, that the central idea of the Origin of Species is that man is descended from the ape. Actually, the doctrine of organic evolution, as expounded in the Origin of Species, stresses particularly the idea that all living things – men, monkeys, amoebas, starfish, birds and plants, for example, have attained their present structure and function through a slow eon-long series of changes in living tissue, beginning with the simplest primordial protoplasm. The doctrine states further that the direction of changes is guided by the process known as natural selection or the survival of the fittest. This doctrine of organic evolution, modified since it was first presented, has profoundly influenced the thinking of mankind. It has even had its impact on political philosophy. economics and business

Despite initial furor in Christian circles, the opposition from the church and the controversy over evolution gradually died down in England and most of Europe with the advance of science and the industrial revolution. In India and other Asian countries there does not seem to have been a controversy in regard to the teaching of evolution in biology classes. Nobody has suggested in India that along with evolution schools should teach the creative cycle of Brahma. Nor has anyone demanded that in geography classes, Rahu’s devouring role should be mentioned along with the astronomical explanation of the solar and lunar eclipse. My father, who taught biology in school and zoology in college almost with a missionary zeal in the early years of the last century, himself believed in the role of a divine hand behind the wonders in the world of nature.. But in his study at home, as I recall, he had an impressive picture of Thomas Huxley, the celebrated biologist and the ardent supporter of Charles Darwin.

In America, however, the theory of evolution has had a chequered career, particularly in school teaching. Until around 1920, there was apparent harmony, as school education was largely a private decision. It was only after 1920 that secondary education became compulsory in the United States. Around that time, the religious conservatives began to worry about the future of America, the fall of religious and moral values in the face of the insatiable pursuit of wealth and material pleasure. A widening gap was noticed between the God-fearing majority and the disbelieving cultural elite. Evolution was seen as a challenge to Christian belief. Since then the movement against the theory of evolution has passed through three distinct phases of evolution. In the first phase (say 1920-60) the opponents of evolution wanted to remove evolution from the class room. In the second phase, (say 1960-90) they demanded balanced treatment of evolution with some form of creationism. In the third phase, which began in 1990, they seek to downgrade evolution to ‘just a theory’, without any indisputable validity. Indeed, now the controversy has acquired political overtones as well, a matter of conservatives vs liberals, or Republicans vs Democrats.

Let us take the first phase. In 1925, Tennessee became the first state to pass an anti-evolution law. It banned the teaching of the theory of evolution in public schools. Scientific method lay at the heart of modernity. Darwinism was criticized for applying that method to the key issue of biological origin and human morality. John Scopes, a school teacher in Tennessee, challenged the law in court. Harvard zoologist Louis Agassiz challenged the very notion of organic evolution, arguing that highly complex individual organs, such as the eye, and ecologically dependant species, such as bees and flowers, could not evolve through the sort of minute random steps envisioned by Darwinism. The Tennessee law was upheld in court. John Scopes was put on trial for violating the law of the land by teaching evolution in the class room. This was the famous ‘monkey trial’, as the issue was man’s descent from the ape!

The pace of anti-evolution quickened. More states passed anti-evolution statutes. Evolution dropped out of American public schools in the 1920s, 30s and 40s. Then came the Second World War, which diverted attention. The issue did not turn up until the 1960s. By the time the issue went back to the courts, the legal landscape had changed. Beginning 1947, the US Supreme Court began applying the First Amendment against public schools. The old controversy got a new relevance. In successive rulings, beginning in 1948, the US Supreme Court struck down class room religious instruction, school-sponsored prayers, mandatory Bible readings, and finally in 1968, the anti-evolution laws. These old laws had only banned the teaching of human evolution. They did not authorize the teaching of alternative theories.

The next phase of anti-evolution began in 1961 under Henry Morris. The Genesis and the six-day creation, dating them within the past 10,000 to 6,000 years, were projected as scientific enough for school instruction. He called it ‘creation science’ or ‘scientific creationism’. Okay, you may teach evolution, but teach creationism alongside, was the slogan. The movement for ‘balanced treatment’ of evolution and creationism in the science classes developed further in the 1970s and 1980s. Three states and dozens of local schools mandated balanced treatment of creation science along with evolution in public schools. It took another decade before the US Supreme Court unraveled these balanced treatment mandates and struck them down as unconstitutional. Creation science was nothing more than religion dressed up as science, the Court declared in a 1987 decision.

In the third phase of this anti-evolution movement, the leadership passed on to Philip Johnson, who published his book, ‘Darwin on Trial’ in 1991. The movement is spearheaded by the Center for Renewal of Science and Culture, sponsored by the Discovery Institute, a conservative Seattle think tank. Johnson’s target was the philosophical belief that material entities subject to physical laws account for everything in nature. Evolution excludes God from science labs and class rooms using the methodology of naturalism. He maintained that evolution is ‘just a theory’. In its mission statement, the CSRC ‘seeks nothing less than the overthrow of materialism and its damning cultural legacies”

The CSRC argues, ‘As Christians we know that naturalism is false. Nature is not self-sufficient. But neither theology nor philosophy can answer the evidential question whether God’s interaction with the world is empirically detectable. To answer this question, we must look to science’. In other words, the creationists cleverly decide to wear a science garb and seek an equal status with evolution as an alternative scientific theory. They have also authorized funded research work for their mission, but no progress has been made. The new name for the creationist theory propagated by the Discovery Institute is “Intelligent Design”. Intelligent Design (ID) is the name given to the concept that ‘certain features of the universe and of living things are explained by an intelligent cause, not an undirected process such as natural selection. The intelligent designer is not identified, but we know who it is!

Leading proponents of ID, all of whom are affiliated with the Discovery Institute, say that ID is a scientific theory that stands on equal footing with, or is superior to, current scientific theories regarding the origin of life. Most creationists also dispute existing theories about the origin of life, the evolution of the human species, the geological history of the Earth, and the formation of the solar system. The overall goal of the movement is to defeat the materialist world view.

An overwhelming majority of the scientific community view ID not as a valid scientific theory but as pseudo-science or junk science. The US National Academy of Sciences has stated that ID and other claims of supernatural intervention in the origin of life are not science because they cannot be tested by experiment. The National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT) has considered this issue and has come out with its thoughts. Science does not base theories on untestable dogmatic proposals or beliefs. Scientific theories can be, and often are, modified and improved as new empirical evidence is uncovered. Science is a constantly self-correcting endeavor to understand nature and natural phenomena.

Specifically, the teachers concluded that
a) Evolution should be a recurrent theme throughout biology courses;
b) Teaching the principles and mechanisms of evolution promotes a rational and coherent scientific account of biology;
c) Science and religion differ in significant ways that make it inappropriate to teach religious beliefs in science class rooms; to contrast science with religion is not the role of science or science education;
d) Teachers should respect diverse beliefs; science teachers can, and often do, hold devout religious beliefs, accept evolution as a valid theory and teach the theory’s mechanisms and principles. Students can maintain their religious beliefs and learn the scientific foundation of evolution.

Besides opposition from scientists, the ID movement has had several legal setbacks. The most significant occurred in December 2005. The Dover Area school district of Pennsylvania had a requirement since October 2004 that ID should be taught as a supplement and an alternative to evolution. This was struck down by the US federal court as unconstitutional and violative of the First Amendment separation of church and state.(Kitzmiller vs Dover Area school dt). Judge John e Jones ruled that ID is not science but is essentially religious in nature.

The controversy does not seem to die down. On the contrary, the anti-evolutionists try every means to advance their cause. They evolve a new strategy with every new setback. The latest strategy is to bring in ID as an alternative theory to broaden the outlook of the hapless student. Innocuous clauses are introduced in elaborate education reform bills for this purpose. The Michigan example is glaring. The course content expectation for science “shall include the scientific method to critically evaluate scientific theories and using relevant scientific data to assess the validity of those theories and formulate arguments for and against those theories”. Look at the subtlety!
(House Bill 5606 Jan 06)

In the state of Mississippi a Senate bill provides that no school prohibit a public school teacher from discussing the flaws in evolution.. In Utah State a Senate bill seeks to ensure that if instruction is given to students on the origin of life, the teachers should stress that not all scientists agree with the evolution theory. In Wisconsin, a bill is under way to prohibit the teaching of supernatural and pseudo-scientific theories in science class rooms. In Ohio, a proposal to remove the ‘critical analysis of evolution’ lesson from the curriculum was defeated, signifying a victory for the anti-evolution lobby. In Kansas, the Association of Science Teachers is at loggerheads with the Board of Education over the teaching of ID. The list goes on.

Meanwhile, the evolutionists are getting support from unexpected quarters, perhaps for the wrong reason.. The official Vatican newspaper wrote early this year endorsing the Pennsylvania ruling that ID should not be taught as a scientific alternative to evolution. It said that such teaching would reduce Biblical faith and revelation to a dubious scientific explanation. This apparently represents the Pope’s thinking. The Archbishop of Canterbury in England has also endorsed this view and he fears that creationst teaching in science can end up reducing the doctrine of creation rather than enhancing it.

In the light of the above, I would sum up my concluding observations as follows.

a) The raging debate in the US is part of a picture of distorted priority. The overall quality of education, particularly at the school level, has suffered grievous erosion and calls for urgent attention. The ID controversy only diverts national attention.
b) The political overtones of ID also tend to influence political alliances and the fortunes of political parties, swaying popular support from national priorities.
c) Science should be taught in the science class room, while religion can be taught at home or in the church. Any conflict in the child’s mind, arising from this should be resolved in the home or the church.
d) Propagation of religious doctrines through the media of science is not the best way to safeguard ethical values and build up moral character in society.
e) ID is just a camouflaged name, the thin end of Biblical Christian teaching. Christianity is not the only religion in the pluralist, multi-cultural, multi-ethnic America of today. The public school is not the place to propagate it.
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2006-03-06T20:15:00.000-08:00

Karen Sapahahmamsour, Chairperson, Senior Care Commission,Santa clara County giving talk at Current Events program on 6th March 06 at 'India Culture Center',Sunnyvale, California.
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The Current Events as on 03/06/06
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The Current Event program was conducted on 6 Th. march 06 at India culture center, Sunnyvale, California. Karen Sepahahmansour, chairperson, Senior Care Commission, Santa Clara County was the chief guest. Chandravadan Desai chaired the program while Bharat Desai coordinated the same.
The program started with prayer in Sanskrit by Rajalaxmi Jagannath. Pradeep Joshi, Program director welcome the Chief Guest Karen Sepahahmansour.
Thereafter Dr Saroj Agrawal gave talk on ‘ Seeta- Parityag- facts or fiction.’ She gave facts why doubt is created and why Ram has to leave Seeta. She also quoted various authors who are connected with the Ramayan. ‘ Ram was ideal king and in order to satisfies his pupil he was compelled to leave Seeta. However there are several facts mentioned in the ancient scriptures which makes whole episode controversial.’ She said.
Mr. Chandravadan Desai gave the latest developments in America.
He mentioned regarding the recent case of Jack Abramoff, lobbyist and the adverse effect it has created in the political field of America. He also gave brief detail regarding Nuclear deal between India and America. He reported regarding Iran’s nuclear program and world reaction regarding the same.
Mr. T P Subramonian talked about the latest developments in the world. He talked about global warming problems. He said there are adverse developments in the world due to men and nature. The landslide in Philippines, Egyptian ferry disaster in Red Sea, the explosion in Mexican Gold mine and death of several hundreds people thereon. He also briefed regarding Israel, Japan and regarding the protest against prophet’s cartoon in Muslim world. He said the present Pope has change the whole out looks regarding sex. He believes that a purpose of sex is to bare the children not for pleasure.
Mr. Bharat Desai gave the briefing regarding the latest change in the American policy towards India and main reasons for the same. He also gave the extract of the Indian prime minister, Dr Manmohansingh’s interview to the American journalist on the eve of president George Bush visit to India.
Karen Sephahmansour gave the fair idea regarding the role of Senior Care Commission in solving the various problems of seniors in the sphere of Health care, Housing, and Transportation etc.
Dr Jagdish Rustogi contributed further in respect of publication prophet’s cartoon. Prof. Srinivasan spoke about the defection of politicians in the political field of India. M Santhanam discussed the various verdicts of Supreme Court of India regarding attempt made to sabotage the democracy in India. Mr. A Narayanasami talked regarding the Indus countries, which are joining with America i.e. India, Pakistan, Bangladesh etc. Jaysribahen Vasavada wanted that Indian youth should take over and make efforts to bring up the country.
Mr. Akur Srinivas proposed vote of thanks.
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2006-03-03T20:37:00.000-08:00

CURRENT EVENTS AS ON 02/06/06
=============================
The Current Events was conducted at ICC, Sunnyvale on 02/ 06/06.
Mr. M Santhanam former Judge of Tamilnadu High Court, India was on Chair and Mr. Bharat Desai Co-Ordinated the program. Mrs. Kamala Krishnamurthy sang prayer in Tamil regarding Ganesha.
Thereafter Mr. Dhanu Siva presented the latest hot topics of the world wherein he mentioned regarding the economical power of India and China, which has been now even recognized by President George Bush. He also talk regarding the agitation going on all over Muslim world regarding the cartoons published in some European Newspaper and freedom of expression stand taken by western media’s thereon. Besides he mentioned regarding the publication of Playboy magazine in India. He described the chines censoring system, which compelled even American Company like Goggle to fall in line.
The India was well presented by Mr. K Dorairaj wherein he briefly mentioned the privatization of Mumbai and Delhi International Airports. The government of India is going forward with the privatization inspire opposition from the leftist parties one of ruling coalitions of India. The defreezing of the account of Italian businessman connected with Boffer’s deal, which has created new heat in the political arena of India. Even highest court in India has past stricture against Indian government regarding the same. He also briefed regarding the latest position of the same. He also briefed regarding the latest visit of senator Kerry and former presidential candidate. He said that Mr. Kerry supported the latest nuclear deal between India and USA with some caution.
Thereafter chairperson Mr. Santhnam talk on America, which was also very interesting and informative. He talked about the president recent ‘State of union speech’ at Joint house, Capital Hill. He also mentioned about the important points, which may affect the common men.
He described about how rich are the super bowl player looking at its popularity and importance in America. The some of tickets of super bowl are also very expensive which are given to highest bidders.
He also briefed regarding the latest health care studies. The cell phone does not create tumor but it damages some other part of bodies. Bird flue is very much prevailing in some of the Asian countries but American are afraid that it may enter any time in USA. They have already found some traces of the same in certain areas in USA.
Besides that he mentioned regarding the tapping of telephones, Censoring of electronic media in order to control terrorism. However there had been opposition by certain congressman/senators and intellectuals in USA on the ground of encroachment on the freedom, and privacy of American citizens.
He mentioned about the latest Oscar award and how the name Oscar was given for the most prestigious award of Hollywood.
He said America’s democratic system is very much based on check and balance. It is system wherein a legislature is supposed to vote in the interest of the country instead of party line. This stops the misuse of majority by any party.
Thereafter Bharat DesaI presented papers regarding how Indian history and culture have been twisted by vested interest. They have tried to prove that India have borrowed everything from outsider. They have said even India’s greatest epics like Ramayana, Mahabharat, Vedas, and Geeta are borrowed from foreign culture and from their Epics.
Mr. Vijay Asher then gave briefing regarding the texts book controversy of California school and how they have mentioned regarding most devoted Hindu God like Hanuman, Goddesses etc. Even some of the Hindu groups have taken up the matter with secondary school board of California to rectifying it. It is creating irritation for Indian origin schoolboys in California.
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REPORTED BY INDIA WEST (WEEKLY OF BAY AREA)
======================
ICC Hosts Current Events Program

The India Culture Center held a current events program in Sunnyvale, Calif., Feb. 6, which began with a recitation of a prayer in Tamil by Kamala Krishnamurthy, and was chaired by M. Santhanam, a former judge of the Tamilnadu State Court.Dhanu Siva spoke on India's and China's economy, the outrage among Muslims over the publishing of cartoons of a revered prophet, and the publication of Playboy magazine in India.Speaking on the privatization of Mumbai and Delhi International airports, V.K. Dorairaj said that the Indian government was going forward with privatization despite opposition from the leftist parties. He also informed attendees that Senator John Kerry, D-Mass., supported a nuclear deal between India and the U.S. with some caution.Other topics presented included health care studies on cell phone use, bird flu, surveillance of telephone and e-mail correspondence to identify terrorists.Bharat Desai gave a presentation on how Indian history and culture have been misrepresented and Vijay Asher spoke on the textbook controversy in California schools. A discussion on burglaries in Indian American homes in Santa Clara county was also held.
:by indiawest
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2006-03-03T19:07:00.000-08:00

The Current Events Program as on 01/05/06
=========================================
The Current Events program was conducted on 01/05/06 at ICC, Sunnyvale, between 11am to 1.00pm. Mr.B K Rao IAS (Retd) was a chief guest and Bharat Desai conducted the program.
Mr. T D Subramanian presented the latest development of America very analytically. He said that the Iraq war, which is costing 80 to 100 billion dollars per year increasing the deficit and tax, cut is also making effect thereon. However all these strain on economy has increased the burden on Poor Society.
He also briefed regarding hurricane and damaged done by it on various part of USA. He also gave the ideas regarding Bush administration policy on Environment at world conference at Canada.
He said denial of extension of ‘Patriot Act’ was also meant to censor the Bush Administration. The misuse of provisions of said act indirectly encroaches upon the privacy and liberty of American citizens. He further informed regarding the prisons created in Europe to interrogate the terrorists. ‘It is now being confirm officially’ he said. This measures also being opposed by certain quarter on several reasons.
Thereafter A Narayanswamy informed regarding the progress made by India in the spheres of science, technology, communication, transport, education, power industry, investment and employment generation thereon. He substantiated by giving the latest figures. He also mentioned about the various young talents coming up in India.
Bharat Desai also gave few details regarding the latest developments in the world. He informed regarding the various studies carried out for decease like diabetes, Alzheimer, aid, migraine etc. He also discussed the latest devepements regarding Tibet and Iran. He gave the present prices and expected future prices of the important commodities like oil, gold, copper, platinum, and commercial/ residential real estate.
Thereafter chief guest Mr. Rao gave his impressions regarding his official tour to Russia, Sweden, Chile, and UK. He was very much impressed by the architecture beauties of metro stations of Moscow. However he made very important observations that he found Russians who were of senior age and who had seen the revolutions were more or less delusion then with the Russian economy. It is one of the reasons, which also effected the fall of Russia thereafter. Besides that he observed that Sweden believed in compensating the inefficiency. The airlines were ready to pay 15% rebate on the next flight if the previous flight is late. He also informed regarding the natural resources of Chile i.e. fishing, copper etc. He could see the ghost towns in Chile, which were deserted because of closing of Mines. He concluded his talk by praising the contribution made by Indians like Sri C P Srivastav and Dr Nagendrasing in respect of the Maritime Law at the International Maritime Conference,London.
The program was well received by members and Eminent Seniors like Dr Jagdish Rustagi, Sri Akur Srinivasan, Mr. Kamalratnam, Mr. Dhanu Siva and Mr. Pradeep Joshi also contributed further during the discussion.
Mr. Bharat Desai proposed vote of Thanks.
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2006-03-03T18:48:00.000-08:00

CURRENT EVENTS

2006-03-03T18:20:00.000-08:00

Current Events Program/History and Background
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(In the above photo from left Umakanth Serma,Former Chief Secretary Bihar State, India, Bharat Desai coordinator of program,and T P Subramonian, Former Executive of Burmah Shell is giving talk at 'Current Events' program)
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Current Events Program/History and Background
====================================
The Current Events program was initiated in february 2002 with the active support of Mr Dinesh Bajaj, then President, ICSC and implemented by Mr Bharat Desai who is a coordinator of the program. It faced lot of odds in the beginning but has been run successfully with the cooperation of Prof. A Srinivasan, Mr M L Swamy, Mr M Santhanam, Prof. C G Desai and Mr A Narayanaswami. Besides that Mr Pradeep Joshi, Program Director, ICC and his all staff members have been great help to run this program very successfully.
The main aims and objectives of the program is to create interest among members regarding the changing world by giving them feed back regarding the latest developments, which generally they do not come across. Besides to give opportunity to members by the way of discussion to further add in the contribution already made by the presenters. The main aim is to increase participation of members instead of creating controversy. These way members can differ with certain presentations but without wasting time in controversies. We have been able to involve most of the eminent members whose names are also given for your information in Anneture-1
We had also invited some eminent people from the fields of medias, literature, community leaders, science and technology etc to throw lights on the latest hot problems of the day. We give here below the names and the subjects they spoke thereon in Annxture-11.
We are also aware the high calibers of our members who had occupied very good positions in their professional life. Therefore we have been trying to run the program very professionally with the highest standard discipline.
We assure you to further improve the program keeping in view the various suggestions made by the members. We are trying to implements those suggestions which are practical and suitable for the program.
However we request our members to continue to give their valuable cooperation in our endeavor to make it more interesting.
ANNEXURE-1
LIST OF MEMBERS WHO PARTICIPATED ACTIVELY IN THE " CURRENT EVENTS " PROGRAM SO FAR
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1) MR M L SWAMY
2) MR M SANTHANAM
3) MR AKUR SRINIVASAN
4) MR HARI VARMA
5) MR UMAKANT SERMA
6) MR KSHITISH DIVATIA
7) MR ARYA BHUSAN
8) MR B K RAO
9)MR T P SUBRAMONIAN
10) MR V K DORISWAMY
11) MR A NARAYAN SWAMI
12) MR S KRISHNAMURTHY
13) MR DINESH BAJAJ
14) MR C MUKHARJEE
15) MR C G DESAI
16) MR H THYAGARAJAN
17) MR HARIKRISHNA MAJMUNDAR
18) NIRANJAN PARIKH
19) Dr R M Mathur
20) MRS Pushpa MATHUR
21) CAPT, RAJ TANDON
22) MR PRAVIN SHAH
23) MR SURESH SHARMA
24) MR DHANU SIVA
25) MRS RAJESHWARI DHANU SIVA
26) MRS AMRITA VERMA
27) DR SAROJ AGRAWAL
28) MR HARI VARMA
29) MR SVR PARANGUSAM
30) MR LAXMINARAYYANA VENKATES
31) DR V K JOTWANI
32) SMT. GEETA MAHAJAN
33) MR KSHITISH DIVATIA
34) RAMKRISHNA AYYAR
35) DR MAHIPAL GHEMAWAT
36) INDU CHHABRA
37) DR PADMA RAJGOPALAN
38) SMT PREMLATABAHEN MAJMUNDAR
39) SMT JAYSHRI VASAVADA
40) SANAT DESAI
41) MANOHAR WANCHOO
42) R B SINGH
43) SMT SITA DORAISWAMI
44) SHAKUNTALA BAHADUR
45) KANU SHAH
46) RAMJI PATEL
47)CHANDRASEKHAR RI
48)BALWANT PURANIK
49)NILU GUPTA
50)NAVIN JAGADA
51)Narindra Chopra
52)Dr N Srinivasan
53)Rukkmini Srinivasan
54)Mrs Laxmi Ramkrisha Ayyar
55)R Parthsarathy
56)Manilal Jagtap
57)Chittaranjan Mukherjee
58) M P WANCHOO
59) M K Rao
60) S V Sastry
61)R P Banga
62)Madhusudan Thatte
63)R K Garg
64)K S Ramaswami
65)Rajlaxmi Jagannathan
66)P S Manoher
67)Despande Jorapur
68 )Mrs Dinker
69)Shakuntala Gheewala
70)MrsBhanumati C Desai
71)Varsha B Desai
72)Padma Sohoni
73)Rangamani M Swamy
74)Sujaya Ashwadhati
75)Shyamala Narvenkar
76)Kalyani Subromanian
77)Urmila Talwalkar
78) A K Krishna
79)Kiran Jotwani
80)Prema Santhnam
81)Rajalakshmi Jagannathan

ANNEXTURE-11
SOME OF THE IMPORTANT SESSIONS
------------------------------
LIST OF EMINENT GUEST WHO SPOKE ON IMPORTANT TOPICS IN "CURRENT EVENTS" PROGRAM SO FAR
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAME/DISCRIBTION/TOPIC
====================== 1)MR M L SWAMY, FORMER WORLD BANK CONSULTANT - 'NATIONAL WATER GRID OF INDIAÂ’
2)MR M SANTHANAM,FORMER JUDGE------------ 'INDIAN JUIDICIARY'
3)MR UMAKANT SERMA RETD IAS-'INDIAN CIVIL SERVICE AND HIS EXPERIENCES THEREOF'
4)MR KSHITISH DIVATIA FORMER CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF SARABHAI CHEMICAL ------'GUJARAT COMMUNAL RIOTS AND ROLE OF MEDIA THEREIN'
5)MR HARI VARMA, FORMER ADVOCATE, SUPRIME COURT, INDIA---------------'IRAQI WAR- INDIAN POINT OF VIEW
6)MR BEN GRYN, DISTRICT MANAGER,SSI--------------'MEDICARE AND MEDICAL DISABILITIES'
7)MRS TALAT HASAN, CHAIR PERSON, ICC-------------'ICC AND ITS VISION'
8)MR RAJ DESAI, FORMER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, TIE-'RECCESSION AND RIVIVAL OF HIGH TECH IN SILICON VALLEYÂ’
9)MRS KAREN SEPAHAHMANSOUR, MEMBER OF AGEING COUNCIL, SANTA CLARA COUNTY-------------------'IRAN PRESENT AND PAST'
10)MR NIRAJ BAXI, FORMER, PRESIDENT,NFIAA,-----'WHAT IS A ROLE OF INDIAN AMERICAN AND WHERE WE ARE HEADED?'
11)MR ASHOK JETHNANDANI, EDITOR, INDIA CURRENT-----------'OUTSOURCING'
12)MR PHIROZE KAZI,WRITER/POET-----' COMMUNAL HARMONY'
FROM 2005 UPTO THE MONTH
========================
13)MR B K RAO, FORMER SECRATARY, STEEL AND MINES,INDIAN GOVERNMENT- 'MY EXPERIENCES'
14)MR TODD MOKHARTI,ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR, NBC,SAN JOSE 'ROLE OF MEDIA IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPEMENT'.
15)MR HARESH PANCHAL, FORMER PRESIDENT, INDIA CULTURAL ASSOCIATION,INDIAN FEDERATION OF INDIAN AMERICAN ASSOCIATIONS----------'UNITY OF INDIAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY'
16)SMT. SHUBHANGI SAKHALKAR, INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED INDIAN CLASSICAL MUSIC ARTIST--------'INDIAN CLASSICAL MUSIC' AND DEMONSTRATIONS THEREON.'
17) P THIYAGRAJAN, FORMER CHIEF INCOMTAX COMMISSIONER, INDIAN GOVERNMENT,----' THE CORRUPTION IN INDIAN SYSTEM'
18)ON 'GANDHI JAYANTI CELEBRATION 06' UNDER 'CURRENT EVENTS'- ANAYYA DESHPANDE, GANDHIAN, ON'MAHATMA GANDHI AND HIS PREACHING' AND TALAT HASAN,CHAIRPERSON,ICC, ON 'GANDHIJI AND HIS VIEWS ON WOMEN'
(57TH SESSION)
--------------
19) KRS MURTHY, A POET/WRITER/MUSICIAN /TECHNOCRATE/SCIENTIST/ COMPOSER, GUEST SPEAKER/ARTIST SPOKE ON 'INTERNATIONAL MUSIC' AND PRESENTED SELF COMPOSED MUSIC THEREON'
(58TH SESSION)
20)SEEMAJI, THE EXPONENT OF HINDUSTANI MUSIC WAS A GUEST SPEAKER/ARTIST PRESENTED 'THE HISTROY OF HINDUSTANI MUSIC' ALONG WITH THE PRESENTATIONS OF GAZAL/DEVOTIONAL SONGS/CLASSICAL MUSIC. ARSHAD SAIYED, RENOWNED TABLA PLAYER ACCOMPANIED ON TABLA WITH HER.
(59TH SESSION)
21)MARY TINKER, GUEST SPEAKER, DIRECTOR, PUBLIC AUTHORITY ON IN-HOME SUPPORTIVE SERVICES, SANTA CLARA COUNTY GAVE TALK ON 'IN-HOME SUPPORTIVE SERVICES RENDERED BY THE COUNTY'
(60TH SESSION)
22)SATISH GADADKAR, A PROMINENT MUSICIAN AND VIOLINIST PRESENTED MELODIOUS MUSIC. HE WAS ACCOMPANIED WITH SONALI SRIVASTAV ON TABLA AT THE 60TH SESSIONS OF CURRENT EVENTS)
(61ST SESSION)
23)SACHIN DESHMUKH, WRITER, DRAMATIST, ENVORINIST, EXPERT IN HOMEOPOTHY, ARYUVEDIC MEDICINE AND YOGA A GUEST SPEAKER GAVE TALK ON 'THE IMPORTANCE OF ARYUVEDIC MEDICINE FOR SENIORS)
(62ND SESSION)
24)SURESH PATEL, A COMMUNITY LEADER,LEADING HOTELIER, CONVENOR OF GUJARAT DAY, AND CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEE ON SISTER STATES OF GUARAT AND CALIFORNIA GAVE A TALK ON "THE FORMATION OF VIBRANT GUJARAT STATE,AND SIGNIFICANCE OF CELEBRATION OF GUJARAT DAY" (
(63RD SESSION)
25)PRADEEP JOSHI, PROGRAM DIRECTOR, ICC, SUNNYVALE, A GUEST ARTIST, PRESENTED OLD HIT SONGS FROM THE INDIAN MOVIES(I.E. INCLUDING MUKESH SONGS)
(64TH SESSION)
26)SEEMA GUPTA, A BUDDING INDIAN CLASSICAL SINGER,AND GUEST ARTIST PRESENTED CLASSICAL AND SEMI CLASSICAL DEVOTIONAL SONG. SHE ALSO SANG KABIR BHAJAN IN YAMAN RAGA.SHE WAS ACCOMPANIED SHAKEEL AVADHANY ON TABLA.
(65TH SESSION)
27)SUBODH DESAI,FORMER JOINT SECRETARY GUJARAT GOVERNMENT,A GUEST SPEAKER SPOKE ON 'THE LATEST ECONOMICAL DEVELOPMENTS IN GUJARAT' AND GUEST ARTIST ARABHI SUNDERARAJAN PRESENTED CLASSICAL AND SEMI CLASSICAL MUSIC.
(66TH SESSION)
28)PRAVIN SHETH, WRITER, JOURNALIST,RESEARCH SCHOLER,A GUEST SPEAKER SPOKE ON'THE MEANING OF GANDHI TO DAY' AND GUEST ARTIST ROCHIT GUPTA PRESENTED CLASSICAL AND SEMI CLASSICAL MUSIC INCLUDING DEVOTIONAL SONGS,GAZALS AND OLD HINDI MOVIE'S SONG ON MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS)
(67TH SESSION)
29)NARANJI PATEL,COMMUNITY LEADER, FOUNDER OF SUNNYVALE TEMPLE,A GUEST SPEAKER SPOKE ON 'THE VISION FOR SERVEING INDIAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY'AND HARSHADA JAWALE A GUEST ARTIST PRESENTED CLASSICAL AND SEMI CLASSICAL MUSIC INCLUDING DEVOTIONAL SONGS AND GAZAL.
(68TH SESSION)
30)GOPI GODHWANI, CHAIRPERSON SENIOR, INDIA COMMUNITY CENTER, A GUEST SPEAKER GAVE TALK ON 'THE VISION OF INDIA COMMUNITY CENTER FOR SENIOR, AND PARIMAL GANDHI GAVE MUSICAL PERFORMANCE RECEPECTIVELY.
(69TH SESSION)
31)PATRIC SARKAR, DY CONSUL GENERAL, INDIAN CONSULATE, SAN FRANCISCO WAS A GUEST SPEAKER WHO SPOKE ON DUEL CITIZENSHIP, VISA, ETC.
(70TH SESSION)
32) JERRY RODRIGUE, RETIRED CORRECTION OFFICER, FEDERAL BURAUE OF PRISON, WAS A GUEST SPEAKER AND WHO SPOKE ON AMERICAN JUDICIAL SYSTEM.
(74TH SESSION)
33)DR MUNJALKANT DWIWEDI,RENOWN VASTUSASHTRI WAS A GUEST SPEAKER WHO SPOKE ON 'THE GOOD HEALTH THROUGH VASTUSASHTRA'AND MITUN BHATTACHARJEE, A GUEST ARTIST PRESENTED CLASSICAL AND SEMI CLASSICAL MUSIC.
(75TH SESSION)
==============
34)NAREN BAKSHI, PRESIDENT, ICC A CHIEF GUEST GAVE TALK ON THE VISION OF ICC FOR SENIORS. MR Y S HEGDE, A GUEST SPEAKER,CONSULTANT, TCS, GAVE SPEECH ON INDIA, YESTERDAY,TO DAY, AND TOMORROW. SNNIHITA A GUEST ARTIST PRESENTED A MUSICAL PROGRAM.
(83RD SESSION)
35)HEMANT UPADHYAY,FORMER CHIEF MANAGER, BANK OF BARODA AND CONSULTANT TO 'KALUPUR CO-OPERATIVE BANK, AHEMDABAD, MADE POWER POINT PRESENTATION ON 'THE VIBRANT GUJARAT IN CONTEXT OF ITS LATEST DEVELOPMENTS'
(84TH SESSION)
36)NARENDRA PATHAK, A GUEST SPEAKER, COMMUNITY LEADER, COMMISSIONER ON EQUAL OPPURTUNITY COMMISSION, AND ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES, LIBRARY, OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY, SPOKE ON 'THE SENIOR RELATED PROBLEMS' AND GUEST ARTISTS RENOO NATHAN AND ARSHID SAYYED PRESENTED MUSICAL PROGRAM.
(85TH SESSION)
37)GIRISH CHITALIYA,EDITOR,COMMUNITY LEADER,HON.TREASURER OF PRESS GUILD OF INDIA,FORMER PRESIDENTS OF 'PROGRESSIVE GROUP,INDO-AMERICAN SOCIETY, AND THE URBAN DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE RECEPECTIVELY GAVE TALK ON' THE ENCOUNTERS WITH DISTINGUISHED PERSONALITIES'. ARABHI SUNDARARAJAN WAS A GUEST ARTIST AND VIKAS YENDLURI WAS PLAYING TABLA WITH HER.
(86TH SESSION)
38)RICHARD HOBBS, A GUEST SPEAKER, FORMER DIRECTOR 'CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRANT PROGRAM' SANTA CLARA COUNTY, DIRECTOR OF 'SIREN' AND IMMIGRANT ATTORNEY GAVE A TALK REGARDING 'THE LATEST ON IMMIGRATION'AND SEEMA GUPTA A GUEST ARTIST MADE MUSICAL PRESENTATIONS
(87TH SESSION)
39)MATHANGI SUDARARAJAN,A GUEST SPEAKER MADE POWER POINT PRESENTATIONS ON BATIK, WHILE RHUCHA JOSHI PRESENTED CLASSICAL AND DEVOTIONAL MUSIC.
(88TH SESSION)
40)BHIKHUBHAI PATEL A GUEST SPEAKER MADE TAKE ON 'BIBLICAL CHRONOLOGY IN HISTORY BOOK AND ITS EFFECT UPON INDIAN HISTORY' SHATISH GADADKAR PRESENTED MUSICAL PRESENTATION ON VIOLIN. 'ON LOK SAFE WAYS' PRESENTED TO SENIORS THE VARIOUS SERVICE ARE OFFERED TO THEM'
(89TH SESSION)
41)Dinesh Bajaj, Former President of India Community Service Center, and Guest Speaker spoke on 'America and World' while Mitun Bhattacharyajee, a rising Artist of Bay Area presented Classical Music.
(90TH SESSION)
42)Uday Patel Community Leader and one of the conveners of 'Gujarat Day' in Bay Area gave a talk on 'Gujarat Day Celebration-2010'. Harshada Jawale Upcoming Guest Artist of Bay Area also gave Musical presentation of Classical and Semi classical Music including Devotional songs.
(94TH SESSION)
43)Ash Kalra, a Council Member, San Jose City Council gave talk on ' Indian American Community -including Seniors'.
(95TH SESSION)
44)Dr Darshana Nadkarni, Consultant,Educator and Guest Speaker gave talk on 'The Stress and Relaxation' while Renoo Nathan a Guest Artist gave Musical presentations.
(96 TH SESSION)
45)Jayaram Komati a Guest Speaker, Community Leader, President of 'The Telugu Association of North America(TANA), Former President of FIA gave talk on senior related subject and Rajeshwari Panshikar, a Guest Artist, gave presentations of classical Music and Bhajan
(97TH SESSION)
46)Rina Valia a Guest Speaker gave talk on The Homeopathy on the Chronic deceases of Seniors'. Manilal Jagtap presented old hit songs of Hindi movies on Mouthorgan.
(99TH SESSION)
47)Kris Wang,Mayor of Cupertino was Chief Guest and spoke on Seniors related Matters and Appreciated the program While Fawn Reed, Staff Attorney of'The Senior Adult Law Assistance' was Guest Speaker and gave talk on 'The services rendered by SALA regarding Medical/Medicare and SSI. Shubhangi Sakhalkar, a Guest Artist and renowned Bay Area classical singer gave Musical presentation.
(100 TH Session)
=====================================================================================
Notes on the past sessions between January 2002 t0 2005
=======================================================
The most of the sessions were hold on the first Monday of the month wherein eminent speakers presented the latest topics/developments relating to world (i.e. including America, and India)in respect of politics, business, science, culture and sports as under:-
YEAR 2002
---------
MONTH 2002 2003 2004 2005
===== ==== ==== ==== ======
JANUARY 01/02/02 01/06/03 01/05/04 -
FEBRUARY 02/04/02 02/03/03 02/02 04 -
MARCH 03/04/02 03/03/03 03/01/04 -
APRIL 04/01/02 04/07/03 - -
MAY 05/06/02 05/05/03 - -
JUNE 06/03/02 06/02/03 - -
JULY 07/01/02 07/07/03 - -
AUGUST 08/05/02 08/04/03 - -
SEPTEMBER 09/05/02 09/08/03 - -
OCTOBER 10/07/02 10/06/03 - -
NOVEMBER 11/04/02 11/03/03 - -
DECEMBER 12/02/02 12/01/03 - 12/05/05
( - ALL ABOVE SESSIONS I.E. BETWEEN APRIL,2004 TO NOVEMBER,2005, WERE HANDLED BY A NARAYANASWAMI/A SRINIVASAN MY SENIOR FRIENDS AS I WAS OUT OF USA)
*****************