CHICAGO: Shiv-Shiva Satsang , a group of Bhajan and classical music lovers in Chicagoland , recently hosted an event that turned out to be an affair to remember for many, including Madhu Patel, President of the NRI Press club, who dubbed the event as a “great blessing to be part of Satsang team” on that day.
The Shiv-Shiva Satsang group that has been meeting once a month for the past 25 years, decided to honor Smt Leela Joshi, 89, an acclaimed Mumbai radio artist and Guru to many as well as a couple of local residents of The Grove. The event was held on March 22 at The Grove, a rehabilitation center in Skokie and it was attended by many music lovers, seniors and regulars of Shiv-Shiva Satsang group
Smt Joshi has been living in Chicagoland for the past three decades and even now continues teaching music to students keen on learning classical style music and singing Bhajans. “Vidya Daan is the Best Daan”, is the motto that motivates her imparting lessons to students and it was this passion of her’s that led the Shiv-Shiva Satsang group to honor this octogenarian and recognize her love for Indian classical music.
Dr Shekhar Joshi, son of Mrs Joshi says, “She has been teaching Indian classical and Bhajan sangeet freely to students. Even her smile is full of karuna, love and compassion, that gives eternal peace to those who know how to accept it. It is like Mata Saraswati’s darshan in real life. Even now, she continues teaching music to residents at the facility. She is a lively and independent lady whose needs are minimal.”
Smt. Joshi started the program by singing two prayers in her melodious voice. Her command on sur and tal even at her advanced age was immaculate. After Lord Ganesha’s and Mother Saraswati’s invocations, the Group sang traditional bhajans and a prayer at the end. In Basant Ritu [Spring Season], the traditional prayers for Mother Saraswati and honoring music guru Smt Joshi was very touching.
The Group was accompanied by Smt Kanchan Vij and Himendu Dave on harmonium, Puran Lal Vyas on dholak and Mrs Shanti Dixit, Dr Shekhar Joshi and Keshav Lakha on manjiras. Puran Vyas is an accomplished rhythm [tabla, dholak, drums] player in Chicagoland while Avi Varma provided and managed the sound system flawlessly.
The whole program was so enjoyable that a few people participated by dancing to the rhythm of music. The staff and the residents of The Grove thoroughly enjoyed the event. Prasad was distributed to everyone in attendance.
The Shiv-Shiva Satsang Group has been meeting monthly for the last 25 years, at Dr Krishna and Mrs Gupta’s residence in Skokie. The Group is led by Mrs Gupta who got inspirations from her late grandmother Gomati Bai Purwar and her family temple Shivalay in India. The Group’s name comes from Lord Shiva and his Shakti Parvati [Shiva].
The Group also gets spiritual guidance from Dr C. L. Shastri of the Manav Seva Mandir in Bensenville and Shree Jalaram Mandir in Hoffman Estates. The Group has performed bhajan satsang programs at several temples in the Chicagoland as well as at many religious gatherings.
Madhu Patel, the founding president of the NRI Press Club, said that he ” was blessed to attend a delightful, enjoyable bhajan program, organized by Shiv-Shiva Satsang Group in Skokie. I do not think I could have spent my time any better than being part of this Satsang.”
India Post News Service
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