Suresh Shah
CHICAGO: Leading seniors association in Chicagoland, United Senior Pariwar Chicago (USPC) celebrated the Indian festival of Makar Sankranti and 70th Republic Day of India during its monthly meeting held at Swaminarayan Temple Wheeling, a north side suburb of Chicago.
Though it was cold and snowy weather in Chicago area, more than 200 senior members participated in this near three hours of celebrations.
The start was with a lamp lighting ceremony participated by senior members Manubhai Patel, Guest Natwarbhai Patel from New Jersey along with President Ramanbhai Patel, Hasmukh Soni and Secretary Ramesh Chokshi.
Leading member of this association Jyotsna Chokshi and all other members recited Hanuman Chalisa, a religious song propitiating Lord Hanuman.
USPC Secretary Ramesh Chokshi welcomed every one and greeted all members for New Year 2019. He touched upon the significance of Makar Sankranti explaining as to why the festival is called a celebration and stated as to why it is called Makar Sankranti.  He said that from January 14 the sun enters the constellation Makar and hence it is described as Makar Sankranti. From that day, the Sun commences its journey to north sphere making days longer. This should also be reflected in the illumination of our mind. We should have positive thinking in our life and try to eliminate darkness or negative thinking.
He also talked about the significance of Republic Day of India in detail. Ms. Bhaminiben Aacharya, Dr Hemaben Rana and Ms. Ranjanben Dave sang Indian patriotic songs.
Praduman Pathak, a senior member, explained the importance of Makar Sankranti also and  touched  upon general current topics regarding President Trump’s decision to shut down Federal Government and how much all government  employees suffer and its huge impact on US economy.
He then talked about the importance of Punch Mahabhutas in day to day life. Punch Mahabhutas means five great elements: Akasha (ether), Vayu (air), Tej (fire), Jala (water), Prithvi (earth). He also explained that nothing  exists without Pannch Mahabhutas.
Sureshbhai Raami explained meaning of Hanuman Chalisa and sang  Gujarati songs which were well received by seniors in general.
Manish Patel, 43-year old son of Mr. Manubahi Patel, had died recently. Thus this led many members including President Ramanbhai Patel Secretary Rameshbhai Chokshi to pay tribute to late Manish pointing out how he was always helpful to the  association in all respects. All the members chanted dhun and observed silence for one minute in his memory      Mr. Manubhai Patel and his guest from New Jersey Mr Natwarbhai Patel thanked everyone for the sympathy.
A pharmacist form Walgreen Vinodbhai Patel talked about health issues and taking care of our bodies. He explained about cholesterol and blood pressure .He stated that each and every one should eat healthy and fresh food as a preventive measure. He strongly pitched for doing exercise to keep the body healthy.
Seniors with birthdays in January were felicitated and every one enjoyed a delicious dinner served by Swaminarayan temple.
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