Indian seniors of Chicago celebrate birthdays, practice yoga

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The community organization, Indian Seniors of Chicago, held its general meeting of Dec. 12, 2020 through Zoom video conferencing. Approximately 150 members participated, organizers said in a press release.

Conducted by Secretary of Group Hira Patel, the meeting, the participants were welcomed President Narasimha Patel and Coordinator Dilip Patel, who urged everyone to keep good health.

Following an interfaith prayer by member Hema Shastri, and the recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa by Bhupendra and Gita Suthar, Dilip presented a video showing the skills of young children in the community.

Member Ashwin Sheth gave a speech about the occasion of Gita Jayanti, the birthday of Bhagavad Gita, the sacred text of Hindus, which falls on Dec. 25.

He said that the Gita sung by Lord Krishna is a book of values of life. “The Gita gives the feeling that God is always with me, inspires all sections of the society, culture, nationalism and the knowledge to stay connected with God. In the Gita, Lord Krishna says that Karma is also your right, not on fruit, ‘karmane va Adhikarste ma falesu kadachanam’. The solution to today’s various problems must be found in the Gita,” he added.

Participants were explained the importance of Hatha (‘Ha’ signifies sun and ‘Tha’ signifies moon) Yoga and how it is helpful to achieve the required heat and coolness in one’s body.

Bhanumati Mehta demonstrated various yoga asanas (poses) to the senior attendees for increased oxygen level in the body, better blood circulation and for overall the well-being of the body. She appealed the participants to practice regular yoga.

The group also celebrated members’ birthdays that fall in the month of December followed by musical performances by various artists.