Indian Seniors of Chicago celebrate multiple events including India’s Republic Day, birthdays, Makar Sankranti

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Close to 245 members of Indian Seniors of Chicago celebrated Makar Sankranti, India’s Republic Day and the monthly Birthday program recently.

The meeting was successfully conducted by Kanti Patel.

Prayers were offered by Bhupendra Suthar, Geeta Suthar, Panna Shah, Kanti Patel and Satis Parikh, to jumpstart the program

The Sri Hanuman Chalisa was recited by all the members.

Treasurer C.V. Desai presented the account for the month of December 2022. He also announced the names of the donors.

Chandrakant Patel gave a speech about the importance of Makar Sankranti, an ancient Indian festival in the Hindu calendar dedicated to the Sun God. It is observed in January every year and marks the first day of the Sun’s Capricorn transit.

Bipin Shah delivered a lecture on ‘Republic Day of India’. He gave details about the Constitution of India which came into existence on  January 26, 1950.

Rohit Joshi blessed the senior members by reciting Sanskrit verses for the New Year.

The Birthday program followed to felicitate all those whose birthday fell in January. Bhupendra Suthar announced the names of the members whose birthdays are coming up.

President Dr. Narsinh Patel greeted the birthday members with birthday cards.

The new members who joined the Indian Seniors of Chicago group in the year 2023 were welcomed in Mahalakshmi Hall and their group picture was taken.

Several other members and couples were felicitated on their wedding anniversaries or birthdays.

Chief Guest Chhotalal Patel hoisted the Indian flag to observe Jan. 26, and asked all members to be on alert to hoist the national flag. The Indian national anthem was sung and patriotic slogans were chanted.

On the occasion of flag salutation, costumed characters of different dignitaries of India walked on stage. Bharat and Rita Gandhi entered the hall carrying the flag of India; Daksha Parikh dressed as Mother of India; Panna Shah dressed as Rani Laxmibai of Jhansi; Shiva Patel dressed as Gandhiji; Saroj Patel dressed as Kasturba; Dilip Patel dressed as Sardar Patel; Saroj S. Patel dressed as Mirabai; Manu Shah and Nalini Shah dressed as a Gujarati family; and Navin Patel dressed as Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi accompanied by members of Bharatiya Janata Party.