Mother’s Day, Gujarat Day Celebrated by ISC Community Near Chicago

ISC members celebrating May birthdays sing Ganesh Stuti, Sarva Dharma Prarthana, Hanuman Chalisa and “Baar Baar Din Ye Aaye” along with Geetaben Suthar during the community gathering in Bensenville.

BENSENVILLE, Ill. — The Indian Senior Citizens (ISC) community celebrated Mother’s Day and Gujarat Day with cultural performances, prayers and community fellowship May 9 at the Manav Seva Mandir near Chicago, drawing nearly 380 attendees.

The program began with prayers and devotional songs led by Pannaben Shah and Bhupendra Suthar. Members whose birthdays fall in May joined Geetaben Suthar in presenting Ganesh Stuti, Sarva Dharma Prarthana, Hanuman Chalisa and the song “Baar Baar Din Ye Aaye” as part of the birthday celebrations. Guests Vishesh Saroj Patel and Dahyabhai Patel presented flower bouquets and extended greetings to the celebrants.

Umaben Desai later demonstrated yoga poses for attendees, while ISC Treasurer Hemant Modi presented the organization’s April income and expenditure report and acknowledged donors for their contributions.

Lunch sponsors Dilipbhai Patel and Leena Patel, Satish Parikh and Daksha Parikh, Navinbhai and Kokilaben Patel, Naishadhbhai and Jagruti, Yogendra Dalal, Harsha, Hashmukhbhai, Aruna, Dhiren Pawar, Jayshree, Chandrakant Gandhi, Vijaybhai Patel and Jyoti, along with sweets sponsors Sarojben and Dahyabhai Patel, were honored with garlands by ISC President Kantibhai Patel.

Sarojben and Dahyabhai Patel present flowers to Geetaben Suthar during the birthday celebration at the ISC Mother’s Day and Gujarat Day event.

To mark Gujarat Day, Ashwin Thakkar, Arvind Modi, Pushpa Parekh, Praveen Gandhi and Tarlaben presented songs celebrating the heritage and establishment of Gujarat state.

As part of the Mother’s Day celebration, Pannaben Shah honored 12 women with roses and boxes of sweets. Bhadra Shah performed the song “Janani Ni Jod Sakhi Nahi Jade Re Lol,” dedicated to mothers.

Continuing an annual tradition, artwork created by 12 ISC members was displayed during a special art exhibition organized for Mother’s Day.

ISC President Kantibhai Patel also introduced Gauri Magathi, Dr. Bhardwaj Desai and Muralidhar from the Vardan organization. Dr. Desai and Muralidhar spoke about the “Vardan” mobile application, describing it as a useful tool for senior citizens to maintain independence and stay connected with doctors and family members during emergencies.

The event concluded with remarks from ISC Vice President Navinbhai Patel, who encouraged members to RSVP in advance to help organizers make proper meal arrangements. Members then offered a collective prayer before enjoying lunch together.

Photo and information by Jayanti Oza, News Media Journalist, Chicago, USA.