Indian Seniors of Chicago Celebrate 67th Republic Day of India
By: Jayanti Oza
The Indian Seniors of Chicago held their general meeting on Saturday, January 11, at the Mahalaxmi Hall of Manav Seva Mandir, with over 380 members in attendance. The meeting was conducted by Navin Patel. The event began with a rendition of the Hanuman Chalisa by Bhupendra Suthar, Geeta Suthar, and Daksha Parikh.
Treasurer Hemant Modi presented the income and expenditure report for December, acknowledging the individuals and organizations that had donated to the organization. Following this, Navin Patel introduced Yoga Teacher Dharamji Punwani, who spoke about the benefits of Laughter Yoga. He explained that doing Laughter Yoga for just 10 minutes each morning stimulates the lungs, stomach, and brain. Bhupendra Suthar honored Punwani with a bouquet for his insightful presentation.
Shri Bhupendra Suthar invited members whose birthdays fall in January to come forward. The members were then presented with rose flowers by Shri Vinod Modi.
The new members who joined the organization in 2025 were welcomed by the President of the organization, Shri Dilip Patel.
Manav Seva Mandir Chairman Dahyabhai Prajapati and Nitin Patel shared details about the proposed Moksha Dham project, which is intended to serve as a Hindu memorial site in Chicago, and appealed for support of the project.
The Republic Day of India was celebrated with great enthusiasm. Senior members dressed in colorful costumes representing figures such as Swatantra Veer Savarkar, Veer Sambhaji, Sangh President Shri Mohan Bhagwat, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath, and President of India Smt. Draupadi Murmu, taking their places on stage. Bhupendra Suthar, dressed as an army officer, detailed the significance of each character.
Under the leadership of Vice President Kantibhai Patel, thirty members entered the hall in a parade formation holding the Indian tricolor. The entire audience stood in respect, chanting patriotic slogans like Bharat Mata Ki Jai, Shaheedo Amar Raho, Vande Mataram, and Jai Hind, creating a vibrant patriotic atmosphere.
Dr. Bharat Bharai, the Chief Guest of the event, was invited by Bhupendra Suthar to hoist the national flag. Dr. Bharai saluted the flag, and all members stood in place to sing the national anthem. Dr. Bharai gave an inspiring invocation.
Dahyabhai Prajapati extended his greetings to Shri Nanubhai and Smt. Jashwanti Bodhanwala, who generously sponsored the lunch for the event, presenting them with a bouquet to express gratitude.
President Dilip Patel thanked the volunteers, news photographer Jayanti Oza, and the members who participated in the parade for their contributions to the event’s success.
