Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Vanza Life - Dar Es Salaam
Vanza Life - Dar Es Salaam
Vanza Life - Dar Es Salaam
Shree Vanza Gnati Mandal Shree Vanza Gnati Mandal P.O.Box 38220, Dar P.O.Box 38220 Es Salaam, Tanzania. Website: http://www.vanzatz.org Dar Es Salaam E-mail:Tanzania info@vanzatz.org
Published by:
Published by:
Mata Hingraj
Dear Reader,
We would like to introduce Vanza Life - Dar Es Salaam to you. This is an Annual Newsletter which will be published every year before the Annual General Meeting. The aim is to provide brief descriptions of festivals celebrated at our premises, events/activities and any other information which is relevant and reflected to the year gone by. We would like to thank all our sponsors for providing their support in printing of this Newsletter. We are looking forward for their continuous support in future publications too. We couldnt have done it without the support from the community as a whole. Therefore, we would like to thank everyone for making this happen. The descriptions of events have been very brief and not all activities are included. Therefore, please bear with us if something is missed out or omitted. However, if you have any comments or suggestions, then please write to us at newsletter@ vanzatz.org Thank you very much and Jay Gopal! Editorial Team.
December 2012
Keshavji Daya Jethwa of Madagascar on 19th August, 1956. The Opening Ceremony of the building was performed by Shrimati Liruben Harji Solanki, grandmother of Mohanlal Virji Solanki on 2nd May, 1957. In early 1968, it was decided by the Mandal to host the Parisad of Vanzas of East Africa in Dar es Salaam. A few sub committees were formed for the implementation of the Parisad. The Parisad was held on 4th April, 1969 and the Chairman of the Mandal, Shree Mohanlal Virji Solanki welcomed the delegation from various centers. A Prayer Hall and a small Temple of Shree Hingraj Mata and Guru Gopallal were built on top of the existing Building in 1974. The Pranprathistha of Higraj Mata and Guru Gopallal were performed on 13th September 1975. The present Shed in steel structure and corrugated galvanized Iron sheets in the back yard was constructed in 1983. The latest structure of Kitchen Complex was built in 1994.
Special thanks and appreciation to the following Vanza Gnati Team for creating a beautiful beginning: Naranji Trikamji Tank, Savji Ramji Borkhataria, Tulsidas Karsan Parmar, Savji Hirji Dodia, Visram Kanji Sonigra, Keshavji Ramji Borkhataria, Valji Sunderji ChohanHarji Karsan Solanki, Nanji Khimji Parmar, Maganlal Lalji Borkhataria, Bachubhai D. Rathod, Mohanlal Virji Solanki Purshottam Ramji Jethwa, Ramji Valji Chohan, Morarji Karsan Parmar, Parmanand Ramji Bhadreswara, Vanravan Maganlal Borkhataria, Jeram Mulji Chavda, Velji Valji Chohan, Anand Kara Solanki, Valji Trikamji Tank.
December 2012
Marriage: -
At this Ceremony the Chairman and Secretary are invited verbally or by a letter to grace the occasion and bless the couple. The Marriage Certificate is kept ready with all the details filled in by both the parties such as name, birthdates, passport details, place of marriage and so on. After the Marriage Ceremony is over the Chairman is invited to bless the couple on behalf of the Gnati members. In case of absence of the Chairman either Secretary or a Trustee can perform this duty. The Secretary gets the Certificate signed by the couple, their witnesses and the priest. The copies are given to the bride, groom and one is kept as Gnati record. In DSM, these Certificates just serve as a record only. The official legal Marriage Certificate should be obtained by getting Marriage registered at Ilala Boma office or at Hindu Mandal Office by giving the notice of 21 days before the Ceremonies.
TIBA
EA
LTHCAR
Dispensary
December 2012
Garbi Donation
We are grateful to Ronak & Hemal J. Gohil for donating Garbi for Navratri celebrations as shown in the picture below:
Infrastructure
Our Bore Hole project has been successfully completed this year. We are grateful to the following who donated towards this project. 1. Late Dhanji G. Borkhataria. 2. Jayant Chohan. 3. Babulal D. Jethwa. 4. Harish B. Pratap. 5. Rasiklal D. Borkhataria. 6. Smt. Ambaben M. Gohil. (UK) 7. Suman Mandalia. 8. Late Mrs. Kantaben N. Makwana.. 9. Liladhar M. Parmar. 10. Dharmendra N. Parmar. 11. Arvind D. Vanza. 12. Late Manoj B. Rathod. 13. Vinod B. Rathod. 14. Madhavji D. Gohil. (UK) 15. Late Natwarlal M. Patni. ( Soni Samaj ) 16. Suresh Lavingia. ( Soni Samaj ) 17. Late Nanji K. Parmar & Family. 18. Shirish B. Rathod. 19. Shiv & Yash S. Parmar.
Blood Donation
We are grateful to the following Gnati Bandhus for donating blood to various people in need: Manoj P. Govind, Bhavesh P. Govind, Vishal S. Limbocha, Paresh J. Chohan, Rajesh J. Chohan, Ritesh M. Parmar and Ashish L. Parmar.
December 2012
In brief, Makar Sankranti, apart from a harvest festival in India, it is also regarded as the beginning of an auspicious phase in Indian culture. It is said as the holy phase of transition. It marks the end of an inauspicious phase (Kamorta) which according to the Hindu calendar begins around mid-December. It is believed that any auspicious and sacred ritual can be sanctified in any Hindu family, this day onwards. Scientifically, this day marks the beginning of warmer and longer days compared to the nights. In other words, Sankranti marks the termination of winter season and beginning of a new harvest or spring season. The Year 2012 began with the first event of Makar Sankranti. We planned to go to Oysterbay Beach with all those who could make it that day. Children were excited to enjoy this kite flying day. The year began on a positive note of joy and happiness. Enjoy some of the snapshots taken during the festival at Oysterbay Beach:
December 2012
From our past experience, it is learnt that Gujarati Thali prepared by our Gnati members especially ladies, has been a grand attraction as lots of people from other communities have been looking forward for our Gujarati Thali day. The following are some of the snapshots of how the preparations took place, the serving team and the response from the general public as they turned in good numbers to make it a grand success.
December 2012
Prayers Prayers change our lives for the better. Our main goal of life is to understand and to be one with God. Since our souls are a part of the ultimate and supreme soul (God), we can spend at least 5 minutes, to reach God. Meditation or Yoga is another way of connecting to God. It is not necessary to sit on a quiet place with legs crossed, eyes closed or anything of the sort. It can also be done with the eyes open and the body in motion doing day to day activities. I know how much busy we all are and we dont have time for ourselves. All you need is a daily practice. Early in the morning when you wake up, have a habit of bonding with God. It is not necessary to do it in the morning; you can take out your own time whenever you are free, but when you wake up with a fresh mind in the morning having nothing else to think about, you can easily link with God. How do I present myself to God? Its actually quite simple.Think about something that makes you feel comfortable, something like your own house. It provides you with shelter, comfort and peace. Theres no place like home. Start thinking about it. It doesnt matter whether your eyes are open or closed. Once you feel comfort in your intellect, it will spread throughout your mind and body. Alternatively, you will sense pure relaxation where you got nothing to worry about. At this stage, pull yourself a bit higher. Imagine there is no one around you. Avoid any sort of distraction that comes your way. The time you are spending now is for God.You can spend rest of the hours with other people but right now you just have to focus. Take yourself higher. Imagine you are outside planet earth.You can see other planets in the universe. To do that, close your eyes for a moment and focus on your forehead.Your soul resides in your forehead.Your soul is as bright as a shining star, whose rays reach out goodness to everyone and everything else around.You will see a bright light.That light is you.You can release yourself to God. Its only between both of you. If you are having any sort of doubts or problems, tell them to God. Communicate with God using your intellect. If you want God to answer your doubts then you have to remain silent. Most of us have a habit of talking a lot even when someone else talks in between.When you are willing to get an answer from God, you have to remain silent and let God answer your doubt. God will answer at that very moment if you have a strong will and patience for getting a response. Sometimes God tests your patience and replies you a bit late. Dont give up on that. Practice this on a regular basis if you are seeking for a reply. And remember that God,The ultimate and supreme, is the one who is helping you.
The chirping birds awakened the bright Sun to shine in the entire universe. Powerful rays reached the ground covered with beautiful greenery. Photosynthesis process started to increase the production level in our food chain life cycle. Creatures began their ordinary karma of life, greeting the Sun with a cheerful smile on their faces. As time passed by, The Sun kept releasing more heat later that noon. Creatures tolerated the boiling heat and still appreciating the body of life - The Sun. The Sun is the most vital body in the universe. Always appreciate its existence as there is no life without The Sun.
THE SUN
Ingredient of Life
Life is like a cook book, And you are the main ingredient, You happily combine in a mixture of various ingredients, You go through boiling moments and cooling moments, You define sweet and sour, bitter and hot mixtures, Without you the final dish would be meaningless, Because Youre the main ingredient, The main ingredient of life.
December 2012
We have mind and Bhudhi. The difference between these two is - mind thinks, acts and seats in the brain. The heart is the seat of Bhudhi which reasons out the actions. When brain or mind creates vibrations of thoughts, this is the energy directed outward to different objects to know them and their mutual relations as a part of the whole. But Bhudhi has different approach. It embraces the whole with all its parts from within. It knows the truth of the thing by identification with it, not merely the truth of its outer form but the truth of the dwelling life which responses to the inner nature of the thing. So the concept of Oneness is not a theory or an opinion. It is a door to understanding reality. There is an infinite harmony in nature; extends from the smallest form of life of micro-organism to whales in water, elephants and humans on land and the greatest star system and galaxies in the appropriate places and role in the evolution of life to its fullest. There is interconnection and interdependence between various species of life everywhere in the process of evolution. In Hinduismm, Dharma is the living faith which from the dawn of civilisation to the dawn of new millennium has been a guiding light. It has illuminated many paths and enlightened many minds for the benefit of humanity. This Dharma in Sanskrit represents the duties, obligations and responsibilities appropriated to age, gender and disposition towards oneself, family, society and to all manifestations of the Supreme Being the Ultimate Reality. This Ultimate reality is the God consciousness dwelling within us. This energy of God is everywhere, and permeates through all things, animals and human beings and it is endless. We can and are always connected to this God force by subtle thread of affinity and therefore any movement at one end of the spectrum affects the other end. Our Atma is a part of Gods energy. Human mind through the process of meditation master the art of talking to God, directly through thoughts, feelings and a voice in our mind or sometimes via a physical voice. Human being experiences an awareness of Oneness and thereafter know that one is truly unique, fully All, the only One, the Boundless. This meditation is not to be confused with praying to God. Praying is where we talk to god and ask for help. Meditation is where we connect to God and God communicates with us. E.g. every time we do something
December 2012
at the movements of life and trying to understand what they are. A totally different journey had to be started by us. This is that which we have been learning to be unlearnt in order to experience the real. A Guru asked his pupil, who is after true knowledge to take his one hundred cows to the forest and return when there were thousand. This meant that the aspirant was expected to spend a considerable period of time alone with Nature to realise the Supreme Wisdom. It was only when he lived in the total harmony with nature for a considerable period of time that the outer accretions arising from the senses and the mind fell off. The self dissolved and the light of wisdom shone on his face. He experienced Brahman in the blue of skies, in the cows in the grazing fields, in the flying birds and in the flowing river. The poet William Blake describes this quest in the following words: To see a world in a grain of sand, And a Haven in a wild flower, Hold Infinity in the palm of your Hand, And Eternity in an Hour. Now how to use this great secret of Life and Nature? People often misunderstand their role in this magnificent process of Eternal expansion, humbly seeing themselves as insignificant in the large scheme of things. Some believe that God, or some higher power has created all things, including them, forgetting that you are the creator yourself and there is an easy process using the Law of Attraction. Some great teachers created stories to demonstrate how the Universe works. Many people today do not realise that the essence of these stories is the very truth of life. I quote the story of James Ray. Think about Aladdin and the Lamp story, Aladdin picks up the lamp, dust it off and out pops the Genie. Genie always says one thing : Your wish is my command. The story now goes that there are three wishes but if you trace the story back to its origins there is absolutely no limit what so over to the wishes. Think about that one and now lets take this metaphor and apply it to your life. Remember Aladdin is the one who always asks for what he wants.
The Buddha explained (enunciated) this ancient truth freshly in simple words that the whole world, including all Gods and all demons can be discovered in this very body. But all the individuals do not realise this great truth. Because It needs concious efforts of our mind. Can we keep the mind not only open intellectually, but open to intuitive knowledge? That is much more difficult. This means we must be patient, go on observing, studying lifes processes, studying not only from books, but actually looking
December 2012
the universe through people, circumstances and events to fulfil your wish. So this shows that universe is the echo of our own action and our own thoughts. The law of action and reaction is not exclusively for physics but it is human relation. Being happy is not a matter of destiny. It is a matter of option.
Conclusion:
Therefore through scientific proofs (creation of universe) and theological concepts (Life is one boundless being, truly unique, fully the All, the only one) for the laws of nature, it is concluded and established by us, the Theosophists that, oneness as a natural law is an answer to the universal brotherhood of humanity without any distinction. Let us spread our first objective of oneness to the people around the world.
10
December 2012
The Sthapna Din was celebrated with Gayatri havan conducted by members from Gayatri parivaar and then prasad as lunch was served. Some of the snapshots taken during that day are as follow:
11
December 2012
Her Achievements from 1975: -The Lions District 411 consisting of Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia awarded her the Best Chairperson, Outstanding Chairperson and Best Secretary in the District. Also many District Governors gave her The District Governors Appreciation Awards and International Presidents Appreciation Awards. Presently she is the Trustee of Shree Vanza Gnati Mandal of Dar-es-salaam and Shree Hindu Mahila Mandal. She is also the Chairman of Theosophical Society since 1999. She leads Ladies Group of Theosophical Society in the temple every Monday and Thursday. She attended the Theosophical Society conventions in Italy, Adyar and Zambia to get the knowledge of the purpose of Human life. Working with Disabled, Destitute, Blind, Sick, Old and Mentally challenged gave her strength and compassion to help. How did you manage equalizing your role as a mother, as a wife and as a member of social welfare service? Organize yourself wisely. Make a timetable and follow it religiously. Do not get upset on sudden misfortunes. Stay cool and calm. If anything bothers your mind then open up and say it. This will reduce the load from your mind. Did you face any difficulties throughout your journey? There is nothing easy in life. I faced a lot of challenges and managed to solve them with my will power and right advise from others. How did you tackle your problems? Any specific trick? All people are capable of solving their own problems with right advice from family and friends. However the final decision should be yours. Who was your inspiration? My Parents were my role models. My father taught me compassion and my mother taught me perfection and skill. However I got the strength from my husband. Also Shrimati Shantaben Chavda was my inspiration. What vision would you present to the committee? Be hard working and dedicated person. Develop leadership skills and qualities. Be true to yourself, respect the elders and be humble to your friends. Education is the most important quality of life. Fulfill small goals of your life and you will achieve the greater goals. Always learn to be happy.
12
December 2012
The day was celebrated by Havan and hoisting of New Dhaja of the Temple. Meeting for appointment for Yajman was held with dinner served thereafter.
13
Issue 1 Events 2012 Diwali and New Year Celebrations - 10th & 14th November
December 2012
We organise Childrens party on Diwali every year. This year games were organised by Mrs. Mamta Pratap and assisted by Mrs. Priti Borkhataria. Games were played and background music was set by Vimal Rathod. The same day we had Rangoli Exhibition whereby Rangoli of 2x2 ft and 3x3 ft were displayed by the participants in a group upto 15yrs and a second group of 15yrs and above respectively. The winners were judged by the spectators. They had to cast votes for their favourite design. For the New Year, we had ankot (food dishes). Bhajans, thal and aarti chanted at our Vanza Gnati Mandal temple. The Chairman conveyed his New Year message with one minute silence for departed souls that included: Late Kusumben Solanki, Late Manjulaben Sonigra, Late Ushaben Limbocha and Late Jayprakash Sonigra. He thanked all the members of the community for supporting him and his team throughout the year. He urged the members to support the incoming committees in the coming years. After the aarti and prasad, we all greeted and wished each other a Happy New Year and ice cream was served to everyone. The following are list of Winners in the Rangoli Exhibition, some of the snapshots taken during Diwali - Childrens Party and Rangoli Exhibition.
Winners
Group A: 7 yrs - 15 yrs 1. Hemika Borkhataria Devan Borkhataria Group B: 15 yrs & above 1. Pooja Borkhataria Dhara Borkhataria
14
December 2012
There I also recall upon those traits of my personality, every shade of my life, which had earlier been veiled. Some good, some bad. The biggest benefit of being in the hostel was that we could go to the mentors, anytime during the day for our doubts and queries. During the semester exam time, we all used to grab some corners of the hostel or sit silently in some part of our college, and in frenziedly look at our scribbled notes and reference books, but if it was just some minor monthly test, we used to sit for a group study taking breaks in every half an hour, indulging in absolute irrelevent, random gossip and gorging over others tuck. Hostel is actually a mixed bag. Its not full of mirth and fun, but neither is it all about studies, ragging or solitude. Difficulties are things that show a person what they are, it teaches you about the kinds of people you can encounter in your life, how you can deal with them, how not to be dependent on anyone except yourself. Its all on us on how we live our life and should not blame anyone else for our failure.We all want to stay close to people from whom we can learn something. I loved the hostel life, as it taught me so much.The four years that I spent in the hostel were probably the best in my life, and I shall never forget those awesome, wonderful days. My greatest support is my family. My dad and mum gave me the invaluable support that changed my life. I love you both, to make my life sucessful.
Pal A. Bhadreshwara.
15
December 2012
On Sunday morning where the sun was shining translucently covered by the cloudy architecture in the sky, and when the rain drizzled its rhythm on the ground, gnati badhus were joyfully mingling at Beachcomber with family and friends. Most of them were having a good time swimming in the swimming pool. Some youngsters played beach games such as beach football and handball. The eldery were having their own quality time playing cards. It was a good start for a glorious morning. Lunch was served in the afternoon and later on we had a great time playing bingo and raffle. At 4p.m., Jay Harish Jethwas birthday was celebrated by cutting the cake and singing the birthday songs. The cake was served and we all had a refreshing cup of tea to end the day. At 5p.m., all departed by their respective transport. The Committee had organised 3 buses which collected everyone from their respective bus stops and dropped them at their convenient places after the picnic. Few had come by their own cars. But traveling by buses was fun as we could chit chat with one another and play antakshari to make our bus ride a joyous one.