vanza life - dar es salaam

Issue 1 December 2012

ANNUAL NEWSLETTERPublished by:

Shree Vanza Gnati Mandal P.O.Box 38220Dar Es Salaam

Tanzania

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 couldn’t 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 [email protected]

Thank you very much and Jay Gopal!

Editorial Team.

Chairman - Anoop M. Rathod.Vice Chairman - Jiten R. Borkhataria.Treasurer - Satish C. Vanza.Secretary - Jayanti L. Parmar.Assistant Secretary - Deepak P. Rathod.

Members: - Ashish L. Parmar.Bhavin J. Borkhataria.Bhavin V. Parmar.Bunty L. Parmar.Chetan R. Borkhataria.Jiten M. Parmar.Kumiben Borkhataria.Madhyaben Borkhartaria.Mansi J. Parmar.Poonam A. Rathod.Premal J. Chohan.Ritesh M. Parmar.Sachin L. Parmar.Sailesh D. Parmar.Sanjay D. Parmar.Sarlaben Parmar.Shirish B. Rathod.Shweta D. Jethwa.Vishal S. Limbocha.

Trustees: - Jayanti D. Borkhataria.Lilaben J. Chohan. Vrajlal N. P armar.

IT Team :-Hitesh J. Chohan.Vimal V. Rathod.

Newsletter Editorial Board: -Deepali S. Vanza, Heena R. Chohan,Meera S. Rathod, Shweta P. Chohan.

Supported by :-Dhiraal S. Parmar, Hitesh J. Chohan,Pal A. Bhadreshwara, Pooja J. Borkhataria,

Message from the Editorial Team Management Team for the Year 2012

We seek blessings from :

Mata Hingraj Guru Gopal lal

ANNUAL NEWSLETTERPublished by:

Shree Vanza Gnati Mandal P.O.Box 38220,

Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.Website: http://www.vanzatz.org

E-mail: [email protected]


Since some of our ancestors landed in East Africa as in 1920’s, the Vanzas were on move between Tanganyika, Zanzibar, Mozambique and Comoro Islands. On 28th May 1942, Late Keshavji Ramji Borkhataria and Late Naranji Trikamji Tank took the initiative to call a meeting of the entire Vanzas of Dar es salaam at late

Harji Karsan Solanki’s shop and formed Shree V a n z a G n a t i Mandal.

In the year 1945, the committee decided to have a building for the mandal and

looked for a freehold plot in the vicinity of the Hindu temples on Kisutu Street. For the ownership of the plot, the mandal and the trustees were registered with the registrar of societies.

The Yuvak decided to publish a quarterly magazine through which all the community members would be informed about the activities and all other social events related to the mandal. The main committee gave their blessings. Yuvak gave their free time for collection of donations and dispatching the circulars of the meetings of the mandal by going from shop to shop on Sundays. But in the year 1948, the Yuvak protested to carry out such activities. The building committee’ decided to buy the plot from the Chavda family in 1952. The formalities for procurement of the plot from the administration general were finalized. Transfer registrations of the plot in the name of Shree Vanza Gnati Mandal with the title deed were received on 27th July 1953. Late Velji Valji Chohan volunteered for the design of the building. The foundation stone for the building was laid by

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 Chohan¸Harji 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.

The History of Shree Vanza Gnati Mandal

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Marriage is a very important Ceremony in every one’s life and Marriage Certificate is a must document for passport, visa and many other businesses.

DSM Vanza Gnati has Sagai and Marriage Certificates ready to be issued for the above ceremonies.

Some 50 years back our elders chocked out Rules and Regulations for these Ceremonies. The purpose was to make Marriage Ceremony affordable and remove the difference between rich and poor. These Rules contain how much and what to give to bride and groom during these Ceremonies.

With society and people becoming affluent, these Rules have lost its meaning but DSM Vanza Gnati still observe them with a different meaning and still give the Certificates as a record.

Sagai: - If Sagai is a proper function either bride’s or groom’s party invites Chairman, Secretary and elders of the community to grace the occasion.

Before the actual Sagai Ceremony the chhaab is brought to the elders to be blessed and not to discuss the contains of it.

The chhaab is given to the ladies to finish the chundadi ceremony. The Secretary fills the form with help from both the parents and get it signed by the relevant persons.

The copies of this certificate are given to both the parties and one is kept as Gnati Record.

Sometimes only Chundadi ceremony is performed just before the Marriage then the above procedure is not followed to save the time.

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.

Sagai & Marriage Certificates

T I B A

HEALTHCARE

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Ensuring your Family’s Health

Dispensary


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Health & Education

The Management team has opened a separate account to deposit the amount collected every month from Gnati Bandhus who are donating voluntarily 10,000/= every month. This amount is being used to provide loans with no interest to Gnati Bandhus for their Health & Education needs.

If you want to have further details about this facility, please contact our Management Team.

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.

Garbi Donation

We are grateful to Ronak & Hemal J. Gohil for donating Garbi for Navratri celebrations as shown in the picture below:

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.

Community Welfare


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Makar Sankranti - 15th January

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:

Events 2012


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Gujarati Thali - 11th March

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.

Events 2012


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Creative Writing


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 don’t 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? It’s actually quite simple. Think about something that makes you feel comfortable, something like your own house. It provides you with shelter, comfort and peace. There’s no place like home. Start thinking about it. It doesn’t 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. It’s 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. Don’t 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.

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The most selfish ONE letter word “I” Avoid it.The most satisfying TWO letters word “We” Use it.

The most poisonous THREE letters word “Ego” Avoid it.The most used FOUR letters word “Love” Value it.

The most pleased FIVE letters word “Smile” Keep it.The fastest spreading SIX letters word “Rumour” Ignore it.

The hardest working SEVEN letters word “Success” Achieve it. The most enviable EIGHT letters word “Jealousy” Distance it.

The most powerful NINE letters word “Knowledge” Acquire it. The most essential TEN letters word “Confidence” Trust it.

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 You’re the main ingredient,The main ingredient of life.

THE SUNThe 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 it’s existence as there is no life without The Sun.


This paper was presented by Lila Chohan on 45th Theosophical Convention

Kitwe - Zambia , 22nd April , 2011

When Harsukhbhai Dubal asked me to prepare a Talk for the Convention I readily accepted. But when he gave me the subject “Oneness as a Natural Law” I realised how difficult this was going to be as my knowledge of Theosophy is very limited. Twice a week 12 ladies meet and I read to them not much of Theosophy as these ladies are Gujarati speaking and to translate teaching of Theosophy takes a lot of time. At present we read Life after Death which is giving us some insight of the subject of Oneness.

I am not sure if I will be talking any sense to you but I am going to say what I have understood and what I feel about Oneness.

To understand the meaning of Oneness and Nature, I started looking around me and observed the similarity in Universe, Plant, Animal and Human lives.

The Universal Laws of Nature are Galaxies, Star System, our Solar System, Mineral Kingdom (rocks and minerals), Vegetation and Plant Kingdom, Animal Kingdom and our Human Kingdom. We all look different with Form (shape), Size, Colour, Density, Duration, Energy, State, Ego etc. Thus our concept of Oneness as Natural Law is lost and makes our life on Mother Planet painful, unbearable, loveless, unhappy and miserable. We are responsible for the frequent and untimely calamities like earthquakes, cyclones, tsunamies, floods, fires etc. due to our negligence and disrespect to “Oneness as a Natural Law.”

All plants, small or big baobab trees have roots, stems, branches, leaves, flowers and fruits. They grow, bear fruits, wither and dies. They re-grow again from the seed produced by the same plant. Animals are born, grow, eat, procreate and die.

Humans have the same cycle but it is different because it has the thinking power. There is some force or energy which control this process in every living cell. As human we are constantly trying to find the source of this energy from where everything is generated. To find this we have to be One with this Ultimate One whom we call God, Allah, Budha or Brahman, the true self of All.

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 God’s 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

Oneness as a Natural Law

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that is kind to others, we become more aware of our own Oneness and goodness.

Through our disbelief, lack of understanding and feeling of separation to our inner self that stops us from realising the same experience of instant creation otherwise we think of miracles. These miracles are performed by all enlightened masters who walked this earth, had a “knowing “and firm understanding of God’s energy.

They could manifest miracles as part of everyday life. They knew that even though they were standing in an appearingly separate body to God, their souls were still the essence of God. Through that loving essence they could create many forms of good things here on this physical plane. We ourselves cannot explain logically because we separate ourselves from it as ‘Something we shouldn’t be meddling with’.

The one central insight into the Truth to which all Indian wisdom points is Oneness of all that exists. Although the truth is easily stated as ‘All is One’ the realisation of this truth in the core of one’s being can take many lifetimes. And realisation of this truth is held as the purpose of human existence. All art, philosophy and science reflect this vision and aid its realisation. We find this in a cosmological-theological form as the various gods and natural forces transform themselves into each other.

In the Upnishads, the supreme identity of Atman and Brahman, discovered in Meditation, indicates the Oneness of the deepest level in a person with the subtlest (and therefore the highest) level of the cosmos. The four greatest utterance of the vedantic verses are :

1. Thou art That (Tat Tavam Asi)2. This Atman is Brahman (Ayam Atma Brahman)3. I am Brahman (Aham Brahmsmi)4. Intelligence (Insight, Wisdom, Conciousness) is Brahman (Prajnanam Brahman)

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 life’s processes, studying not only from books, but actually looking

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 let’s take this metaphor and apply it to your life. Remember Aladdin is the one who always asks for what he wants.


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Engineering Icon of the year 2012

The Institute of Engineers Tanzania has awarded to Engineer Jayant W. Chohan the 2012 Engineering Icon Award for his Distinguished Services and Contributions to the Engineering Profession and to the Tanzania Society.

Engingeer Jayant is the Founding Member of The Institution of

Engineers Tanzania and Served as Executive Secretary for 20 years from 1972 to 1992. He has also served to the Association of Consulting Engineers, Engineers Registration Board, National Construction Council and The University of Dar-es-Salaam.

We congratulate Mr. Jayant Chohan for the award as this will inspire many, not only those who are in Engineering field but whoever wants to excel in their chosen careers.



Career Excellence

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Then you have got the Universe at large which is Genie. Traditions have called it so many things – your holy guardian angel, or your higher self. We can put any label on it, and you choose the one that works best for you. But every tradition tells us that there is something bigger than us. And that Genie always says one thing “Your wish is my command.”

This wonderful story demonstrates how your whole life and everything in it has been created by you. The genie has simply answered your every command. The Genie is the law of attraction, and it is always present and always listening to everything you think, speak and act. The Genie assumes that everything you think you want ; that everything about you speak or act you want; you are the master of the universe and the Genie is to serve you. The Genie never questions your commands. You think it and Genie immediately begins to leverage

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.

Mid-Year Picnic - 9th September

A picnic was organised at Silver Sands Hotel. There were 3 buses organised for transport together with those who came by their own cars. Ladies had done Shravan Maas puja at the hut; gents and children enjoyed their outing too. There was a cake cutting ceremony for the Volleyball Team who participated in the Volleyball tournament organised by Shree Hindu Mandal. Our Team won against a few strong teams and reached Quarter Finals. We congratulate them for attaining success and wishing them luck for future games. The following are some of the snapshots taken at the picnic site:

Events 2012


Sthapna Din - 27th May

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:

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Mrs. Lila Jayant Chohan was born on 1st January 1939 to Mrs.Godavariben and Mr. Dayaljibhai Gordhan Borkhataria in Dar Es Salaam. At the age of 1, she went to India with her parents due to 2nd World War and came back in 1945 to Dar-es-salaam.

Her primary education was from DA Girls School (now Kisutu School), secondary education from Indian Secondary School (now Azania Secondary School) and got her B.Sc Degree in Chemistry from Bombay University in 1962.

She married Jayant Walji Chohan in 1963 and has 2 daughters namely Rupa and Sona, who are married and settled in London. She has 4 grandchildren.

After her marriage, she went to Maidugari - a small town in Northeast Nigeria and spent one and a half year. She started her life in a Government Quarters with only hard furniture and nothing else. She was helped by other expatriates with utensils and kitchenware. Living with other nationals (Pakistanis, British and Americans) gave her an insight of other people’ ways of life and cultures.

After returning from Nigeria to Dar-es-salaam, she started her career and social life. She got a job as lab assistant with Vazo hill Cement factory and worked there for a short period of 6 months in 1966. In 1972 she joined Shree Hindu Mahila Mandal. She became Hons. Secretary after a year. She became the Chairperson in 1975. She joined Lions International as the Chartered member of the first Lioness Club in Tanzania in 1975. There she learnt Public Speaking and overcame her stage fright. Climbing the Leadership ladder step by step in Lioness Club from : Tammer to Director, Director to Secretary, Secretary to Vice Chairperson, Vice Chairperson to Chairperson gave her the thorough Knowledge of a successful Organization.

From 1983 to 1993 she stayed in and out of the United Kingdom and Tanzania for the education of her two daughters. In 1988, she took the challenge of becoming the First Lady Chairperson of a Hindu Community in Tanzania. Since then, she has served the Vanza Community as a Chairperson for 2 year terms, 6 Times! The 12th East African Vanza Sports Festival was organized first time in Dar-es-salaam during her Chairmanship in 1997 and it was a grand success (and that was the best).

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 Governor’s Appreciation Awards and International President’s 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.

Mrs. Lila Jayant Chohan by Deepali Vanza


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Pranpratistha Din - 24th September 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.

Navratri Celebrations - 16th to 22nd October

This year we had 6 nights of Navratri and on the 7th day we had Havan. Yajman for this year’s Havan were Mr. Sanjay Dharmendra Parmar & family and Mr. Sailesh Dharmendra Parmar & family. The Hall was decorated by the committee members and other youngsters led by Mr. Jagdish Patadia. For past two years, Shree Vagheshwari Soni Samaj has been joining us for Navratri celebrations. There has been a tremendous response from both the gnati members. We hope our union for celebrating Navratri can be a trendsetter for other communities. Apart from Garba Raas competitions, we had Garba & Diya decoration competitions as well.

The following is the Winners list and some of the snapshots taken of the Garba & Diya decorations and Navratri:


Events 2012

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Garba Raas

Group A: 6 yrs - 12 yrs

Male:1. Raj Sanjay Parmar 2. Dhruv Sailesh Parmar3. Darsh Arvind Jogia

Female:1. Ruhi Sailesh Parmar2. Devika Borkhataria3. Dia Barmeda

Group B: 13 yrs - 17 yrs

Female:1. Mansi Choksi2. Khyati Choksi

Group C: 18 yrs & above

Male:1. Sailesh Dharmendra Parmar2. Bunty Parmar3. Bhavin Sonigra

Female:1. Darshna Mehul Jethwa2. Preety Parajia3. Hemina Choksi

Consolation: 1. Deepa Borkhataria2. Rekha Parmar Garba & Diya Decoration Group A: 6 yrs - 12 yrs

1. Devika Borkhataria2. Dhara Borkhataria

Consolation:

1. Payal Borkhataria2. Nidhi Choksi

Group B: 13 yrs - 17 yrs

1. Pooja Borkhataria2. Khyati Choksi3. Shreya Patadia

Group C: 18 yrs & above

1. Deepa Borkhataria2. Vandna Borkhataria3. Krupa Parmar

Winners

Events 2012

Diwali and New Year Celebrations - 10th & 14th November

We organise Children’s 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 - Children’s Party and Rangoli Exhibition.


14

Group A: 7 yrs - 15 yrs

1. Hemika Borkhataria Devan Borkhataria

Group B: 15 yrs & above

1. Pooja Borkhataria Dhara Borkhataria

Winners


My Hostel Experience

I joined a hostel in Muheza, for my Nursing college. Never before had I ever been exposed to hostel life. Initially, I was in a much clouded frame of mind, but then I convinced myself and decided to go with the flow (that’s what they call it), with the greater support of my parents.

After all, Nursing is a noble job.When I was a student, I use to admire the white Nursing uniform.They look smart, clean, discipline and white is also the colour of peace.And now I got the chance to wear the white uniform.”I am loving it”.

I had a very sincere and ardent welcome in the hostel. But it took time for me to realise that my mom would not be there any longer to wake me up in the morning,lovingly. Instead it would be the blaring and irksome sound of the morning hostel bell and the hostel girls noise. PALU, AMKA DEAR!!!

The food at the hostel was surprisingly not good; Ugali, Maharage, Mchicha, Cabbage, urggghhhh!!!!!! though it was extremely dry, sometimes raw and monotonous.

My all time favourite Maggie and Fried Chips were made on the days when cow meat was cooked.We wereallowed only one outting day per week, which led us to give a new name to our not a home away from home hostel JAIL, believe it or not.

The summers were intolerable as our hostel rooms had no Fan, no AC or socket to connect a table Fan.We had only one cooler in the dormitory, which was used only by the seniors.This of course,used to lead to venomous fights, and the whole hostel would become a wrestling ring. In the beginning I was very frightened to see the ferocity which everyone possessed all of a sudden. It took me some time to get accustomed to these fights, which I was actually fighting for. Haahahaaahaahaa for sure, it was just momentary happiness.

There would be times,when I would go to the prohibitedgarden at 7 o’clock in the evening, simply to spend some time in solitude. To stare at the blinking stars,moon and share some secrets with my friends, look at the hospital area which was enveloped in darkness.

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 other’s tuck.

Hostel is actually a mixed bag. It’s 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. It’s 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.

Inspirational

15

End of the Year Picnic - 16th December

On Sunday morning where the sun was shining translucently covered by the cloudy architecture in the sky, and when the rain drizzled it’s 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 Jethwa’s 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.


Events 2012

SHREE VANZA GNATI MANDALP.O.Box 38220, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.

Website: http://www.vanzatz.org, E-mail: [email protected]

vanza life - dar es salaam

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