Seniors enjoy I-Day celebrations

Indian Senior Citizens Association (ISCA) hosted a Multicultural Day at their usual meeting venue at Mt. Waverly. The initial, much-publicised performer of the event was Moti Sagar, an magician of humble appearance attired in shimmering black and assisted by his wife Neema, and an assistant. Moti Sagar’s much awaited arrival was deliberately delayed to increase the anticipation from the audience while Neema prepared for the show, until he finally arrived to resounding applause. His tricks were convincingly magical despite the recent betrayal of magicians’ tricks on TV. A random invitation to members to visibly cut a white rope against dark background yet the rope remaining whole, turning the magician’s wand into colourful kerchiefs, bursting a balloon to release a dove, joining and disjoining steel rings, etc., were mesmerising. His breaking of a wine glass using nothing physical but the power of the mind was truly original, although Neema could be observed remotely directing a magnet that made his kerchief rise, fall and deviate right or left obeying Moti’s finger directions. But the most convincing trick of all was when Moti wrote a figure inside tied slates from a distance. Minister Maxine Morand arrived late and Moti was obliged to repeat his tricks. None in the present company paid much attention to the entrees during his sterling performance. The gripping hour long performance resulted in genuine applause by 120 members and invited guests. A Chartered Accountant by profession, magic is Moti’s hobby and he may be contacted on 0411092061.

A Fan Dance came next with eight traditionally dressed Chinese girls who, on prerecorded Cantonese music, charmed us with a well-coordinated “God and Saviour” dance. Chinese dances relate a definite story, just as Indian traditional dances do. Enchanting, multicultural!

Madhu Bhatia, the newly appointed Multicultural Commissioner was formally invited and introduced by President Phakey.

Gifted Sanjay Agarwal, member Shakuntala Agarwal’s son, entertained with Bollywood songs on taped music. Maxine Morand gave a brief speech and like the other performers, was presented a token gift of appreciation.

A sumptuous lunch followed, ending a tidy afternoon with no unnecessary items. ISCA next meets on September 11 for its AGM at Gaylord Restaurant in the City. Please contact President Dr. Prem Phakey on 9560 9607 for further information.

Northern Region Indian Seniors Association (NRISA) held a meeting at the Seniors Hall in Northcote. A salient feature noticeable immediately was that since its inception three years ago, NRISA has attracted an enviable number of ISCA seniors into its fold, one of the most pertinent and worthy being Parag Modi. Still in his thirties some fifteen years ago, Parag’s capacities were responsible for the inception of Indian Senior Citizens Association with the aim of keeping his aged parents Ushaben and Sushilbhai involved.

The meet of around eighty members was a relatively manageable affair. The most significant feature of the evening was, in keeping with NRISA’s cherished principle of catering to the needs of “three generations” rather than restricting its efforts to seniors alone, there were many youngsters and children. The highlight of the evening occurred when MC Rashid Sultan stated that none of those present was truly “senior at heart”, while demanding that attending seniors raise their hands if they really felt like “seniors”. Needless to state, not one hand rose.

The programme began with the playing of drums by Anish Nagar. In appropriate Jazzy attire and cap worn back to front, Anish displayed his control over half a dozen musical accessories but the sweetest moments were when the sound percussion was soft, of distant drums. Agile Shikha performed a Bollywood dance beautifully. Then came Piya, Parag Modi’s daughter, and her cousin Helli, both eight, who presented a wellsynchronised dance.

Five year old and forever smiling Ashlesha Gaur, in lehnga and choli, danced well, a pretend microphone in her hand. Charming! Anandya Gaur, Ashlesha’s sister, created a riot of colour with her costume and superfast moves, as only a fifteen year old can. She was a pleasure to watch, performing to the tune of Nimboora’, with not a step out of the taal in the background. The Surprise Item was Krishna Arora who, you can bet, will be found at every India-associated gathering, even at her age. Much revered and habitually young, Mrs. Arora’s age-defying appearance, attitude and proclamations inspired us as she moved to her acclaimed dance, “Hip The Apple – Hip The Pear” with hips moving sensuously as only a senior of her pedigree would attempt. The applause for her performance seemed never-ending. Neelam Gupta’s ‘Modern Ramayan’ was innovative and brilliant, with Ram travelling through space to rescue Sita from a Martian.

President Dr. Santosh Kumar delivered the ‘good news’ that The Hon Martin Ferguson, Hon Robin Scott and Cr. Diana Asmar were not attending. The city of Darebin Mayor’s was represented by Cr. Tim Lawrence who spoke briefly to the audience. Vice Consul Rakesh Karwa stated that visas to India can now be obtained on weekends as well, and that the Consular office had moved from distant Coburg to the central location of 344 St. Kilda Road. FIAV President Vasan motivated members to visit their new office in Dandenong. Token shawls were presented to the speakers and Mrs. Arora and young Vinay Mahajan’s achievements were recognised with certificates. The last item was a combined effort by Sanjiv Nayak on the keyboard, Vinay on dholak, Baljeet Singh on tabla, and vocals by Vikas and Asha Chopra. Secretary Rajendra Chopra ended with a vote of thanks.

For information about NRISA, please contact President Santosh Kumar on 0411 136 612.

Kingston Indian Senior Citizens Association (KISCA) began their meeting with wishes for a happy Independence Day. Barbara Nagaya sang patriotically, “Ay mere watan ke logo, zara aankh men bhar lo paani”, which brought tears to many eyes. President Mona Raju welcomed members and introduced a group of new KISCA members from India. Treasurer Vishnu Prasad displayed the annual finance report for members to view. In the Annual General Meet thereafter, members elected a new working committee. President Raju desired that members elect a new President as others must also be given a chance to prove themselves, yet she was unanimously reelected and thanked members for electing her again. She requested that members introduce more people to join as grants to KISCA were not quite enough for its survival. Mona also promised a bus trip north to warm Mildura or Great Ocean Road for a day picnic, when Melbourne’s erratic weather improves. For more information, please contact Mona Raju on 8787 5860.

Indian Seniors Citizens Forum (ISCF) met at the Sat Sai Baba Hall venue in Camberwell. After exchanging Independence Day greetings, the feature of the day was announced, that each member had to contribute something to the programme of the day. Some members danced, others sang bhajans and ghazals, read poetry, etc. Anand Shome presented some vegetarian jokes and Purushottam Rawal spoke about the presence of Indian culture in a Muslim democracy, Indonesia. Garuda, the Indonesian Airlines emblem created decades ago, is definitely an ancient Hindu mythological bird. Kanwal Bhagat, a visiting yoga expert from Sydney recommended the attributes of yoga and pledged that if members arrived one hour before the meeting, he would be pleased to guide them in its practice. The Forum is reviewing a hall or a house in centrally located Clayton where Bhagatji could guide the community. I was informed that Bhagatji’s parents were of the Hindu faith, but they took an oath of health and prosperity if they raised him as a Sikh. The oath was honoured and Bhagatji now observes the Sikh faith. As always, members contributed snacks for all to share. The Forum meets every fourth Saturday of the month. Contact Rakesh Auplish on 9543 6615 for further information.

George Thakur

He didn’t tell me how to live; he