Indian Seniors of Chicago Host Spectacular Summer Picnic for Community Bonding

HI INDIA NEWS DESK
CHICAGO, IL- The Indian Seniors of Chicago organized a vibrant summer picnic on Saturday, July 8, 2023, at Busse Woods Grove No. 32. The event saw the enthusiastic participation of 360 senior members. Despite the overcast conditions, which proved to be perfect for a picnic, the members were warmly welcomed at 10:00 a.m. with a delightful spread of garam kota, fafda, chutney, jaleb, and chili breakfast.

After breakfast, the members organized themselves into groups, seeking shade under the majestic trees. Dr. Narsinhbhai Patel, the President of the organization, extended a warm welcome to everyone and encouraged them to participate in various games planned for the afternoon. Bhupendra and Geeta Suthar, Panna Shah, and other members led the gathering in the Sarva Dharma prayer and Ganesha Stuti. Following this, all members recited the revered Shri Hanuman Chalisa.

C.V. Desai, the organization’s treasurer, presented the income and expenditure account for the month of June and expressed gratitude towards the generous donors who supported the organization. Mr. Desai extended an invitation to all members to attend the Sardar Dham program at Rana Regan Centre, Carol Stream, scheduled for July 9, 2023. He also appealed for cooperation and support for the Gujarati play “Dayaben.com,” which was to be organized on July 15, 2023, under the initiative of Manav Seva Mandir.

Shri Bhupendra Suthar then invited the members celebrating their birthdays in the month of July to come forward. Today’s special guest, Mr. Kantibhai Patel, distributed greeting cards to the celebrants. The entire gathering joyfully sang the “Happy Birthday” song and exchanged greetings.

To keep the energy and enthusiasm high, Mr. Bhupendra Suthar and Mr. Deepak Patel conducted an entertaining session of Antakshari. The members were divided into two groups, and many of them enthusiastically participated in the game. At two o’clock in the afternoon, hot tea, coffee, and biscuits were served to rejuvenate the participants.

Subsequently, a variety of games were organized, attracting active participation from the majority of the members. Competitions such as ball in the bucket, ringtone, lemon spoon, and hot potato were enjoyed by all. Jayashree and Chandrakant Gandhi, Ratibhai Pandya, Chirag Shah, Geeta and Hargovind Patel graciously awarded prizes to the first three winners in each competition.

At 3:30 p.m., the members were treated to refreshing ice cream, followed by juicy watermelon at 4:30 p.m. President Dr. Narsinhbhai Patel took a moment to honor the members who generously contributed either in cash or in kind towards the success of the picnic. He expressed heartfelt gratitude towards the judges of all the competitions, the dedicated volunteers who contributed in various tasks throughout the picnic, the efficient organizers, and the talented photographer, Mr. Satish Parikh.

Concluding the event, the members gathered to sing a collective prayer, expressing their unity and gratitude. Finally, at 5:30 p.m., they relished a delicious meal comprising Ladwa Puri, Shak Dal, Bhaat, Raitu, and other delectable dishes. With hearts full of joy and memories created, all the members departed, bidding farewell to a successful and enjoyable summer picnic.