6 NRI PULSE ...... City News...... January 2010 Senior Citizens Go “De Dana Dan” At Galaxy Cinema BY MAHADEV DESAI ing respect and affection to its members, the vol- one school paid instant dividend when the Rotary This film like ‘Hera Pheri’, also boasts of unteers of SCP, Raj Razdan, Shashi Sidhaye, Club of Clayton County represented by Lata Chinan the strong stalwart trio cast of Akshay Khanna, Atlanta: It has taken me over 65 years and Minesh Mody; Chinti Bali, and Isha Goyal of immediately announced that her Rotary Club will Suneil Shetty and Paresh Rawal. Much of the the coveted honorary membership of the Senior SCP; all greeted the Elders at the entrance of the match this donation by SCP by sponsoring a school hilarious interaction in this ‘no brainer’ movie, Citizen Program (SCP) Inc. to realize that the best theatre and escorted them to their seats for an as well”. Raj exhorted the audience to donate within takes place in a five-star Singapore hotel where critics and reviewers of the more than a dozen characters, unwit- Bollywood flicks are the wise ting subjects of mistaken identity, dart members of the club of golden in and out of rooms delivering amusing years Seniors, which I often am one-liners, chasing each other and plot- seen frequenting. It was a delight ting their smart money-making to see the cheer and smile in every schemes. In addition to Akshay, Suneil member who walked out of the and Paresh, the director has also thrown theatre after a spellbinding three into the mix-Katrina (Akshay’s girl hours of hilarious comedy “De friend), Sameera (Suneil’s girl friend), Dana Dan”. It was obvious my Archana Puran Singh (Akshay’s de- fraternity, including myself, had manding task-master), Neha Dhupia, gracefully graded the movie with a (gold-digger) Johnny Lever (hired hit- five star rating with a smile. The movie man), Asrani (Chinese don); Shakti by Priyadarshan of “Hera pheri” fame Kapoor, Chunkey Pande (Paresh’s son) was fun and is bound to make the and a few others. The climax being that cash register go crazy with collections of a bomb going off and reminiscent of a in the forthcoming weeks. scene from Titanic, the hotel gets flooded “When the officers of the Raj Razdan (seated) flanked on left by Nami and Purvi Patel and seniors. Photo by Mahadev Desai. and then??? Keeping the surprise for SCP were struggling over selection your visit to the Cinema halls! between screening of a brand name After the rib-tickling movie, the Amitabh starrer ‘Paa’ (also making rounds pres- enjoyable comedy. their means for this well deserving, humanitarian happy Seniors then marched, much like the play- ently in the theatres) for its Elders or this comedy Razdan briefly updated its membership (of outreach program. She reiterated that this sponsor- ers of the Indian Cricket team for a tea break dur- ‘De Dana Dan’, the balance tilted in favor of this Seniors) of the SCP activities and future plans. ship by SCP of one school was a unique and exem- ing a grueling inning, to the nearby popular Palace comedy film with the sole purpose of getting our She thanked her SCP members for endorsing and plary as the school was funded by the Senior Citi- Restaurant for hot Chai and sizzling hot Samosas. Seniors in the holiday spirit of joy and fun”, said willingly contributing $365 (or $1 a day) for spon- zens themselves and their keen support undoubt- SCP with its team of steadfast volunteers Raj Razdan, Executive Director of SCP. “Yes as soring a one teacher school run by Ekal Vidyalaya edly was heartwarming. Raj Razdan: Shashi Sidhaye; Chinti Bali, Nalini you can see, everyone really enjoyed the movie Foundation (EVF) in the tribal and rural areas of With a moving acknowledgment and apprecia- Bhindi; Jyoti Dama; Isha Goyal; Minesh Modi; courtesy our sponsor and philanthropists Dr. Bina India for the education of the under-privileged chil- tion of the sponsors Bina and Sanjay Patel, the stage and Aruna Patel have completed yet another and Sanjay Patel, who also attended the show to- dren in India. These schools provide five years of was set for the curtains to open at Galaxy. The successful year since its founding in 1996. “With a gether with their mother Madhumatiben and daugh- free basic education, healthcare, vocational train- Seniors relaxed, chuckled and laughed as they modest start with 30 members, SCP now has blos- ters Nami and Purvi”, added Razdan. ing and social and community empowerment. watched the loud, escapist, slapstick comedy di- somed into a very vibrant program with over 400 True to the impeccable tradition of shower- Razdan added that, “SCP’s decision to sponsor rected by Priyadarshan. members executing over 12 programs annually”, said Shashi Sidhaye Another volunteer Chinti Bali added, “SCP, Inc. has been celebrating Mothers Day, Fa- thers Day, Valentines Day, Diwali, Christmas, etc., Atlanta Indian Christian Fellowship Hosts over the years”. The program is dedicated to fostering fraternity among seniors through frequent social get- togethers, feeling of camaraderie, important presenta- Christmas Celebrations tions for the health and welfare of seniors, lunches, Atlanta: The Atlanta Indian Christian Fel- audience and shared the vision and goal for con- benediction was given by Rev. Al LaCour. dinners, health fairs, picnics and entertainment pro- lowship hosted a special Christmas celebration ducting this event for the ninth year. Rev. Mark Prayers were offered to God to shower bless- grams. “Senior Citizen Program advances the impor- event the “9th Annual Internationals Christmas Lin opened the celebration with prayer. After the ings upon the international communities in Atlanta tance and respect for the Elders of our community in Nite” on December 5, 2009 at the Grace Midtown international groups performed Christmas music and for healthy living. Over 200 people participated their senior years, courtesy of dedicated volunteers Church, Atlanta, GA. and songs, Dr. Christopher Joshua introduced the in this Christmas Celebration and most commented and committed sponsors. All events are invariably Various International churches or that the occasion was the sponsored by philanthropic community members”, fellowships, namely, a. ChristChurch Pres- most enjoyable interna- mentioned Isha Goyal. byterian led by Mr. Jonathan Trousdale, b. tional event in recent times “On an average we have approximately 150 Atlanta Telugu Christian Fellowship led by and a great prelude to enter members regularly attending our monthly Luncheon Rev. Peter Palli, c. Atlanta Indian Christian the most joyous Christmas events. Each program typically entails an outlay of Fellowship (Dr. Paul Joseph), d. Asian / and holiday season of the approximately $2,000. If not for the generous sup- Caribbean /Pacific / Nepali Church led by year. Dinner was served at port of numerous donors, sponsors, participants, res- Rev. Neil Reddy, e. GA Christian Assem- the end of the event and the taurants and dedicated volunteers, SCP could not have bly (Rev. VP Abraham), f. participants had a happy forged ahead. So, you can see how appreciative and Atlanta Chinese Christian Campus Fellow- time with friends and fam- thankful we must be of our sponsors who have do- ship (Rev. Mark Lin), and g. ily. nated without blinking over these years even during Atlanta Christian Assembly led by Rev. This is the 9th year in the recessionary times. In the near future, SCP has Samuel Thompson, participated and pre- a row this event was hosted exciting expansion plans for the welfare of our elders. sented Christmas Carols in this glorious to unite the international SCP elders bless all the sponsors and welcome any occasion. community during Christ- new sponsors interested in pitching in with their sup- The goal for this event is to show mas season and to show port”, exclaimed jubilant Razdan. hospitality to the international commu- hospitality and friendship And for seniors like me, being part of SCP nity. The evening was filled with Christmas songs Chief Guest for the evening, Rev. Al LaCour (RUF- to foreigners (who are away from home for work or has been an exhilarating walk down the memory from various national languages, Chinese, English, International Campus Minister at GaTech.). Rev. studies) and American friends. The entire event was road for the past decade. The journey is bound Nepali, and Indian languages, Hindi, Tamil, Al LaCour shared his greetings and the message of coordinated and hosted by Dr. Paul Joseph and Mrs. to continue with an upbeat spirit with the proven Malayalam, and Telugu. Christmas. Bro. Daniel Mehat thanked the par- Preethi Paul and the members of the Atlanta Indian tender and loving care from the SCP volunteers Dr. Paul Joseph welcomed the international ticipants and the performers. The final prayer and Christian Fellowship. and the spirited donations of the sponsors!