March 15th, 2021 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Dear friends, PRESIDENT RAJIV ROHILLA 917 842 1414 On behalf of my entire team of ICSR, I wish you all a healthy and prosperous PRESIDENT ELECT year 2021. I feel both proud and honored to have been awarded this HEENA MEHTA opportunity to serve my community as President this year. I congratulate the 914 217 9161 outgoing 2020 President Dr. Basavaraj Balapal for leading this cultural SECRETARY ABHINEET JHA organization in organizing many successful events in 2020, despite the 201 951 9640 challenges brought by CoVid-19. JOINT SECRETARY SURESH IYER ICSR has been committed and dedicated to serving its community since 917 533 3271 TREASURER 1972. It is also a matter of pride for me to express my gratitude to all the past KRISHNA NAGINENI presidents and committee members who have served this cultural organization 248 464 9765 preserving our rich cultural heritage throughout these years. JOINT TREASURER RAVI DUBBA 303 478 8863 Also taking cognizance of the fact that we could not do many in-person events PUBLIC RELATIONS last year due to the pandemic, we have decided to renew the membership for OFFICER all those who were paid members of ICSR in 2020 for absolutely free this NIKITA KRISHNAN year. If by any chance, you’ve renewed your membership by paying for this 201 214 1709 year, and if you were a paid member in 2020, please reach out to the DIRECTORS BASAVARAJ BALAPAL undersigned, or any of the ICSR committee members and we will arrange to 914 715 7127 expeditiously reimburse your membership fee. (PAST PRESIDENT) POONAM MOHAN 845 358 8984 The year 2020 was challenging for us all but not challenging enough to dampen AJAYVEER CHAPOTKAT our spirits. As you all are already aware, we’ve taken some new initiatives this 845 624 1910 year to stay connected with the community and keep giving back while we have SANKARAN KRISHNAN the limitations in place. Our maiden “Coat Drive” led by Mrs. Alka Shah held 845 398 0805 between Feb 1st & Feb 17th was a huge success. Two truckloads of warm RAJAN BARANWAL 845 639 1053 clothes, gloves, mittens, hats, scarfs and warm jackets were donated by ALKA SHAH generous donors to help the needy and the underprivileged. On Feb 28th, 845 661 2072 ICSR in conjunction with AAPI of Rockland hosted a roundtable discussion on REENA KANDUJA the current COVID-19 pandemic situation with a robust panel of healthcare 845 598 3098 professionals from within our own community led by Dr. Sankaran Krishnan, PRADEEP ASOK 845 551 2154 which was attended by over 75 families. On March 6th, ICSR celebrated MAYANK PATEL Vasant Utsav virtually which was aired on YouTube and FaceBook for the ICSR 732 882 9522 community who enjoyed a pleasant evening of Bollywood music & dance in the CHAITRA NAMA comfort of their homes thanks to the expertise of Mr. Ajayveer Chapotkat who 201 290 5243 PADMINI SHASTRY has become an expert in arranging virtual events. Apart from the above, we 845 558 1163 plan to bring you “Antakshari” on March 28th; conduct a “Food Drive” from April PANKAJ NIGAM 1st thru 18th; and bring you another virtual event involving local community kids 201 312 0415 and local talents early in the month of May (stay tuned). I also want to mention
here that our Youth Wing mentors and members are constantly engaged with the younger kids (age 3 - 10) in some fun activities like “Aaja Nachle” besides other activities.
We are very excited and looking forward to resume normalcy with our events. Hopefully, June onwards, we will be able to host our in-person events and upon consulting with our Independent Health Advisory team, we will be able to do so successfully and we’re looking forward to it.
It requires teamwork for this organization to thrive. Needless to mention that our generous sponsors help us float financially while we put these events together for the greater good. We look forward to the continued support from you, our sponsors and the grace of God.
Your increased participation at every event is the real fuel that keeps the volunteers of this amazing organization going. We look forward to being with you soon.
With hope on my mind and prayers in my heart, may we all prevail.
Warm regards.
Rajiv Rohilla President-ICSR 2021
Wishing you all a very Happy and Healthy New Year 2021!
On behalf of ICSR, I am thrilled to present our 1st Newsletter for 2021 (information also available on www.icsronline.com) which includes information on our upcoming events, community announcements, and a message from our President Mr. Rajiv Rohilla. The work has already begun, as our Committee and Youth Wing volunteers kickstarted the year with multiple events serving the Rockland and neighboring communities.
Persevering through the past year has taught each one of us the importance of sustaining a supportive community. Despite the physical limitations of the pandemic, each member of ICSR has played a role in preserving our Indian culture and identity. From our COVID-19 roundtable discussion with the esteemed Panel of Doctors from AAPI of Rockland to the virtual Vasant Utsav concert, and even the Youth Wing weekly dance performances, each event hosted by ICSR helps instill warmth and joy. Moreover, our resilient Youth Wing members have defied expectations by already leading a community coat drive and conducting dance workshop for kids between the age 3-10. Such community service and volunteering initiatives fuel ICSR’s spirit by helping those in need.
Our success lies in the hands of YOU, our members, and I urge everyone to participate in each of our events beginning with our Antakshari competition on March 28, 2021. We promise you that this event will be one of our most interactive with an abundance of opportunities to share your love for Bollywood music with friends and family.
As we transition into the spring season, our team is diligently planning in-person, outdoor events with social distancing and COVID-19 precautions. Our hope is to safely host memorable events such as the Father’s Day cruise and the summer picnic. We are in close contact with our MEDICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE of physicians from AAPI Rockland who provide guidance on public health and safety. Nevertheless, I urge you to contact these physicians with any questions you may have about the coronavirus or vaccinations by writing us at [email protected]. Moving forward, we also plan to host additional community question and answer sessions with our medical professionals.
Collectively, we hope that each of ICSR’s events lined up for 2021 will nourish a sense of normalcy in the chaotic year we have all had due to the pandemic. Our strength comes from our members who return year after year to engage in our dynamic cultural events.
I look forward to seeing all of you soon!
Warm Regards, Abhineet Jha
ICSR is a non-profit, cultural organization run by hundreds of volunteers since its inception in 1972. We are truly grateful to all the volunteers and our community for their countless hours. However, none of this would be possible without the support of our sponsors. ICSR would like to thank all of its advertisers and Grand/Annual sponsors for their financial support. The following are names of ICSR’s 2019 Grand & Annual Sponsors and hope that we will continue to receive your support in 2020 and we expect even more will join and support our community services endeavor this year:
1. MRS.ALKA AND DR. VIKRAM SHAH 2. MR. DEO NARIAN, MRS. MOHINIE OF AURO CHEMICALS 3. EASTCHESTER SERVICE CENTER INC 4. MR. ALPESH PATEL OF HILCREST BEVERAGE CORP 5. MRS. AMI AND MR. RAJESH SOPARIWALLA OF REGENCY AND BEST WESTERN 6. BERGER CPAs 7. DR. BINA BHATIA 8. DR. BRIJENDRA BATRA 9. CARDIOLOGY CONSULTANTS OF ROCKLAND 10. MR. GEORGE JOSEPH OF MASS MUTUAL 11. GLOBAL FINANCIAL SERVICES 12. MR. GOPALA SWAMY AND MRS. VIJAYA LAKSHMI MANDAPAKA 13. MR. HETAL AND MR. JIGNESH RAVAL 14. DR. KAMINI AND DR. RAKESH SHREEDHAR 15. KUMON MATH AND READING CENTER OF NEW CITY AND SPRING VALLEY 16. MR. MAHESH AND MRS. BHAVANA PATEL 17. MR. MANISH AND MRS. NIKITA KRISHNAN OF ATCS 18. MR. MAYANK PATEL OF CONGERS WINE AND SPIRIT 19. MR. SAMEER PATEL OF DUNKIN DONUTS 20. MR. SANJEEV AND KASHMIRA PATEL OF KG CONSTRUCTION 21. MRS. SEEMA AND MR. VIPUL PATEL OF NEHAL CONSTRUCTION 22. MR. SHASHI KUMAR AND MRS. SUSHUMA OF CV ASSOCIATES 23. MR. SHASHI PATEL OF TAPPAN ZEE HOTEL 24. MR. SHIVA BHASHYAM OF AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL 25. MR. SRINIVASA RAO AND MRS. SANTA KUMARI BONAM 26. MRS. SUSHMA AND DR. VIJAY SONI 27. MRS. USHA AND MR. NITIN GALA OF ONE DOLLAR ZONE 28. MR. V.BOB 29. MR. VASU AND DR. AMALA CHIRUMAMILLA
ICSR IS THANKFUL TO ROCKLAND COUNTY & ROCKLAND TOURISM DEPT FOR THE ANNUAL GRANT AND TOURISM GRANT
We are impressed by the interest and dedication shown by 24 super bright and very passionate 8-12 Grade ICSR Youth Wing Volunteers
Abhinav Khanduja Suchita Sridhara Diya Sharma Aishwarya Rajendran Swaneet Jha Kamya Ramakrishnan Aayush Sharma Isha Patel Anushka Singh Ashok Sathiyamoorthy Nayana Sujith Khushi Girish Nathan Yaragudri Praket Nigam Medha Mathur Shaan Patel Ryka Rohilla Divya Prasad Neha Krishnan Suhani Patel Guru Vishnu Ramesh Ava Cherian Mansi Pundukare Nikhil Anthwal Ella Cherian Visakhi Miriyapalli Saanya Omkar Pathak Gia Patel Shreya Girish Sumeerin Thakur Varsha Jegan Kavya Pradeep
Six professionals will mentor these volunteers through the course of the year in the following areas: Reena Khanduja, Abhineet Jha, Poonam Mohan, Suresh Iyer: Youth Wing / Alumni network: “We cannot always build a future for our Youth, but we can build our Youth for the future”. The Youth Wing has been an integral part of the ICSR Committee. The youth members have been very active in all the community events. They have shown great participation & enthusiasm in membership drives, food drives & also in all the events throughout the year. #ICSR2021 Youth Wing kick-off was held via Zoom on February 12th. 25 enthusiastic young boys & girls from ages 14-17 have joined the team. In an open discussion with a few ICSR team members (designated as mentors), the youth exchanged ideas & interests that will give them a sense of purpose while also keeping the community connected.
Alumni had contributed immensely when they were younger, and we are thankful to them. ICSR is what it is due to all their enthusiasm and spirit. The objective of forming ICSR Alumni group is to foster the spirit of giving in the form of sharing experiences and information that they have gained to the new kids at the cusp of starting college and their parents. Additionally, this will strengthen the ties between alumni and ICSR community as well as help in growing the ICSR family. Nikita/Rajiv Rohilla: Publicity and Membership drives: Committed to connecting our community to its culture and the values it creates for our members of all ages and ultimately to increase our membership. Develop interpersonal skills, acquire more knowledge, confidence and develop an all-round personality of our youth which will help us secure a better future. Reena Khanduja: Creative Writing & Social Media Promotions: ICSR Youth Wing continues to work on spreading awareness about the organization through social media and promotional campaigns. The volunteers are being coached to create written and graphic content to maintain ICSR’s online cultural synopsis series about travel, arts and heritage. The idea is to provide a platform to for them to explore creative writing, practice safe and practical cyber use, actively contribute towards the organization & generate a stronger sense of belonging to ICSR and Indian culture in general. Abhineet Jha: Development of Skills in Event Photography: After capturing ICSR events for past few years, it’s time to share the tips and tricks of photography with our young talented volunteers. As a collaborative team, the photography wing of ISCR’s Youth Program will get hands on experience from learning camera basics to capturing memorable moments at ICSR events. They will learn to work as a team, develop interpersonal and leadership skills while engaging with members of the community.
ICSR 2021 COAT DRIVE (From Feb 1st thru Feb 17th)
Frigid temperatures, pandemic. Job losses, all of these factors around us are what inspired ICSR as a team to organize a coat drive this year which was led by Mrs.Alka Shah. Inside our warm house with fireplaces and all, it is hard to judge what the needy and less fortunate ones go through, when they don't have enough coats and blankets to provide warmth to their families. In this time of dire need, the ICSR team stepped up and spread the word out through social media and several other postings and best of all word of mouth through family and friends and we were able to collect 2 pickup truck loads full of coats, winter accessories like hats, scarves and gloves, and blankets and all of these were donated to two churches in Nanuet and Hillburn, NY.
Our collective efforts provided a 1.5 garage full of new and gently used coats and blankets that will keep a lot of people warm and cozy in the cold winters. And the blessings received in return is the icing on the cake. The response received from both donors and recipients was a humbling experience for us all. A special thanks to Alka ji and the entire ICSR team for their support in this drive.
Roundtable Discussion on COVID-19
On Sunday, February 28th, ICSR in conjunction with AAPI conducted its first virtual event of the year on community advocacy. A robust panel discussion on the current COVID-19 pandemic was well received. Over 65 families participated in this virtual event. The panelists included experts from our own community - Dr.Sankaran Krishnan, Pulmonologist, Dr.Jayesh Mehta, Pulmonologist, Dr.Bangalore Sridhara, Cardiologist and Dr.Raghunath Mehta, Psychiatrist. The panelists discussed the current situation of the pandemic, the current vaccination program as well as various ill effects of the virus, including mental health illness. They also responded to several queries from the audience. The 90-minute event closed out with plans for similar panel discussion on other health related issues throughout the year.
Vasant Utsav
Under normal circumstances, Vasant Utsav, one of our immensely popular programs is celebrated in- person where over 300 men, women & children enjoy a musical evening of music, dance, fun & frolic besides delicious food but in view of of the pandemic this year, ICSR decided to celebrate Vasant Utsav virtually this year. The program was aired on March 6th which was viewed by over 70 ICSR families sitting in the comfort of their homes enjoying a pleasant evening of some very entertaining bollywood musical evening and dance. Mr.Ajayveer Chapotkat along with other ICSR members worked very hard in putting this high quality program together for its viewers which was very well appreciated as well.
SPOTLIGHT ON ICSR YOUTH WING
“We cannot always build a future for our Youth, but we can build our Youth for the future”.
The Youth Wing has been an integral part of the ICSR Committee. The youth members have been very active in all the community events. They have shown great participation & enthusiasm in membership drives, food drives & also in all the events throughout the year.
#ICSR2021 Youth Wing kick-off was held via Zoom on February 12th. 25 enthusiastic young boys & girls from ages 14-17 have joined the team. In an open discussion with a few ICSR team members (designated as mentors), the youth exchanged ideas & interests that will give them a sense of purpose while also keeping the community connected.
One such initiative has been “AAJA NACHLE'' Virtual dance sessions for ages 3-10. About 30 kids signed up. 2 of the 4 sessions are done so far. A virtual treat to see the little ones having fun dancing & swinging to the beats of bollywood led by our youth wing experts.
Also, kudos to the Youth Wing for their active participation in #ICSR2021 Coat Drive & help make it so successful.
There is much more to come from the youth wing- photography workshops, Tutor/mentor clubs & social media clubs to name a few. The plans will be unveiled as we go along.
Swing Suchita Dance Session on March 7, 2021
Let’s Dance with Neha & Ryka on March 14, 2021
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Currently programs are offered virtually Monday to Saturday evening
Dr. Vijay Pradhan Foundation
12th Annual Scholarships for Graduating High School Seniors
The Foundation is a charitable, non-profit organization (501 c3 deductible), whose mission is to promote education and culture in the Indian community in Rockland County. The Foundation was formed in loving memory of Shri Vijay Pradhan. Trustees include several prominent members of the Indian community from Rockland County. Funds for the scholarships are raised through personal contributions and an annual fund-raiser. Awardees are voted on annually by the trustees.
STUDENT REQUISITES FOR THE SCHOLARSHIP: Applicant should be a resident of Rockland County or nearby area. Should be of Indian origin. Should demonstrate significant community involvement, especially in the Indian community Nomination process: Student may be nominated by an ICSR member in good standing. Nominations along with your detailed resume (including academic, co/extra- curricular and community service details) should be mailed by Wednesday, APRIL 30, 2021 to:
DR. SANKARAN KRISHNAN, SECRETARY, DR. VIJAY PRADHAN FOUNDATION, 9 SGT. PARKER RD. BLAUVELT, NY 10913.
Community Announcements and Events
✓ Normally, there is a weekly, BalaGokulam held every Sunday from 5:00 pm to 6.30 pm at the Sri Ranganatha Temple, Pomona. N.Y. Due to COVID-19, this program is currently suspended but hopefully will resume soon (stay tuned). Contact Dr. Rakesh Shreedhar (845 353 6306) or Smriti Sridhara.
✓ Ekal Vidyalaya’s Annual concert featuring Music and Dance Dinner (venue and date TBD). For information please contact: Dr. Rakesh Shreedhar 845-558-7768 or Dr. Suresh Khanna 914-347-4329. More details to follow.
✓ “Arts from India” (WWW.artsfromindia.com), Promoting all forms of art bringing the events throughout the year: [email protected]; 845-536-1910.
✓ “As the COVID-19 pandemic continues and the vaccination efforts ramp up, ICSR in conjunction with AAPI, will be happy to respond to any questions or clarifications from the Indian community. Please contact us with your questions by email us at [email protected] and one of the ICSR/AAPI physicians will get back to you expeditiously.”
2021 Family Membership Application January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021
Name: ______Spouse Name: ______
Street Address: ______
City: ______State: ______ZIP: ______
E-mail address: ______
Home Telephone: ______Mobile: ______
Children’s name(s) and age(s):
Signature: ______Date: ______
Please send this completed application form along with the $50 check payable to "ICSR" at below address: ICSR, PO Box 108, Nanuet, New York 10954
Note: The family members in 2020 will not be required to pay 2021 membership.
Please note that the paid membership ($ 50) runs for the calendar year January 1 through December 31, 2021, only. This includes:
• Entry to events throughout the year (Vasant Utsav, Holi, Diwali etc.) • Ticket preference at popular events with limited seating. • Opportunity to participate in the Annual cultural show.
ICSR will share selected event pictures and videos on its website, Newsletter(s), Diwali brochure and social media.
https://www.facebook.com/India-Cultural-Society-Of-Rockland Instagram@indiaculturalsocietyofrockland www.icsronline.com Twitter@icsrsocialmedia [email protected] 1-347-688-7440
Culture and Art enhance the quality of our lives. This is particularly true to all Indians as we come from a land steeped in traditions and culture. As Indian Americans, we strive to keep this alive so that we can pass this to our children.
The India Cultural Society of Rockland has been passionately keeping the torch of Indian culture alive in the tri-state area since 1972. ICSR is instrumental in promoting Indian culture and heritage to local Indian and American community, through various events organized throughout the year. The ICSR committee runs on the advice, time and energy provided by volunteers within the community. However, nothing can be accomplished without your participation and monetary support. Your support will go a long way in helping ICSR achieve its mission as well as expand its programs and services. Please fill in the attached ad form and mail in with a check to advertise your business as well as support your own organization!
India Cultural Society of Rockland (A non-profit organization) Sponsorship & Advertisement for 2021
Enclosed is my check in the amount of $______
Full Page b/w ad in 1 newsletter ($100) Checks made out to: ICSR Half Page b/w ad in 1 newsletter ($50) Memo: name of your ICSR contact Mail check and form to: Full Page b/w ad in 3 newsletters ($300) Half Page b/w ad in 3 newsletters ($150) ICSR, PO Box 108, Nanuet, New York 10954 Annual Sponsor ($500) - full page b/w ad in 3 newsletters & Diwali Brochure Grand sponsor ($1000) - full page b/w ad in 3 newsletters & color Ad in Diwali Brochure + website ad Include your text message here General / Event name ______Amount: $ ______
______
Sponsor Name:
Company/Affiliation:
About Our Organization
India Cultural Society of Rockland, Inc. (ICSR) is a nonprofit organization whose objectives include: (a) Promote better understanding between the nationals of India, the United States of America, and other countries; and (b) Foster greater friendship among its members (c) Promote Indian Culture and values in the younger generation and main stream America by:
WEAVING THE CULTURAL FABRIC Vasant Utsav, Holi, Navratri, Raas Garba, Diwali
GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY Food & Clothing Drive, Senior Trip, Recreational Therapy, Youth Mentoring, Health fair
PROMOTING TALENT& CAMARADERIE Cultural Show, Art Show, Recognizing Graduating Seniors, Picnic, India Day Parade & Festival Stay Connected Please provide us your email addresses at [email protected] so that we can communicate with you efficiently. This will save ICSR a significant amount of printing and in mailing costs and improve the quality of our programs. 1-347-688-7440 www.icsronline.com [email protected]
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From:
ICSR PO Box 108, Nanuet, New York 10954
TO ICSR Newsletter
Volume 1 March 2021