New Horizons Seniors Program

Deshantari’s NHSP project started on 14 March, 2016 and will continue until 13 March, 2017 and the following members will be organizing the various senior activities during this time complementing Deshantari’s other regular activities:
  1. Prabir Neogi (Chair and Core-Member)
  2. Atulesh Nandi (Core-Member) 
  3. Arun Roy (Core-Member)
  4. Angsuman Rudra
  5. Manas Dan
  6. Anindo Maiti
The NHSP team welcomes feedback from the community on the type of senior activities they would like us to organize that relate to enhancing the seniors’ social well-being and community vitality. These senior activities are open to all Deshantari members and will be held in strong collaboration with organizations like Indo-Canada Community Centre (ICCC), India-Canada Association (ICA), and Nepalese Canadian Association of Ottawa (NCAO). At the moment the NHSP team plans to use these funds primarily to organize 10 Workshops (usually one per month) that will address various senior well-being issues.

Event Calendar Agenda View

Oct
11
Fri
2013
Durga Puja: October 11-13, 2013 @ Heron Gate Community Centre
Oct 11 @ 10:00 am – Oct 13 @ 4:00 pm

2014 Durga Puja

Fri Oct 11 to Sun Oct 13, 2013

Deshantari’s main event the Durga Puja was organized at the Heron Gate Community Centre from 11 – 13 Oct, 2013. The Puja Chairperson welcomed the members with the following note:

“The countdown for the much awaited Deshantari event of the year is over. It is time for Durga Puja.
With festive alacrity we have made all the arrangements so that you have a wonderful time and enjoy a grand celebration of our culture and traditions. A large team of dedicated volunteers have been working very hard over the past couple of months in preparation for the ceremonial worship, rehearsing for the cultural programs, fund-raising and even researching on the latest culinary trends.

I know men are eagerly looking forward to their long “adda” sessions with friends over a cup of tea just as ladies have started checking out their latest sari and jewellery collection bought on their recent visits to India. Children can hardly wait for a few days of no homework but pure fun with their friends!

Without further ado, I on behalf of the Deshantari Executive Committee welcome you, your family and
friends to the 32nd Durga Puja in Ottawa. This year we have organized a variety of cultural programs
from Bengali Natak to children’s Talent show. There will be a diverse mix of garment and jewellery stalls for those of you who love to shop. A large group of volunteers have meticulously planned an exquisite selection of food and misti that you will find truly irresistible. During these three days we have also set-up a booth to collect food donations that would go towards the “Ottawa Food Bank”.

Finally I would like to thank my committee and all volunteers for their selfless dedication and hard work in making the arrangements for this year’s Durga Puja. Last but not least, a note of thanks goes to all our advertisers, sponsors and donors for their generous financial support.

I look forward to seeing you all and I am certain you will find this year’s Durga Puja as enjoyable as it
has always been! Once again, welcome to Durga Puja 2013.”

The program details and menu were as follows:

Date Program Details
Friday, Oct 11, 2013: Maha Sasthi
Priests: Sushil K. Bhattacharya and
Nirmal Sinha
06:00 pm: Maha Shasthi Puja
07:00 pm: Sandhya Arati and Prasad
07:30 pm: Cultural Program (Kids Talent show)
08:30 pm: Dinner
09:30 pm: Cultural Program (Shefali and Group)
10:30 pm: Cultural Program (Classical Music)
11:45 pm: Hall Closing
Saturday, Oct 12, 2013: Maha
Saptami & Maha Ashtami
Morning Priests: Sushil K.
Bhattacharya, Nirmal SinhaEvening Priests: Sushil K. Bhattacharya,
Nirmal Sinha
09:00 am: Maha Saptami & Maha Ashtami Puja
01:30 pm: Pushpanjali and Prasad
02:00 pm: Lunch06:00 pm: Sandhya Puja
07:30 pm: Sandhya Arati and Prasad
07:45 pm: Children’s Classical Dance
08:15 pm: Dinner
09:30 pm: Bengali Nathak – “Bhuter Bhobhishot”
12:45 pm: Hall Closing
Sunday, Oct 13, 2013: Maha Navami
and Bijaya Dashami
Morning Priests: Aditya Chakravarti and
Ashutosh Bagchi
10:00 am: Maha Navami Puja
12:00 pm: Dashami Puja, Bisharjon
01:30 pm: Sindur Khela
02:00 pm: Lunch
04:30 pm: Hall Closing

The Durga Puja and Lakshmi festivities were attended by a record number of people. The Puja hall and
stall layout was completely changed this year to make room for a large number of people. The Executive
Committee received an overwhelming response and deep appreciation for a well organized event.

Members were particularly appreciative of the Bengali Nathak, the cultural program (Jalsa) on Lakshmi
Puja and the food selection and arrangements outstanding on all days. This was made possible by the
tireless work of a very large number of dedicated volunteers.

This year the committee also took initiative to collect items for the Ottawa Food Bank throughout the
festivities and also gave away boxes of Bengali books to anyone interested in reading Bengali books.

Oct
19
Sat
2013
Lakshmi Puja: October 19, 2013 @ Heron Gate Community Centre
Oct 19 @ 4:00 pm – 10:30 pm

2014 Lakshmi Puja

Saturday Oct 19, 2013

Program:

Date Program Details
Saturday, 19 Oct, 2013: Lakshmi Puja
Evening Priest: Nirmal Sinha
05:00 pm: Lakshmi Puja
07:00 pm: Jalsa Program
08:15 pm: Variety Program
08:30 pm: Dinnerg

The Durga Puja and Lakshmi Puja festivities were attended by a record number of people. The Puja hall and stall layout was completely changed this year to make room for a large number of people. The Executive Committee received an overwhelming response and deep appreciation for a well organized event.

Members were particularly appreciative of the Bengali Nathak, the cultural program (Jalsa) on Lakshmi
Puja and the food selection and arrangements outstanding on all days. This was made possible by the
tireless work of a very large number of dedicated volunteers.

This year the committee also took initiative to collect items for the Ottawa Food Bank throughout the
festivities and also gave away boxes of Bengali books to anyone interested in reading Bengali books.

Feb
9
Sun
2014
Saraswati Puja: February 9, 2014 @ Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre
Feb 9 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Saraswati Puja

Sunday, February 09, 2014

 

Deshantari celebrated Saraswati Puja on Sunday February 9th at the Ron Kolbus Center. The schedule of activities was as follows:

  • Puja and Pushpanjali: 10 am-11.30 am (Hathekhori will be after puja)
  • Children’s drawing competition: 11.30-12:00 pm
  • Children’s talent show: 12:00-12:20
  • Kobitar Asor: 12:25-1:00 pm
  • Lunch: 1-2 pm

Among the other cultural programs Deshantari organized a “Kobitar Asor” performed by Mabhin Ghosh
Datta from Kalavatee Dance Centre and Saumita Banerjea, an invited elocutionist from Toronto. This
event received excellent response from all sections of the Community

Oct
3
Fri
2014
Durga Puja: October 3-5, 2014 @ Heron Road Multi-Service Centre, Ottawa
Oct 3 @ 10:00 am – Oct 5 @ 4:00 pm

2014 Annual Autumn Festival & Sharad Utsav
Durga Puja

Fri Oct 3 to Sun Oct 5, 2014

 

Oct
11
Sat
2014
Lakshmi Puja: October 11, 2014 @ Heron Road Multi-Service Centre, Ottawa
Oct 11 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

2014 Annual Autumn Festival & Sharad Utsav
Lakshmi Puja

Saturday Oct 11, 2014

 

Apr
4
Mon
2016
NHSP – Workshop: Financial and Legal Aspects of Estate Planning @ Hintonburg Community Centre
Apr 4 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Financial and Legal Aspects of Estate Planning

Jun
5
Sun
2016
NHSP – Workshop: How and what can you do to help surviving spouse and children? @ Hintonburg Community Centre
Jun 5 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

How and what can you do to help surviving spouse and children?

Speaker: By Dr Indu Gambhir

About the Speaker: Dr Indu Gambhir is a medical practitioner. In her practice through many years of Emergency medicine and family practice and counselling, she has seen that many patients do not make essential preparations for long-term illness or death. She will talk about how all family members should prepare their surviving spouses and grown up children about vital treatment decisions and documentation for handling the family affairs by the surviving spouse and children.

Refreshments: The workshop will be followed by refreshments.

Who is this for? The audience for this workshop is primarily for seniors. It should also be relevant, and of equal interest, to non-seniors and even younger people. All spouses and young adults are urged to attend.

R.S.V.P. by Email: Arun Roy

Jul
10
Sun
2016
NHSP – Information Session: “Alternative /Ayurvedic Medicine and Diet” @ Hintonburg Community Centre
Jul 10 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Alternative/ Ayurvedic Medicine and Diet
In collaboration with ICCC Seniors

Picture_150

Speaker: Dr Hemant Gupta, Ayurvedic Medicine practitioner in Ottawa.

About the Speaker: 25 years of teaching, clinical and research experience in India, Europe, North America. He was the director of Ayurveda programmes at `The Raj’ (premier Ayurveda and Panchakarma centre) in Fairfield, Iowa and M.A.H.C. in Lancaster, Massachusetts, U.S.A.

Dr Gupta has developed curriculum for and taught, undergraduate and PhD degree programs of Ayurveda at the College of Maharishi Vedic Medicine at University in Fairfield, Iowa.

Dr Gupta has taught courses through Memorial University of Newfoundland, and Ayurveda Academy of Canada in Toronto.

Refreshments: The workshop will be followed by refreshments.

Who is this for? For all seniors.

For further information: Please contact

  • Prabir Neogi (613-746-2329)
  • Atulesh Nandi (613-820-7214)
  • Arun Roy (613-837-1936)

R.S.V.P. by Email: Arun Roy

Jul
24
Sun
2016
NHSP – Workshop: Is There Any Risk in the Combined Use of Prescription Drugs and Herbal Medicine and Products? @ Hintonburg Community Centre
Jul 24 @ 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm

Is There Any Risk in the Combined Use of Prescription Drugs and Herbal Medicine and Products?

In collaboration with ICCC Seniors

Dr H S ButtarSpeaker: Dr H.S. Buttar, a retired research scientist from Health Canada

About the Talk: Many of us often tend to combine the use of prescription drugs and herbal medicine. Are there any risks in this? Health Canada has conducted some scientific research studies on this. Dr H.S. Buttar will make a presentation on the available research evidence.

Who is this for? For all seniors.

Refreshments: The workshop will be followed by refreshments.

For further information: Please contact

  • Atulesh Nandi (613-820-7214)
  • Prabir Neogi (613-746-2329)
  • Arun Roy (613-837-1936)

R.S.V.P. by Email: Arun Roy

Aug
11
Thu
2016
NHSP – Visit – Seniors’ Motor coach trip to Brockville (1000 Islands) @ 1000 Islands & Seaway Cruises
Aug 11 @ 9:30 am – 6:00 pm

Seniors’ Trip to 1000 Islands, Brockville

In collaboration with ICCC Seniors

This trip will include a cruise of world famous 1000 islands (1.5 hour Sightseeing Cruise) and picnic at 30 Block House Island Pkwy, Brockville, ON.

Capacity: Max 112 (Two Bus Loads) [First come, first served — All tickets are now sold out]

Tickets: $25 [Special price for Indo-Canadian seniors – Actual cost is $55]

Program:

PREPARATION: Be prepared for rain or shine! Light jacket, hat, sunscreen and a good sense of humour :). For the picnic, feel free to bring your lawn chair or picnic blanket.
At 10:00 One bus picks up from Orleans, Shenkman Arts Centre, 255 Centrum Blvd (map) from the parking lot behind the Orleans City Hall.

Second bus picks up from Kanata, Beaverbrook Ottawa Public Library, 2500 Campeau Drive, Kanata, (map)

10.30 – 11:00 Board the Buses at Nepean Sportsplex, 1701 Woodroffe Ave (map) – Both buses are expected to arrive by 10:30 AM, board, and depart between 10:45 and 11:00 AM.
BOARDING THE BUS: You may board the bus at any one of the above listed places. You are expected to be there 15 Minutes before the bus arrives. Please keep the seats at front of the bus for passengers with compromised mobility.
12:30-17:00 Lunch, 1000 Islands Cruise (1.5 hrs) and Picnic – We will have pizza, green salads and soft drink for lunch on the boat.

WATER: We are taking bottled water with us. A 500 ml bottle for each person. This you can refill from drinkable running water. It will help reduce plastic waste.

PICNIC: After the boat cruise there will be a picnic (Tea, with muffin, Dhokla and Fruit Salad) – There are several picnic tables on the site, but not enough to seat everyone of us.
17:00-18:30 Buses load and depart for Ottawa.
Both buses arrive and drop off first at Nepean Sportsplex. Then one bus goes to Kanata, the other bus goes to Orleans for the final drop-off.

For further information: Please contact

  • Prabir Neogi (613-746-2329)
  • Atulesh Nandi (613-820-7214)
  • Arun Roy (613-837-1936)

R.S.V.P. by Email: Arun Roy

Aug
13
Sat
2016
NHSP – Information Session: NHSP Program Information 1 @ Vincent Massey Park
Aug 13 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

NHSP Program Information Session

This event was part of the 2016 Deshantari Annual Picnic.

Sep
14
Wed
2016
NHSP – Visit: Seniors’ Motor coach trip to Mont Tremblant @ Mont Tremblant Resort
Sep 14 @ 9:00 am – 6:00 pm

Mont Tremblant Trip for Seniors

About the Trip: You will have four hours to explore the village on your own individually and in small groups. You can have unlimited free gondola ride between the bottom of the village and the top of the village.

Here is an interactive pedestrian village map of Mont Tremblant.

Boarding the Buses:

  • You can board the bus in i) Kanata, ii) Orleans, or iii) Nepean Sportsplex – See the timings below.
  • Prior to Boarding the bus, please write your name on the back of your ticket and hand over your ticket and the signed Waiver form. Each person travelling on this trip must give a separate Waiver form.
  • In the morning, you will be handed a pack of snacks and water at the time of boarding the bus.
  • On return from Mont Tremblant, you will have coffee/tea + snack at McDonald/Tim Hortons.

Program for the Day:

  • At 08:45 AMBoard buses at Kanata and Orleans
    • Bus 1 comes to Kanata at Beaverbrook Ottawa Public Library, 2500 Campeau Drive [Those boarding at Kanata, please arrive by 08:30 AM]
    • Bus 2 comes to Orleans at Shenkman Arts Centre, 245 Centrum Blvd [Those boarding at Kanata, please arrive by 08:30 AM]
  • At 09:15 AM – Board the buses at Nepean Sportsplex, 1701 Woodroffe Drive, Nepean [Please arrive by 08:30 AM]
  • At 09:30 AM – Both buses leave Nepean Sportsplex for Mont Tremblant
  • Around 12:0o PM– Buses arrive at Mont Tremblant
  • 12:00 – 4:00 PM – People explore Mont Tremblant village on their own – individually or in groups
  • At 4:00 PM – Everyone boards the bus at the foot of Mont Tremblant village
    • Kanata passengers Bus 1
    • Orleans passengers board Bus 2
  • At 4:30 PM – Buses stop at a McDonald/Tim Hortons location for coffee/snacks
  • Around 7:00 PM – Arrive in Ottawa:
    • Bus 1 goes to Kanata, then to Nepean Sportsplex
    • Bus 2 goes to Orleans, then to Nepean Sportsplex

Preparation:

  • Be prepared for rain or shine! Light jacket, comfortable shoes, hat/cap, sunscreen, umbrella and a good sense of humour with a spirit of adventure :).
  • For the picnic, feel free to bring your lawn chair or picnic blanket, walking poles or stick.
  • Lunch: You may bring your own lunch, and also have fun if you arrange picnic potluck in smaller groups with your circle of friends. Or, you could purchase your food at one of the many restaurants in the village, or enjoy the Food Festival at Mont Tremblant that week.
  • Have essentials on hand for the day-long trip: The trip is almost 11 hours long — Do consider to bring what you need, i.e. extra snack food, drinks, medicines, etc.
  • Departure from Mont Tremblant: Return to the boarding spot by 4:00 sharp. Do not miss the bus; there is no public transportation available from Mont Tremblant to Ottawa.

About Mont-Tremblant

Mont-Tremblant is a municipality in the Canadian province Québec, set within the Laurentian Mountains north-west of Montréal. The year-round Mont-Tremblant Ski Resort, on the shores of Lake Tremblant, features acclaimed winter sports, golf courses and a pedestrian shopping village.

Special Feature during September 10-18: Tremblant Gourmand
This don’t-miss event for died-in-the-wool gourmets features conferences, dynamic activities, culinary demonstrations and tastings of delicious local products! This year, the chefs include Max Lavoie (the Guru of BBQ), Éric Gonzalez, Patrick Bermand, Jonathan Garnier, Olivier Tali and many more!

Activities and attractions
100% adrenalin outings. Excursions in nature and lungs filled with fresh air. Leisure spots to relax and fill up with energy. Mont-Tremblant is the perfect destination for entertainment as a family, a couple, between friends or solo.

Events
World-class events. Welcoming local festivities. Throughout the year, Mont-Tremblant is a unique gathering place for families, sports fans, music, culture and art.

Restaurants and bars
Chefs, craftsmen, artisans, sommeliers and reputable establishments. Local tastes, fine or traditional menus. One of the largest wineries in Québec. Warm and accessible tables. Festive bars. Everything for feasting and having fun in the evening.

Shopping
Jewellery stores, sports stores, clothing stores and retail outlets – all nearby. For a window shopping sessions, a holiday souvenir, and a surprise or for the item you completely forgot at home, Mont-Tremblant makes your life easier!

For further information: Please contact

  • Prabir Neogi (613-746-2329)
  • Atulesh Nandi (613-820-7214)
  • Arun Roy (613-837-1936)

R.S.V.P. by Email: Arun Roy

Sep
17
Sat
2016
NHSP – Seminar: Safety and Seniors @ Tanglewood Park Community Centre
Sep 17 @ 11:30 am – 4:30 pm
ICCC Seniors and Deshantari of Ottawa present:

Interactive Workshop: Safety and Seniors

Speakers:

  • Mr. Jasdeep Bajwa, Ottawa Police Officer: “Physical abuse, Cyber fraud, Phone threats, home support providers, and issues to consider
  • Mr. Daljit Nirman, Ottawa Lawyer, Nirman’s Law Professional Corporation: “Safety issues to consider when giving power of attorney for personal care or financial and Wills”
  • Mr. Spencer Campbell and Mr. Mike Foster, Investment Specialists, Scotia Bank: “Financial safety issues with Joint accounts, Credit card or loan co-signing”

Program:

11:30 – 12:00 Registration
12:00 – 12:50 Mr. Bajwa — Physical Safety, abuse
12:50 – 01:30 Lunch (will be provided)
01:35 – 02:30 Mr. Nirman — Power of Attorney & Wills
02:30 – 02:45 Snack Break (Will be provided)
02:45 – 03:15 Mr. Bajwa — Fraud
03:20 – 04:00 Mr. Campbell & Mr. Foster — Financial Safety Issues
04:10 – 04:30 Evaluation

Who is this for? Seniors and their care providers should consider attending this workshops.

For information, please contact (by email): Prabir Neogi

Sep
23
Fri
2016
NHSP – Workshop: Resources available for Seniors @ Tanglewood Park Community Centre
Sep 23 @ 2:45 pm – 4:00 pm
ICCC Seniors and Deshantari of Ottawa present:

Seminar: Resources Available To Seniors

Speaker: Mr George Wong, City of Ottawa

About the Seminar: Not available

Who is this for? Seniors and their care providers should consider attending this workshops.

For information, please contact (by email): Prabir Neogi

Sep
25
Sun
2016
NHSP – Information Session: NHSP Program Information 2 @ Paroquia Senhor Santo Cristo Parish (Portugese Church)
Sep 25 @ 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm

NHSP Program Information

This session was done as part of the Deshantari Mahalaya function to increase effectiveness and broaden the reach of people.

Key Feature:

Workshop: Passport of Health by Dr. Indu Gambhir

Oct
25
Tue
2016
NHSP – Workshop: Vedanta and Wellness @ John G Mlacak Community Centre
Oct 25 @ 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm

Vedanta and Wellness

Speaker: An eminent speaker from Vedanta Society of Toronto (Ram Krishna Mission)

R.S.V.P. Prabir Neogi

Nov
17
Thu
2016
NHSP – Workshop: Travel Medicine & Passport of Health @ East India Company Bells Corner [613-721-3777]
Nov 17 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
ICCC Seniors and Deshantari of Ottawa present:

Workshop: Passport of Health And Travel Medicine

Speakers:

Dr Jason Brophy, MD, Infectious Diseases Specialist, CHEO
Ms Aajab Abdulhusein, Student at University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine

About the workshop: In this seminar, the presenters will provide useful tips for travelling abroad, and tell us about essentials medicines and preventive inoculations recommended for different countries. They will also advise on what medical records we should have in our possession. Each attendee will be given a personal health record booklet entitled “My Passport of Health.”

Who is this for? Seniors and their care providers should consider attending this workshops.

For information, please contact:

Indu Gambhir (613-565-1653)
Anil Sukhija (613-791-7593)
Prabir Neogi (613-746-2329)

 

Nov
26
Sat
2016
NHSP – Workshop: Laughter is the Best Medicine @ Palki Cuisine of India Restaurant
Nov 26 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
In collaboration with ICCC SeniorsDeshantari of Ottawa present:

Laughter The Best Medicine – Is It Myth or Reality?
— Seminar & Dinner Event

Ticket Price: $15 per person

Program items:

  • Lots of laughter and fun: Jokes, songs and poetry by local artists and seniors
  • Humorous speakersShort speeches will be interspersed with songs, poetry and jokes:
    • Dr. Indu Gambhir, speaking on “Humour – Effect on Health.”
    • Dr. Rajiv Singh Samant, Radiation Oncologist at Ottawa Hospital, and author of the book “Smiles from the Clinic: A humorous look at cancer” — speaking on “Humour – How it can help the patient in a difficult situation.
    • Kirti Kaila, Geriatric Nurse and Community Activist, speaking on “Humorous situations when acting as a translator.”
  • Dinner

Master of Ceremonies: Vidhant Pal

Pick up tickets from:

  • Prabir Neogi (613-746-2329)

 

Dec
7
Wed
2016
NHSP – Workshop: First Aid & CPR @ Tanglewood Park Community Centre
Dec 7 @ 12:30 pm – 6:00 pm
ICCC Seniors and Deshantari of Ottawa present:

Basic First Aid And CPR Training For Seniors

Speaker: James Patterson from Red Cross/St. John Ambulance

About the workshop:

Following topics will be covered by the speaker:

  • Basic first aid in situations of injury, sprain,fracture and Burns. How to support self and others while waiting for the help to arrive.
  • When to call 911? What information is needed when calling 911.
  • What precautions are to be taken while taking care of someone after his/her hospitalization due to surgery or medical condition.
  • Information about what is Medic alert and Life line.

Who is this for? Seniors and their care providers should consider attending this workshops.

Cost: Please note that there is no cost for the seniors.

Refreshments: Tea and snacks will be served during the break.

For information, please contact:

  • Prabir Neogi (613-746-2329)