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
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

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

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)
Feb
19
Sun
2017
NHSP – Seminar: Love, Compassion and Caring @ Palki Cuisine of India Restaurant
Feb 19 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
In collaboration with ICCC SeniorsDeshantari of Ottawa present:

Love, Compassion and Caring Seminar

Event Details:

  1. Date, time and location: Sunday, Feb 19, 2017 (5 pm to 9 pm) at Palki Restaurant, 1060 Ogilvie Road. See the map above.
  2. Seminar – “Love, Compassion and Caring” by Dr. Sunder Arora, a private practitioner in holistic psychiatry (website: www.meditationforlife.com).
    • Dr. Arora has published a CD set, Be Free Now, a synthesis of his clinical insights and spiritual journey, and
    • He has also authored and published a book: “Ushering in Heaven, a Psychiatrist’s Prescription for Healing, Joy, and Spiritual Awakening.”
    • Dr. Arora teaches by sharing spiritual lessons and points the way for the spiritual aspirant to find more joy in everyday life. Here is an example: Wisdom is not mere intellectual understanding: instead it needs to be assimilated at a cellular and vibrational level.
  3. Musical Evening – There will be local singers from within the community.
  4. Dinner

For further information, contact:

  • Prabir Neogi (613-746-2329)

 

Mar
5
Sun
2017
NHSP – Workshop: Insurance and Financial Planning for seniors @ East India Company Bells Corner [613-721-3777]
Mar 5 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm

Seminar on Insurance, Retirement and Estate Planning for Seniors

Deshantari’s New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) team in collaboration with the ICCC Seniors NHSP team are excited to present this seminar as per the details below:

Cost:

  • $5 per person for the first 50 responses (RSVP) received.
  • $15 per person for all those who respond after the first 50 responses (RSVP).

NOTE: If you would like to get the $5 per person discounted tickets, RSVP by 02 March, 2017 (mid-night) otherwise no RSVP is required. The discounted tickets are given on a first-come, first-served basis up to a limit of 50 tickets. As the tickets are significantly discounted no shows will be billed the full amount.

RSVP:

  • Please click here to send an email with the participant name(s) to the following latest by March 2nd, 2017 (mid-night).
  • Those without email access can call Angsuman Rudra at 6138393045 before 02 Mar, 2017.

At the venue, the tickets will be distributed by Angsuman Rudra as per the RSVPs received. Please note that reserved tickets must be picked up at the venue before the event starts at 11 am.

Schedule:

Time Speaker Topic
11 am –
12 noon
Randy Harrison
(HollisWealth Advisory Services)
Insurance products for Seniors’ Long Term Care in Residence or Home
12 noon –
1 pm
Mark Antaya
(Investors Group)
Your Retirement Paycheck – Wealth Management for Seniors
1 pm – 2 pm Brunch catered by East India Restaurant
2 pm – 3 pm Michael Walsh
(Jebreen & Walsh LLP)
Special Topics on Estate Planning for Seniors

This is a wonderful opportunity to meet your fellow community folks and learn about insurance, financial and estate planning.

So we look forward to seeing you all. Please RSVP as soon as possible to reserve your ticket(s).

Best Regards,

Deshantari’s NHSP Team

 

NHSP – Seminar: The World We Want to Live In @ Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre
Mar 5 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Deshantari of Ottawa partnered with ICCC Seniors in:

The World We Want to Live In Seminar

Event Details:

  1. Date, time and location: Sunday, Mar 5, 2017 (5 pm to 9 pm) at Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre (Brittania Park). See the map above.
  2. Seminar – “The World We Want to Live In”
    1. The winners of the essay contest held by Festival of India will present their winning essay.
    2. Table discussions on this topic with a brief presentation of key ideas from each table.
  3. Musical Evening – There will be a cultural program and local singers from within the community.
  4. Vegetarian Dinner

For further information, contact: Arun Roy (613-837-1936)

 

Mar
18
Sat
2017
Workshop: Safety, Security and Prevention of Cyber Fraud @ East India Company Restaurant
Mar 18 @ 4:30 pm – 9:30 pm

Safety, Security and Prevention of Cyber Fraud Seminar

The cost to Deshantari Members:

  • $10 per person for the first 50 RSVPs received
  • $30 per person after the first 50 RSVPs have been received from Deshantari Members

The cost to ICCC Members:

  • $10 per person for the first 20 RSVPs received
  • $30 per person after the first 20 RSVPs have been received from ICCC Members

Program Details:

  • Music and Cultural program
  • Seminar on Safety, Security and Prevention of Cyber Fraud for Seniors
  • Dinner Buffet (with 17-20 hot entrees) and Networking

How to RSVP for this event?

Please send your RSVP no later than 14 March, 2017 (mid-night) using the following weblink:

https://goo.gl/forms/bhY5HzuMaGQMUIIV2

How would seniors get transportation to come to the venue?

Deshantari seniors, who require transportation to and from the venue, should contact Gour Seal at 613-830-5485.

How to get tickets?

At the venue, the tickets will be distributed by Angsuman Rudra as per the RSVPs received via the above website. Please note that reserved tickets must be picked up before the event starts at 5 pm. As the tickets are significantly discounted no shows will be billed the full amount.

Like many of our earlier events, this event is organised jointly with Indo-Canadian Community Centre (ICCC). So we look forward to seeing you all. Please RSVP as soon as possible to reserve your ticket(s).

Best Regards,

Deshantari’s NHSP Team

Jul
9
Sun
2017
ICA Unity Picnic: July 9, 2017 @ Saunders Farn
Jul 9 @ 10:30 am – 4:30 pm

ICA Unity Picnic

Sunday, December 17, 2017

Details on ICA’s website: http://www.indiacanada.org/

Jul
29
Sat
2017
NHSP – Picnic at Rideau Provincial Park @ Rideau Provincial Park
Jul 29 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

NHSP – Picnic at Rideau Provincial Park

Trips & Outings:

-All day inter-generational outing and picnic at the Rideau River Provincial Park, with volunteers cooking lunch, as well as preparing and serving Indian snacks and refreshments.

-Transportation Assistance was provided to 10 seniors with mobility issues.