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

 

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

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 – 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)

 

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/

Sep
29
Fri
2017
Maha Sasthi and Maha Saptami Puja: Sept. 29, 2017 @ Ron Kolbus Lakeside Center
Sep 29 @ 10:30 am – 10:00 pm

Maha Sasthi and Maha Saptami Puja

Friday, Sept. 29, 2017

Priest: Sushil Bhattacharya (Sasthi and Saptami morning)
Tantra-dharak: Subhankar Pandit (Sasthi and Saptami morning)
Priest: Nirmal Sinha (Saptami evening)
Tantra-dharak: Mita Das (Saptami evening)
Bhog: Shipra Chandra (morning) & Ila Datta (evening)
Puja Lead: Sharmista Roy (morning) & Shila Biswas (evening)
Timings
Maha Sasthi puja and Bodhan 10:30 A.M. – 12:30 PM
Maha Saptami puja 12:45 P.M.– 3 PM
Evening puja 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Sandhya Arati 7:00 PM – 7:15 PM
Cultural Program (play by children) 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Dinner 8:30 PM – 10 PM
Hall Closes 11 PM
Sep
30
Sat
2017
Maha Astami and Sondhi Puja: Sept. 30, 2017 @ Ron Kolbus Lakeside Center
Sep 30 @ 8:30 am – 10:30 pm

Maha Astami and Sondhi Puja

Saturday, Sept. 30, 2017

Priest: Sushil Bhattacharya
Tantra-dharak (Astami puja): Bonnie Chakraborty
Tantra-dharak (Sondhi puja): Subhankar Pandit
Bhog: Shibani Cherla (morning) & Chitra Ghosh (evening)
Puja Lead: Mita Das (morning) & Manoshi Kumar (evening)
Timings
Maha Astami puja 8:30 AM – 12 Noon
Anjali 12 Noon
Lunch 1 PM- 2:30 PM
Sondhi puja 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Sandhya arati 7:00 PM
Dinner 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Cultural Program (Bangla Natak) 9 PM – 10:30 PM
Hall Closes 12:30 AM
Oct
1
Sun
2017
Maha Navami and Bijoya Dashami Puja: Oct 01, 2017 @ Ron Kolbus Lakeside Center
Oct 1 @ 9:30 am – 1:30 pm

Maha Navami and Bijoya Dashami Puja

Sunday, Oct 01, 2017

Priest: Aditya Chakraborty
Tantra-dharak: Sumit Banerjee
Bhog: Hasu Ghosh
Puja Lead: Jyotsna Seal
Timings
Maha Navami 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Anjali 11:30 AM
Dashami puja and Biswarjan 12 Noon – 1 PM
Sidur Khela, Kolakuli & Bijoya Greetings 1 PM – 1:30 PM
Sandhya arati 1:30 PM
Hall Closes 7 PM
Oct
8
Sun
2017
Lakshmi Puja and Cultural Events: Oct 08, 2017 @ Ron Kolbus Lakeside Center
Oct 8 @ 4:00 pm – 9:30 pm

Lakshmi Puja and Cultural Events

Sunday, Oct 08, 2017

Priest: Nirmal Sinha
Tantra-dharak: Subhankar Pandit
Bhog: Ruma Bose
Puja Lead: Jayanti Roy
Timings
Laxmi Puja 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Prasad distribution 6 PM
Cultural Program 6:30 -7:30 PM
Dinner 7:30 PM
Hall Closes 12 AM
Nov
17
Fri
2017
NHSP – Seminar-Workshop for Seniors @ Tanglewood Park Community Centre
Nov 17 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

NHSP – Seminar-Workshop for Seniors

-3 lectures

-ICCC and Deshantari collaboration

NHSP funds used

 

Dec
3
Sun
2017
NHSP – Seminar-Workshop for Seniors @ East India Company Restaurant Bells Corner
Dec 3 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

NHSP – Seminar-Workshop for Seniors

Half-day Seminar-Workshop at the East India Company, Bells Corners, including buffet lunch

Transportation assistance Service for limited number of Deshantari Seniors

 

Jan
28
Sun
2018
Saraswati Puja: January 28, 2018 @ Ron Kolbus Lakeside Center
Jan 28 @ 4:00 pm – 9:30 pm

Saraswati Puja

Sunday, January 18, 2018

Program: Not available.

Feb
25
Sun
2018
NHSP – Seminar for Seniors – The Science of Happiness – Feb 25, 2018 @ The Ottawa Citizen Auditorium
Feb 25 @ 2:00 pm – 4:30 pm

NHSP – Seminar-Workshop for Seniors

Half-day Seminar-Workshop at the Baxter Center (Citizens Building).

1 lecture on “The Science of Happiness”

 

Mar
18
Sun
2018
NHSP – Workshops (Downsizing and Aging) and Entertainment for Seniors – March 18, 2018 @ East India Company Restaurant Bells Corner
Mar 18 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm

NHSP – Seminar-Workshop for Seniors

Half-day Seminar-Workshop at the East India Company, Bells Corners, including buffet lunch

Transportation assistance is available to a limited number of Deshantari seniors.

Deshantari’s NHSP Committee, in collaboration with ICCC, is organizing a Workshop as per details below. The purpose of the workshop is two-fold: to increase the level of awareness of the seniors-related issues, and to bridge the inter-generational gap.

Date and Time: March 18, Sunday, 11 AM to 3 PM
Venue: East India Co. Restaurant, 1993 Robertson Rd.
Tickets: Subsidized ticket of $8 per person including lunch. All adult Deshantari and ICCC members are eligible.

Prior registration is required by sending an email to: arun.roy@sympatico.ca

Since the seats are limited, registration would be on the first-come-first served basis.

Deadline for registration: March 15, 2018

Program:
11AM —–Guests arrive, pay for and pick up tickets ($8 per person).
11:30 to 12:30 PM——Information Sessions
11:30 to 12 PM : “Downsizing Homes in Senior Years”
12 to 12:30 PM: “Senior Related Issues and Help Available” by Council on Aging of Ottawa
12: 30 to 1:30 PM —–Lunch
1:30 to 3 PM Entertainment program of Bengali and Hindi songs.

Aug
15
Wed
2018
72nd Independence day of India celebration: Aug 15, 2018 @ India House
Aug 15 @ 10:00 am

72nd Independence day of India: August 15, 2018

RSVP : Tel:613-7443751/52/53-Ext. 239(Ms. Shivangi)

Core activity: Flag hoisting, Patriotic songs (including refreshments).

Please check the flyer below for more info:


 

Aug
18
Sat
2018
Deshantari’s Open House 2018 @ Baxter Hall
Aug 18 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Deshatari’s Open House 2018

Program Schedule:

3:00-3:15   Meet and greet everyone

3:15-3:30   Short Presentation by Dr. Prabir Neogi  on recently published book ” A History of Indo- Canadians in Ottawa – A journey across generations”

3:30-3:45   Information Session by Dr. Eugene on Dentures

3:45-5:00   Bangla Songs – On Popular demand, our friend Ashok Ghosh has generously agreed to entertain us.

5:00-6:00   Adda/Tea/Snacks

Kindly note: We will be collecting Deshantari Membership fees(Outstanding) and puja donations at this event. Cheques payable to “Deshantari of Ottawa Carleton in Trust”