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
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

 

Dec
14
Sun
2014
Children’s Christmas Party and Open House: December 14, 2014 @ The Ottawa Citizen Auditorium
Dec 14 @ 4:00 pm – Dec 16 @ 9:30 pm

2014 Children’s Christmas Party and Open House

Sunday, December 14, 2014

 

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

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
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
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

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
29
Sat
2017
150th Anniversary of Canada celebration with an outing: July 29, 2017 @ Rideau Provincial Park
Jul 29 @ 10:00 am – 3:30 pm

150th Anniversary of Canada celebration with an outing

Saturday, July 29, 2017

An outing will be held on Saturday, July 29th. Venue – Rideau Provincial Park, 2680 Donnelly Dr, Kemptville, ON K0G 1J0.

Please join us for Canada’s 150th Anniversary Celebration Outing on July 29th at the Rideau Provincial Park . We will have lots of activities to encourage interaction with the different segments of the Deshantari community. And of course needless to mention who can ignore our penchant for tasty Bengali food.

On the 29th of July we expect all of you to have parked your worries at home and your car at: 2680 Donnelly Dr, Kemptville, ON K0G 1J0. We begin the celebrations at10 a.m. and expect the day to end at 3:30 pm. Please mark the date on your calendar. Detailed information will be provided shortly. Let us celebrate this special occasion in the wide open space of the Rideau Provincial Park in the midst of sylvan surroundings with fun activity for the entire family.

Find more about Rideau River Provincial Park: Check Here…

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.

Aug
19
Sat
2017
Deshantari Walk-a-Thon: August 19, 2017 @ Vincent Massey Park (Section F)
Aug 19 @ 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Deshantari Walk-A-Thon

Saturday, August 19, 2017

On August 19th, Deshantari is arranging for a Walk-a-Thon (5K) at Vincent Massey Park (Section F), Ottawa. Below are the details:

Walk-a-Thon Details: Date- Saturday, August 19,2017 Time- 9:00 AM Venue- Vincent Massey Park – Section F (Map Link Below) All Donation will go to Ottawa Food Bank.

​The way the pledge and donation would work is simple. You get the names and addresses of the donors or complete the PLEDGE FORM and collect the donations. Please bring all donations ( to the venue) in the form of cash or cheque and hand it over to any Deshantari EC volunteers. All collections will be sent to Ottawa Food Bank, and donors will receive tax receipts (for $10 or more from Ottawa Food Bank) by mail in about 4-6 weeks. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could raise $2000? Please mark this date on your calendar and plan on attending. Hope to see you all at the venue. Thank you!

Map Link: Click to view

Aug
26
Sat
2017
NHSP – Trip to 1000 Island Boat Cruise @ 1000 Islands and Seaway Cruises
Aug 26 @ 9:00 am – 6:00 pm

NHSP – Trip to 1000 Island Boat Cruise

All day Inter-generational outing by motor coach to Kingston and Gananoque, combined with a 2.5 hr. Boat Cruise of the 1000 Islands.

NHSP funds used

– Funds used mainly for the rental of the motor coach, and for the 1000 Islands Boat Cruise

– Pizza Lunch provided at the Kingston Lakeside Park; tea and refreshments at a picnic spot on the St. Laurent river, during the return trip from Gananoque.

 

Sep
17
Sun
2017
Mahalaya 2017 Broadcast: September 17, 2017 @ 93.1 FM CKCU (Carleton University Radio Station)
Sep 17 @ 6:00 am – 7:00 am

Mahalaya 2017 Broadcast

Sunday, September 17, 2017 [6 AM – 7 AM]

Please enjoy the original Mahalaya broadcast (edited to fit the time slot)—that we all grew up with—at 93.1 CKCU FM (Carleton University). Yes, that familiar Birendra Krishna Bhadra’s Chandi recitation along with those unforgettable songs! Set your alarm clocks, wake your kids up, tell them the story of Ma Durga, and reminisce about your childhood.

Sep
29
Fri
2017
NHSP – Transportation Assistance to Seniors
Sep 29 @ 9:00 am – 6:00 pm

NHSP – Transportation Assistance to Seniors

Transportation Assistance Service

1) Shared Taxi service to and from the venue of the event, provided to a limited number of Deshantari seniors with mobility issues

2) Durga & Lakshmi Puja celebration events at the Ron Kolbus Centre

3) Bijaya Sammilani event at the Kailash Mittal Theatre, Carleton Univ.

NHSP funds used

– These seniors are long standing members of Deshantari, who have mobility issues that prevent them from driving or taking OCTranspo,

-Without this assistance it would be impossible for them to attend these key religious and cultural events.

-Response from the seniors assisted was extremely positive.

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
NHSP – Transportation Assistance to Seniors
Sep 30 @ 9:00 am – 6:00 pm

NHSP – Transportation Assistance to Seniors

Transportation Assistance Service

1) Shared Taxi service to and from the venue of the event, provided to a limited number of Deshantari seniors with mobility issues

2) Durga & Lakshmi Puja celebration events at the Ron Kolbus Centre

3) Bijaya Sammilani event at the Kailash Mittal Theatre, Carleton Univ.

NHSP funds used

– These seniors are long standing members of Deshantari, who have mobility issues that prevent them from driving or taking OCTranspo,

-Without this assistance it would be impossible for them to attend these key religious and cultural events.

-Response from the seniors assisted was extremely positive.

Oct
1
Sun
2017
NHSP – Transportation Assistance to Seniors
Oct 1 @ 9:00 am – 6:00 pm

NHSP – Transportation Assistance to Seniors

Transportation Assistance Service

1) Shared Taxi service to and from the venue of the event, provided to a limited number of Deshantari seniors with mobility issues

2) Durga & Lakshmi Puja celebration events at the Ron Kolbus Centre

3) Bijaya Sammilani event at the Kailash Mittal Theatre, Carleton Univ.

NHSP funds used

– These seniors are long standing members of Deshantari, who have mobility issues that prevent them from driving or taking OCTranspo,

-Without this assistance it would be impossible for them to attend these key religious and cultural events.

-Response from the seniors assisted was extremely positive.

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