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

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

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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
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
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
Oct
8
Sun
2017
NHSP – Transportation Assistance to Seniors
Oct 8 @ 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.