Safely Home

I am home in Heaven, dear ones;
Oh! so happy and so bright!
There is perfect joy and beauty
In this everlasting light.

All the pain and grief is over,
Every restless tossing passed;
I am now at peace forever,
Safely home in Heaven at last.
-anon

Sometimes a sudden surprising incident or an event can take place before our eyes which can strongly influence or even change perspective of our life. This is one such incident that took place in the Senior Center of East Brunswick, NJ.

This I can say has surprised and influenced me as well as all the others who were present as witnesses in the Center on that day. The Center was established more than 30 years ago by the efforts of a local Lutheren Church. It was initially started as a community center for older people to keep them active and happy. Thus it was to care for the welfare of seniors in the Township. I became a member of the Center about 8 years back after coming to know about many activities which are helpful and interesting.

This incident which I narrate here is a unique one which I am sure the reader will find not only interesting but also helpful in understanding how God works things out in His own miraculous way for our good.

The day at the Center started as usual with normal actvities. The morning tea, exercises, games, lunch, etc. It was past noon and seniors were preparing for events to follow. Some were assembling for Memory Matters discussion group and some others were preparing to take part in Strength exercise classes.

Marion, an active, healthy looking senior in late 70s who looks far younger than her age is a regular in strength exercise classes besides knitting. On that day, she came to the Center driving by herself and signed up at the front desk as usual. As she was proceeding to the hall to participate in the exercise classes, she felt a sudden pang of pain and slowly slipped and fell on the carpet unconscious.

An alarm was raised by a fellow member calling for help which alerted the Director and the other staff. Soon the staff came rushing to help her and the Director called Emergency. Each and every staff took their turn in trying to revive her and also to clear the place.

The assistant Director who heard the call, stopped the Memory Matters class and came rushing to help and maintain order as the members were anxious and restless to know the development. Efforts to bring Marion to consciousness failed . The ambulance came and the Emergency staff took over and took her to Robert Wood Johnson Hospital for treatment.

The next day, when members came to the Center we were shocked to know that all efforts to bring her back to life failed and she died without regaining consciousness. A Memorial service was arranged in the N. Brunswick Presbytarian Church. All of us at the Center attended led by the Assistant Director. At the service, we came to know many important and interesting things.

Marion who is 79 years old was living in an apartment in East Brunswick alone after her husband's death. She pushed back all her sorrows and joined the Center and the Church. She lived a bold life, making a difference in the community in which she lived. She participated in the Church choir, taught Sunday School and took an active part in various activities. She was ever present in any need of a family especially as a counsel or advisor to children and was recognized as a leader of the community. She also helped her neighbours extending a helping hand and maintaining good relationship.

At the service, several members of the Center and Church as well as friends recalled her services singing hymns of her liking. Many families acknoweldged her as part of their family and many children expressed their grief at the loss of their loving teacher and mentor. One of her neighbours collected all her pictures and arranged a good display of her life in pictures.

All this will not however give the full or least glimpse of the worthy life she lived. What transpired and convinced one and all, especially at the Center was the sudden death and unexpected eternal call. Everyone was happy that it did not happen while she was alone at home or driving.

She had a nice closing and peaceful end and it gave us an opportunity to witness and understand God's timing and His wonderful deed. The members of the Center have become a part of Marion's family encountering her last journey.
- Samuel Raya

My place - Dhanesh Merchant

I love to play pool
But have no cue!
I enjoy exercise
But have no bike!
I play Bingo
Now know where to go!
I like my bus rides
It saves me gas besides!
Games, cards, computers and much more
I don't feel alone, I am a Senior
I know,who takes care
East Brunswick Senior Center -my place

2008 Summer Olympics - Sam Prabhakar Raya

The 2008 Summer Olympic Games, officially known as the Games of the XXIX Olympiad, is a major international multi - sport event which is being held in Beijing, People's Republic of China, from August 8 to August 24, 2008. A total of 10,500 athletes are expected to compete in 302 events in 28 sports. The Olympic slogan, One World, One Dream, calls upon the world to unite in the Olympic spirit.
- From Wikipedia

Except for the winning of individual Gold medal by Abhinav Bindra in the ten meter Air Rifle event, the Indian contingent of 55 athletes have drawn almost a blank in the Olympics. I would like to bring to your attention one noteworthy achievement of India, which no other country can boast of, it is noteworthy because it is not a national one or government sponsored one.

A remote town Karimnagar in Andhra Pradesh has risen to the heights of fame by exporting thousands of tons of granite to Beijing.This blue stained grey granite is a rare form in rectangular blocks of more than a cubic meter in sizes. The rough blocks are sliced, refined and polished to suit and fit their requirements. The cost is Rupees 11,000 ( $275 approx) per ton.

Only recently Karimnagar was connected by rail. The granite was transported from this town all the way to the Vizag port and shipped to Beijing.

The city of Hyderabad founded in the sixteenth century is famous for its prestigeous historical monuments. The Charminar, the Golconda Fort and Kutub Shahi Tomb attract tourists from all over the world. We are proud of the splendour of these famous structures.

When I see the infrastructure and facilities in this country, I yearn for development of such facilities in India also.

America the Wonderful - Trikkur Krishnan

I have been visiting the USA since 1987 and this is my tenth visit. Now, I have started losing confidence of travelling alone to and fro.A friend of mine suggested that I can take an escort. Is it practical? I have decided to settle down in USA.

I tell my friends in India that parents visiting their children in USA become bored as their children leave for work early in the morning and return late at night. Except for the week ends, they are left alone without any contact or engagement.

Now that I settled in USA, I joined the senior center where I could meet many friends and spend time usefully. In every town, there is a senior center where various activities like card games, pool games, exercises, etc. are offered. This helps elderly people to mingle with friends and engage themselves physically and mentally and lead a healthy, meaningful and peaceful life.

Recently we moved to East Brunswick and our house is located right across senior center. With the senior center and Library in easy reach, my life has become interesting.

We celebrated India Independence Day with pomp and show. Music, dance and fun. We dressed in traditional dress and served Indian dessert to all.

I wish every member a happy and healthy life.

History of Hyderabad - Bhavani Raya

My husband Sam Prabhakar Raya and myself came to the United States of America in 1999.Our two children have settled here with their jobs and we came here to join them. We are from Hyderabad, state capital of Andhra Pradesh, India. Here are some historical facts of Hyderabad.

Hyderabad was founded on the river Musi five miles east of Golconda in 1591-92 AD by Muhammad Quali Qutab Shah. In the 16th century the city grew rapidly along the banks of river Musi. At that time, Golconda was the capital of the rulers of Qutab Shahi dynasty. It is one of the five kingdoms that emerged after the break up of the Bahamani Kingdom. This dynasty ruled for nearly 171 years contributing to the growth and development of Hyderabad. During their rule, Golconda became one of the leading markets in the world of diamonds, pearls, steel and printed fabric. The glory of Golconda Kingdom ended in 1687.

Then Asif Jahi declared independence from Mughal rule in 1724 and thus became the first Nizam and the founder of the Asif Jahi dynasty. The seven successive Nizams of Asif Jahi dynasty ruled the deccan for nearly 224 years right up to 1948. During Asif Jahi period, Persian, Urdu, Telugu and Marathi languages developed simultaneously.

The highest official positions were given to deserving persons irrespective of their religion. Persian was the official language until 1893 and then Urdu became the official language until 1948.

The rule of the seven Nizams saw the growth of Hyderabad both culturally and economically. Huge reservoirs like the Nizam Sagar, Tungabadra Dam, Osman Sagar, Himayath Sagar and other dams were built. Hyderabad under the Nizams was the largest princely state in India. Areawise, it was as big as England and Scotland put together. The state had its own currency, mint, railways and postal systems. There was no income tax.

Soon after India gained Independence, Hyderabad state merged with Union of India. On November 1, 1956 the map of India was redrawn into linguistic states and Hyderabad became the capital of Andhra Pradesh

Rate my song - Dhanesh Merchant

American Senior Idol contest was held at the Piscataway Senior Center on May 7, 2008 and Dhanesh Merchant was furtunate to take part and sang the following song on religious tolerance:
Gold and World Peace
- Dhanesh Merchant

Should I call you Allah or Jesus
or Krishna or Ram
You are the only one and one only
with so many names.

To seek you some go to church
and some go to mosque,
To find you, some go to synagogue
and some go to temple.

Who comes to you
They all get your love,
Poor or rich
They are all equal to you.

Should I call you Allah or Jesus
or Krishna or Ram,
You are the only one and one only
with so many names.

This is mine and that is yours
We fight for Your place Jerusalem,
With the Hindu-Muslim, Jews-Arab wars
Everyone is unhappy in the world.

Open your eyes and think in your mind
God has shown only one path,
Live in Peace, Live in Green
Stop violence, win with love

God will give happiness to everyone.

Please visit
www.contest.senioridol.com
and rate the performers.

Bharatiya ( Indian ) Heritage - Rasikbhai M Shah

The World ia a stage and we are all actors.

The United States of America ia a great country having diversity of cultures, races, religions, among its citizens for the common good. India though proud of its value of life is struggling as a great nation for survival and peace like other developing countries.

Bharatiya (Indian) culture provides balanced approach: 1) for religions, 2)for righteousness,3)for material welfare for common good, 4)for events of pleasures and 5)for unity. The basic tenets of Indian culture are universality of the divinity including pilgrimages, festivals and folk dances. Most of these activities are also celebrated in the United States of America. Some of the towns even permit celebration of Holi Festival (Bon Fire Event).

The Senior Citizen center promotes such activities. Seniors heartily take part. Celebrations of Heritage Day, Independence Day, birthday etc. help seniors to feel connected and aids in developing tolerance. Understanding the differences in culture provides a healthy environment for respectful relationships.

Seniors love to be part of inter-cultural events for creativity and bonding of humanity. They share ideas, practices and experiences with others with an open mind, and have pleasure to be an affectionate senior community.

In conclusion, seniors from East or West feel their best at the East Brunswick Senior Center sharing and enjoying diverse cultures.

America the Great - Prem Wadhera

My first visit to this great country was in 1972, when I came to visit both my daughters. Later on, when I settled here, my daughter in law introduced me to the East Brunswick Senior Center. From that time on, I had regularly attended the center for more than 15 years. I have become so habituated that in the morning when my chores are completed I am in a hurry to get ready with my lunch. I wait for the bus, which comes around 9.30 a.m. to pick me up. I have to call every morning around 8.15 a.m. for pick up.

We arrive the center around 10 a.m. greet each other and settle down at our usual table. It is wonderful to talk, laugh and joke and the day at the center starts with a cup of tea or coffee.

We have a cafeteria, where lunch is served at subsidized rate. I however bring my lunch most of the days.

We have lots of activities at the Center. Different types of exercises, yoga, dances and aerobatics are taught by professionals. We also play games like Bingo, Cards, Mahjong. We are also taught arts and crafts.

The center arranges transport for grocery shopping, banking and to visit other places for sight seeing. We have Birthday Brunch once a month to celebrate the current month birthdays of members. We have discussion groups and I have joined a few of them. The groups meet once a week and I especially enjoy 'Memory Matters' which really helps to improve your memory.

The Public Library next door is a boon. It is very convenient to read newspapers,etc. and attend various events and meetings.

I love the senior center and I am sure I will attend it as long as I am alive.

I must thank Ms. Rachel Steinberg, the Director and Ms. Sharon, Asst. Director and the staff for their dedication and service to run the center efficiently.