CHICAGO: “Volunteers are not paid, not because they are worthless but because they are priceless”, observed Chirayu Parikh, president Jalaram Mandir, ” and it was in this spirit that the Jalaram Mandir management decided to offer its recognition to hundreds of volunteers who have helped in executing successfully various activities of the Mandir.”
Shri Jalaram Mandir in Hoffman Estates, a northwest suburb of Chicago, celebrated its third Volunteer Appreciation Day on Saturday, December 15 with Bollywood music from Suranjali group of musicians. Over 230 volunteers and their families came and enjoyed the special evening besides getting recognition from the Mandir Board.
Shree Jalaram Mandir was inaugurated on March 8, 2008, though in fact it had started functioning in a rudimentary way two years ago, that is in 2006. It was with a generous donation from devotees and well wishers that helped raise $1.25 million. A parcel of land was purchased and the Mandir was set up for thousands of Jalaram Bapa devotees.
Saturday, December 15 was a day to appreciate every single person who had devoted their time towards the Mandir’s progress. In honor of such commitment, Jalaram Mandir Board decided to have a beautiful way to say thanks to all the volunteers with a musical night and splendid dinner. Prior to Musical program, a delicious Gujarati dinner was served.
The program started with Deep-Pragatya by Priests Shree Katenbhai Jani and Shree Chaturbhai Deevan. This year they had a raffle to select five volunteers as Chief Guests. Kalpesh Thakkar, Madhuben Patel, Sarojben Shah, Vasuben Prajapati and Ashaben Thakkar were lucky volunteers who performed Deep Pragatya along with the priests. Vipulbhai Thakkar and Rajendra Thakkar did an excellent job as Masters of Ceremony.
Chirayu Parikh, president, welcomed the guests and volunteers on behalf of the Jalaram Mandir Trust Board and Executive Board. Explaining the reason for Appreciation Day, he observed that this was “to recognize formally the huge support and cooperation rendered by volunteers in helping the management to carry out Mandir’s activities during the year.”
Rajendra Thakkar, the Volunter coordinator, thanked all those who have helped the Mandir in improvement work and assisting in day to day activities like accommodating the devotees with daily parking and seating arrangement. He added, “Last week we received approval of 60 ft expansion from village hall of Schaumburg and within a few weeks time a new elevator will be installed. There are lot more challenges ahead for central air-conditioning and Murti Pratishtha.”
Harivadan Thakkar recited a poem which was followed by vote of thanks proposed by Bhupendrabhai Thakkar. He thanked Jigger Parikh from Saffron Restaurant for providing delicious sweets.
Suranjali team comprised four singers – Suresh and Vijaya Israni, Sunil Pillai and Sanjay Varghese. They entertained all those present with melodious rendering of old and new Hindi film songs.
Trustees and Office Bearers of Shree Jalaram Mandir 2011-2013
Executive Committee: Chirayu Parikh (President), Bhupendra Thakkar (Vice President), Vipul Thakkar (General Secretary), Ravi Thakkar (Treasurer), Rajendra Thakkar (Financial Auditor & Volunteer Coordinator), Rajni Modi (Publication & Mailing), Saurin Thakkar (Parking Coordinator), Ramesh Thakkar (Kitchen Coordinator), Rajesh Thakkar (Cultural Secretary), Jigna Thakkar (Youth Coordinator), Bakul Thakkar (Medical Coordinator).
Trust Board Members: Madhusudan Thakkar (Chairman), Hasmukh Thakkar (Vice Chairman), Yogesh Thakkar (Secretary), Jasvant Patel (Comptroller), Dharmendra Thakker (Treasurer), Arvind Thakkar (Construction Coordinator), Ashwin Thakkar (Cultural Coordinator). Chandubhai Thakkar (Maintanance Coordinator). Chandrakant Thakkar (Kitchen Coordinator), Dr. Ghanshyambhai Thakkar and Dinish Thakkar.
Yogesh Thakkar & Asian Media USA
