This post is a continuation of  the earlier posts (Being Grandparents ,Being Grandparents – 2, Being Grandparents – 3, Being Grandparents – 4, Being Grandparents – 5, Being Grandparents -6,Being Grandparents -7, Being Grandparents -8 &  Being Grandparents  -9 )   as the previous  posts were becoming a tad bit busy.

Thursday 23 July 2009

What a week!   First welcome to our second grandchild, Sachin Sunjay Mistry– a brother to Sitara – who was born at 11.35 am on Monday 20 July 2009 at the Ottawa General Hospital, Ottawa. Both Nina (his mom) and Sunjay (his dad) are doing fine. Sitara (his sister) is ecstatic.   Of course the grandparents , here in Canada and the Grandma in England are just swooning with joy.

Sachin decided to come a bit early (about 3 weeks) and got everyone (parents & sister as well as maternal grandparents) scrambling to Ottawa General Hospital in the wee hour (at about 3.30 am) of Monday. He was welcomed by his mom & dad at 11.35 am and by his sister, Sitara and maternal grandparents in about a couple of hours .

Sitara just displayed her happiness very clearly. She wanted to hug him amd kiss him on the cheek and forehead. She had on Sunday wanted the baby to come soon and was telling   the baby in the mommy’s stomach to come out and lo Behold he did decide to arrive .

Sitara, while going around the hospital would announce to all and sundry that she has a baby brother. She would say hi to all the other babies (being carried by their parents -going to & fro on the hospital floor) and then announced in happy tone  that she has a brother also.

Sitara learnt her brother’s name , Sachin, from the very beginning and would say “Sachin” in her baby melodious voice and remembered the name at all times .   So sweet to hear this loving expression .

Sitara spent good time with the baby but when the baby & Nina were busy, Sitara spent time with her grandparents. She went on escalators and elevator rides with her Grandpa . She got a stuffed elephant (Hathi -as she knows him) from her Grandpa to commommerate the arrival of her brother.

On Tuesday, she and Grandparents went to St.Laurent Mall   for shopping and then went to Science Museum ground . Sitara had great time there -looking at the rocket, rail engine and then playing with two kids (of about her age or a bit older) in the park – throwing rings and kicking football.

On Wednesday, she went with Grandparents to shopping for some Indian sweets to celebrate the arrival of her brother, Sachin.   After that she spent time with Sachin and had photos taken with Sachin her parents.

After that she had a snooze in the hospital (in the afternoon) and then came to Deep River with her   grandparents.   Her mom & dad stayed behind in Ottawa as Sachin needs to be remaining in the hospital for an extra or two days as the doctors have found that he may have jaundice   (being a bit premature).

Sitara is a doll -a very understanding and loving girl at the age of 2. She has comprehension that many adult would not have.  She is a joy to have.   Her grandma is just tickled pink for having her and looking after her needs and playing with her.

 

Saturday 25 July, 2009

On Thursday 23 July 2009 , Sachin was released from the Ottawa General Hospital and travelled with his parents to Deep River (on his way home to Mackey) and visited his maternal grandparents (nana & nani).       Ofcourse he was to see his sister , Sitara, too who was at the grandparents. This was Sachin’s first visit to his grandparents.   Sitara just had a lovely time with Sachin- all wanting to hug him and kiss him. She also took a couple of her toys to give and to entertain Sachin. What a sharing spirit.   After some stay and dinner, Sachin went to their home in Mackey with his sister and parents.

On Saturday , there was   a naming ceremony (calld Chhathi in Gujarati) on  his 6th day after birth. This was at Mackey. Sitara and  the grandparents joined Sachin’s parents in the ceremony and much merriment  (though sombre) was enjoyed by all.  It seems signs are visible tha Sachin has brought good omen .

He is born the same day his paternal Grandma (who lives in Rugby, England) is born. On his “Chhatti” day, his nana had good fortune to have  the only vacant store (in the minimall that he owns)  leased out. This is good news from financial angle.

Sunday 26 July 2009

 This is the day  as I  understand from Nina that Sitara had a temperture and threw up a bit. Nina also took Sachin (in the afternoon) to the Deep River Hospital ER for to have him checked-over for eye infection.   His nana went to the hospital just to be with  Sachin and his mom. I understand that Sachin dad was a bit under the weather also. Both Sitara and her dad stayed back at home while Sachin was being examined at the ER.

He handled himself well and was diagnosed by the attending doctor to be okay but he was prescribed an ointment to be applied to the outside of the eyes. This becomes proverbially Sachin’s first visit to the doctor (ER) in Deep River after his release from the Ottawa General Hospital after his birth.   His nana held him for a while when at the ER and Sachin fely very comfortable and ceased crying.

In the meantime Sitara started recovering from her slightly elevated temperature.   We get ton know that Sitara was vaving her back teeth (on both sides of her mouth)

Tuesday 28 July 2009

Sitara & Sachin came to Grandparents (together with their parents) at noon and spent the whole day. We had womderful time with both of them and further this allowed  a bit of rest  for the parents.   Sitara and her nana & nani went to the backyard & from there to the park behind . She saw the tree house (built over three or four trees) that the neighbourhood kids have built in the liittle jungle existing at the edge of the park along Faraday St. That time, Sachin had his feed and went to sleep.   Sitara and Sachin played on nana’s (& nani’s) bed after her return from the outdoors. Sitara lovingly sleeping next to Sachin and occassionally hugging and kissing him.

 

Wednesday 29 July 2009

A Birth Announcement was made on  the local newspaer (North Renfrew Times) —   published on Wednesday 29 July, 2009 —  for the birth of Sachin Sunjay Mistry.

The announcement read:

 

This post is a continuation of  the earlier posts (Being Grandparents ,Being Grandparents – 2, Being Grandparents – 3, Being Grandparents – 4, Being Grandparents – 5, Being Grandparents -6,Being Grandparents -7 & Being Grandparents -8)   as the previous  posts were becoming a tad bit busy.

 

Wednesday April 08 2009

Sitara, you really astounded me, your grandpa (ofcourse your nana). You have mastered how to say “happy birthday, nana“.   While in Toronto with your parents and visiting the ROM (Royal Ontario Museum), you were also rooting for your nana – and to wish him “a happy birthday” and you practiced your words so well.   You made my day. It was so ecstatic to hear your good wishes on the phone – in your lovely, jingly and happy tone and voice. Your nani is also overcome with joy to hear your jubilant and mischievious voice.

I also know you were calling the dinosaurs at the ROM-as “big fish” – though you also mastered to call them ‘dinosaurs” too – in your own baby way.
Thursday April 09, 2009

To-day your nana & nani went to Ottawa (at the ScotiaBank Place) to watch the Hockey match between Sans (Ottawa) & Devils (New Jersey) – thanks to your gift of two tickets you gave us to celebrate your nana’s birthday (8th April). These tickets – you had   earlier won from Deep River ScotiaBank on a draw.

The match was what we wanted . It went to overtime & then to Shoot Out. So we enjoyed the full spectrum of what a hockey game can be. The Sans lost out to Devils in the Shoot Out. That was a disappointment. Your nani is   an ardent fan of Ottawa Sans – she was really happy to go to the match but was also disappointed as Sans lost. Your nani knows by name and details all the Sans players . Your nana is just enjoying but not much involved.

We had the seats in Section 323, Row O and seats 1 & 2. These were high up and thus we had to climb many stairs. The seats were central to the stadium and thus the game was all visible but   from a height.   The number of spectators who came to the stadium were more than 20000.

Each  ticket was priced at $44.00 – the ones that you won from ScotiaBank.

Thanks once again. Your winning the Hockey tickets made two people happy – your nani who could go watch her favourite team  play against the Devils and your nana for your “happy birthday”.  By the way, I appreciate your Happy Birthday Card too.

What a girl – all mature for a 20-month girl.

 

Wednesday 15 April, 2009

From today, Sitara goes to her previous baby-sitter (Ginnett) who has returned after  delivering her baby.

So Sitara is back with her old group of “friends” – young kids of her age.

Wednesday 22 April 2009

Today Sitara spent the day at her grandparents home as her parents went to Ottawa on an errand.   She was just fabulous – very polite and enjoying every minute with her grandparents.

Her nana & nani took her to Giant Tiger (store in Deep River for general merchandise) for shopping where she bought two children books (for kiddies). After that all went to the Public Library where Sitara enjoyed the kids’ books and had a few read to her by her nani. She was thrilled when her nana lifted her to drink water from the water fountain in the library.  

When at home she enjoyed her meals and played with both nana & nani with her toys.

She is immensely satiable girl. Very little demand – and behaves on her own so that she does not become a nuisance .   Always charming and  with a flashy smile.

She speaks many sentences and also can converse with words like “almost done” – when she is nearing completing an activity.  

 

Thursday 30 April 2009

Sitara spent time at her grandparents’ home . The day was beautiful and really springlike.

In the afternoon, after her nap , she spent time in the backyard. Her mom has just bought her yard toys and a huge blue plastic truck ( from a daycare in Pembroke ) – a vehicle similar to what Fred Flinstone ( a cartoon comedy TV show) uses powered by his feet.   Sitara enjoyed that and got a bit familiar with using her feet as the propelling power for running the toy truck. Her nana then took her to the park behind then house and both did a bit of running and picking up garbage (she likes to have the garbage picked up and using a clean area) and general tomfoolery.

After dinner, (her mom & dad  had gone to a social gathering at Bears Den) her nana & nani took her for   a walk  outside   -which  brought her to the neighboring park (Hill House park – where the Woodworking shop is situated)  . There is children’s park there – at the bottom of the hill. She enjoyed the sliding ( a  large diameter pipe with the ladder). She just wanted to do that. She figured out herself that she needs to clinb the ladder to get the full scope of sliding. Her nana tried to dissuade her – and helped her slide from the bottom side. But , she persisted and her nana helped her to do sliding from the top but with her nani at the bottom end to catch her is she goes beyond the end of the pipe.

It was great time. All  returned back  home just before rain drops menaced in the heaven.

Wednesday 6 May 2009

This past weekend, Sitara got a new bed -she will be coming out of the crib to a normal bed (of course with safety rails). The bed was earlier used by her uncle Sunir (her mama) and was at her garndparents. So we (her dad & granddad) moved the bed during the past weekend – to her new room (adjoining the present room with the crib) at her parent’s home in Mackay. The present crib will be for the new baby when she arrives in August. In the meantime , Sitara will slowly graduate to use a full bed.

I am told by her mom that she moved to the new bed to-night .   Ata girl! She is moving on in the world.

On the side, she likes to talk and play around. The full sentences and big words (e.g  almost, going downstairs etc)    are now  in her vocabulary. She enjoys books and would make her grandpa(nana) & nani (grandma) read different books and she remembers the stories (and pictures ) from different books.  Of course she enjoys book reading by her mom and dad every night (& when she is on the potty).

 

Saturday 23 May 2009

Since last entry on the blog, Sitara has spent at least two whole   days   and a few half days with her Grandparents. She likes to go outdoors with her nana (at the backyard or the park behind it or the lawn in front of the house and then on the road). She is very responsible for her age -would not run blindly  but she will  pick up any garbage she sees and would want her nana to dispose it off at the right place. She does not like garbage strewn in   the park or road.

She lately wants to go in her nana’s car (standing on the driveway) and learn about all the gizmos without being rough about it. She likes the horn being blown when in the car.

Today, she joined her dad to bring her nana & nani to the Ottawa Airport .Her grandparents planned to go overseas to Kenya to  spend sometime with their mom( Sitara’s great grandma). She enjoyed the trip to the airport. She liked the water fountain at the departure lounge.She  liked  throwing coins into the mountain and said Jai Jai to Jalaram & folded her hands in defference. What a gir.

See you soon .We will miss you till we come back . Of course we are fortified with your photos & vedios.

 

Monday 6 July 2009

We arrived back in Canada (Ottawa Airport) in the afternoon (local time 3.55 pm). Malay Pandit came to the airport to pick us up. Boy! we were tired but arrived home (Deep River) at about 7.00 pm. Phoned Nina/Sunjay and let them know that we are safely enconced at our abode in Deep River. We got achanc eto talk to Sitara just before her sleep time.   We said “Good Night” to her.

 

Tuesday 7 July 2009

We went to mackay and had dinner there with Sitara and family. When Sitara came home at about 5.30 pm from her babysitter, she was ecstatic tosee her nana &n nani. She just flew and ran to nana -such innocent love . We just enjoyed each other. Both nani & nana got some time to play with her and also had dinner together.   Her nani was a bit sick so she kept discreet distance.

Wednesday 8 July 2009

Her nana went to Mackay in the morning – Nina/Sunjay are in the process of having a geo-thermal heating/cooling system installed and thus there were contractors at home.  Today Sitara did not go to her babysitter so  her nana went to Mackay to play with her and thus relieve Nina for other work when looking after the installtion.   Sitara and nana played outside – on the swing, slide, her blue truck and  went for a walk too.   She also showed off her tri-cycle.   It was great time.   We had lunch together and played after that until she went to her afternoon nap.

 

Thursday 16 July 2009

Sitara & her mom came to Deep River -first they went to Chalk River (FEN activities) and the came home at 1.45 pm. Sitara went to her afternoon nap (no lunch as she had her lunch in Chalk River) -ofcourse after playing with her nana & nani.   In the evening, all played together. She wanted to go outdoor -so her nana & nani took her in the backyard for about 1/2 hour – she did not have her sunscreen on -so she could not stay out much.   We all had dinner together – her dad arrived after work and joined in the dinner. Her nana had to say bye to her (while she was having dinner) as he went  to his usual bridge card playing.  

I got to konw afterword that Sitara got hurt slightly when she fell down on the floor (in the bedroom) when trying to play with stereo in the room. She recovered soon enough (after a bit of crying) and went home to Mackay late in the evening (about 9.00pm) . She has her bath at the house before going to Mackay. These days Sitara like to behave as a baby (as she seems to know that a new baby is coming) and crawls on the floor and imitating some of the baby ways.

 

Pravin Shah

 

This post is a continuation of  the earlier posts (Being Grandparents ,Being Grandparents – 2, Being Grandparents – 3, Being Grandparents – 4, Being Grandparents – 5, Being Grandparents -6 & Being Grandparents -7)   as the previous  posts were becoming a tad bit busy.

 Friday 20 February2009

This post is about being Grandparents – our first grandchild Sitara is now 18 months old and she has over her good short  life of 18 months have displayed qualities which are amazing. She is polite to a fault. She can communicate since she was younger than 18 months but now speaks many words and also two or three words together. She is cognitive – can relate to our needs, Also she can herself differentiate what belongs to nana   or to  nani or to herself. She remembers her mama (SunirUncle) & mami (ShannonAuntie) and recognise them from their photos. She is very respectful to her daddy and always look forward to seeing him after work . She knows that he goes to office. She says herself “Office” when I asked  her where is daddy. She is so intertwined with her mom. Oh!  the display of love and kisses and smiles are just the testimony of her understanding and cognitiveness.

I am sure many other young infants display similar growth but to us she is the best.

Nowadays she tries to say her name. Well “Sitara” is now transmuted to “yaya“. She announces (calls herself) her as “yaya”   Yaya this & yaya that. This is “yaya’s” and that is Nana’s. What sweetness in sound when one hears her saying this in communication

Further exciting news — she will be a sister this August. We are so enchanted that she will have a companion to play and coddle – exactly when she becomes two(2) years old.  

 

Saturday 28 February 2008

Sitara goes to the Mall.

Well she has been to many shopping mall before but to-day is   a bit different. Today was the annual PEO Popsicle Stick Bridge Contest at the WestEnd Mall in Pembroke.   Her nana is involved in this event and this year he also had built 2 popsicle bridges (first time) and Sitara’s parents were interested to have Sitara to attend to enjoy the spectacle. Her mom could not go as she was unfortunately working but her dad (who is a Mechanical Engineer) was keen to take her.

Now   what happened. Her nana also could not go as he fell sick when visiting Toronto. The normal virus struck him ( throwing up from both ends). However, Sitara’s dad took her nana‘s popsicle bridges and also her nani joined them.

The word is Siatara enjoyed her outing – not only the bridge busting contest but also going with her nani to various stores in the Mall and helping to do dhopping. I am told that Sitara bought a toy boat from the dollar store -which she will use when taking a bath. She also enjoyed the Furniture store where she tried out various sofas and other things.

They came home back about 3.00 p.m – a way past her sleeping time   and this she went to sleep immediately for her afternoon nap.

After she woke up -she played a bit with her nana but from far — as we did not want her to pick up any virus still lingering.

She said Good night and bye (flying kisses) when ultimately she & her mom went home at 8.30 p.m.

 Sunday 8 March 2009

Sitara went for her last Swimmming class at Mckenzie Pool for this season. She was away in Toronto — having gone there with her parents on Wednesday. She spent a night (on Saturday) with her Sunirmama & Shannon auntie in their new home. They came back on Sunday from Toronto, came home (grandparent’s) got changed and went to the pool. Her grandparents also went to cheer her. She enjoyed herself well at the pool and completed all the lessons for the season. She got a certficate of completion of the course .

After the swim, they came home and we had dinner together and Sitara got a bath before she came down in the recreation room to play . She enjoyed her Road Runner program (earlier taped by her nana) and then danced to the Indian music before she was ready to go home.

She is very sticker for cleanliness. There was tissue box and she took one , cleaned her nose and then took it to the wastebasket for disposal. She collected all the “remotes” for the TV (there are three lying around in the room), and she put these in its box on the shelf. So particular and knowing where each thing go (at this young age -19 months  only)    

Great job Sitara – we all enjoyed your dancing – going round and round. Your mom was watching you too and thus she delayed going home till you have finished your dancing mood. I wish I had my camera handy -which it was not.

 

Friday 13 March 2009

Sitara was with her grandparents (nana & nani) during the day – as her mom & dad were at work and her babysitter (Susan) had prior engagement somewhere. We were delighted to have her.   Sitara was angel the whole day. She played with her nana & nani (separately). Her nani looked after her comfort during the day (her food, keeping her clean and looking after her sleep).

Sitara liked her Road Runner program on TV and played with her toys. She also listened to Indian (Gujarati) nursery songs and went on dancing and dancing all over the living room. This time her nana took her movie (of dancing and enjoying)) as the camera was ready.

At one time she went with her nana to explore the bottom basement. There she found a tot (daiper) bag – a blue one -in one of the rooms . She opened the bag and lo behold! she found another knitted (green) bag inside the tot bag- full of baby toys and a couple of soothers (these   were  preserved by her nani  as a memory) of her mom when she was a baby. There were a few rattles too. Sitara went around the house carryimg the bag and offloaded all in the living room. She was so understanding and when told to throw the soothers in the garbage can – she did – knowing well that the garbage can was in the washroom. Though she was tempted to use the soothers and put that in her mouth but also understood  her nana that these were  old and not good for use.  For a child of 19 months she showed quite a control in herself. Wow!

Her nana also took her out for a walk. The day was bright and clear. She enjoyed that – having seen a few cars on the road and a lady  walking a dog. Sitara had a closer look of the dog .

The top it all-  I was told by her mom that Sitara had won two tickets to Senators game (in Ottawa on April 09 2009 ) from the Scotia Bank -her name was drawn  for a promotion draw (this is because she has an account in the bank -her parents are depositing all her money – monthly received from the Government  and also   gifts she  occasionally receives.).   These tickets were offered to her nana & nani to go & enjoy the game – especially the game being the day after her nana’s birthday. Her nani is very much in the Senators gane & thus this is a treat to her too.   Thanks Sitara.   (P.S.   Her parents & Sitara are due to be in Toronto at that time & thus I think her nana & nani got these tickets)

 

Wednesday 18 March 2009

Sitara spent the whole day with her grandparents. As usual she was fun to have. This time we learnt that she has started to recognise alphabatic letters. She pointed out  some on  the Cereal box (while having breakfast) and later during day on the playball (which has some words printed on it). Wow! this is great -at the age of 19 months -she shows interest in reading the letters. She also get excited to have books read to her ( children books – which she has a few at her grandparents home). Of Course she get books read at her home – by her parents.

FridaY 20  March 2009  

Sitara’s grandparents (nana & nani) went for shopping to Pembroke .  These days shopping is fun as when shopping, (her nana & nani) always look for something to buy  for Sitara. She is a kind of a focus for doing something  worthwhile for a loved one.   Today, her nana & nani bought a few things for Sitara. The most fun thing was buying a an “Electronic Ride-On”   truck with 7 delightful electronic sounds and lights.

We left the truck in the living room for Sitara to discover when she next come visiting.

She came next day (Saturday) to spend the day at her grandprarent’s home. Her parents also were with her.

Okay, so she  saw the truck and went really excited about it. Her mom helped her to open the biox and her dad helped to fix tires  etc and get the truck moving (functional).  Sitara just was ecstatic and went playing with the truck going around the living room.   ell she would not forget her toy companions – she took the doll on the ride and the rabbit (stuffed). She was quick to use the cell phone  (from the truck – make believe). Of course dshe knows the real phone too but at this time she was just enjoying her toy. She was a bit resisting for lunch as she wanted to continue to play with her electronic ride-on. However, nice as she is – she came around and had her lunch.

Oh! Sitara spoke (conversed at the lunch time) with a few full sentences. She looked up to where her nana was eating and said “nana is eating”. That was music to the ear.

Later, when sleep time came she wanted to take the ride-on truck to her crib but her mom & nani convinced her to park the truck (toy) in the garage (the coat closet).  This she understood well (  with her cognitive skill) thus agreed to  put the   truck in the closet (parked it)

Well done, Sitara.

 

Thursday 2nd April 2009

Sitara spent her  afternoon & evening  with her nana & nani after she had been to FEN program with her mom.  Her mom had to go out for a social appointment after lunch. She spent her time playing and for some reason  could not go to sleep.  After much try and effort, she was allowed to continue playing with her nana & nani. When her mom came back from her social appointment, Sitara with the help of her mom, offered best wishes and a birthday card (along with two hockey tickets -game at Scotia Place in Ottawa) to her nana – who will be turning 69 on April 08 2009. Sitara was so loving & gracious.

This birthday wished were done early as on coming Saturday (4th April) Sitara is going again to Toronto with her parents for Easter holidays and will spend time with her mama & mami there.

By the way,   Sitara is not addressing herself as “yaya” as I had intimated on my blog of Friday 20 February2009   (see write-up herein) but as “Aaya”. I was corrected by her mom.

Friday 3rd April 2009

By the way – for fun , today I saw a car in Deep River bearing a license plate (it was a Toyota -beige car) – with the following address     —-           “AuntYaya”.

 

Pravin Shah  

This post is a continuation of  the earlier posts (Being Grandparents ,Being Grandparents – 2, Being Grandparents – 3, Being Grandparents – 4, Being Grandparents – 5, &  Being Grandparents -6)   as the previous  posts were becoming a tad bit busy.

Saturday-  20 December, 2008

This weekend Sitara is spending time at Grandparents home together with her parents. This is because her   “mama”     &  “mami”   (Sunir & his wife Shannon) have come from Toronto for spending time with the family to celebrate Christmas Hoilidays.

The Christmas Tree is up in the living room and the base is filled up with gifts for all – from all to each other. The Tree is an artificial one – given last year as gift by Nina/Sunjay to us and has lights all organised from the factory.

Sitara is so excited about all the decorations (ornaments) on the Tree and the gifts at the base of the Tree. But she is a well behaved girl – no rage for removing anything or opening any gifts . However she is privileged to  pick some ornaments from the Tree and enjoy these. She likes the angels and Santa ornamets – also she wanted the white angel from the top of the  Tree. She takes these around -kisses them and announces “‘mine” “mine” and then she gives these ornaments (one each) to each member of the family whoever is present.

She exudes so much pleasure  and fun that makes our celebration of the holiday as thrilling.

She will be us till Monday evening then she will go back to Mackay with her parents .

Her   ” Mama & Mami ” are returning back to Toronto on Tuesday 23rd December, 2008 -as they have other committments there for holidays.

Wednesday – 31st December 2008

The last week of December was a bit nasty in the sense that power went off on Sunday (28 December) due to heavy winds and freezing rain. Lots of trees fell and demaged the electrical lines in whole of Ontario. Deep River & Mackay also got affected.      

Sitara came to Deep River with her parents to stay with us as their electrical power  had also  went off. We run the gas fireplace and with lots of candle lights.

The power at our house in Deep River came back about 5.00 p.m – and grandma was able to prepare dinner. However, when having dinner at about 6.30 p.m. , we heard a sound and large illumination close to our dining room window and then another bang almost immediately. Apparently a tree has fallen behind our yard which resulted in shorting of electrical power -which resulted in  the illumination  outside the window. We were back in darkness. The Deep River Fire Department has come almost immediately and investigated if a tree was on fire (as   someone in the neighbourhood had reported to them) but luckily no tree was found on fire.

We groped in the darkness- Sitara was all  excited about the flashlights and candle lights . She went to bed about 8.00 p.m and after that the adults played cards under the candle lights.

The power came back  on Monday morning  at about 8.00 a.m in time for Sitara to have her breakfast and warm milk.

Sitar stayed with Grandparents till evening of Monday (had dinner and some fun with grandparents) and then went back to Mackay with her dad – straight falling to sleep when she arrived back in Mackay. Her mom had gone to work and thus went home to Mackay at about 9.30 p.m.

On Wednesday (31 December) Sitara came again to the Grandparents with her parents – had dinner with them and great fun with all the toys and also ornaments from the Christmas tree. (Note: the Christmas tree was moved – to the centre between the living room & dining room by the grandma during the morning and re-arranged  the living room) for Sitara’s comfort.

The late evening was spent at our friends home ( Sam & Kamala) to bring in the new year. Sitara was dressed splendidly by her mom .   Sitara enjoyed the party much  and related with all the “uncles and aunties” present at the party. She took well with the young boy , Hiten (about 8 year old) and played with him so well . Sitara then went to bed about 10.00 p.m -and all the adults continued to have the party to ring in the new year. Lots of games were played till 2.00 a.m of the new year.

Thursday – 1st January 2009

12.00 at night (of 31 December ) . The New year was rung in with lots of cheers and loud sound .

We all wished each other a Happy New Year .

Sitara went back to Mackay about 2.00 a.m of the new year -all sleepy and tucked in car seat .

 

Note : Sitara at age  1  year & 4 months   has developed a good vocabulary of words and recognition of people, places and photos. She likes to explore things but with polite determination – not jumpy or pushy on any thing.

She  also enjoys getting into a box or any container big enough to let her get in by her own effort and also tries to get out. When it is difficult to get out ( mostly getting in is easier) – she very tactfully   asks for help – by hand gesture and saying please .

Sunday 4th January 2009

 5.00 p.m (from Mackay to Deep River) – 7.20p.m from Deep River to Ottawa

Sitara, nana loves you so much. Please keep your smiles and charm. Nana loves you and pray for your good comeback.

Nana had a fitful night worrying about Sitara and her injury.

 Monday  1st February 2009

Today Sitara starts with the new baby sitter (Susan) as her earlier one is to deliver ababy soon.

Sitara has come a long way in her recovery after her injury from scolding coffee water   -see above — on Sunday 4th January 2009. She was hurt in the face – -on one cheek (her left) and forehead as well as one arm (left).   She somehow reached the top of the counter (at Mackay) and managed to pull the coffee mug on her. Her dad as good at first aid and brought her to Deep River Emergency Department. The  attending doctor was concerned about her eye – if any damage occurred  there -so he consulted CHEO (in Ottawa) and it was suggested that she shoul d be taken there for check-up. Both her parents took (drove) her to CHEO that evening (leaving Deep River at about 7.00 p.m  ) They remaned at CHEO emergenct till about 1.00 a.m (Monday) and being late decided to stay in Ottawa. They remained in Ottawa till Wednesday as they had an appointment with the Hospital doctor next morning and on wednesday’

Sitara came out of this hurt  luckily not so serious that she cannot recover from. Her eye was okay. She bounced back next day in her usual playfulness and when she returned back to Deep River on wednesday (7th January)- she visited her grandparents (nana & nani) and oh! boy she was cheerful though all bandaged and covered with ointment. Since then she is her usual self -always seeking to play with her nana & yes with her nani. She is just so adorable.

We do thank our guardian angel (shree Jalaram) from our bottom of heart -for being with Sitara in her needs and keeping her spirits up. As she remains cheerful -her nana can breath easy . She is a doll.

Wednesday 4 February 2009

Sitara spent the Tuesday night and Wednesday (the whole day) at the grandparents .   This is the second time Sitara spent night alone (without her parents) at her grandparents. The first time when she was a  baby-  14 months old – (on Sunday 5 October, 2008) when her dad went to Ottawa to celebrate Stag party for Sunir & her mpm was in Toronto for her work related assignment. This time both parents were home and working here in Deep River but they decided it is good for Sitara to stay  with grandparents as she was to spend time with her grandparents on Wednesday (as she was not going to her babysitter and her mom was working additional time).

We all had a great time. She was a doll – a very understanding and enjoyable company for grandparents. Her nani had a ball of a time – though her nana was busy on other activities. At age of 18 months ,she is so nice and understanding. She can communicate – by words, hand gestures etc – as to whatever she wants. She also understand what we say.

Wow . We look forward to many more visits by her.

 Saturday 14 February 2009   (Valentine day)

It was long decided that Sitara will be our Valentine on this day when her parents would go out to Pembroke to celebrate their Valentine Day.

She arrived at her grandparents’ place at about 5.30 p.m- brought by her dad. She was cheerful as usual and wanted to play with her nana & nani. Her mom was working and would arrive after 6.00 p.m and then both her parents would go out to Pembroke . Sitara celebrated Valentine as her grandparents gave her a Valentine Card with big fanfare and made noise with kazoo. Her dad was there and we all had a great time while hugging Sitara and then playing kazoo. Sitara liked the kazoo thing and insisited that each one of us have a separate kazoo . Nani complied and brought out three more – 1 for Sitara, 1 for nana ,1 for her daddy and one for  her nani. We all had a great time. After that Sitara played with her nana and then had dinner with her nani taking care of her.

After dinner, Sitara spent time with her nana – playing with her toys and watching her TV program for about half an hour.

(The TV program was called Treehouse   on Bell Satellite Channel 82)

She then went to sleep after brushing her teeth .

 

Tuesday 18 February 2009

Sitara came to her grandparents home in the evening (after spending the day at her babysitter’s (Susan) place). Her dad brought her after his office time. Her mom (Nina) was working and would be at her work place late. Nina normally works on Mondays and Tuesdays (and every other weekends). It seems that she will also work on Wednesdays – every two week (due to shortage of pharmacists in the area). So this Wednesday (tommorrow) she would be workking and Sitara would not have a babysitter to go to.   This gave us  (the grandparents)  an opportunity to spend more time with Sitara. She was going to spend the whole Wednesday with us.   So it was decided that she spend night with us on Tuesday – this  would help alleviate getting Siatar up early and get ready to come to us. Thsi way she can have restful sleep . We were thrilled.

She was as usual a doll. She is so caring for  an 18-month girl. She is very polite. She does not scavange anything. She knows what is needed and also plays with her toys very well -without digressing to any household thing. She knows to take only one tissue paper from the box to clean her nose and then take it and put it in to the  Garbage can. She takes permission for that. What a girl! She is so embedded in our pysche . She is just delightful.

We are glad that every two weeks or so she will spend the night with us. Herr nani is in heaven.

Pravin Shah

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                      04 Sept 2008

Pravinchandra Juthalal Shah   & Jashoda Shah

The family (October 2017) :

Pravinchandra Shah   married to Jashoda Haria.

Daughter Nina married to Sunjay Mistry .     Granddaughter : Sitara   Grandson : Sachin

Son   Sunir   married to Shannon Knights .   Granddaughter : Maya   Grandson: Kieran & Granddaughter : Priya

—————————-

Family Lineage for   Pravinchandra Shah ( posted on 17 June 2017) – from our records in old file:

Kieran Shah ( son of Sunir )

Sunir Shah ( son of Pravin ) — Kanti, Arwind, Suryakant (brothers)

Pravin Shah ( son of Juthalal — Rashik (brother)

Juthalal Shah ( son of Dharamshi )

Dharamshi Shah (son of Naya) — Kana, Devshi, Lala, Sangan, Rama (Brothers)

Naya Shah (son of Depar)

Depar Shah (son of Ladha)

Ladha Shah (son of Ranmal)

All started from Navagam in Saurastra (Gujarat State in India).

“Shah” is an adopted surname . Original family surname is ” bidd ”

 

Note: Another branch of Depar Shah   is shown below for information only.

Kana Depar Shah ( brother of Naya Depar Shah)

Deva Kana Shah

Kachra Deva Shah

Nemchand Kachra Shah   –   he was the one at (occupying) our home (hut) in Navagam when we visited India in 1980s.

Nitin Nemchand Shah

—————————–

 

Family Lineage for   Jashoda’s Side ( posted on 08 October 2017) – details obtained from ManiKaki (Jashoda’s Auntie ) when us visiting London, U.K. from in August/September 2017.

 

Jashoda d/o Khimji Haria       “Haria” is the surname for Jashoda’s dad.

 

Khimji   (son of Bhimji)

 

Bhimji (son of Punja)

 

Punja (son of Jeshang)

 

Jeshang (son of Deva)

 

Deva   (son of Dedhar)

 

Dethar (son of Sangan)

 

————-

 

Khimji married to Paniben

 

Bhimji married toVerra

 

Punja married to Vali

 

Note: Khimji Bhimji ( Jashoda’s dad) was   a teacher at Jamnagar Boarding in 1938 – prior to emigrating to Kenya)

 

(Further details of interest):

 

1) Manu ( Jashoda’s cousin) -son of Velji (Velji is   brother of Khimji Bhimji Haria) Bhimji Haria

 

Manu married to Sobhna.   Their son Sheetal married to Nishita .

 

2)   Vershi Bhimji Haria ( second brother of Khimji Bhimji Haria – Jashoda’s dad)   – married to

 

They have three daughters

 

i) Banjun married to Anil – currently resides in Mombasa, Kenya   and have 2 sons and a daughter.

 

ii) Jainita married to Ashwin – currently resides in Luton, U.K. – have 2 daughters

 

iii) Nina married to Punil – currently resides in Australia   – have one daughter.

—————————–


General Background

Pravin is an individual who has stumbled on a life trajectory of personal growth, which allowed him to participate in social/cultural activities within Oshwal community and also other societies while pursuing his professional Civil Engineering career. Pravin is a Professional Civil Engineer, graduating in 1962 and subsequently becoming Charter Engineer with Institution of Civil Engineers and also with the Institute of Water Engineers and Environment of United Kingdom. He became licensed Professional Engineer in Ontario soon after his emigration to Canada from Kenya in 1974.Pravin is also the Registered Hydraulic Engineer in Kenya ”“ the first Oshwal & Indian Engineer to do so.On 27 May 1967, Pravin and Jashoda got married in Nairobi.Jashoda remains a pillar behind Pravin for his social and public service. She is a stalwart in whatever comes her way. Jashoda is a B.A. graduate. She was a secondary School teacher in Kenya. Since coming to Canada, she devoted early years in raising two kids; both of them are now well established in life. She also ran a business with great alacrity till she retired in 1999.Both Pravin and Jashoda have been involved in many different social and public life, in Kenya as well as in Canada. Since Pravin and family have moved around a bit, their record of service is somewhat scattered and is specific to each location where they   (& family) have lived.Pravin”™s interest in social activities can be attributed to his parents and grandparents whose motto in life was “to help others” even when it impacted adversely to their own & family”™s well being.While in Canada, the work took the family to various locations (from Niagara Falls to Montreal & Mississauga & Hamilton and finally to Deep River, Ontario). They established their residence in Deep River in 1986, where both the kids completed their elementary and high school education. Both Pravin and Jashoda are now retired and live in Deep River, Ontario Canada. . Jashoda wound up her businesses in 1999 while Pravin retired from his career during April 2007. His professional career spanned some 45 years.

 Drivers in Life and Career

                    Believe in positive leadership & commitment

Teamwork for successful achievement in goals.

• Be practical and prompt in execution of approved goals
• Unbiased attitude with an open mind for listening others”™ opinions
• Holistic approach to life with vision for good of the community
• Social interaction and acceptance of cultural diversity
• Honesty and integrity

 Life Timeline & Social/Cultural Activities

1940 -1956

Pravin was born in Ruiru on 8^th April 1940 to Kasturben (his mother) and Juthalal Dharamshi Naya Shah (his father). Their family surname (“gotra”)   is “Bidd”.   His grandfather Dharamshi Naya Shah was from Navagam (in Halar, Saurastra in India) who came to Kenya during 1910. He was followed by his wife (Deviben), son (Juthalal) and his father (Naya Depar Bidd) ”“ all came together in 1921.   My great-grandfather (Naya Depar Shah) stayed only for a few years in Kenya and went back to India, around 1930, for personal reasons.

His father, Juthalal Dharamshi Bidd, started a business in Ruiru in the 1930s. His was one of the first businesses which were established when Ruiru became a trading center to service the European agricultural settlements in the area.

Pravin along with his two elder brothers moved to Mombasa (around 1944) with the family. The family moved to Mombasa to facilitate education of the young ones. Pravin completed his elementary schooling (Kikowani Primary School) and secondary schooling (Technical High School) in Mombasa. His Senior Cambridge Certificate was obtained in 1956 at the age of 16.

When growing up in Mombasa, Pravin used to attend community meetings held at the Visa Oshwal Community hall for development of the community or for elections. This has instilled in Pravin the value of service but also of teamwork and need for consultation in any development work.   During his formative years, Pravin became a regular member of the Bhartiya Swayamsavak Sangh in Mombasa and through his devotion, commitment and hard work rose in the leadership rank.   Here he learnt the Hindi language and also the ancient and modern history of India as well as about the independence movement of India.    

Jashoda was born in Nairobi on 15 November 1939 to Paniben (her mother) and Khimji Bhimji Haria (her father). She completed her elementary and secondary education at the Duchess of Gloucester School in Nairobi. His Senior Cambridge Certificate was obtained in 1957.

When growing up in Nairobi, Jashoda participated in the activities of Nairobi Sevadal.

1957-1964

Pravin enrolled at the Royal College, Nairobi in 1957 and completed his studies successfully in Civil Engineering profession during June 1962.

When at the Royal College in Nairobi, Pravin devoted his time to his studies for professional civil engineering but made a point of attending various community meetings at the Visa Oshwal Community. This gave him the know-how of the mechanics of conducting meetings and also the need for developing abilities to articulate and debate ideas.

Jashoda completed her B.A . from Bombay University, Mumbai India during 1964. In India, Jashoda devoted her time in studies but also found time to enroll in the Indian National Cadet Corp for military and civic training. She also dabbled in music and choreographed Gujarati Ras & Garba for Women”™s Hostel to enter into competition.

1963- 1973

Immediately after the graduation Pravin spent time to establish his professional career in Kenya. His service in Ministry of Works resulted in design and implementation of various road bridges and culverts across the country.

Pravin also worked in the Ministry of Agriculture. There he worked closely with an international team led by a Canadian firm (Acres Consulting Ltd) for investigating the potential of the Tana River Basin (northern Kenya) for agricultural development.

During 1965, Pravin went to Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada on a Fellowship of the Food Agricultural Organization of the United Nations. There he worked at the offices of Acres Consulting Ltd. for a year gaining valuable practical experience in the design and implementation of the irrigation and hydroelectric structures and facilities.

While in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada during 1965 / 1966 for a year, Pravin participated in the activities of the United Nations Association of Canada, Niagara Falls Branch and provided presentations to local Service Clubs on Kenya.

Upon return to Kenya in July 1966, he devoted his time to his professional development though maintaining interest in the Oshwal community activities.

Pravin was stationed with the Water Development Department of the Kenya Government. There he worked to develop water supplies in the country. He was also instrumental in planning for the development of the Training Institute for the Water Technicians in Nairobi with the help of Norwegian aid agency. While at the Water Development Department, he worked at Nairobi office and at Mombasa office at different times.

After their marriage during May 1967, Pravin got transferred to Mombasa to work on the development of coastal water supplies until their return back to Nairobi in April 1969.

He designed and built waters supplies to the coastal beaches, Kilifi and Malindi.

After graduation, Jashoda began her career in teaching at the Visa Oshwal Girls Secondary School, Nairobi and continued teaching in Mombasa upon Pravin”™s transfer there when working with Water Development Department.

While in Nairobi, Pravin continued his interest in the community and got elected as General Secretary of the Visa Oshwal Community (~ 8000 members of Nairobi) in 1970 and remained as secretary till mid- 1973. The President at the time was Shree Kantilal Narshi Shah who provided an excellent leadership.

Pravin also devoted time and effort to serve on the School Subcommittee of Oshwal Education & Relief Board in Nairobi.

These were transformational years for the community.  

There was the impact of the new independence of Kenya, issue with the British Government about so-called “D” passport and the need for vouchers to enable migration to England.

New breed of educated Oshwals were coming back from their graduate studies and taking their rightful place in the tremendous development that Kenya was experiencing at the time. Many Oshwal community members were investing a lot of resources for industrial, commercial, real estate and financial development of the country.

Again there was a segment of the community, which was feeling a bit insecure and wanted to move away from Kenya for safety to other countries, mostly to Britain at the time.

During this time, also the societal attitude was becoming critical of the old habits of social interaction, which was becoming evident at the time. The members of the Visa Oshwal Community Executive Committee supported the move away from lunches and meals by “squatting on the floor” and introduced the “Table & Chair” mode of partaking our social lunches and meals.  This first change and modernization was a milestone and stepping stone to many others to come in subsequent years.

For being the General Secretary of Visa Oshwal Community for a period of two years, Pravin received a Gold Medal from the Community for the service.

While Pravin was busy with Oshwal Community committee and the School Subcommittee of Oshwal Education & Relief Board in Nairobi, his wife Jashoda Shah devoted her time for the betterment of young Oshwal women and their social interaction.She became a focal point and an inspiration for establishing the “Women”™s Wing” in the year 1972. The “Women”™s Wing” joined their organization with the Oshwal Youth League. The “Women”™s Wing” has again been transformational for the community. It influenced change in “mind-set” of older generation to young daughters and daughter-in-laws in the Community. The “Women”™s Wing” remains active till this day.


1974 -Today

During March 1974 Pravin and Jashoda emigrated to Canada.

In Canada, Pravin & Jashoda started their life in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. Niagara Falls is one of the most beautiful cities of Ontario and is at the border between U.S.A and Canada. The “horse-shoe” waterfalls on the Canadian side are one of the world”™s wonders.   Niagara Falls is a tourist destination for millions in the world. Every year more than 20 million people visit Niagara Falls.

Their both kids were born in Niagara Falls. Their daughter, Nina, was born in December 1974 and son, Sunir, was born in June 1979.

 

Note:

While in Canada, Pravin worked initially on the designs of hydroelectric structures and power stations. Since last 30 years, Pravin has been working in the nuclear field and designed and built civil engineering structures for many Nuclear Power Plants in Canada and overseas.   The professional work took Pravin on many short trips to various countries such as to Shree Lanka, British Guyana, Romania and Austria.

Pravin/Jashoda have lived an active social/public life and participated in many activities of varied nature in different fields in the public service after their arrival in Canada.

Apart from formal positions and activities, Pravin also writes poems on many topics and is not shy to write “Letters to Editor” on topical subjects. He also writes to clarify issues if he sees wrong perceptions of Indians or India in the media.

Jashoda spent her time raising the two kids but in 1985 ran a business in Hamilton for a year, which was sold as Pravin moved to Deep River for his career. In the Deep River area, Jashoda pursued her career running two businesses in the nearby town called Petawawa (this is one of the main Canadian Army towns) from 1991 to 1999.

Nina completed her Pharmacy degree and is pursuing her career as a Pharmacist and Sunir completed his Masters in Information Technology and is pursuing his career in that field.

Social/Public work in Canada

Niagara Falls area

• Member and President of the United Nations Association of Canada, Niagara Falls Chapter (1974- 1981)
• Establishment of Shree Jalaram Hindu temple (October 1974 to March 1975) at their residence Niagara Falls

While in Niagara Falls, Pravin actively participated in the activities of the United Nations Association of Canada, Niagara Falls Chapter from 1974 to 1981. He was elected and served the Chapter as the President for two (2) years (1979/1980) during which time Pravin devoted his energy for diseminating the principles of the United Nations including the rational behind the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.  

1970s were the time when Canada relaxed immigration from non-white countries to help alleviate the shortage of manpower in the country. Thus many new immigrants from non-white countries started to arrive. This was a new phenomenon on a scale never seen before and some of the local white population was not yet ready to accept these new immigrants socially and culturally.  

In the year 1980, the United Nations Association of Canada supported a programme of student exchange from foreign countries and placed these visiting students with local host families for a short period. This allowed close bonding and cultural understanding between the foreign students and the host families on one-on-one basis. Coinciding with the student exchange, the Chapter also celebrated the United Nations Day on 24 October 1980 with a dinner gala (under Pravin as the Chair) where the Chapter members and public interacted with the visiting students and host families. Also federal and provincial politicians participated in the dinner gala. This initiative was to help remove barriers between peoples.

In the early 80s, under Pravin”™s suggestion, the Chapter proposed a resolution that      “ Canada & other western countries to appoint a non-white as an ambassador to South Africa” to be taken to the national United Nations Association of Canada convention for discussion and acceptance. This was the time when apartheid regime in South Africa was much entrenched and such an appointment would take a bite from superiority of white race when the regime would be forced to deal with non-white ambassadors from major western countries. It was heartening to know that similar thinking was prevalent in U.S.   The Reagan administration preferred a policy called “constructive engagement” vis-à-vis apartheid ruled South Africa. In 1986, the Reagan administration made a surprising move. Secretary of State George Schultz appointed career diplomat Edward Perkins, a black American, as the American Ambassador to South Africa.

Along with participation in the United Nations Association of Canada, Jashoda and Pravin established (October 1974) a Shree Jalaram Hindu Temple (along with the Jain element) in their residence at Niagara Falls. A regular monthly prayer service was held with appropriate reading and presentation on spiritual matter. This was found useful for interested locals to know and understand the Indian/Hindu culture and our non-violence traditions and way of life. Unfortunately, the temple service was discontinued (March 1975) upon Pravin”™s transfer to Montreal on a work assignment. Even with a short existence, the temple had become quite popular with the locals and was quoted by local politicians for the excellent qualities that foreigners bring to the country.

When in Niagara Falls, both Jashoda and Pravin had become very active in supporting and initiating Jain religious activities. During this time, H.H. Munishree Sushilkumarji was welcomed and hosted many times when visiting Ontario.

Jashoda supported the East Indian Group of the area to organize and present Gujarati Ras (Dandia) & Garba programs during annual Canadian Multicultural week. The Canadian Government normally organizes this annual event to develop camaraderie and understanding between different cultural groups in the country.

Mississauga/Toronto area

 

 

• Participated as a Member of the Social Development Committee of the Social Planning Council of Peel   (1982)
• Initiated and helped to establish a Jain Study Group (in Toronto to Niagara Falls area) 1983
• President of the Jain Society of Toronto in 1985 (1 year)

——————————–

Note:   In the   year 2014, the Jain Society celebrated 40th Anniversary of its inception (along with Jain Diwali program ) on Sunday 19 October, 2014 – at the Lawrence Convention Center ( on Southdown Road , Mississauga , Ontario) . At that event , the Jain Society honoured all its past presidents . Pravin was invited along with wife (Jashoda)   and awarded a commomeration plaque   for his distinguished service to the Society.

——————————-

 The family moved to Mississauga in late 1981 after Pravin changed employment from ACRES Consulting Ltd in Niagara Falls to Atomic Energy of Canada, Sheridan Park, Mississauga, adjoining to Toronto.

Pravin did not waste time and started to take part in the public service. He joined as a Member of the Social Development Committee of the Social Planning Council of Peel   (1982). This Committee used to carry out “need analysis”™ of the community in the social sector and recommend actions to help weaker sectors to organize life with dignity.

Pravin and Jashoda also took initiative to help and establish a Jain Study Group for the interested Jains in Toronto to Niagara Falls area. The Group”™s first meeting was held in the summer of 1983 at Pravin/Jashoda residence in Mississauga. It is of interest to note that some visiting Kenya Oshwals ( Pravin”™s relatives from Thika ”“ Gulab Meghji Kanji & his wife Maniben and also Somchand Meghji Kanji and his wife Kanta) happen to come to visit Pravin and family on the day of the meeting and thus able to participate in the deliberation and study.   They were enthused to note of such a group studying Jainism in far away land.

The objective of the Jain Study Group was to study Jain books and scriptures in a systematic manner so as to understand and assimilate the teaching of our religion rationally. This study would also help those participating to become more conversant with Jain religion and also to impart Jain Knowledge to their next generation in a modern way.

When deliberating in meetings of the Group, Pravin also developed some Jain songs/hymns in English and a scrabble game (from Jain words) to help the young ones to participate and learn about Jainism.

It is a tribute that this Group is still alive in Toronto/Niagara Falls area though Pravin & the family have moved away.

Pravin was elected to lead as the President of Jain Society of Toronto in 1985. He remained the President for a year as his career took him away to Deep River, Ontario.

During his presidency of the Jain Society two (2) important events took place.

The Jain Society organized a seminar (as a forum) on 17 February 1985 on the subject of “Jain Philosophy In Modern Times”. The event was held at the Jain temple premises in Toronto. In a forward to the Seminar publication the following sentiments were expressed.

“ We have to, individually and collectively, take affirmative actions in crystallizing our Jain and Indian traditions in the context of this continent (i.e North America) and modern times. We have to define the direction and activities required for enriching our and our children”™s spiritual and social values. We also have to take positive steps to convey parts of our great heritage to the larger community for peace and bliss all around.”

The Seminar had presentations on the Jain subjects by some eminent scholars – the prominent being                 1) Vividus   (Mr. Ramnik Shah) ”“ whose book on Jainism is well known 2) Dr. John Mayer ”“ a professor at Brock University in St. Catherines, Ontario, and    3) Prof Debrata Sinha ”“a well known scholar and professor at Brock University.   The seminar ended with songs (both traditional and in English) by the newly minted Jain Choir Group directed by Jashoda Shah at the time.

The second event that occurred was an incident which has left a painful   memory on many. This is the Air India bombing by terrorists seeking revenge for Punjab/Khalistan movement in India.   Air India Flight 182 was an Air India operating on the Montreal-London-New Delhi route. On June 23, 1985 the Boeing 747 operating on the route was bombed over Irish airspace, killing all onboard. The plane named Emperor Kanishka exploded at an altitude of 31,000 feet, crashing into the Atlantic Ocean killing all 329 people on board, of whom 280 were Canadian citizens and 22 were Indian nationals.

These were sad and tough days. We lost our friends and aquintances. One of my colleagues (Arup Das) lost his family who were travelling to India for a visit. The Canadian Government was shocked but in their shock they thought it was an India issue and sent condolences to Indian Government leaders for the loss of Indians in the flight. The Canadian Govenment lost objectivity that the Indians on the flight were Canadians.

This added more pain to those who lost their loved ones.   A grief public meeting was called at the Nathan Philip Square, Toronto for the loss of lives from this senseless terrorist act. Pravin represented the Jain Society as the President of the Society. In his passioned speech Pravin identified this gaffe by the Canadian Government and reminded the Government and the people of Canada that those who died were Canadians, albeit of Indian ethnic origin. It was really not acceptable that the Canadian Government cannot identify their own citizens. This speech was well taken by the media and was run on the local radio stations for two or more days. This, I assume (only my perception), helped to change the Canadian public and Government mind -set and instill understanding/attitude of real multi-cultural milieu of Canada and take responsibilty of those who lost their lives and concerns of the immediate affected families.

 The Canadian Government of the day and subsequent Governments continually remain embarrassed for such a gaffe.

Deep River/Pembroke area

• Served on the Deep River Police Service Board (1994 to 2000)
• Trustee of the Deep River & District Hospital Board
• Executive Member of the Algonquin Chapter of the Professional Engineers, Ontario from 1999 (as shown by our memory ) till to-day ”“ Chair for the Chapter for two years (2005 & 2006) and then again for three (3) more years from 2010 to 2012.     ( 2012/2013)
  
• 2013/2014   – became past Chair for the Executive Committee   of the Algonquin Chapter of the Professional Engineers, Ontario . Lawrence Lupton took over the duties of the Chair.
• 2014/2015 -retired from past Chair post and from the Algonquin Chapter Executive Committee – to evote more time with family.

                Note: However officially this is what is stated in an e-mail fromMike Pinet   P. Eng. who was Hon. Secretary of               Algonquin Chapter PEO duirng 2010   .
The October 2001 newsletter first acknowledges your assistance in preparing the newsletter, and the               December 13, 2001 minutes of meeting first lists you as as a member at large, however you were           not available   for that meeting. In 2002 you were listed as a member at large of the Chapter Executive.

During March 2013 at the Chapter’s Annual General Meeting in Deep River Pravin was awarded a Fellow of Engineers Canada Certificate and a 10-Year Volunteer Pin by PEO in recognition of his volunteer service to the PEO and its Algonquin Chapter.

June 2013   :
I was nominated for this Award by PEO for 10 years service at the Algonquin Chapter . The Trillium Pin was awarded at the Petawawa Civic Centre, Petawawa on Wednesday 5 Jun 2013 by Mr. Luc Vincent (who is in the photo) , Manager , Ontario Honours and Awards on behalf of The Honourable Michael Coteau, The Minister of Citizenship and Immigration.

The following two (2) Certificates were also presented ( oh well ! – to be picked by the individual at the front Reception Desk at the end of the Award Ceremony )

1 – Volunteer Service Awrd Certificate signed by a) The Honourable Michael Coteau, The Minister of Citizenship and Immigration & 2) by The Honourable Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario

2 – Certificate of Recognition -2013 Volunteer Service Award signed by Hon. John Yakabuski , MPP – Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke.

 

• Nominated & Participated In Deep River Community Liaison Group for Port Hope Waste Disposal”“ 2 times (1990 & 1992)
• Participated in the activities of the East Indian Group of Deep River- Pembroke area (1986 till today).
• Participated in Deep River Economic Development Committee (1987-1989).
• Member of the “Unity in Diversity” Group of Deep River (1990 till present)

The Provincial Government initially nominated Pravin on the Deep River Police Board in 1994.   The Municipality of Deep River nominated Pravin  for the last couple of years  on the Board.The Board is responsible for the provision of professional police services to the Town of Deep River.   Pravin was elected and served as the Chair of the Board for the years 1998/2000. This public service is an important work and needs a constant oversight of police work with proper development of policies for governance.

Pravin was presented  with a plaque cloak from the Deep River Police Service Board for appreciation of the service.

In the early years of coming to Deep River, Pravin stood for election to become the trustee of the Board of the Deep River & District Hospital. He first joined the Board in 1993 and served for a year.   It was a learning experience to know and understand the working of the socialized nature of health delivery, which is a universal health care, a government-sponsored system that ensured open and equal access to medical services for all Canadians.   His contribution was mainly to be sure that delivery of health service at the Deep River & District Hospital remains professional and equal to all irrespective of race, color or station in life.

The second time Pravin came back to the Hospital Board was in April 2007 ”“ after he retired from active employment. He remained on the Hospital Board for two years and retired from the position in 2009 to spend more time with his grandchildren.

This is what he said when offering his service to the DRDH Board

“I believe I can provide time and effort for participation in this important institution (Deep River & District Hospital) of the Deep River Community; sustained by ethics of service and commitment with honesty and integrity”

He got elected for a two-year term ”“ most get elected to three-year term but he filled the position left vacant by a departing Board Trustee. He is also nominated by the Board Executive to be the Chair of the Public Relation Committee and endorsed by the full Board for the first year.  This is an exciting public service work and takes enormous personal time. Most members spent close to 200”“500 hours a year on the Hospital governance policies and fund raising activities.  

Pravin is glad to be able to continue this public duty.

Pravin got elected to the Executive Committee of the local Algonquin Chapter of the Professional Engineers, Ontario in 1999 to serve the interests of the Professional Engineers and support local programs to expand knowledge of engineers on various new developments and technical challenges. The Local Chapter also is vehicle for interfacing with the public and local politicians about the Engineers”™ activities and contribution to the public well-being. Pravin was elected and served as the Chair of the Executive Committee in 2005 and 2006. Currently he is the Vice-Chair since 2007.    Pravin became the Chair of the local Chapter again in 2009 and continued for the year 2010.
 

Pravin got nominated to serve on on a  Community Liaison Group –2 times (1990 & 1992) – constituted by the Canadian Federal Government to find a solution to the age old radioactive wastes at the Town of Port Hope, Ontario.

Port Hope is a Municipality of 17,500 people on the shore of Lake Ontario, less than an hour’s drive east of Toronto.

Eldorado began processing uranium ore in Port Hope’s Harbour in 1932 to remove the minute amounts of radium it contained. Several thousand tons of uranium ore would be required to get a single gram of radium. The uranium ore was being mined at Port Radium in the North West Territories.

Historic wastes are low-level radioactive wastes which are managed in a manner no longer considered acceptable, but for which the original producer cannot reasonably be held responsible. Often these producers no longer exist, so the problem falls to government.

A growing body of evidence suggested that extensive public involvement could play a constructive role in the cooperative resolution of waste-facility siting decisions.

The Community Liaison Groups were established by the Government to seek out a volunteer community which can accept such low level radioactive wastes for storage and/or disposal of such wastes ”“ the proviso being that such volunteer community will not be left worse off and agreed adequate financial compensation will be put in place.

The final agreement has to be placed for a referendum for the community to accept. Deep River is the only community in Canada that had voluntarily agreed to offer a site for a radioactive waste disposal facility, albeit low-level waste.

These were challenging times when all technical studies (from health related and type of structures commensurate with the area geology) needed to be assessed and decisions made to provide guidelines to the Deep River Municipal Government for negotiation with the Federal Government.

The Port Hope wastes were ultimately not moved to Deep River area and are currently managed at Port Hope.

 

 

 Pravin & family have spent most of their years after emigrating to Canada in Deep River and without disruption to their lives; arriving in Deep River (1986) to work at the Chalk River Nuclear Laboratories of Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd.

Deep River is located some 2 hours (by car) from the Canadian capital city of Ottawa.
Pravin & Jashoda got involved in the local social and cultural activities.
The immediate involvement was in the religious activities and Diwali programs of the East Indian community living in the Deep River/ Pembroke area. Every month, one family (residing in the area at the time) would hold a Hindu Prayer meeting with a dinner after that. Also the group would hold every year a Diwali program.
These meetings allowed our kids to understand and take part in the prayers and discussions after that on Hindu/Jain/Sikh religions. Also at the social hours kids intermingled with each other and develop friendship, which remain for the lifetime. These prayer meetings helped in our kids to bond and develop friendship with other community kids; that helped them not to remain isolated in the larger community and away from the bullying or racial attack in the schools and grounds.
Pravin wrote a play based on Ramayana for a Diwali program for the year 1987. The play was directed and choreographed by Jashoda. In this play all the kids of the community got a part along with some adults. The play went well and successful in its objective to tell the story of Ramayana as full as can be possible but also to have all the kids of the community to come together for such an exciting undertaking.
Pravin also led the community to celebrate the 50^th Anniversary of India”™s independence in August 1997. A big program was organized at the Deep River Town hall with Indian & United Nations flags raised at the Town hall. The mayor and other dignitaries were present and Scottish bagpipe music serenaded all in the background.
Indian and Canadian National Anthems were sung.   An Indian student group (from India) visiting Canada at the time provided quite a collection of dances and plays for the occasion. All in all, it was much enjoyed by the community and the town folks.
The Deep River Economic Development Committee was constituted during the years 1987-1989 by the Town of Deep River to assess the possibility of diversifying the economy of the Town.   Pravin volunteered to work on the committee.
Deep River is “one-employer” town. Most people are employed by the Chalk River Laboratories. In the late 1980s, the prospect for the development of new Nuclear Power plants was diminished due to concern about safety, waste management of radioactive wastes and also for security. This led to reduction in the staffing at the Plant and thus a concern as to the survival of Deep River.

Public opinion surveys and investigations were carried out for alternative source of economic activities. Tourism was flagged as one area, which can be explored. Another was development of senior citizen community. However it was evident that the town folks were not ready to see too many tourists, which might disturb their well laid out community. The concern, it seems, was mostly for the new immigrants arriving from Montreal and Toronto area as tourists to experience Canadian rural culture & way of living.

This assessment did not bring any solution to the economic decline at the time.

But it did show a need for a change in the   “mind-set” of the community re: immigrants and their good qualities. However, this is a slow process and would come about as immigrants continually prove themselves in professions, industry, commerce and social services.

To celebrate the “Unity in Diversity” is an instrument, which helps a settled community like Deep River to recognize the existence and good work done by all diverse groups of the community. This helps change the “mind-set” and acceptance of immigrants to this fine country of Canada.

An energetic and committed couple, originally from Iran, leads the Group.

The first meeting to establish such a group was held at Pravin/Jashoda residence in Deep River during the year 1990.

The Canadian couple (originally from Iran) has been instrumental in organizing every year since 1992 a week of programs to celebrate the diversity in the community. The week usually culminates in a very popular potluck dinner. Many people of all cultures (from Scottish to Vietnamese) come with their national dishes and also some provide cultural programs (like singing, dancing or playing a musical instrument).  

Miscellaneous :

1) Growth of the Family:

Nina (daughter) was born in Niagara Falls, Ontario  on 14 December, 1974 .

Sunir (son) was born in Niagara Falls, Ontario  on 01 June 1979.  

Nina graduated as a pharmacist from the University of Toronto, Toronto, Onatrio during 1999.

Nina got married to Sunjay Mistry on Saturday 28 August 2004 . Both were living in Toronto at the time but the wedding was held/celebrated in Deep River with actual main ceremony and lunch held at the Hugli Farm in Pembroke.

Sunir got married to Shannon Knights on Saturday 11 October 2008 . Both were living in Toronto at the time and the wedding was/celebrated in Toronto with actual ceremony and lunch held at the Toronto Cricket Skating & Curling Club.

—-

Note: Sunir was placed first in Ontario in Canadian National Mathematics League contest for Grade 6 (in 1990) and also tied for the first place in all of Canada.

—-

Our first Grandchild – Sitara – was born on Sunday 5 August 2007 . The proud parents are our daughter Nina (mom) and Sunjay (dad).   A granddaughter – pretty and so loving .

—–

Our second Grandchild   – Sachin – was born on Monday 20 July 2009. The proud parents are our daughter Nina (mom) and Sunjay (dad).   A Grandson – cute and cheerful

—–

Our third Grandchild – Maya – was born on Sunday 7 August 2011 . The proud parents are our son Sunir (dad) and Shannon (mom) . A Granddaughter – pretty and so loving.

—–

Our fourth (the latest) Grandchild – Kieran – was born on Wednesday 12 March 2014.  The proud parents are our son Sunir (dad) and Shannon (mom) .  A Grandson – cute and cheerful

 

August 2012 – Health

Pravin lost hearing in his right ear during August 2012 – as a result of neuro-sensory impact in the inner ear.

June 01 2016- Health

Bypass Sugery on June 01   2016 at the Heart Institute in Ottawa

18 April 2016

Pravin got elected as a Director of the ” Deep River and District Community Foundation” at the Annual General Meeting at the Deep River Library.   Current President (last year and again continuing for 2016/2017 ) is Mary MacCafferty.

Last day for my remaining Director was in mid-April 2019 – 3 years of service.   At that time The Chair was Michael Stevens . Pravin did not continue for another term – due is lack of hearing in   his right ear plus reduced   hearing in the left ear – which gave trouble in hearing during Board meetings and other gatherings.

Pravin served   3 years as the Chair of Finance Committee of the Board.

————————-

ADDENDUM TO   BIO data

 

Shree Jalaram Bapu

Shree Jalaram Bapu came into Pravin’s life when he was a budding teenager – about 14 year old – living on Station Road in Mombasa , Kenya .   Our neighbours were a family (Ranchod Tanna family) who were Hindus but more devoted to Shree Jalaram Bapu as their main deity.

Their devotion had rubbed onto Pravin psyche.

Pravin was in high school at the time but completely unsure of himself – as he was not much of a sport person and a bit clumsy too.

About that time financial situation of the family was going down and down until at age 16 when Pravin graduated in his Senior Cambridge examination – the family had zilch left .   There was “dark” days   -especially earlier one of the brothers (Arwind) had fallen sick which took a better part of a year plus for him to recover. All of us were emotionally drained -as we had so much sibling and family love to give.

It was hopeless for the young man (Pravin) and of course all brothers and sisters .

However, with devotion to Shree Jalaram – doors started opening into Pravin’s life . Small at a time but whatever Pravin desired and asked from Shree Jalaram – he was like there always present to give a boost to Pravin’s prayers.   Got successful in Senior Cambridge Examination , finally having tried here and there got an admission to Royal College in Nairobi for an Engineering Course – coupled with a Kenya Government   bursary and also supplemented by help and living support by our most wonderful uncles ( My mother’s brothers   mostly two of them directly (AmuMama & GunvantMama) but all .

In all this development in my life happenings , I do not remember any assistance , guidance or help by anyone else except my complete faith in Shree Jalaram – who will inspire me my next step or who will get my head cleared up for right things to do.

He also was instrumental for me to get through the College – get my Engineering Diploma and UK qualifications   – with not much help or confidence giving support from anyone . Of course my mamas (uncles) were there always – to stand by me.

My prayers to Shree Jalaram remained a constant all my life – He has remained a rock solid provider and fulfilling my desires.

These things are difficult to describe – unless one has experienced it one does not know the power of divine help and really very much in a friendly, brotherly, parental love – and at critical times in life, There are so many incidents I can describe – right from when I was clumsy teenager (within a loving family structure but devoid of   money or way forward) till now . When I retired at the age of 67 , I was not sure of how we will manage financially but Shree Jalaram always had given guidance and right things got done along the path of life journey -and we are not rich but we are very comfortable.   We got two children (one daughter and one son) -when we were almost giving up on building a family but Shree Jalaram made a way – we migrated to Canada and Nina was born exactly 9 months after   and of all places in the most sought after city of Niagara Falls, Ontario. Sunir also came after again born in Niagara Falls.   Sunjay came into our & Nina’s lives – so did Shannon come into to our and Sunir’s lives –   as prayed to Shree Jalaram   . Now we have wonderful grandchildren – Sitara, Sachin, Maya and Kieran and this May 2016 we are looking forward for another by Christmas 2016 or 2017 New Year.

The first thing we did when we arrived in Canada – got a job with Acres Consulting in Niagara Falls – then settled down with the news that a baby is to be born (Nina) – we commissioned a young artist in St. Catherine’s (near Niagara Falls) – to do an oil painting of Shree Jalaram Bapu .   Oh! the love and study and details   the young man poured into making this painting was just miraculous and gave us so much happiness and comfort.

Shree Jalaram has been with us all these years and He remains   my trusted and most loved “big shoulder” for assistance and opening closed doors at any situation.

Thank you Shree Jalaram Bapu – I hope your painting will become   a very valued   ” heirloom ”   to   either Nina or Sunir and the family after.

————————