This is revised version of our earlier BIO posted – though revisions are kept minimum at this   stage.   I expect more revisions will come in future   – when more reviews are done.

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updated  05 September 2019

Pravinchandra Juthalal Shah   & Jashoda Shah
The family (September 2019) :

Details   :

1)   Parents :-   Pravinchandra Shah   married to Jashoda Haria.   Married on 27 May 1967 in Nairobi, Kenya , Currently live in Deep River, Ontario   ( since 1986 )

Pravin   born on   8th April 1940 in Ruiru, Kenya

Jashoda born on 15 November 1938 in Nairobi , Kenya

Two Children :   Nina ( daughter )   & Sunir (son)

Emigrated   To   Toronto, Canada from   Nairobi , Kenya   on 03 March   1974 .   Arrived at   Toronto Airport   and met by Jayant Shah   ( who was a  childhood friend from Mombasa) .

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2)   Daughter —  Nina married to Sunjay Mistry .

Married on 28 August 2004 in Pembroke/ Deep River, Ontario, Canada .   Nina & family currently live  in Mackey , Ontario.      Mackey  is in the vicinity of Deep River , Ontario.

Nina born on   14 December 1974   in Niagara Falls , Ontario, Canada

Sunjay Mistry   born  on   12 November 1971 , Rugby , U.K.

They have two Children : Sitara ( daughter ) & Sachin (son)

Sitara born on 05 August 2007 in Mackey / Deep River, Ontario ( Ottawa Hospital)

Sachin born on   20 July 2009 in Mackey / Deep River, Ontario ( Ottawa Hospital)

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Note:   Sunjay has   one   sister (Bhadrika) – who resides in U.K.

Sunjay’s father :   Kunverjibhai Lalabhai .

Sunjay’s   mother :   Hasmukhben   – who resides in Rugby, U.K.

3)   Son —   Sunir married to Shannon Knights .  Married on 11 October 2008 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada . Sunir & family currently live in Toronto, Ontario.

Sunir born on 01 June 1979   in Niagara Falls , Ontario, Canada

Shannon Knights born on 23 May 1976  in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

They   have   three Children :   Maya ( daughter ) ,   Kieran ( son ) &   Priya (daughter )

Maya born on 07 August 2011 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Kieran born on 12 March 2014 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Priya born on   22 December 2016   in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Note:   Shannon has two sisters .   Heather resides in Toronto, Canada and Erica   currently in France .

Shannon’s   father :  Douglas Knights

Shannon’s mother : Kathy Maglandry

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Family   Lineage :

1)     Family Lineage for   Pravinchandra Shah – from our records:

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

Note: Lineage is described for sons born in family – as daughters when married largely adopt husband’s family name.   (at least in old days !)

Kieran Shah ( son of Sunir & Shannon Knights  )

Sunir Shah ( son of Pravin & Jashoda) —  Note:   Kanti, Arwind, Suryakant (Pravin’s brothers)

Pravin Shah ( son of Juthalal & Kasturben  ) — Rashik ( Juthalal’s brother)

Juthalal Shah ( son of Dharamshi & Deviben)

Dharamshi Shah (son of Naya) — Kana, Devshi, Lala, Sangan, Rama ( Naya’s   brothers)

Naya Shah (son of Depar)

Depar Shah (son of Ladha)

Ladha Shah (son of Ranmal)

Note:   Pravin’s  ancestral   home – all started from the village of Navagam in Saurashtra (Gujarat State in India).

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Further details of interest:

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

Kana Depar Shah ( brother of Naya Depar Shah) – note : Naya is Pravin’s great grandfather.

Deva Kana Shah

Kachra Deva Shah

Nemchand Kachra Shah

Nitin Nemchand Shah

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

Note:     We got a metal plate (like a dish   for dinner / lunch) and brought it over to Canada as an ancestral heirloom.

2)   Family Lineage for   Jashoda’s Side – details obtained from ManiKaki (Jashoda’s Auntie ) when us visiting London, U.K. during August/September 2017.

“Haria” is the surname for Jashoda’s dad.

Jashoda d/o Khimji & Paniben Haria

Khimji   (son of Bhimji & Verra)

Bhimji (son of Punja & Vali )

Punja (son of Jeshang)

Jeshang (son of Deva)

Deva   (son of Dedhar)

Dedhar (son of Sangan)

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

Note:   Jashoda’s  ( i.e. her father’s ) ancestral   home – all started from the village of Rashangpur  ,   Saurashtra  (Gujarat State in India).

Further details of interest:

1) Velji Bhimji Haria   (Velji is  brother of Khimji Bhimji Haria) . Velji Haria married to Ganga.

They have two sons – Manu & Pravin .   They also have   one daughter Sushi.

Manu  married to Sobhna.   Their son Sheetal married to Nishita . Also they have another son – Akhil.

Pravin married to Champa.   They have one son ( Shillon) & one daughter (Shailly) .

Sushi married to Rajni.   They have one son ( Dipp ) and one daughter (Nishi).

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

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.

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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.

Note:   Pravin is (was) 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. J ashoda 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  first in Hamilton and then in Petawawa   — 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 (Nina & Sunir) 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 Petawawa in 1999 while Pravin retired from his career from Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd in Deep River during April 2007.

His professional career spanned some 45 years – starting in Kenya and till retirement in Canada.

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
• Community service with local community organizations.

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 (Shah) , 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.

The family moved from Ruiru, Kenya to coastal town Mombasa  around 1944 .
Pravin along with his two elder brothers moved to Mombasa   with the family.

The family moved to Mombasa to facilitate education of the young ones. Pravin completed his elementary schooling (at   Kikowani Primary School) and secondary schooling (at 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 (BSS) 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 in Nairobi.  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. Also worked   on   building structural designs and multiple water supplies.

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.
The community was a pillar and a constant to all members to cope with all the changes that were coming to the society at the time.   Pravin found this time challenging and exciting when real help and changes could be offered and experienced.
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. Landed at Toronto Airport on 03 March 1974.
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)

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 .

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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

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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.

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Our fourth   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

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Our fifth Grandchild – Priya – was born on Thursday 22 December 2016 . The proud parents are our son Sunir (dad) and Shannon (mom) .  A Granddaughter – a superstar   born.

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.

Sept – 2019

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.

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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 & His wife Induben 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.

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Notes ( Sept 2019) – 1) Jashoda was awarded a Gold Medal for coming top in the History and Political Science subject for BA at her university in Bombay in 1964   (for her results in examination)  However, unfortunately she could   not get it in her hand as she had already returned to Nairobi, Kenya by that time.

For Women’s Wing inauguration in Nairobi – she was a partner with Viju Shah & Sudha Shah at the time . Three ladies together established the Women’s wing for young lasdies of the Oshwal community.

Pravin had been awarded a Gold Medal for his   services to Oshwal Education Fund.   This medal will be handed over to Sunir for heirloom item.

On Sunday 5th August 2007, my wife and I  became grandparents. This is our first grandchild. The joy of becoming grandparents  is so exhilarating that the arrival of Sitara, a beautiful daughter born to our daughter Nina  and her husband, Sunjay Mistry  (our loving son-in-law) is just pure ecstasy to us. This is  even beyond the joy of arrival of our own children many years ago.

Many become grandparents at younger age but for us this event has happened at an advanced age (67 years ) and interestingly enough after only a few months   after my retirement from work.   The grand daughter will have a special place in our hearts and will help us pass  our retirement gainfully.

Sitara came to this world at 9.05 am on Sunday 5th August 2007 at the Ottawa General Hospital. Both Nina and daughter are doing fine. Sitara has cuddled with her daddy, met her maternal grandparents (my wife and myself) and met  & played with  her uncle Sunir (Nina’s brother — our son)   and his girlfriend, Shannon.

Sitara has embedded herself into our souls minaret.

I am sure that she will give us many years of fun and pleasure as well as she will make us proud in all things that she will   accomplish in this world.

Welcome dear grandchild – you will be our star and focus for everything for sometime to come.

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Addition to the text: (Friday 10 August, 2007) -on her sixth day of birth, Sitara’s “Chhathi” (ceremony on sixth day of her birth) was held at Mackey (at her home). It is an Indian (Hindu) tradition to worship & thank God for such a gift to the family and also seek blessing from Goddesss Sarawati ( Goddess of Learning and Intelligence) to chart  future for the new born baby. Also at this time the baby is named in front of the Gods (and also a diya -lighted candle) . The ceremony was a private one with Sitara’s parents, and grandparents (maternal)  present. Sitara’s uncle, Sunir, was also present along with his girlfriend, Shannon.

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Addition to the text: ( Monday 13 August, 2007).   Sitara, our lovely granddaughter, along with her proud parents (Sunjay & Nina) visited our residence (in Deep River)in the afternoon at the age of only 9 days. Her first visit to her garndparents!!! She was ever so enthralling  and captivating.  

She was presented to Shree Jalaram ( the main oil painting in the Family Room) and I am sure was blessed by Him.

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Addition to the text: (Friday 24 August, 2007).  

This  was a very happy day for me ( maternal grandpa). You know why?. I had the opportunty to feed Sitara this evening ( at 5.45 pm) at her parents home in Mackay.   Sitara has reverted to a formula feeding after a couple of weeks of mothers milk. This provided a opening for the grandpa to cajole her and feed her the bottle. Oh! she was very well behaved and took to her feeding royally and finished her 4 oz. in a very gracious manner.   As during all feeds of a very tender baby, one must allow her breaks during her feed to  let her burp and clear any gas. Sitara did a royal burp and  also a release of gas half way during her feed. She was just a happy girl. Grandpa was very satisfied with  Sitara for letting him to feed her.   She then was in playful mood but we left for Deep River so that her parents (Nina & Sunjay) can be with her.

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Addition to the Text ( 5th September 2007)-  

Today Sitara becomes 1 month of age. She has developed according to waht is required . She now looks and hears at us. She gave me   a fabulous smile yesterday when we were visiting her.   Her Garndma (paternal side) arrived from England yesterday to hug and pamper Sitara. She (Sitara) just took to her immediately. I guess blood relation.

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Addition to the Text (6th September 2007)-  

I have noted (since some time – roughly when she was 2 1/2 weeks old) that Sitara responds and becomes quite attentive (even if she was crying – she will stop crying) when I sing to her the song ” Rammeya vasta vya Rammeya vasta vya” – from Indian movie Shree 420. It may be babys respond to male voice at this age. I am not a good singer but I  can modulate the song in my way for Sitara. This response by Sitara is noted by all in the family and really makes me very happy.  

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Addition to the Text (12th September 2007)-  

Tomorrow Sitara goes to Toronto – a first long journey for her – to attend a wedding from her dad’s side.  This will be an experience for Sitara but for her parents (and also her paternal Grandma) too   – how to attend a social function with baby in tow.  It must be    noted that Sitara did have her first outside visit to Storyland ( on Hwy 17 near Renfrew) last week on Saturday (8th Sepptember 2007). She was taken there by her parents and paternal Grandma (who is visiting her from U.K.)

Note: Sitara returned back at Mackay on Sunday after attending the wedding in Toronto. She enjoyed that visit as she met lot of her relatives. She was well behaved and kept her cool most of the time.

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Addition to the Text (20 September 2007)-  

Yesterday, she came to Deep River for her bi-weekly visit to the Doctor. She did do well with normal weight increase. She is now 6 weeks old and have started responding with smiles and sounds. This day she also has other plans. She wanted to train her Grandpa for taking her out in her stroller for   neighborhood walk. Grandpa went with Sitara and her mom for a walk at about 5.00 pm. Grandpa enjoyed taking Sitara out and he pushed the stroller well. She met the next door baby (Jordan) who is   few months older than Sitara. Sitara also met Pharmacy staff and other townfolks.

She also met her dad outside his work place.   After some shopping at the Pharmacy, she returned home (at about 6.05 p.m) exhibiting  great satisfaction on her face.   A great outing and learning for Grandpa.

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Addition to the text: (22 September, 2007)

An open House was held at Mackey (at Sitara’s residence) for introducing Sitara to family members and  friends in the area. The Open House was held between 1.00 pm and 4.00 pm. There were some 50 people attended to welcome Sitara on this good earth.  Sitara was looking splendid in her embroidered dress and she was an epitome of contented and well behaved child.  She played at the start of the afternoon and first time showed activities which included trying to grab floating toys above her head. After that  she slept thru most of the afternoon even though there was much chattering going on from her well wishers  .

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Addition to the Text: (Saturday, 29 September 2007)

Sitara attended her first party (Baby Shower) outside of home held by Nina’s workplace colleagues  . The party was in the evening from 6.00 pm. Sitara came to our home, for a short while, after  the party at about 9.30 pm.

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Addition to the Text : (Monday, 1 October 2007)

This is the day Sitara accompanied her paternal Grandma (currently visiting from England) and her parents to visit North Bay to show her Grandma the touristy things around.

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Addition to the Text: (Wednesday  03 October  2007)

Today was the day for vaccination. Nina took Sitara to Doctor’s office  for her first vaccination in life. In order to ease the pain  just before the vaccination, she was fed a little sugary water.

The vaccination was for 1) Diphtheria 2) Tetanus 3) Pertussies 4) Polio-IPV 5) Hib 6) Pneomo Conjugate.

Nina brought Sitara to our home after the vaccination. She is fast asleep in the car seat at this time ( 1.30pm)

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Addition to the Text: (Friday  05 October  2007)

Today Sitara became 2 months old   (having born on 5 August 2007). She spent the day travelling to Ottawa to accompany her paternal Grandma (Hasmukhben) to the airport as her Grandma was returning back to U.K. after spending 1 month here in Canada to cuddle and play with Sitara.  Sitara went with  her mom & Grandparents (maternal) to the airport to say farewell and Bon Voyage to  the Grandma from U.K.

Sitara was all attentive , smiled a lot, played with her Grandma at the Ottawa Airport prior to Granma taking leave and entering the inner area of the Airport to get on the Air Canada plane.

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 Addition to the Text: (Sunday 21 October 2007)

Sitara & her mother have spent a night in Deep River at Grandparents home. This visit was facilitated as her daddy has gone to U.K. (for afew days) on office business since Monday 15 October 2007. Sitara have become accustomed to Granddad’s unique way of singing and making lyrics which go well with her. Sitara seems to enjoy this new phase of interaction with her maternal Grandpa (nana -in Gujarati Language). One of the rhythemic chants goes like 1-nana, 2-nana, 3-nana,4-nana,5-nana & 6-nana. At her current age (10 weeks or so) , the chant does not go beyond 6 numerals. The obvious variation to chant is 1-daddy, 2-daddy etc or 1-mummy,2-mummy etc, 1-nani, 2-nani etc (nani is maternal Grandma in Gujarati language) orfinally 1-nunu, 2-nunu etc. The “nunu” is the word we gave to the soother that Sitara sometimes have in her mouth. This “nunu” word was created by her Grandparents when Sitara’s mum was a baby (in the late 1970s).

Note: The day before (on Saturday 20 October 2007), Sitara’s maternal uncle (Sunir) got engaged to Shannon. Sitara was informed and just gave a charming smile -though I do not think she understood what was said. I think she responded to her Grandpa’s happiness & subtle smile on his face.

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Addition to the text: (20 November, 2007)

This week Sitara had more adventure. First she had a ride to North Bay with her mom and us (Grandparents) on Wednesday 14 November, 2007 . She got her first encounter with the Santa Clause at NorthGate mall and her first photo with  the Santa Clause  .

Then she has gone to Torntoto attend her second wedding since she was born  . The wedding is for Priyanka , a daughter of one of our friends in Deep River. Priyanka is also a friend of Sitara’s mom. They have stayed back in Toronto as they will attend an Engagement party for  one of her dad’s cousins duirng coming weekend.

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Addition to the text: (06 December  2007)

 Yesterday Wednesday  05 December 2007   was the day for her second round of vaccination.   The first shots were given on Wednesday 03 October  2007. Nina took Sitara to Doctor’s office  for her  second vaccination in life.   Her dad also accompanied her for this vaccination.

After vaccination Sitara came to our house with her mom. She was asleep and took the vaccination in her   stride. Once   she woke    up, she remained very fresh   and smiling and playful.

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Addition to the text: (Wednesday –    12 December  2007)

The preparation for Christmas Holidays are going   at a frantic step. Grandma has put up the tree and decorated it. There is  a new enthusiasm this year as Sitara is amidst us.   Every year since the kids  (Nina & Sunir) left home for studies and then for workforce, the Christmas decorations were getting slimmer and slimmer.But now that our granddaughter (Sitara) is amongst us, it is providing a lot of excitement.   I wrote a Letter to Editor  for the local newspaper (North Renfrew Times)  and it was published on Wednesday 12 December, 2007.

The letter is reproduced here.

Joy of Christmas

The whole world has metamorphosed to a wonderful world for the coming Christmas holidays   ”“ that is how I feel.   This is the first year; I am not working for my family”™s upkeep. This has kept me away from the hustle and bustle as well as merry-go-round cacophony of the office emergencies. The emergencies have a way of sprouting during important holidays.
 
The recent news ( in the papers and on radio) about disruption to the supply of medical radioisotopes is a case in point. This does make me to sit up but not in the context of any workplace effort required but from concern for our fellow citizens who may need diagnosis using the radioisotopes.  
 
We have been celebrating Christmas since we migrated to Canada from Kenya”“ way back in 1974. Our first-born (daughter) arrived that year and Christmas celebration was institutionalized in the household. Even though the celebration is a bit alien to our faith and culture; it resonated well as Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus.   The joy to the world was deeply felt.
 
After that the tradition continued and further strengthened on the arrival of our son. Well, as every parent knows, then those days arrived when both the daughter and the son grew up and one by one went away to their chosen university and then to workplace. The household was full of emptiness. However, every year Christmas tradition was kept alive with the hope that the kids will come home on Christmas.   Every year there was that unknown lingering on (till about a week or so before the arrival of the actual Christmas holidays) about who would actually come home? Sometimes the tree decoration was well done with great care and details and other times the decorations were left till last minute.
 
The whole world has metamorphosed to a wonderful world this year. We have become grandparents ”“ a new child is born this year. We are blessed with a lovely granddaughter who keeps us smiling all days. The full Christmas tree is back in the living room and Christmas music is on the DVD.   She is only four months and already has taken two vaccinations in her stride. Her smiles are infectious and joyful.
The joy of Christmas is profound when celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.
 I wish all a happy holidays and Merry Christmas.
  ————————————————————————  Addition to the text: (Tuesday –    25 December  2007) The celebration of Christmas this year was split in two parts . One on 25th at our daughter’s place (that is at our granddaughter’s place) and second on 27th at our  residence  in Deep River. Sunir (our son) was home on 23rd. Shennon -his fiancés arrived in the evening of Thursday 27th December. Sitara  had a great time with all the gifts and hugs and plays with Sunir,  Shennon, her parents and  grandparents. The parents were all glow and happy.   This was very fulfilling Christmas for all of us.RESP (Registered Education Saving Plan) for Sitara for 2007 was also commenced . Good ending for 2007 as grandparents. ————————————————- Addition to the text: (Thursday  – 10 January 2008)Last two days Sitara and  her parents have  come to stay with us. With electrical power off in their area in Mackay and also both aparents suffering from  cold , it was thought better to spend time in Deep River. Grandma is delighted and having a great time with Sitara. Sitara is a very charming and loving girl. Always responds to plays and all her toys. She has no cry. She is very discipline girl.   Goes to sleep according to her set rhythm and takes her feeds regulary. Grandpa gets cheered up from her laughs, giggles and various plays. Today, she joined Grandpa in his prayers to Shree  Jalaram  . She  was with her Grandma. —————————————————Addition to the text: (Thursday  –  26 January 2008)Today, Sitara went with  her parents to Pembroke for a portrait. The Grandparents also went to cheer her. She was all very charming and accommodating when various portraits were taken. She won hearts of the photographer  girls and others who had come for their own family portraits. Sitara also got her photos done for passport. She was not supposed to smile and wear darker dress.Sitara can pose so well that our hearts jump with joy.After the portraits we all went for shopping. This time for Grandpa’s new winter coat. After shopping we ended up at the Asian Restaurant in Pembroke for Chinese/Thai dinner. It was a  good ending of the day on the India’s 59th Republic day.——————————————