By Alka Gupta

The Seniors at ICC are a talented bunch. Whether it is poetry, singing, writing, pool, dancing, jokes, history, knitting, photography, fund raising, event management, there is someone who is stepping up, taking leadership or contributing in their own unique ways.

The ICC Senior program has given them a platform to explore their talents which either they knew they had but never really got a chance to express, or in many cases, didnt even know they had!!

One of the most successful Senior group is the dance troupe appropriately called Jollywood. You have to see them perform to believe their agility and enthusiasm! They got The Moves! They are doing such a great job, that they are being formally invited to perform for events all over the bay area!!

Check them out in action at http://indiacc.org. /JhoomBarabarJhoom

Yes, they are our Seniors, vibrant and Rocking the bay area! Mona Sampath (of Naach fame) and her troops have been intimately involved in training these seniors.

Usha Tandon is the knitting queen. Proceeds from all sweaters and shawls knitted by her go to the homeless.

Mr. Sindhi Bhai is the officially assigned photographer for taking pictures at all Senior Events.

Seniors are very fond of yoga, many are now trained as instructors.

Many Seniors, especially the men, are avid Pool players. Challenge them if you can!

On the other hand, Women love to play Cards

Some of the compositions written by members for ICC include:

“Saare Jahan Se acha, ICC hamara, hum seniors hain iske, ye ICC hamara”
“ICC apna ashiyana, rote huae aate hain, hanste huae jaate hain”

By Neelu Ji:
“Aage bharo, aage bharo, ICC aage bharo, peeche na murae tumhare,
ye bhadte huae kadam, aage bharo har dum,
mere bharat ki shaan ho tum, mere bharat ki maan ho tum, mere bharat ki aan ho tum,
deepak ki tarah jalte raho tum, jalti mashaal ho tum, jalte raho hur dum,
neel gagan mein chamke, sooraj aur chaand,
ICC tumhara naam bhi jaage tub tuk, aage bharo hur dum”

Seniors not only celebrate the Indian festivals with enthusiasm, but also the american ones with equal vigor. Below is a picture from a Halloween celebration.

I'll conclude with this note written by one of the Senior members Kanubhai Shah:

“Yesterday I had a dream: God came to me and said, your time is up, come with me.

I said to God, “Why are you in a hurry to take me with you now? I am very busy with so many things. I am learning Jollywood dance, I am a hero in an ICC play, I have to sing in Karoaki at the ICC Karoaki Club, I have to play Table Tennis, Pool, Carrom and work out in Gym to make my body fit. I have to join Yoga and Pranayam too. I am good writer and I have to finish my book on ICC. How you can tell me to come with you? This is not the right time. Please leave me alone at this time; I will come to you when I am free or bored.
Then God said, “ How can you say "NO" to me now, remember you were always calling me for help to take you away as you were feeling lonely, bored and unwanted?”
I told God: "Don’t you know? There was no ICC at that time” See how my life has changed by coming to ICC? I am happy and healthy now.”