Posted by LCFT Lohana Charitable Foundation of Toronto on Feb 24, 2019
AGM REPORT
 
On Sunday February 24th, 2019 the Lohana Community gathered at Ram Mandir for our Annual General Meeting. This year’s AGM discussed the multiple successful events held over the course of 2018 and looked forward to the coming year. 
 
2018 in Summary
At the AGM, the 2018 President's and Treasurer's report presented a successful year in terms of a positive financial balance, enhancements in operations and communications, increase in Lohana Annual paid memberships as well as sponsorships and donations in kind. Overall this resulted in an increase of attendance to our events enjoyed thoroughly by all.
 
 
Dr. Vipinbhai Mithia and Sureshbhai Thakrar presented a successful Maha Parishad Report and also commented on the funeral Committee's involvement within the community.

New Executive Committee
The new committee was sworn in as follows:
 
The 2019 Board of Directors
 
President:     Deval Chandarana
VP:                   Anuj Dhrona
Treasurer:     Sheetal Dave
Secretary:     Sahil Radia

Board Officers: Amar Gadhia, Sharmil Mithia and Hetal Kara

Advisory Board Officer:  Alka Panchmatia
Past President:  Mitesh Kantaria
Communications:  Sejal Thakrar
Photographer:  Sanjay Dave

Constitutional Changes

 

This year, two constitutional changes were unanimously approved: 

 

1. That as per By-Law 3 (Fees), the Annual Membership Dues amount shall be determined by executive by resolution to be ratified by a simple majority at AGM year, having regard to the membership categories outlined within the By-Law. 

 

2. An External Auditor will now be appointed for external purposes at the AGM only if required. 

 

Your membership dues for the entire year are only $60 per family household.  These are required to cover the costs of communications, event management, our membership directory, new technology, bereavement support, and more.  As a member, you are privileged to discounted rates for our events, which we encourage you to attend to sustain a level of community spirit and belonging.  

 

We request the support of all Lohanas and friends to pay their membership dues in a timely manner, by April 30th, 2019. Kindly register your current contact and household details using the form on the membership page of our website and completing the form to verify your membership and current information for our new mobile "On the Go" directory: 

 

 
  

Recognition Awards
 
At the AGM, Rameshbhai Chotai was awarded an award of recognition for his contributions to the Lohana Community and for receiving Highest Civilian Award by the President of India.
 
Dipakbhai Dhrona, who once again chaired the AGM with his usual proficiency, was also recognized with an award for his 25 years of service to the LCFT.
 
 

Notes From Rameshbhai Chotai

Dear Members of the Board of directors, the current Lohana Committee Members,  the Past Presidents, the Well Wishers and the entire Lohana Community...
 
I am deeply grateful and profoundly touched by the accolades and the honour bestowed on me by the Lohana Community. Most importantly, I am humbled as it comes from my "Community Leaders" and the organization which accorded me the opportunity to serve and the Community, I dearly love and admire. Lohana Community is a cohesive organization and stands together at all times.
 
I am very grateful and humbled to receive the memento from the community ( from President Mitesh Kantaria ) today, at The Annual General Meeting. I shall always cherish this alongside with the Gold Medal and the citation I received from the Government of India.
 
I am particularly grateful to the Government of India (in particular The Minister of External Affairs Shushma Swaraj), The High Commissioner of India to Canada His Excellency, Vikas Sarup, The counsel General Of India, Ambassador  Dinesh Bhatia, Canada India Foundation , Indo- Canada Chamber of Commerce, Canadian Museum of Indian Civilization, Santan Mandir, Vraj Canada, Vaishnav Samaj of Canada, Vishnu Mandir, Hindu Mandir and Cultural Centre, the Federal Members of the Canadian   Parliament, the Provincial Members Of Ontario Legislature, and many, many organizations from coast to coast ...
 
In particular, I will be remiss, if I did not thank my wife, Krishna Chotai for her untiring support and efforts which allowed me to participate in various organizations. It has been a long and rewarding journey of the Community Services for which I am grateful to God. 
 
I truly admire and thank .... all of you for continuing to contribute and help our great Community. Please keep up the good work.
 
Many of you have sent me messages by emails, phone calls, the texts, the postal mail of congratulations ...and it has been impossible to reply to all of them. I am overwhelmed. Please accept this email as my very big thank you to all of you 
 
God Bless and kind regards to all
 
Ramesh Chotai