OCTOBER 2014
Khaas Baat : A Publication for Indian Americans in Florida

Florida News

TAMPA TO HOST MISS INDIA FLORIDA PAGEANT NOV. 14 AT BUSCH GARDENS

Miss IndiaThe Miss India USA pageant last took place in Florida in 2005. After IIFA, the Tampa Bay area has proven it can handle the glitz and glamour. So, it’s only fitting that the Miss India Florida pageant returns to Tampa on Nov. 14. The event starts at 7 p.m. at the Stanleyville Theater in Busch Gardens. Mayor Bob Buckhorn, newly-inducted Buccaneers Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks, and Mike Alstott are a few of the special guests who will be in attendance. Tampa’s own Mrs. World April Lufriu will be present as a judge.

The Miss India USA began in New York in 1980. Few could have imagined it would grow into a mass movement with affiliates in over 40 countries. Today, it is hailed as one of the most prestigious pageants in the country with a live webcast and broadcast that reaches an audience of more than 300 million people.

There is no experience necessary to enter the pageant. Registration deadline for contestants is Oct. 17. Participants will be judged on Indian wear and formal wear. Finalists will compete in a talent and question-and-answer round. Comedian Rajiv Satyal will be one of the pageant hosts. The winner goes on to represent Florida in the Miss India USA pageant in December in New York. From there, she will compete in the Miss India Worldwide pageant representing the United States.

The pageant provides young Indian women from around the world the opportunity to showcase their Indian values, traditions and culture. It also raises funds for charitable causes. This year’s charity of choice is Care India. Care India is dedicated to fighting poverty and exclusion by empowering women and girls from the poor and marginalized communities. Contestants will be asked to raise money for Care India and a percentage of proceeds from sponsorships will also benefit the charity.

For more information on sponsorship, becoming a contestant or to purchase tickets, visit http://www.missindiaflorida.us/


JACKSONVILLE GURUDWARA CELEBRATES 1-YEAR ANNIVERSARY

JACKSONVILLE GURUDWARAJACKSONVILLE GURUDWARAOn Sept. 14, Sikh Society of North East Florida (SSNEF) celebrated the maiden anniversary of Jacksonville Gurudwara Sahib with religious fervor, interfaith interaction and volunteering. More than 300 people, including sheriff’s deputies, University of North Florida and Florida State College faculty, attended the festivities.

The program started with a power point presentation on Sikhism “A Way of Life,” followed by kirtan, sacred prayers and sharing of blessed food. The upcoming year was dedicated as the year of seva – selfless service for the first coast community.

The Gurudwara is at 6035 Morrow St., E., Jacksonville. For information, visit www.JaxGurudwara.org 


FAPI CELEBRATES 27 YEARS WITH CONCERT IN TAMPA

FAPI

Vijay Sharan, Dr. Meena Jain, FAPI President Dr. Sunita Sharan,
Jolly Mukherjee, Dr. Emandi Rao, and event Chair Dr. Rakesh Mittal.

FAPI (Florida Association of Physicians of Indian Origin) celebrated 27 years of commitment to the community with a Tribute to R.D. Burman (Pancham) concert Sept. 13 at India Cultural Center in Tampa. Before the musicians took to the stage, President-elect Dr. Sunita Sharan honored Dr. R. Vijayanagar, founder of FAPI; Dr. George Thomas, past AAPI (American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin) and FAPI president; and Tampa resident Dr. Raj. S. Ambay, lieutenant colonel of the U.S. Army Reserve.FAPI Singers

Dr. Sharan was thankful to event Chair Dr. Rakesh Mittal for his tremendous effort in organizing the successful event along with Dr. Meena Jain and Lakshmi Sastry. On stage, singer Jolly Mukherjee was joined by the abundantly talented Mahalakshmi Iyer, and Sa Re Ga Ma Pa superstars Bikash Jyoti and Shreyashi.

Food was catered by Mayuri restaurant and drinks were provided by St. Petersburg Distillery.


Shutts & Bowen Attorney Dilip Patel Named 2015 Tampa Immigration Law ‘Lawyer of the Year’

Dilip Patel

Dilip Patel

Shutts & Bowen LLP is proud to announce that attorney Dilip Patel has been named by his peers as Best Lawyers’ 2015 Tampa Immigration Law "Lawyer of the Year." Every year, one lawyer in each practice area in each community is recognized for this honor. Patel has been repeatedly selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® each year since 2005. 

Patel, among 58 Shutts & Bowen lawyers selected for inclusion in the new Best Lawyers, is a partner in Shutts & Bowen's Immigration Group and is resident in the firm's Tampa office. He is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Immigration and Nationality Law. Patel served on the Florida Bar’s Immigration and Nationality Law Certification Committee from 2007 until 2013 (Chairman 2009-2010).

“We are proud that Dilip has been selected by his peers as the Best Lawyers in America 2015 Tampa Immigration Lawyer of the Year - such a selection is an honor for Dilip and the firm,” said Michael J. “Micky” Grindstaff, firm wide Managing Partner of Shutts & Bowen. “This distinction is a tribute to both Dilip and the firm’s commitment to attract and retain outstanding lawyers who deliver high quality work on behalf of our clients.”

Before joining Shutts & Bowen, Patel managed his own firm, where he concentrated his practice in immigration and business transactions. He previously served as general counsel for an international IT services and outsourcing company, overseeing the company's initial and secondary public offerings. After receiving his British law degree from the University of London’s London School of Economics, Patel practiced law in London for five years before moving to the United States and receiving his American law degree from Florida State University College of Law.

For more information, visit www.shutts.com


TAMPA Hindu Temple To hold Navagraha Kumbabhisheka oct. 11-12

The Hindu temple of Florida in Tampa will hold Kumbhabhishekam and Punah prathishtapana of navagrahas on Oct. 11-12.

The actual samprokshana will happen on Sunday morning. Though the temple has had navagrahas for few years, there wasn’t a separate enclosure for them. That wish has been fulfilled with construction of the small shrines. To accommodate for construction, the power of the navagrahas were transferred to nine kalashas and kept inside the temple where poojas were performed. Now that construction is complete, the place has to be sanctified according to agama shastra and the deities given back their power by transferring from the kalashas. This rejuvenation can be done by performing kumbabhisheka and samprokshana to the vimana gopura and the deities. The rituals are done through several poojas, homas and other rituals scheduled over two days.   

On Oct. 12, the priests will purify and worship many pots. After performing havans and poojas to all the kalashas, the main kalasha holy water will be sprinkled on the navagrahas as well as the kalasha installed on the vimana gopuram, completing the extensive ceremonies. During the two days, the deities as well as the shikara or vimana gopura is linked by navagrahas with a silver wire. The navagraha are then ready for worship.

All navagrahas have a significant effect on health, prosperity, wellness, etc., depending on the planetary positions as decided by birth stars.

The Hindu temple is at 5509 Lynn Road. For information, call the mandir at (813) 962-6890 or visit http://www.htflt.org

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