FLORIDA NEWS

International Yoga Day Miami 2026 Draws Global Participation to South Florida

Story provided by Subbarayan R. Pochi, Ph.D.

Thousands of yoga practitioners, wellness instructors, vendors and families filled the Miami-Dade County Fair & Exposition Center on June 20-21 for International Yoga Day Miami 2026, marking the 12th year since the United Nations declared June 21 International Day of Yoga in 2014. Now in its second year, the summit is organized by Namaste Life and Namaskar Foundation.
More than 14,000 people attended from 43 U.S. states and 22 countries. Miami-Dade County accounted for roughly 70 percent of attendees, with Broward at 25 percent and Palm Beach at 5 percent.

“An event of this scale doesn’t happen because of one person or one organization,” said Jagdish Tailor, co-organizer. “It takes hundreds of volunteers, instructors, exhibitors, sponsors, and community partners all working toward a shared vision.”

The weekend featured more than 60 classes across three stages, 80-plus vendors, and 100-plus volunteers and instructors, spanning yoga, meditation, breathwork, Ayurveda and sound healing. Kriya Yoga monk Swami Purnatmananda Giri spoke on the discipline's philosophy at the Harmony Hollow Stage, drawing an engaged crowd.

Founder Chahna Tailor Gupta, who trained in yoga in Rishikesh and Ayurveda in Kannur, co-organized the summit with her husband, Dr. Nikhil Gupta. “Large events are often measured by attendance, but their true success is measured by impact,” said Dr. Nikhil Gupta. “We're excited to continue building on that momentum in 2027.” Planning for 2027 is already under way, organizers say.

Liberty Group CEO, Miami Marlins Co-Owner Punit Shah Executive Produces, Appears in Feature Film ‘Elon’

Punit Shah, CEO of Florida-based family office Liberty Group and a co-owner of Major League Baseball’s Miami Marlins, is now an executive producer of and appears on screen in “Elon,” a new feature film exploring the rise of tech billionaire Elon Musk.

“Elon” traces Musk’s journey from a young immigrant entrepreneur to one of the most influential — and controversial — figures of the 21st century, centering on Tesla’s volatile early years, when the company’s survival repeatedly hung in the balance. The first trailer was released recently ahead of a limited theatrical release in fall.

The film arrives at a moment of extraordinary public interest in its subject. On June 12, 2026 — just months before the movie’s theatrical debut — Musk became the world’s first trillionaire after SpaceX’s record-setting Nasdaq IPO, a milestone that has sharpened global fascination with the entrepreneur and the high-stakes bets behind his rise.
For Shah, the project is a natural extension of a career built on backing entrepreneurs and high-conviction ideas.

“What pulled me into this project was the entrepreneurship at its core,” said Shah. “I’ve spent my career building, buying and betting on businesses when the outcome was anything but certain. Elon’s story is the purest version of that — relentless drive and a willingness to risk everything on an idea the world had written off. As both an executive producer and an investor, I’m proud to help bring it to the screen.”
The film is produced by entrepreneur and filmmaker Armando Gutierrez, with Shah featured in a role as Elon Musk’s defense attorney.

“Whether you admire Elon Musk, disagree with him, or simply find him fascinating, it’s impossible to deny his impact on modern history,” Gutierrez said. “This film focuses on the entrepreneur before the mythology — the risk-taker who repeatedly bet everything on a vision that many believed would fail.”

Directed by Julien Lasseur, “Elon” features a cast of emerging actors alongside appearances from entrepreneurs and creators, including College Hunks Hauling Junk co-founder Nick Friedman. It is the latest in a growing slate for Shah, who is also an investor in feature films including, “The Night Clerk” and “The Hating Game.”

About Punit Shah
Punit Shah is the CEO of Liberty Group, a Tampa-based single-family office focused on capital preservation and diversification. Under his leadership, Liberty Group has invested more than $1.2 billion across real estate — including multifamily, office, retail and 57 hotels under the Hilton and Marriott brands — as well as private equity and structured capital.
Shah partnered with principal owner Bruce Sherman and Derek Jeter to acquire the Miami Marlins, becoming the first Indian American owner of a Major League Baseball team. He also serves on the board and investment committee of Plutus Capital Partners.

Minerva Indian Restaurant IN TAMPA Celebrates 10 Years

Minerva Indian Restaurant is celebrating its 10-year anniversary this month, marking a decade of serving authentic Indian cuisine and building lasting relationships with customers throughout Tampa and the surrounding communities.

At 19050 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Minerva has become a destination for patrons seeking flavorful and authentic Indian dishes, including popular favorites such as Gongura Chicken, Masala Dosa, and Onion Vada. The restaurant offers a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian selections, including halal options and dishes prepared with bold, traditional spices.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support we have received over the past 10 years,” said Venkat Venumula, owner of Minerva Indian Restaurant. “Our customers have been at the heart of our journey. Their continued love, loyalty and appreciation have made this milestone possible. We look forward to serving our community for many more years to come.”

10-year Anniversary Celebration
Minerva will celebrate its 10-year anniversary with a special promotion from Aug. 5 till Aug. 14. During these 10 days, customers can enjoy 50% off buffet and à la carte items. (Anniversary promotion cannot be combined with other offers. Additional terms and restrictions may apply.)

Minerva offers a weekend breakfast buffet, daily lunch and dinner buffets, and a Biryani Special every Thursday and Sunday. The restaurant also provides catering services for a wide range of occasions, serving groups from 20 guests to as many as 500 guests.
“Thank you for being part of our journey,” said Venumula. “We invite everyone to come celebrate with us and experience the authentic flavors of India.”