FLORIDA NEWS

2 TAMPA BAY WOMEN WILL VIE FOR MRS. UNIVERSE 2026 WORLD FINALE OCT. 18-25

More than 100 international contestants, delegates and global judges will participate in the 49th Mrs. Universe 2026 World Finale from Oct. 18-25 in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The pageant is open to married, divorced or widowed women from ages 18 to 55 years of age who have family and are involved in significant causes to benefit others.
Meet the two contestants from the Tampa Bay area:

Beyond the Crown – Dr. Payal Patel’s Blueprint for Purpose, Leadership and Possibility

Now serving as Mrs. Universe Indian American, Dr. Payal Patel is using an international platform not simply to wear a crown, but to amplify a message she has spent decades living: success becomes meaningful when it creates possibilities for others. A pediatrician for approximately 25 years, Dr. Patel has devoted her professional life to children and families.

She is not just a physician but also wellness entrepreneur, dancer and fitness instructor, community leader, philanthropist, mother. And now, an international titleholder. Rather than seeing these identities as separate, she has built a career around the intersections between them. Her philosophy is particularly relevant to today’s executive woman: you do not have to fit into one box to be successful.

For Dr. Patel, that philosophy became especially visible through the creation of BollySoulFit in 2020 during the pandemic that encouraged wellness for mind body and soul. Through dance fitness, kickboxing, strength and toning, yoga, meditation, Garba workshops, retreats, book and movie clubs and other experiences, Dr. Patel created something beyond exercise. The idea was simple: wellness should not feel like punishment. It should feel empowering, joyful and social.

That philosophy has continued to influence her work with women and community initiatives, including BeyondBold, where conversations around women’s wellness, confidence and life transitions are brought into the spotlight.

Her community involvement has included support for organizations and initiatives such as Akshaya Patra, the Pediatric Cancer Foundation, Metropolitan Ministries, Heels to Heal and other charitable causes on a global scale including a trip to Honduras to serve the community with her medical expertise as a pediatrician. Her Indian-American identity is not a hyphen between two worlds. It is a bridge between them.

Her Indian heritage represents family, culture, resilience, tradition and community. Her American experience represents opportunity, entrepreneurship, individuality and the freedom to reinvent oneself. That responsibility extends beyond celebrating heritage. For Dr. Patel, it is a platform to advocate for women, celebrate Indian-American achievement, encourage wellness, support philanthropy and inspire women to pursue their ambitions at every stage of life.

From Himalayas to Tampa Bay: Priti VERMA’S Remarkable Rise to the Mrs. Universe Stage

Tampa resident Priti Verma, who grew up in the beautiful Dehradun foothills of the Himalayas, is preparing to represent Mrs. South East America Universe at the upcoming Mrs. Universe pageant. Her journey from India’s mountain landscapes to Florida’s Gulf Coast has become a powerful story of resilience, reinvention and community impact.
Verma moved to Tampa 15 years ago, bringing with her a distinguished academic background, including a Ph.D. in Himalayan Geology.

Through determination and continuous learning, she transitioned into the technology sector and is now a respected IT professional, project manager and agile coach. Verma’s empathetic leadership has made her a mentor to women across Florida’s tech community.
Her entrepreneurial journey also flourished in Tampa. She founded Pretty Dangles, a handcrafted jewelry brand inspired by global artistry and her Himalayan roots, using it to support women entrepreneurs locally and internationally.

She is equally known for contributions to wellness and cultural arts. She is trained in Salsa, Bachata and Bhangra, and certified as a Zumba instructor.

As she prepares for the Mrs. Universe pageant, Verma says she carries Tampa’s spirit with her — its diversity, opportunity and resilience. Her story continues to inspire women throughout Florida and beyond.

Best of luck to both the participants!

THILLAI PRESENTS INAUGURAL FLUTE CONCERT OCT. 31 IN CASSELBERRY/ORLANDO

Thillai, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and preserving Indian classical arts in Central Florida, will present its inaugural concert “Venu Gana Sudha” on Oct. 31 in Casselberry/Orlando. Internationally acclaimed Carnatic flutist Shri J. A. Jayant will be accompanied by N. C. Bharadwaj on mridangam and Kumari Samyukta Sriram on ghatam. Together, these accomplished percussionists will provide dynamic rhythmic support, complementing the flute recital.

Born into a musical lineage, Jayant trained under his grandfather, the late flutist T.S. Sankaran, a disciple of the legendary Flute Mali. Jayant is recognized as the torch bearer of the Flute Mali style of Carnatic flute playing. A prodigious talent, he stunned audiences by performing complex Raagam Thanam Pallavi (RTP) compositions at just 7 years old.

Thillai will present concerts, performances, workshops, and lecture-demonstrations while encouraging and showcasing local artists and emerging talent in Central Florida. The non-profit organization aims to bring distinguished artists from India to perform for Central Florida audiences. It also seeks to involve and encourage local young artists, helping them gain exposure to professional performers, deepen their appreciation of the tradition, and, where appropriate, participate alongside visiting artists. This initiative creates opportunities for audiences, artists, art students, and families to experience exceptional performances in an inviting community setting.

Sanatan Mandir Tampa, Community Raises OVER $10,000 for Nepal Relief

Story provided by Naresh Vissa

Sanatan Mandir, 311 E. Palm Ave., Tampa hosted a heartfelt gathering to remember the victims of the devastating tragedy in Nepal and offer condolences and prayers to the families who lost loved ones.

The program began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, followed by remarks from the secretary of Tampa Bay Nepalese Community, who shared details about the calamity and the tremendous loss of life and property in Nepal.

The gathering brought together members of Tampa Bay’s Indian and Nepali communities in a shared expression of remembrance, compassion and support. Among those attending were Sanatan Mandir President Chandrakant Patel, Vice President Pankaj Patel, Pandit Shri Rishi Vyas, Nepalese Community President Anjana, and Kadambari Adesh, who traveled from Orlando to participate.

Beyond offering prayers and condolences, the community came together to provide meaningful assistance. Through the generosity of attendees and supporters, more than $10,000 was raised for relief and support efforts in Nepal, with additional commitments also received.

The program concluded with two minutes of silence and prayers for the eternal peace of those who lost their lives, as well as strength and comfort for their grieving families. The gathering reflected the close bonds between Tampa Bay’s Indian and Nepali communities and demonstrated how compassion can turn remembrance into action.

SANATAN MANDIR TAMPA CELEBRATES SACRED NAVGRAH PRAN PRATISHTHA MAHOTSAV

More than 200 guests, devotees, dignitaries, trustees and community leaders attended a spiritually significant Navgrah Pran Pratishtha Mahotsav Sept.18-19 at Santan Mandir Tampa. Over two days, five priests conducted elaborate Vedic rituals, sacred havans, pujas, mantra recitations, and traditional consecration ceremonies, culminating in the formal Pran Pratishtha of the Navgrah. The sacred consecration ceremonies were sponsored by recognized Sarasota OB/GYN Dr. Sunita Sharan and her family. After the ceremonies, guests joined together for a specially prepared Mahaprasad luncheon, celebrating the occasion in a spirit of devotion, fellowship and gratitude.