FLORIDA NEWS
Punjabi Association of America, TAMPA Celebrates Baisakhi with Culture and Community Giving
The Punjabi Association of America, Tampa (PAA) hosted a vibrant Baisakhi celebration April 19 at the India Cultural Center, drawing nearly 500 guests. The evening was a festive showcase of Punjabi culture, featuring traditional food, music and high-energy performances, including giddha, bhangra, children’s dances and a special act by USF Bulls Bhangra.
PAA President Amit Dehra, alongside his dedicated team, emphasized the association’s ongoing commitment to supporting local causes. This year, PAA honored Feeding Tampa Bay with a donation, recognizing the nonprofit’s vital role — especially following recent weather-related challenges. The check was presented by Dehra, Vinay Taneja and Sunny Sidhu to Stefanie Wertovitch, Development Officer at Feeding Tampa Bay.
Baisakhi, traditionally a harvest and religious festival, has grown into a celebration of community, heritage and gratitude. As the dance floor opened, guests enjoyed a joyful evening of Bollywood and Punjabi music, creating lasting memories. According to Dehra and Treasurer Dr. Hiroo Kapur, plans are already in motion for an even larger celebration in 2026. For membership or business inquiries, email [email protected]
TAMPA ICC TO HOLD INTERNATIONAL DAY OF YOGA JUNE 21
Recognizing the universal appeal of yoga, the United Nations proclaimed June 21 as the International Day of Yoga in December 2014 by a resolution proposed by India and endorsed by over175 member states. The International Day of Yoga aims to raise awareness, worldwide, of the many benefits of practicing yoga.
Tampa has been celebrating this event annually since 2015, thanks to main sponsor India Cultural Center (ICC) and many yoga organizations, studios and Hindu temples.
An exciting array of practitioners will present benefits of yoga, Hatha yoga, Pranayama, food as medicine, relaxation, laughter yoga, etc. As always, a light lunch will be served after the program.
The event will be at ICC, 5511 Lynn Road, on June 21 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Register at https://www.idytampa.org/ For details, call Sundar Kalesekaran (Chair) at (813) 784-7860.
KHAASBAAT.COM WEB SITE, EBLASTS, SPONSORSHIP AND MORE!
By NITISH S. RELE and SHEPHALI J. RELE
In this digital age, it bears no repetition that newspapers are a dying breed. A report by Northwestern University reveals that two newspapers are folded every week. As we steadily march toward our 19-year anniversary (printing monthly since August 2004 without skipping an issue), here are some thoughts for our readers.
Since the onset of Covid, Khaas Baat has been available in its entirety in PDF format at khaasbaat.com for everyone, free of charge. If you would like to receive our weekly emails, let us know at [email protected] And if you want home/office delivery, please fill out the subscription form on page two. Despite rising printing and mailing costs, we will continue to publish Khaas Baat. But we will need sponsors and your support moving forward to make that happen. Checks can be addressed to Khaas Baat, 8312 Windsor Bluff Drive, Tampa, FL 33647. Payment can also be made via PayPal to PP ID:[email protected]