APRIL 2016
Khaas Baat : A Publication for Indian Americans in Florida

Florida News

ACF CONTRIBUTES TO LAWRENCE ROWE CRICKET LEGENDS WEEKEND

ACF Cricket

The American Cricket Federation (ACF) made a contribution on and off the field to the 2nd annual Lawrence Rowe Legendary Foundation’s Cricket Legends Weekend March 4-6 in Fort Lauderdale.

The 2015 Newbery American Cricket Champions League winners Massachusetts Patriots led by skipper Jaideep Reddy participated on the field in one of the two celebrity cricket matches. The foundation was created in 2011 by legendary Jamaica and West Indies test cricketer Lawrence Rowe and his wife Audrey Rowe.

It focuses on three initiatives – "Mission of the Heart" that extends a helping hand to West Indies cricket legends across the Caribbean; "Jamaica I.C.E." Independence Children Extravagance, where children showcase their cultural talents; and "Look good, do good," a mentorship and make-over initiative geared toward children in need of tutoring to get back on track with their school work. In addition, the foundation looks to keep the love of cricket alive. This year’s cricket beneficiary is ex-Barbados and West Indies test cricketer Seymour Nurse.

In attendance were West Indies stalwarts such as Rohan Kanhai, Alvin Kallicharran, Lance Gibbs, Larry Gomes, Desmond Haynes, Ridley Jacobs, Andy Roberts, Brian Lara, Larry Gomes and Joel Garner, among others. On behalf of ACF were its board directors Dr. Mahesh Allam, Avinash Varma, Mike Thomas and John Aaron, along with ACF guests and Massachusetts Patriots’ players. Legendary cricketer Brian Lara, featured speaker, opined that the future success of West Indies cricket rests on the shoulders of its younger cricketers. The world batting records holder called for a shift in responsibility and ownership of West Indies cricket.

In his address, Dr. Allam called for unity in USA cricket, using the acronym CALM to spell out a way forward for the governance and growth of the sport. He offered C for Cooperation among all stakeholders: A for Appreciation of the cultural diversity; L for Love of the game of cricket; and M for Mutual respect and dignity for every individual involved. 


HANNAH VERMA OF ORLANDO AREA IS Bright House Grand Prize Winner in Bright Ideas STEM from Today’s Youth PROGRAM

ACF Cricket

Hannah Verma

Bright House Networks has named Hannah Verma from Longwood the Grand Prize winner in its 2016 Bright Ideas STEM from Today’s Youth program.

This multistate competition, now in its second year, challenges high school students to dream up inventions to make our world a better place. To qualify, students must show how science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) can bring their ideas to life.

Sixteen-year-old Hannah of Lake Highland Prep took home the Grand Prize for her Bright Idea Verma Hygiene Mister.

Hannah and four other finalists from across the country competed head-to-head on TV in front of a studio audience at the Finalist Pitch Event, March 2, in Orlando. The event was recorded for future viewing on Video on Demand on Bright House Networks.

Entries featured innovative ways to solve many of their communities’ and the world’s most pressing challenges, from keeping our food and water safe, treating pain, fighting disease and preventing sports injuries to paying for college, finding jobs, protecting endangered species, making our roads safer and more.

As the Grand Prize winner, Hannah will now have the chance to work with product and technology innovation firm Astralis Group to build a virtual prototype and business plan. Together, they will work through the process that may ultimately bring her Bright Idea to life.

“Our goal is to see young innovators’ dreams become realities that help their communities thrive now and well into the future,” said Kimberly Maki, Bright House corporate vice president, corporate communications and public relations. 


DR. KIRAN MUSUNURU: LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON

ACF Cricket

Drs. Kiran and Rao Musunuru

In February, the White House announced that Dr. Kiran Musunuru of Harvard has been selected to receive the “Presidential Early Career Award” for Scientists and Engineers. This is the highest honor bestowed by the U.S government on science and engineering professionals in the early stages of their independent research careers. Kiran is also selected to receive a national award for his scientific and volunteer work from the American Heart Association in Dallas.

Kiran Musunuru is the son of well-known Dr. Rao Musunuru. Both are board-certified cardiologists. Rao Musunuru has been practicing cardiology, serving residents of Pasco and Hernando counties since 1981. He has been instrumental in establishing nationally recognized Heart Institute at Regional Medical Center in Hudson.

Raised by his parents in Pasco County, Kiran received his M.D. from Cornell, Ph.D. from Rockefeller and MPH from Johns Hopkins. He published his first medical book, “Cell Cycle Reculators In Cancer” at age 19 as an undergraduate at Harvard. He did his cardiology fellowship at Johns Hopkins and Massachusetts General Hospital. He teaches undergraduates at Harvard University, medical students at Harvard Medical School and patient care to the medical residents at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. He also runs a research lab on the Harvard campus, in the Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology.

Kiran Musunuru is pursuing genomic research to find a “cure” for heart disease. He is working to develop a “once in a lifetime vaccine” for prevention of coronary heart disease.


Bright House HONORS REGIONAL BUSINESS AWARDS WINNERS

ACF Cricket

Bajalia International Group (bajalia.com) won the Small Business award.

Bright House Networks announced winners in its second annual Regional Business Awards in the Greater Orlando area. Winners were named in each category: Small; Medium; Large; Start-Up; and Innovator for the awards, which honor the companies and organizations who have impacted the Greater Orlando area with their products, services, and thought leadership. Winning businesses were honored at a special celebration on March 11.

Bright House Networks teamed up with Chambers of Commerce in nine counties to host the event that connected local businesses in a celebration of best-in-class. The company awarded prizes totaling more than $1 million, including commercial TV production, air time, inclusion in a customer newsletter, and cash. For more information about the Regional Business Awards, visit www.brighthouse.com/RBA

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