AUGUST 2012
Khaas Baat : A Publication for Indian Americans in Florida
Florida News

Washington Leadership Program Alum to host National Reception During RNC IN TAMPA

In a few weeks, the eyes of the world will be watching Tampa. Activists, donors, staffers and elected officials from all over the country will come to network, fund raise and showcase their platform to a global stage. Indian Americans will be also in Tampa at the forefront of this political event.

The Washington Leadership Program (WLP), a non-profit dedicated to developing future leaders of tomorrow in the Indian American community, will be in Tampa showcasing the achievements of the community in the political arena.

WLP brings Indian American college students to the nation’s Capitol to educate them about politics first-hand, while developing strong leadership skills interning for Members of Congress and Government agencies. It is the most prestigious political internship to date for Indian American students. This program is an investment for the future for the community, which has seen success in every aspect of society, except politically. There is an undying need for quality
leadership in America, and the nature of this program primes students to excel in any field in which they choose to build their careers.

With more than 170 alumni, the WLP has access to all levels of government in both parties. In this ever-critical election cycle, the program has alumni working as presidential candidate Romney campaign staff in Ohio, Wisconsin and New Hampshire. The WLP also counts numerous political appointees to the current President Obama administration, from a senior economic adviser to the deputy U.S. trade representative to India.

The Washington Leadership Program is one of the few organizations in the community that is able to access the most senior officials of both parties. As leaders institute the program, it can uniquely inform the community of major political happenings and serve as an incubator to
match mentors to new leaders. The WLP is working to expand this network, which is why alumnus and state representative of Maryland, Sam Arora, is scheduled to come to Tampa highlight leaders in the community and stress the importance of building access and development for future generations. Delegate Arora worked with WLP in 2002 for then Senator Clinton.

Delegate Arora working with a future leader and WLP Alum in Tampa, Aakash Patel, hope to inform the community in Tampa of the importance and potential of Indian American leaders. "WLP made an impact in my life, and I'm proud to introduce success stories like Mr. Arora to the Indian American Community in Tampa," said Aakash M. Patel, an Executive Committee member of the Indo-US Chamber of Commerce.

On afternoon of Aug. 26, Dr. Rahul Mehra, a Tampa resident and owner of Mehra Vista Health, will host a gathering at his home for Indian officials arriving in the city for the convention. "Young Indian Americans should consider actively immersing themselves in the political process of both major political parties here in the United States,” said Mehra.


The invite list has gone out to WLP Alums, Indian American leaders from across the U.S., Congressional staffers, policy advisers and campaign officials.

For more information on WLP, visit www.thewlp.com and for the Tampa event details, call Aakash M. Patel at (813) 364-4769.


ENTRIES SOUGHT FOR ORLANDO TEMPLE ANNIVERSARY DIRECTORY

Hindu Society of Central Florida (HSCF) will celebrate its 25th anniversary in December 2012. To mark this milestone, the temple will create a directory as a community resource guide. The directory cover art work will be selected from entries submitted to sovenircoverdesign@hindutempleorlando.org The winner will get a substantial prize. The HSCF directory will have advertisement opportunities for local business and professionals.

HSCF is also making a documentary of the Hindu temple in Casselberry and invites all to share their memories and photos/videos of events at HSCF. Devotees’ stories and experiences will enhance the celebration of Hindu spirituality, culture and life at the temple. Over the years, the temple has grown and expanded its scope, mainly because of devotees who contributed to its success and participated in the pujas, satsangs and community events. Share your stories to celebrate the Hindu Temple’s history and serve as an inspiration for the next generation to take it forward to even greater heights. The documentary is being made by Vibhav Joshi and Vivek Sharma, both are well-known for their computer wizardry and videography.

For more information, contact HSCF Souvenir Committee Chairperson Dr. Mohan Saoji at (321) 948-0300 or e-mail mohansaoji@gmail.com or visit www.hindutempleorlando.org and click on myhscf to submit photos.


ORLANDO HSCF NEW AGE GROUP celebrates THE FOURTH; ALSO, INVITING ENTRIES FOR ESSSAY COMPETITION

Hindu Society of Central Florida New Age GroupThe Hindu Society of Central Florida New Age Group celebrated the U.S. Independence Day last month.

During the celebration, youth Yogi Nayyar presented the Indian and American national anthems on violin and also the national pledge. Homage was paid to veteran members of New Age Group as well as the heroes who sacrificed their lives for the nation. Games such as musical chairs, carom, chess, rummy, sweep and bridge were played. Mohan and Mala Karkhanis served Mexican specialties and ice cream.

The New Age Group meets once a month, usually on the first Sunday from 1.30 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call Madan Arora at (407) 971-9259 or Dev Sharma at (407) 862-9920.

Also, the New Age Group will hold an essay competition to commemorate Grandparents Day, which will be celebrated from 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 9, at HSCF, 1993 Lake Drive, Casselberry.

Topics vary according to age groups:

Students of elementary school: Why and how we should respect our elders (150 to 250 words).

Students of middle school: Why and how we should protect our environment (250 to 500 words).

Students of high school: Why and how we should avoid corruption (300 to 750 words).

The winner and two runners up in each group will receive a small cash prize. Each participant will receive a certificate for community service.

The essay entries must be sent by email (without any attachment) and reach the following e-mail address by Aug. 31. E-mail hscfnewagegroup@yahoo.com


TICKETS ON SALE FOR SEPT. 28 ORLANDO SHREYA GHOSHAL CONCERT

By SHOBANA DANIELL

American Association of Physicians from India’s Charitable Foundation, AAPI and Florida Federation local chapters will present a medical seminar and Shreya Ghoshal concert to raise funds to promote educational and philanthropic activity in India and the United States. This year, the U.S.-based medical doctor’s organization has arranged a nine-city tour of singer Shreya Ghoshal. Orlando will be a host city for the 8 p.m. concert on Friday, Sept. 28, at the Linda Chapin Auditorium at the Orange County Convention Center on International Drive.

Organizers say that individual tickets are selling briskly. Sponsorships, group table reservations and special packages that include VIP tickets, meeting the artists and advertisements are available. The cost of many of these packages is tax deductible as the event helps promote not only the sponsor's business but also charitable causes in India and U.S. The annual AAPI convention in Long Beach, Calif., attracted thousands to participate and emphasize the goals of fostering better ties between the two countries, holding medical camps, work towards legislation of  health care issues on Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C., and encouraging medical education and mentoring new Indian American medical graduates.

For more information about tax deductible tickets and sponsorship packages, contact Dr. A. Pillai at (407) 718-8733 or dpillai605@aol.com; Dr. Vraj Panara at (407) 252-7486; Dr. Ravi Jahagirdar at (407) 230-2232; and CAPI President Dr. Nikita Shah at (407) 721-7142. For show ticket availability, see full advertisement and event Web sites: www.aapishreyaghoshal2012.com and www.capimed.com


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