KHAAS BAAT CELEBRATES 20-YEAR ANNIVERSARY

First issue of Khaas Baat, August 2004.
This month, we celebrate a milestone, 20 years of continuous monthly publication since the inaugural issue in August 2004. We thank the dedicated volunteer columnists, past and present, for their valuable contributions, and our steadfast advertisers and well-wishers, it wouldn’t have been possible without their efforts and support. We have strived to make a positive and meaningful impact by keeping readers aware of cultural activities and events, prominent people and happenings within the Indian American community. Apart from our regular monthly features, news stories and upcoming event coverage, we hope you enjoy our reviews of vehicles we test drive each week. Maybe some serve as a guidance for you when looking to purchase a new car.

One of our friends and well-wishers put it succinctly, “For two decades, Khaas Baat has been a vital source of news, information, and connection for countless readers. You have played a crucial role in keeping the community informed, engaged, and united, especially during times of hardship. Your unwavering commitment to serving the community is truly inspiring. We sincerely thank you for your passion and perseverance in bringing Khaas Baat to life each month. Thank you for providing a platform that celebrates the rich culture and heritage of the Asian Indian community in Florida.”

Since its inception, Khaas Baat has been mailed free of cost to subscribers around the state with only a handful of paid subscribers in the past few years. We are proud to say we haven’t skipped a single issue. And since the beginning of the pandemic, Khaas Baat has been available in its entirety online at www.khaasbaat.com For those who prefer to read a hard copy of the newspaper, do subscribe for home delivery. Starting a new venture or looking to grow your business? Please advertise in our newspaper to promote your business.

Over a third of newspapers in the United States have shut down in the last 16 years or so. Paper shortages and supply issues have hit community publications such as Khaas Baat the hardest but, despite all odds, we have continued to print on a monthly basis. Recent challenges include rising inflation and mailing costs. At this juncture, we are in need of corporate or private sponsors to help cover our monthly production costs so we may continue to publish Khaas Baat as a high-quality newspaper proudly serving our community. Please send your support via Zelle to (813) 758-1786 or you can PayPal ID to: [email protected] You may also send a check addressed to KHAAS BAAT and mailed to KHAAS BAAT, 8312 WINDSOR BLUFF DRIVE, TAMPA, FL 33647.

As our festival season is under way, we request community leaders and organizers to email event details to [email protected] by the 20th of the month to be included in the following month’s issue. We always welcome your story ideas and suggestions on how we can best serve our community.

Khaas Baat is proud to be the ONE AND ONLY Sunshine State publication to offer comprehensive coverage of news and happenings in the Florida Indian community. Do follow us on twitter @khaasbaat and join us on Facebook.

Florida communities celebrating the festive occasion include:

TAMPA/ST. PETERSBURG/CLEARWATER
The Federation of India Associations (FIA) of Tampa Bay will hold India’s 78th Independence Day celebration on Sunday, Aug. 25, at India Cultural Center, 5511 Lynn Road, Tampa. The lively and free event attracting all age groups from the greater Tampa Bay region includes cultural programs, competitions in art, essay writing, patriotic dress, music, rangoli and cooking; blood drive; food booths, clothing and jewelry stalls; India and U.S. flag hoisting; high school scholarships presentation; member organizations, including regional language exhibits. For details to register and participate, visit http://www.fiatampabay.org/or email to [email protected]

SOUTH FLORIDA (FORT LAUDERDALE)
The Association of Indians in America (AIA) South Florida chapter will hold India Independence Day celebrations from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 18, at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 S.W. Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale. Admission is free, parking is $12. On the agenda is cultural entertainment of music and dance, Indian food and fashion. For details, email [email protected]

ORLANDO/CASSELBERRY/ALTAMONTE SPRINGS
Hindu Society of Central Florida and New Age Group will celebrate India’s Independence Day in advance on Aug. 18, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the community hall at 1994 Lake Drive, Casselberry. Admission is free. Cultural groups and individuals are urged to participate in entertainment programs. For information, call (407) 221-5616 or email [email protected]

Central Florida Indian Cultural Association will celebrate Independence Day from 3 to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 17, at Cranes Roost Park, Altamonte Springs. Programs include a parade, cultural dance and parade. Entry is free. For information, call Prashant Saoji at (321) 460-0800.

BARTOW/PLANT CITY/LAKELAND
The Bhartiya Samaj of Central Florida will celebrate Independence Day Aug. 18 with a flag ceremony/picnic from 11 a.m. at Mary Holland Park, 2015 Shumate Drive, Bartow. For tickets and information, call Subhash Patel at (863) 838-0969 or visit www.bscfl.com

GAINESVILLE
India Cultural and Education Center (ICEC) Youth Group will celebrate India's Independence Day on Aug. 17 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Little Wood Elementary School, 812 N.W. 34th St. For details, call (352) 379-2911 or visit www.icec-florida.org

MELBOURNE/COCOA (SPACE COAST)
India Association of the Space Coast will hold India Day at Melbourne Auditorium, 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd., Melbourne from 4 p.m. on Aug. 10. For information, email [email protected]

JACKSONVILLE
Indian Cultural Society will hold Independence Day/India Fest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 7. For venue and more information, email [email protected] or visit www.jaxics.org

TALLAHASSEE
India Association of Tallahassee (IATLH) will hold its annual Utsav/India Day from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. at FSUS School (Southwood), 3000 School House Road, Tallahassee on Aug. 17. For information, email [email protected]