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TAKE ADVANTAGE OF FREE 12TH
ANNUAL HEALTH FAIR MAY 15 IN TAMPA
Story provided
by Dr. Renuka Ramappa
The 121h annual
Health Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 15, at the
Hindu Temple Community Hall, 5509 Lynn Road, Tampa.
The volunteer-run
community service has been a tradition at the Hindu Temple of Florida since
1998. Each year, the Health Fair, which is free to the general public, generates
a tremendous response. There are typically 300-400 attendees and 50-100
participating physicians. Physicians and volunteers alike work together to bring
free screenings and health information services to the public.
Medical services include
free screenings for blood sugar, cholesterol, osteoporosis, and stress;
evaluations of visual, auditory, and pulmonary function; information regarding
anti-aging, mammography, self-breast exams, obesity, asthma and allergies;
dental examinations, and more. Blood sugar and cholesterol screenings will be
provided. Also, attendees can interact with physicians by asking field-related
questions regarding nutrition, obesity, diabetes, osteoporosis, stress
management, child health, menopause syndrome, bypass surgery, peptic ulcer,
heart disease and more.
There also will be
fun-filled activities such as a moon walk and slide for the children, as well as
raffle door prizes. The fair will include booths with jewelry, clothes and
Indian vegetarian food from the Prasad Sadan (the Hindu Temple kitchen).
For information,
call (813) 962-6890 or visit www.hindutempleofflorida.or
___________________________________________________________________________
GRANDPARENTS DAY TO BE CELEBRATED MAY
23 IN SOUTH FLORIDA
By SHEPHALI J.
RELE
For the first time, the Indian Religious and Cultural Center (IRCC) will hold
Grandparents Day celebration on Sunday, May 23. The 4 to 8 p.m. event will be at
Shiva Vishnu Temple, 5661 Dykes Road, in Southwest Ranches.
On the agenda for grandparents is singing, dances, jokes/mimicry/poetry and
skits. For grandchildren (ages 14 and younger), there will be an essay writing
competition and poems about grandparents.
The event is free for grandparents. Members pay $15 and non-members $20.
Children ages 15 and younger are $10; children of non-members are $15; kids 3
and younger are free. Dinner will be served by Woodlands Indian Restaurant.
Visit www.irccflorida.com for entry forms and deadline details. Or call IRCC
board members Poonam Wadhwa at (954) 345-3412, Durgesh Thakar at (954) 755-2667,
Sanjay Gupta at (954)-461-4003, Sanjiv Shah at (954) 786-9997, Rupal Shukla at
(954) 967-8388 or Vivek Swaroop at (954) 349-5661.
____________________________________________________________________________
DANCE TO THE RHYTHM OF RAVI DRUMS MAY 7 IN TAMPA
By NITISH S. RELE
Ravi Jakhotia, known as DJ Ravi Drums, will present a performance
Friday, May 7, in Tampa. The event is organized by FIA of Tampa Bay.
Ravi Drums, former Tampa resident and a graduate of Chamberlain High School,
brings his high-octane, in-your-face energy to hip-hop, rock, funk, house,
Latin, Brazilian and reggaeton.
�I will play a mix of everything,� said Ravi Drums in a phone interview. �It
will be a sort of Indo-mash-up, a mix of Bollywood songs as well as stuff you
hear on the radio here. You could call it a special hybrid sauce.�
Ravi Drums expects attendees at the event to party down, �should be a lot of
fun,� he said. �A stress relief of sorts, a performance that both the young and
old can enjoy.�
Among a few of Ravi Drums� numerous accomplishments
are being music director and drummer on the 2009 NBC TV series �Howie
Do It�; performing at the
2009 Oscars when
two �Slumdog Millionaire� songs were nominated; performing with Tupac Shakur,
Paula Abdul, Justin
Timberlake,
Ricky Martin,
Will Smith and
Black Eyed Peas;
appearing in a Gap commercial as well as playing a small role in �The Matrix
Reloaded.� More recently, on April 17, he performed to a standing-room-only
crowd at Grand Hyatt in Mumbai.
The 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. act will at India Cultural Center, 551 Lynn Road.
Tickets are $50 in advance and $60 after May 1; children 12 years and younger
are $25; babysitting services re available for $5. Dinner and drinks are
included.
For more information, call Event Chair Anita Shembekar at (813)
972-7717, Event Co-Chair Madhavi Shekharam at (813) 792-2646 or FIA President
Rashmi Jakhotia at (813) 962-4172.
Also, visit
www.ravidrums.com
___________________________________________________________________________
ALACHUA KRISHNA TEMPLE TO HOLD PRAN PRATISHTHA MAY 29-30
The New Raman Reti, ISKCON of Alachua will install Sri
Krishna-Balaram on May 29-30, which is Memorial Day weekend. The Pran Pratishtha
ceremony will start Saturday, May 29, with auspicious services under a big tent
from 4:30 pm until 7 pm.
Sunday is a full day beginning with arati, sadhu sanga, kirtan and abhisheka of
Sri Krishna-Balaram. There will entertainment and children's activities
throughout the day. Prasadam feasts will be served both evenings; and prasad
served throughout the day too.
The Hare Krishna Hare Rama temple is at 17303 N.W. 112th
Blvd. in Alachua.
For more information, call (386) 462-2017, e-mail
[email protected] or visit
www.newramanreti.com/festival
____________________________________________________________________________
TAMPA INDO-US CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TO HOLD
BANYAN BALL JUNE 5
Story provided by INDO-US Chamber
INDO-US Chamber of Commerce in Tampa will hold its annual gala and awards
banquet on June 5 at Tampa Airport Marriott. The Banyan Ball is an event
honoring Asian-American businesses and individuals who have distinguished
themselves through professionalism and community service. It provides excellent
networking opportunities and brings people together to celebrate the chamber�s
activities and its success over the past year.
Business and political leaders will come together at this event and only 350
seats are available. Last year�s attendees included Consulate General of India
Sanjiv Arora, Attorney General Bill McCollum, along with business leaders in the
Tampa Bay area from the Indian community and outside. This year�s invited guests
include Indian Ambassador Meera Shankar, Consul General Sanjiv Arora, Gov.
Charlie Christ, Attorney General McCollum, Florida�s CFO Alex Sink, and
leadership of other Indo-American chambers across United States and business
leaders from Tampa Bay and beyond.
The black-tie event will begin with a cocktail reception at 6:30 p.m. and
continue with dinner, Indo-US Business awards, keynote speaker, entertainment
and dancing. Tickets can be purchased through
www.indo-us.org or by contacting
chamber President Francis Vayalumkal at
[email protected] or
(813) 719-0303.
BUSINESS AWARDS
The INDO-US Chamber of Commerce will recognize businesspersons and companies
that are making it through these tough economic times. Whether you are growing
or just staying afloat, the INDO-US Chamber of Commerce seeks to recognize
businesses and individuals who make a difference. It seeks to identify leaders
and creative business persons who are an inspiration to the teams around them.
The categories include:
Businessman of the Year
Businesswoman of the Year
Young Businessperson of the Year
Community Service Person of the Year
All information provided below will go directly to the board of directors of the
INDO-US Chamber of Commerce.
CRITERIA: The businessperson and/or principal owners of the business should be a
resident(s) of the Greater Tampa Bay area including Hillsborough, Pinellas,
Pasco, Manatee, Sarasota, Polk, and Hernando counties (neighboring counties will
be considered).
SUBMISSION: Please submit the following relating to your nominations:
Nomination category (one or more of the above 4 award categories)
Name of company
Name of individual
Brief description of company�s business
Brief description of individual�s background, including education, past
businesses /employment history, and what brought him/her to this company and the
Tampa Bay area.
Reason for award � why do you believe this company or individual should
receive this award. How have they made a difference and how do they inspire
others?
Please submit the above via email to Santosh Govindaraju at
[email protected] by no later
than May 20. You may also e-mail Santosh with any questions about the awards and
selection process.
More information about the chamber can be found at www.indo-us.org
COLUMN: MOTORING
LINCOLN MKS GETS ALL-NEW ECOBOOST FROM FORD
By NITISH S. RELE
[email protected]
EcoBoost. You will be hearing more about this all-new V-6 direct-injection,
twin-turbocharged engine produced by Ford for some present and future vehicles.
Like the 2010 Lincoln MKS luxury sedan, which cranks out 355 horsepower at 5700
rpm and 350 pounds-feet of torque at 3500 rpm. The 3.5-liter DOHC engine is
mated to a seamless 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.
EcoBoost is essentially twin turbochargers and a smaller-displacement engine
working in tandem with gasoline direct injection to produce a powerful but
fuel-efficient engine.
Though a carryover from 2009 and sharing its basic design with the Ford Taurus,
our flagship test sedan came with all-wheel drive, which distributes torque
efficiently between the front and rear wheels. Ensconced on a unitized steel
body structure is a MacPherson strut suspension in front and an independent rear
multilink system. An electric power steering uses power from an electric motor
only when needed, unlike a normal hydraulic system, which constantly pulls power
from the engine. This ensures fuel savings and a remarkable steering response.
The now familiar-faced massive grille with the centered Lincoln emblem and
adaptive HID headlights greets onlookers. The rear shows off the car division�s
insignia amid a chrome-slathered bar and dual exhaust. The 19-inch painted
aluminum wheels carry plenty of stick.
Lincoln has always been associated with opulence and, in this respect, the MKS
leaves up to its reputation. The push-button start is a convenient feature. As
temperatures inch up, the standard rear window power sunshade will come in
handy. Sprinkles of wood on the dashboard and the power tilt/telescopic steering
column add classiness. We liked the aura in the cabin as soon as the ambient
lights came on. Apart from 12-way power heated and cooled front seats, the MKS
gets is equipped with standard heated rear seats, dual-zone automatic climate
control, hands-free Sync voice-activated system and a cap less fuel-filler
system. And the trunk can gobble up 18.7 cubic feet of space.
Safety features include dual front and side airbags, side curtain for both rows,
four-wheel antilock brakes with brake assist, AdvanceTrac with Electronic
Stability Control, traction control, seatbelt pretensioners, antiskid system and
front/rear obstacle detection system.
Despite the EcoBoost system, the MKS may be unable to attract buyers. Its
$50,000-plus price tag seems too hefty. Also, the ride isn�t as quick and nimble
as one would expect of a luxury car. However, passengers can sit, relax and
enjoy the ride in style.
LINCOLN MKS
Tires:
P255/45R19 all season
Wheelbase:
112.9 inches
Length:
204.1 inches
Weight:
4,276 pounds
Fuel capacity:
19 gallons
City:
17 mpg
Highway:
25 mpg
Base price:
$47,760
Web site:
www.lincoln.com
____________________________________________________________________________
STYLISH ACCORD COUPE AN EXCELLENT
PERFORMER
By NITISH S. RELE
[email protected]
A carryover from last year, the 2010 Honda Accord coupe
offers a supple ride with snappy acceleration, first-rate steering and body
control. It navigates sharp turns and corners with confidence.
The 2.4-liter inline-4 cylinder engine doles out 190
horsepower at 7000 rpm and 162 pounds-feet of torque at 4400 rpm. It is mated to
a precise and easy-to-engage 5-speed automatic transmission. A front double
wishbone and a rear multilink suspension isolate occupants from road noise and
bumps to maintain balance. Providing admirable on-center feel and feedback is
the variable gear ratio and assist rack-and-pinion steering. The 11.8-inch
ventilated front and 11.1-inch solid rear disc brakes offer a firm pedal
experience.
There can be no doubt about it � this is one polished
vehicle, thanks to a rakish roofline, long hood and wedge-shaped rear windows. A
centered �H� in the six-point chrome-packed grille is surrounded by
projector-beam headlights. Props to Honda for its interior packaging except for
a plethora of individual control buttons (Engineers, are you listening?)
Otherwise, the red-on-white needles on the instrument panel amid the blue
ambient background will grab your attention. The 270-watt Honda audio system
with seven speakers is a hoot. Standard amenities include dual-zone automatic
climate control, 10-way power driver�s seat, power moon roof, tilt/telescopic
steering column and heated fronts.
Dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag for both
rows, four-wheel antilock brakes with Electronic Brake Distribution and Brake
Assist, Vehicle Stability Assist, active front head restraints, three-point seat
belts, side impact door beams, tire pressure monitoring system and daytime
running lights are standard.
On the outside, we may appreciate the coupe for its
athletic and stylish look. But this Accord also exhibits superb performance,
respectable gas mileage and generous cargo capacity.
ACCORD COUPE EX-L
Tires: P225/50R17
Wheelbase: 107.9 inches
Length: 190.9 inches
Weight: 3,221 pounds
Fuel capacity: 18.5 gallons
City: 21 mpg
Highway: 31 mpg
Base price: $28,880
Web site:
www.honda.com
___________________________________________________________________________
FIT BOASTS LIVELY, FUN-TO-DRIVE HANDLING
By NITISH S. RELE
[email protected]
THE RIDE:
Four-door, five-passenger 2010 Honda Fit Sport subcompact car.
DOWN THE ROAD:
Redesigned in 2009, the unit-body-based Fit offers a smooth and comfortable ride
though the 1.5-liter engine could use a slight boost in power. But the small car
responds with agility in most driving situations.
TECH & PERFORMANCE:
An inline-4 cylinder engine develops 117 horsepower at 6600 rpm and 106
pounds-feet of torque at 4800 rpm. It is mated to a smooth 5-speed automatic
transmission. Suspension is handled adequately via a front MacPherson strut and
a rear torsion beam. The electric power steering system is swift and accurate.
Stopping abilities are taken care of by 10.3-inch ventilated front and 7.9-inch
rear drum discs.
LOOK & FEEL:
Flanking the honeycomb grille are large multi-reflector halogen headlights. The
front quarter windows make visibility easy for the driver. Step into the cabin
and the back-lit blue gauges for tachometer and speedometer will leave you quite
impressed. Offering a firm feel is the three-spoke tilt/telescopic steering
wheel. The 60/40 rear seat, which folds flat into the door with the flip of a
lever, opens up 57.3 cubic feet of space. It�s truly in the storage department
that the Fit shines � 10 cup holders, front door pocket bins, dual glove box,
passenger side seatback pocket and an under-seat tray.
SAFETY FIRST:
Standard are dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag, four-wheel
antilock brakes, Electronic Brake Distribution, front active head restraints,
front/rear crumple zones, three-point seat belts, side impact door beams, tire
pressure monitoring system and daytime running lights.
OUT THE DOOR:
$17,260, plus tax, tag, delivery and destination charges.
BY THE NUMBERS :
Tires, P185/55R16 all season; wheelbase, 98.4 inches; length, 161.6 inches;
weight, 2,489 pounds; fuel capacity, 10.6 gallons; city, 27 mpg; highway, 33
mpg; Web site,
www.honda.com
WHY DIG IT:
The Fit boasts lively and fun-to-drive handling, cheeky styling and a
well-designed cabin. And with gas prices once again hovering around $3 a gallon,
the affordable subcompact car makes perfect sense.
Inside
Get more in the upcoming events sections, youth highlights, health updates and read book reviews in this edition of Khaasbaat.
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