Sikh Gurudwara Sahib inaugurated in Jacksonville
It was 409 years ago on Sept. 1 that the Sikh scripture, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, was established at the Sikhs' most sacred place, Golden Temple. On the very same day in 2013, the Sikh Society of North East Florida (SSNEF) dedicated its first Gurudwara Sahib to Jacksonville.
Participating in the inauguration were ambassadors from various faiths, local organizations, sheriff deputies, mayor’s representative, University of North Florida and Florida State College faculty, and distinguished guests from Atlanta, Orlando, Daytona, Melbourne, Tallahassee, St. Augustine and Jacksonville.
The Sikh Society of North East Florida is at 6035 Morrow St. E., Jacksonville. For information, call (904) 367-4499, e-mail info@jaxgurudwara.org or visit www.jaxgurudwara.org
NARENDRA MODI ADDRESSES OFBJP AT TAMPA CONVENTION
Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi for the first time as NDA’s prime ministerial candidate addressed the Indian diaspora via live satellite during the concluding session of two days National Convention of Overseas Friends of BJP (OFBJP) – USA on Sept. 21. The telecast was facilitated by TV Asia across USA, Canada, Europe and India. More than 1,500 people were assembled at the India Cultural Center (ICC) hall to listen to his speech.
Modi, began his speech by paying condolences to the victims of Nairobi Westgate Mall terrorism in which several Indian origin people were killed. While condemning it in the strongest terms, he stated that there cannot be two yard sticks in case of terrorism and nations cannot be selective in their approach.
He urged all Indian passport holders abroad to register and vote to ensure the defeat of the corrupt UPA government democratically. He said that the 2014 election would be people’s voice as in post emergency 1977 elections during which neither media nor pundits could influence the voters.
During his speech, the Indian American community displayed placards with slogans such as “Jee-Jaan Laga Denge”, “BJP 272+,” “We Can. We Will,” etc. Earlier, the program began with a rendition of inspirational songs by Gajendra Solanki followed by a classical dance performance. A lamp lighting ceremony was performed by luminaries of OFBJP and community leaders, including President Jayesh Patel, President-Elect Chandrakant Patel, past presidents Dinesh Agrawal, Suresh Jani and Adapa Prasad; Advisory Council Member Ram Rakshpal Sood; National Coordinator Mahesh Mehta; Chief Guest Prodyut Bora; keynote speaker Dr. Kiran Patel, Bharat Barai, Satya Shah and Dr. G. Ramappa. Event Chair Chandrakant Patel acted as emcee. OFBJP Tampa Chapter coordinator Lalji Goswami gave vote of thanks.