Table of Contents
February 2018
Desh-Videsh VOLUME 25, ISSUE 02
Article
COVER
Celebrating 25 years of Community Involvement
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2018 marks 25 years that Desh-Videsh has been in print – what an exciting and fun-loving journey! Some of you have witnessed Desh-Videsh grow from a 24-page black and white magazine to a 148-page full color magazine with a glossy cover.
IRS Scammers
30 That is what I hope your response would be if you ever get one of these calls. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) scammers are on the rise and they are getting more aggressive. Please be aware that 99.99% of the time the IRS DOES NOT initiate contact by emails,
Desh-Videsh (USPS 024575/ISSN: 1941-2398) is published 13 Times a year (12 regular monthly issues and a special issue in March) by Desh-Videsh Media Group Inc. 10116 NW 53rd St., Sunrise, FL 33351-8020, • Telephone: (954) 784-8100 • E-Mail: info@deshvidesh.com. Copyright 2010 by Desh-Videsh Media Group Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced by any means without prior written permission of Desh-Videsh Media Group Inc. The publishers of this magazine assume no responsibility for statements made by their advertisers in business competion, nor do they assume responsibility for statements/opininons expressed or implied in the columns of this magazine. Photos: © wtamas, Phase4Photography, czamfir / Dollar Club. Subscription Services: Subscription rates are $7.00 for 6 Issues, $12.00 for 12 Issues, $24.00 for 24 Issues, $30.00 for 36 Issues.
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Celebrating 25 years of Community Involvement
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IRS Scammers
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Neha Kakkar and Atif Aslam Live in South Florida
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Must Read Books
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Maintaining Hindu Culture in Our Youth
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2018 Indiafest: Divine South India
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NRI News
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Bollywood Today
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Desi TV Duniya
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Community News
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This is your
Desh-Videsh If you have any information or suggestions, please call
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Dear Readers, Can you believe Desh Videsh Media Group has been involved in the community for 25 years! What an exciting journey it has been. As I said before, this is just the beginning. At the 2017 Desh-Videsh Media Group Community Award Gala Banquet, I took a moment to thank all of our supporters. Once again, on behalf of Aruna, myself and the entire Desh-Videsh Media Group team, I thank each of you – our advertisers, readers and supporters, from the bottom of our hearts for taking this exciting journey with us. I hope you are not tired yet, because we plan to stay with you for a long time. In this issue, we share our 25-year journey with you. I point out major milestones we have crossed, and I outline what is to come. We hope you will continue to support us going forward as you have in the last 25 years. This issue, we are excited to share more about Atif Aslam and Neha Kakkar, who will perform live in South Florida. It is also our pleasure to welcome a partnership with Prakash Patel from Kash Production, who has achieved so much at a early age and is truly a down to earth person. We are also delighted to add a new section this issue, NRI News. We can never say enough about our fellow NRIs and their achievements. We’re excited about our upcoming Bridal Expos, be sure to visit us there! We’ll be in Atlanta on Sunday, March 25, at the Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel. On April 15, we’ll be in Orlando at the Hilton Orlando. With a wide range of wedding and event vendors on hand under one roof, you’re sure to get a head start on your planning to-do lists! As always, parking and admission are free, so be sure to register online at www.myshadibridalexpo.com to attend.
Raj Shah Managing Editor
2018 marks 25 years that Desh-Videsh has been in print – what an exciting and fun-loving journey! Some of you have witnessed Desh-Videsh grow from a 24-page black and white magazine to a 148-page full color magazine with a glossy cover.
Desh-Videsh began with a simple idea. Aruna and I believed in a professional, inclusive magazine for Indians, Pakistanis, and IndoCaribbeans that would offer insight into our culture and guidance for our youth and focus on the positives of our community. A lot has changed in 25 years, but those hallmarks resonate as strongly as ever. In 1993, Desh-Videsh began with a simple idea. Since then, the magazine has advanced from a modest compilation of submitted articles (any and all we could get!) to an award-winning publication that attracts well known writers and focuses on issues of great importance to the Community from the Indian Subcontinent. Over the last twenty five years, we have covered a variety of topics and subjects. My editorial columns have mentioned those favorite subjects that are near and dear to my heart. If I go back and summarize these topics, the following topics come to my mind:
Gandhi ji Many things have been said, written and preached about Gandhi ji. It is never enough for a half-naked fakir who lived life by his own principle and died because of his noble principle. In 2001, Desh-Videsh Media Group along with many in the media, including the BBC, proclaimed Gandhiji as Man of the Century. Desh-Videsh even published a special edition on Gandhiji. In 2012, the magazine held its first ever Gandhi essay competition and published a revised special edition on Gandhiji. When former president of India Abdul Kalam unveiled the Gandhi Statue in South Florida, Desh-Videsh provided extensive coverage of the momentous event. We were also very proud to cover Arun Gandhi, grandson of Gandhi ji, visit to South Florida for a peace conference.
Indian American Children Indian children who live in the United States and excel in a wide range of fields have always been a major focus of the magazine over the years. From spelling bee competitions, math competitions, and a record number of Indian students earning the title of Valedictorian, Desh-Videsh has been very proud to highlight their many accomplishments.
Festivals Desh Videsh Media Group’s tagline states “Promoting the Indian Subcontinent since 1993.” For us, it is not just a tagline, but also a mantra that we live and breathe. When it comes to cultural and religious festivals, be it Diwali, Holi, or Ramadan, we use the magazine as a platform to engage and educate our children about these cultural events.
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Weddings Weddings are a very important part of our culture, not only for the celebrations, but also for the rituals and traditions. With four special wedding resource editions a year, six MyShadi Bridal expos a year and the myshadi. com wedding portal, Desh Videsh Media Group has been at the forefront. We use these platforms to expose our customs and rituals not only for the benefit of our own community, but also for the American community atlarge.
MyShadi Bridal Expo Many of you witnessed and supported the first MyShadi Bridal Expo in 2009. With your support, we have grown from an expo featuring 40 booths, to one with over 100 booths and from one show per year to six shows per year. What an exciting journey! Each year, the MyShadi Bridal Expo, hosted in Georgia, the Carolinas and Florida, gives couples and their families an opportunity to meet with a variety of event planning vendors and reduce some of the stress associated with wedding or event planning. Couples are able to make decisions and sign vendors in one afternoon rather than after many weekends spent vendor searching. Giving families and couples a firsthand look at the latest trends in event and wedding planning, the MyShadi Bridal Expo is the best show of its kind. And of course, the designer fashion shows are not to be missed! Models strut down the runway showing off gorgeous, modern saris and intricately designed lenghas from some of the region’s exclusive and well-known clothing and jewelry boutiques.
Indian Wedding 101 Seminar One way in which the Indian Subcontinent culture is promoted amongst all communities is through the Indian Wedding 101 seminar. Desh-Videsh Media Group and The Arpan Group host these informational seminars for wedding professionals interested in learning how to successfully position their business and work with the fast-growing Indian wedding market. In this four hour seminar, attendees learn more about Indian wedding culture, customs, and rituals to understand what makes Indian weddings so beautiful and unique. This seminar is the educational guide that will walk wedding professionals through Indian wedding festivities and ways to market to Indian Brides and their families. Later this year, we plan to add online webinars and a Hindu Wedding Certification program for wedding professionals.
Hindu Cremation Another project with which Desh Videsh Media Group is involved serves the community in a different way. Our community demographics are continually changing, and with a request from the community in 2014, Desh Videsh Media Group along with community volunteers, contacted all funeral homes all over South Florida to negotiate a fixed price for cremations for the Hindu community. Pertinent information is regularly published in Desh-Videsh magazine as well as on our website. FEBRUARY 2018 - WWW.DESHVIDESH.COM
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Celebrating 25 years of Community Involvement
Desh-Videsh Media Group Community Leader Awards In 2015, we embarked on a task that was both interesting and challenging. We believed it was important to honor individuals who have been positive influence in the South Asian Community of South Florida, and thus, the Desh-Videsh Media Group Community Leader Award was born. Selecting these Community Leaders is a difficult task. In so many ways, you all deserve this award. Given Desh-Videsh first began in South Florida, the Awards are limited to this region. Award categories include Philanthropy, Religion, Arts and Culture, Education, Women Empowerment, International Social Services, and Local Community services. Over the last three years we have given awards to individuals who are active participants in the community that help bring spiritual and cultural guidance for our youth locally as well as giving back to communities in our native countries. These Community Leaders are not only accomplished in their own fields and generous, but also incredibly humble. When first approached, their immediate reaction is “Why me? I have not done anything.� This humbleness defines a true Community Leader. While the Award gives Leaders recognition, it is equally important their story is read and heard by our youth as an inspiration of what is achieved through leadership and hard work. As with all our projects, Desh Videsh Media Group can only grow through your feedback, so continue to share your thoughts on future Community Leader awardees in future.
Desh-Videsh Publishing After publishing an inspiring magazine like Desh-Videsh for so many years, the next step naturally is to publish books! In 2015, we published our first book, Chronology of Hinduism, followed by Islamic Healing and Understanding Hinduism.
So many of you encouraged us publish books for children about our culture. In 2017, our first children’s book, We love Diwali, was published. This is the first in an educational series of books for children on Hindu religion and culture. Several other titles have followed included Holi Hai, The Complete Ramayan in 100 Tweets, Welcome to My Beautiful Mandir, The Complete Mahabharat in 100 Tweets, and Coloring and Understanding Hindu Symbols. In the coming years, we plan to publish a few Desh-Videsh special editions such as Yoga and a Healthy Lifestyle, Holistic Living, Healthy Living, Incredible Indians, Incredible India, Natural Healing,100 Men and Women Who Shaped India, and last but not least, American Shakti - Successful Indian American Women.
The Future
Twenty five years may seem like a long time, but when you are having fun and doing what you love, the time goes very quickly, which is certainly the case for us at Desh-Videsh Media Group. Though it has been 25 years, we have only just begun. The important task of fostering community harmony and strengthening our ties remains. Our staff never tires of finding ways to connect with customers and readers and determining their needs while also working constantly to improve our service value. So, again, we thank you for your part in making this progress possible. We hope to have the privilege of serving each of you for many years to come. In spite of all progress, we remain imperfect. We value your feedback, even when you tell us about our goofs! Such feedback enables us to correct and improve. We also value the opportunity to serve you—our mantra is to focus on assisting each customer and each reader, one at a time - cheerfully and professionally.
IRS Scammers
By Nirali Chokshi, CPA
*Ring Ring* You: Hello? Pretend IRS: Yes, this is the IRS. You have $5,000 due for your 2014 taxes. Either pay by end of business day or I’ll have the cops arrest you. You: Get lost. That is what I hope your response would be if you ever get one of these calls. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) scammers are on the rise and they are getting more aggressive. Please be aware that 99.99% of the time the IRS DOES NOT initiate contact by emails, phone calls, text messages or social media tools.
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Celebrating 25 years of Community Involvement
Typical ways scammers try to take your money (but not limited to): • Threatening phone calls that mention police arrest or deportation. • Pretending to be from your company’s human resource department, requesting your personal information such as social security information and address. • Emails that look similar to official communication saying you need to update your e-file immediately or requesting to confirm private information by going on a fake/“look-a-like” website link. Do not click on the link!! • In-person visit demanding money with a fake IRS identification. If you get any of the above, mention your accountant will contact them and get a call back number. The main point to understand is that the IRS will not demand money without a chance to question or appeal the decision. In the case you do think you owe money, first contact your accountant and inform them of the situation. The IRS specifies the
taxpayers to make a payment to the “United States Treasury” by following the directions on your real notice or the instructions on this website: https://www.irs.gov/ payments (Please note in https, the S must be written there (stands for ‘secure’); and it is .gov not .com. Very important distinctions!) In conclusion, don’t get scared and never give out your personal information right away. Validate the person first, ask for a call back number, their identification badge and don’t trust the caller ID name displayed on the phone.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) scammers are on the rise and they are getting more aggressive. Please be aware that 99.99% of the time the IRS DOES NOT initiate contact by emails, phone calls, text messages or social media tools.
About Nirali Chokshi, CPA Nirali is a CPA working at her family’s accounting firm Chokshi Accounting & Tax Services in Orlando, FL. She graduated with her Masters from University of Central Florida in 2009.
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We Love Diwali
Holi Hai!
Written by Raj Shah llustrated by Kamlesh M. & Natasha S.
Written by Raj Shah llustrated by Kamlesh M. & Natasha S.
The complete Ramayan in 100 Tweets llustrated by Kamlesh M. & Natasha S.
The complete Mahabharat in 100 Tweets llustrated by Kamlesh M. & Natasha S.
Written by Meghna Pant
Written by Raj Shah
Neha Kakkar Atif Aslam
Live in South Florida From contesting in Indian Idol Season 2 to being a judge on the television reality show The Voice India Kids, Neha Kakkar has come a long way. Meanwhile, musician Atif Aslam from Pakistan with his soulful singing has captured the hearts of all beyond borders.
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Neha Kakkar Neha Kakkar, 29, born to Punjabi parents in the Himalayan city of Rishikesh, is the youngest of three siblings. Born on June 5, 1988, Neha with her board smile, affable personality, and mellifluous voice, is capable of setting the mood in any musical show. Some of her hits include her brother Tony Kakkar’s composition “Mohabbat Barsa dena tu,” “Tujhe chaha rab se bhi jyaada,” “Mahi ve,” “Manali Trance,” and “London Thumakda.” Besides, in 2016 the brother-sister duo made their fans go crazy with “Mile ho tum humko.” In an interview with Hindustan Times in April 2017, she said her musical journey as a child started by singing in jagraans and mata ki chowkis. She accompanied her older sister Sonu Kakkar to the events that served as a training ground for her.
The singer wants to sing songs of all genres -- she is keen to do slow, romantic and sad numbers, unlike dance numbers. Neha is working on solo singles as well as collaborations in the future.
The young girl who once used to be scared of judges feels great to be able to judge shows. Neha constantly innovates by adding special elements to her music.
In a recent interview with Desiweb USA, Neha said she likes to keep things under wraps without revealing all about her future plans and projects. Neha believes in the element of surprise.
Atif Aslam Atif Aslam was born in Wazirabad, Gujranwala, in Pakistan. The 34-year-old singer shot to fame in Pakistan thanks to his song “Aadat” that was part of the band Jal. He made his solo debut by releasing his album Jal Pari in 2004. Atif’s foray into Bollywood happened when Mahesh Bhatt approached him for “Woh Lamhey” from the film Zaher. How many of you know that Atif played cricket as a fast bowler after completing a Bachelor’s in Computer Science? Cricket was his first love and he dreamt of representing his nation as a cricketer. He was selected and even trained to represent his country in the U-19 World Cup. Atif also sketches in his spare time. In an interview, he once said that he has great “observing power” that helps him sketch. The handsome singer made his acting debut in Bol in 2011. The singer won international accolades when songs “Yakeen” and “Ehsaas” from his second album Doorie, and ‘Aadat’ from Jal Pari were fea-
tured in two films. His Doorie and Maula were selected in 2010 for the soundtrack of the Spanish Beauty. He also sang two songs in Mira Nair’s The Reluctant Fundamentalist in 2012.
A State of Freedom By Neel Mukherjee In this stunning novel, prize-winning author Neel Mukherjee wrests open the central, defining events of our century: displacement and migration. Five characters, in very different circumstances―from a domestic cook in Mumbai, to a vagrant and his dancing bear, to a girl who escapes terror in her home village for a new life in the city―find out the meanings of dislocation and the desire for more. Set in contemporary India and moving between the reality of this world and the shadow of another, this novel of multiple narratives―formally daring, fierce, but full of pity―delivers a devastating and haunting exploration of the unquenchable human urge to strive for a different life.
Vegetarian India: A Journey Through the Best of Indian Home Cooking By Madhu Jaffrey No one knows Indian food like Madhur Jaffrey. For more than forty years, the “godmother of Indian cooking” (The Independent on Sunday) has introduced Western home cooks to the vibrant cuisines of her homeland. Now, in Vegetarian India: A Journey Through the Best of Indian Home Cooking, the seven-time James Beard Award–winning author shares the delectable, healthful, vegetable- and grain-based foods enjoyed around the Indian subcontinent. Vegetarian cooking is a way of life for more than 300 million Indians. Jaffrey travels from north to south, and from the Arabian Sea to the Bay of Bengal, collecting recipes for the very tastiest dishes along the way. She visits the homes and businesses of shopkeepers, writers, designers, farmers, doctors, weavers, and more, gathering their stories and uncovering the secrets of their most delicious family specialties. From a sweet, sour, hot, salty Kodava Mushroom Curry with Coconut originating in the forested regions of South Karnataka to simple, crisp Okra Fries dusted with chili powder, turmeric, and chickpea flour; and from Stir-Fried Spinach, Andhra Style (with ginger, coriander, and cumin) to the mung bean pancakes she snacks on at a roadside stand, Jaffrey brings together the very best of vegetable-centric Indian cuisine and explains how home cooks can easily replicate these dishes—and many more for beans, grains, and breads—in their own kitchens. With more than two hundred recipes, beautifully illustrated throughout, and including personal photographs from Jaffrey’s own travels, Vegetarian India is a kitchen essential for vegetable enthusiasts and home cooks everywhere. FEBRUARY 2018 - WWW.DESHVIDESH.COM
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Pashmina By Nidhi Chanani Priyanka Das has so many unanswered questions: Why did her mother abandon her home in India years ago? What was it like there? And most importantly, who is her father, and why did her mom leave him behind? But Pri’s mom avoids these questions―the topic of India is permanently closed. For Pri, her mother’s homeland can only exist in her imagination. That is, until she find a mysterious pashmina tucked away in a forgotten suitcase. When she wraps herself in it, she is transported to a place more vivid and colorful than any guidebook or Bollywood film. But is this the real India? And what is that shadow lurking in the background? To learn the truth, Pri must travel farther than she’s ever dared and find the family she never knew. In this heartwarming graphic novel debut, Nidhi Chanani weaves a tale about the hardship and self-discovery that is born from juggling two cultures and two worlds.
Experience India’s Golden Triangle 2018 By Len Rutledge and Phensri Rutledge (Available only via Kindle) Experience India’s Golden Triangle highlights the more rewarding parts of the area so that those planning a visit can quickly and efficiently plan an itinerary. We locate and detail the best places to see and the top experiences to enjoy, and recommend accommodation options in all areas. We capture the personality and the underlying cultural and historical significance of the region. We explore the wonderful temples, mosques, forts and museums, and recommend things to buy, eat, and experience. In the process we meet friendly, helpful people, buy fascinating handicrafts, try tantalizing cuisine, and enjoy charming hospitality. While many people speak English, India is very different from other English-speaking countries. It is very much an Asian country so you should be aware of the customs and traditions associated with the culture and the various religions, particularly when visiting temples and mosques.
Contemporary India: The Basics By Rekha Datta Contemporary India: The Basics provides readers with a clear and accessible guide through the richness, diversity and complexity of twenty-first century India. It explores the reality of the country’s cultural diversity which creates both harmony and tension. Covering issues the country faces both domestically and on the global stage, this book analyzes the political, social, cultural and economic landscape of India and investigates how the future might look for India. The book addresses key questions such as: • How has India risen to be a major economic power? • What role does sectarianism play in the world’s largest democracy? • How do caste and gender affect the structure of Indian society? • What is the domestic and international impact of Bollywood? FEBRUARY 2018 - WWW.DESHVIDESH.COM
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by Shawn Binda
T
here is a problem that the Hindu Community in North America is facing: engaging the generations of Hindus that have been born and raised in Canada and the United States. In North America, the predominant culture is not “Indian” nor is it Hindu, and the attentions of today’s youths are being pulled in many different directions. In many ways, Hinduism is in direct competition with the North American lifestyle.
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stopped coming to the mandir as this is the age of independence. You start driving and now all of a sudden you can go anywhere you want. It is a problem that plagued us for years however with the launch of our youth group in 2004 we attempted to address some of these problems. In speaking with youths from other Mandirs, this seems to be a common theme among Hindu temples. Why is it that the “youth group” model is failing in Mandirs? One of the issues is adult involvement in Mandir youth groups. While I believe the intentions of the adults are genuine in that they want to see today’s youth inspired to learn more about Hinduism, in practice this has translated into the adult members of temples dictating what the youth should or should not do. Some youth that I have spoken with feel that their youth group is being used to raise funds for the Mandir or to organize help for the variety of activities that occur in temples. While volunteer service is a cornerstone of Hinduism, this should not be a youth group’s sole focus.
My parents were born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago, a country where approximately 25% of the population is Hindu. While my parents did not speak Hindi growing up, the Hindu religion and culture endured as it did in many other countries in the West Indies such as Guyana and Suriname.
The creation of our youth group went against the norms of many established practices that had prevailed. We were allowed to regulate ourselves without any interference from management or the adults of the mandir. We opened our own bank account and raised money for ourselves to use in the running of our own events without asking anything from the mandir management.
My parents left Trinidad for Canada in the 1970s as did many others during that time. Fitting in was very important and I did not want to be seen as being different. That being said, I never felt the need to reject my Hindu life during my childhood. I enjoyed everything about the mandir and I was quite content in maintaining a double life. During these years, life went on as usual with school pressures, finding a career and establishing myself in society. The question that I continue to ask myself is: What kept me involved in mandir life? Even while being in school and graduating University, the mandir was always central to my life. The answer to this question is parental involvement. Having parents who dedicated their time and effort to maintaining a mandir meant that as a child growing up, I was involved by default. My siblings and I were deeply involved in music and that lead to a deeper appreciation for what attending mandir can offer. Music was our hook, our attraction. Having friends in the mandir was also a reason to attend however the teenage years were most difficult as many of the friends I grew up with FEBRUARY 2018 - WWW.DESHVIDESH.COM
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O u r a i m wa s t o b r i n g yo u t h s t o g e t h e r through social activities and community outreach. We hosted events, arranged anniversary dinner and dances, went on field trips, arranged seminars and workshops. Aside from events, we also gave back to the community through various outreach activities such as food drives, sponsoring children in India, as well as establishing a yearly scholarship for any youths who attend the mandir and were now entering into post secondary education.
About the Author
Since he was a young child, Shawn Binda has been active in the Hindu Community with a mission to serve and educate all those around me. Binda was a key member of the organizing committee for the f irst ever Hindu Youth Conference held in 2000 at the University of Toronto and also part of the organizing committee for the Hindu Youth Conference 2007. Binda currently hosts a YouTube Channel called “HINDU Lifestyle” where he reaches out to youth growing up in North America, shows how to make Hinduism relevant in our daily lives, and also pushes back on the false stereotypes of Hinduism that are prevalent in mainstream media as well as in school systems. Binda also teaches a weekly Hinduism class at his local Mandir to teenagers and and conduct workshops with Hindu Youth. Find him on YouTube at www.hindulifestyle.ca, Twitter @shawnbinda, or on Instagram @shawnbinda.
Hinduism in North America will thrive and flourish if we take action today to start creating more “hooks” to attract youth to the Mandir. Hinduism has so much to offer in terms of its teachings, science and beliefs and it is important that we create an environment that encourages youth participation in a manner that is attractive and fun. This involves work and action. Simply writing “feel good” articles does not accomplish anything. We have a duty to act and make the future we envision.
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2018 Indiafest: Divine South India Presented by Manav Mandir
I
ndiafest is a fun family festival that brings focus and share the Indian culture in Brevard County. This eagerly anticipated annual cultural event will be held on Saturday, March 10th (10am-6pm) and Sunday, March 11th (11am-5pm) at Wickham Park in Melbourne, Florida. Indiafest is a celebration of India’s rich culture and traditions. Started 20 years ago, with a curious and humble effort of an ethnic community, today Indiafest is a symbol of cultural enrichment in Brevard County and is celebrated with great enthusiasm. The general consensus is that it is a very well run festival with a fresh and new look year after year. This uniqueness comes from the fact that a different theme is presented each year showing the unique aspects of India’s culture, history and traditions. This year the theme is Divine South India. The Discover India booth will feature this theme by providing information and displays of various cultural nuances, significant places of interest, beauty and history of Northern India’s landscape.
Mandir, and aid in disaster recovery, nationally and internationally To date, over $960,000 have been awarded to various charitable causes. This is evidenced in our effort to help several deserving local charities and assist in disaster reliefs. Beneficiaries include: Haiti earthquake, various Florida hurricane relief, Early Intervention, Daily Bread, Serene Harbor, Crosswinds, Cancer Care Center, and Sentinels of Freedom - Veterans Re-Training Program. In 2011 we established an Endowment Scholarship at FIT for a Brevard student. In 2014 our project was ‘The Children’s Hunger Project’ and in 2015 we were able to purchase a much needed wheelchair accessible van for the residents of ‘Promise in Brevard’ while in 2016 ‘Candlelighters of Brevard’ was the recipient of our support. Please visit our website at indiafestbrevard.org for a more detailed list of our charitable efforts. This year two deserving charities have been selected - ‘Habitat for Humanity’ and ‘Shriners of Brevard - both organizations are outstanding examples that provide much needed help and service to our Brevard community. Please visit the website indiafestbrevard.org for a more detailed list of charities supported.
An admirable factor of this festival is its commitment to community service with a purpose of cultural enlightenment. Indiafest is a volunteer run, non-profit, cultural organization, known for its charitable efforts to several local charities, including the parent organization, Manav
Indiafest has something of interest for everyone, from hands on activities for the youths, to FEBRUARY 2018 - WWW.DESHVIDESH.COM
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shopping for the adults, mouth-watering Indian cuisine, yoga demonstrations, and all day entertainment for everyone to enjoy. The Discover India booth will feature the theme, Divine South India. The stage will come alive with performances by our local artistes dancing to traditional folk, classical, and modern Indian music while the fashion show will be the highlight of the day. The grounds will be buzzing with vendors selling jewelry, rich colorful ethnic garments, arts and crafts, music and videos. One can indulge in the temporary body art of exotic Henna designs while the aroma of the tantalizing flavors of food being prepared, entice the taste buds. Today, as technology make the world smaller and more accessible, assimilation of the different cultures is very real and the need to appreciate each other is ever more apparent. At Indiafest you will take back with you, a part of India’s rich cultural heritage - be it arts and crafts, food, jewelry, music, dance, or clothes. You will be transcended, through miles and time, as you get a close up view of the traditional and vibrant aspects of this culture. So, come out on Saturday - March 10th and Sunday – March 11th to Indiafest at Wickham Park ( (2500 Parkway Dr., Melbourne, FL 32935). Tickets are $5 adults, $2 children under 12, and children under 5 are free. For more information, contact Yasmin Majeed at (321) 720-8590 or yasmin.majeed@brevardfl.gov or visit http://www.indiafestbrevard.org/
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N R I N ews Three Indian-American Professors Named Fellows of AAAI butions to the field for a decade or more will be selected in any year. A Fellow may be recognized for individual technical contributions or for having performed significant extended service for the AAAI, the website stated. Sukhatme from the University of Southern California’s School of Engineering’s Department of Computer Science has a special interest in multirobot systems and sensor/actuator networks. He founded the Robotics Research Lab and the Robotic Embedded Systems Lab in 2000. Manocha is Phi Delta Theta/Matthew Mason Distinguished Professor of Computer Science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He has co-authored more than 420 papers in the leading conferences and journals on computer graphics, robotics, and scientific computing. AAAI’s other Fellows are Nancy Amato, Regina Barzilay, Marie desJardins, Kevin Leyton-Brown and Joelle Pineau. The association will celebrate the elected Fellows in an event in New Orleans on February 4.
Indian-Americans Amit Sheth, Gaurav Sukhatme, and Dinesh Manocha are among the eight honorees chosen by the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence as its 2018 Fellows. The AAAI recognizes a group of individuals annually for significant and sustained contribution in the field of artificial intelligence through its Fellows program. These Fellows are recognized as having an unusual distinction in the profession, according to the AAAI website. Usually, only members who have made contri-
Indian American Businessmen Chintu and Chirag Patel Honored as Persons of the Year 2017 January 6-19. Entrepreneurs, publishers, officials, and several community leaders from the IndianAmerican community were present to cheer the Patel brothers. Notable among them were Padma Shri Dr Dattatreyudu Nori and Dr Sudhir Parikh. Chirag Patel spoke about the infinite human potential, talking about “business success, and a greater purpose in life.” “We are not stopping, we have multiple projects in biotechnology,” he said about the growth of Amneal. Chintu Patel said their 75-year-old father, Kanu Patel, is their inspiration. He also thanked his team at Amneal.
Chintu Patel and Chirag Patel, Co-Chairmen of Amneal Pharmaceuticals, were honored as Persons of the Year 2017 for their monumental corporate success and philanthropy by The South Asian Times at a gala reception in New York on January 13. Consul General Sandeep Chakravorty, Congressman Steve Israel, and Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone felicitated the duo. The Patel brothers have taken their company from being a small family business to the 5th largest generics drug company in the USA with $2 billion revenue expected in 2018. The company has touched these heights in 15 years. The brothers are also known for their charity work and have established the Niswarth and Irada family foundations with most of its projects being done in India. Chintu and Chirag featured in the cover story in The South Times New Year Special issue of FEBRUARY 2018 - WWW.DESHVIDESH.COM
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Indian-American Lawyer Gurbir S. Grewal Is NJ’s First Sikh Attorney-General Prominent Indian-American lawyer Gurbir S. Grewal has become the first Sikh attorney general of New Jersey after he was unanimously approved by the State Senate. The 44-year-old was nominated in December. Grewal’s nomination was approved with a vote of 29-0. He was later sworn in at a private ceremony. The lawyer, a Democrat was Bergen County’s top law enforcement official who was appointed by Governor Chris Christie in 2016. He also worked at the US Attorney’s office as the chief of economic crimes unit. In his capacity as attorney general of NJ, Grewal will step up efforts to stem the opioid crisis and improve relationships between police and the communities. He will also see to it that the 21 counties develop a better response to the heroin epidemic. “I never imagined that my life’s journey could bring me here today. I’m extremely humbled, and I’m looking forward to getting started,” said Grewal. He was speaking during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee on January 16.
He added that after taking charge of his office he would introduce himself and get started with the job in hand. Some of his works include combating opioid abuse by bringing together hospitalized or arrested suspects with addiction counselors. This apart, Grewal’s focus has always been to improve the relationship between police and the community.
Indian-American Lawyer Manisha Singh First Woman Assistant Secretary of State bank. The attorney has the license to practice law in Florida, Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia. She previously worked as the deputy assistant secretary in the Bureau of Economic, Energy and Business Affairs. State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert said that Singh has experience that will benefit their economic and business efforts abroad. He added that Singh would help to step up efforts to promote “prosperity for Americans at home and abroad.”
Manisha Singh, a prominent Indian-American lawyer has become the first woman to be appointed as the Assistant Secretary of State for Economic and Business Affairs. The 45-year-old lawyer who hails from Uttar Pradesh was sworn into a key administration position in the State Department on January 20. Singh who is presently the highest-ranking Indian-American official in the State Department was sworn in by the Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. “My honor and privilege to be sworn in by Secretary Tillerson,” Singh tweeted. She previously served as chief counsel and senior advisor to US Senator from Alaska Dan Sullivan. The latter was a former assistant secretary in the Bureau of Economic, Energy and Business Affairs. She also has vast experience in the private sector that includes practicing law at multinational law firms and working in-house at an investment FEBRUARY 2018 - WWW.DESHVIDESH.COM
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Celebrating 25 years of Community Involvement
Indian-American Sri Preston Kulkarni Eyes US Congressional Elections in Texas Indian-American, Sri Preston Kulkarni has announced plans to run for the 2018 US Congressional elections. The 39-year-old is seeking Democratic Party nomination for the 22nd Congressional district against Republican Congressman Pete Olson. Sri will run the elections from Texas. The 22nd district has southeast Texas and includes the cities of Sugar Land, Missouri City, Deer Park, Pearland and Galveston. Sri was raised in Houston by his parents, Margaret and Venkatesh Kulkarni, a novelist. Venkatesh Kulkarni came from India to the US where he met his wife. The family moved to Houston in 1980. Sri who graduated from the University of Texas became a Foreign Service Officer and served his country for 14 years during which he toured Iraq, Israel, Russia, Taiwan, and Jamaica. Sri accepted a Pearson Fellowship to serve as a foreign policy and defence adviser on Capitol Hill in 2015. He assisted Senator Kirsten Gillibrand
with her work on the Senate Armed Services Committee. In 2017, Sri completed Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Kennedy School Havard. He along with a Republican colleague founded a bipartisan initiative “Breaking Bread,” aiming to “reduce the partisan hostility in our society.” “The greatest danger to our country right now is not a foreign power, but the internal divisions in our society. That is why I am coming home to Texas to serve,” Sri said. The 2018 primary election will be held on March 6, with the general election following on November 6.
63rd Filmfare Award 2018: Ranveer Singh is the Ultimate Bollywood Fanboy stylist both wanted his look to be cool, crazy as well as apt for the occasion, Dhingra brought the suit to life. Meanwhile, the actor also shared his unbelievable transformation on Instagram Friday. From his Alauddin Khilji look, the 32-year-old actor suddenly looks extremely skinny. Ranveer had lost oodles of weight for his upcoming film Gully Boy. His extreme transformation sent the Internet into frenzy, as his fans called him an “inspiration.” Ranveer’s trainer revealed last year that the actor works really hard in spite of his busy schedule. Ranveer Singh, who is well known for his crazy sartorial choices, sported an outfit at the 63rd Jio Filmfare Awards that only he can pull off! The actor paid tribute to the actors and films he loved when growing up. The suit featured posters of iconic 1980s and 1990s films such as Ajooba, Deewar, Ram Lakhan, Baazigar, Ghayal, Aankhen, Vastav among others.
Ranveer’s Padmaavat hit theaters on January 25. Other films in the pipeline include Gully Boy, co-starring Alia Bhatt, and Rohit Shetty’s Simmba.
The most talked about film PadMan will hit theaters February 9. The film starring Akshay Kumar, Sonam Kapoor, and Radhika Apte is breaking the taboo around periods. The film is the biopic of a real-life hero Arunachalam Muruganantham who made a padmaking machine for women to provide them low-cost sanitary napkins that revolutionized women’s healthcare. The film has since its announcement created an interest among fans. Pad Man’s co-producer Twinkle Khanna read the story of Muruganantham online and was instantly drawn by the amount of struggle that the man had to do and his achievement. The revolutionary com
Ranveer’s stylist Nitasha Gaurav contacted menswear designer Karrtik Dhingra, who is known for his expertise in printing. Since the actor and his FEBRUARY 2018 - WWW.DESHVIDESH.COM
Akshay Kumar’s PadMan to Hit Theatres February 9
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edy tackles a subject that is still considered unmentionable or a taboo in many countries. Akshay took to Twitter, shared the poster from Pad Man and announced the date and time of the trailer’s release. “And it’s on the way! #PadMa-
nTrailer out today at 11:00 am. @PadManTheFilm @sonamakapoor @radhika_apte @mrsfunnybones @SonyPicsIndia @kriarj #RBalki,” he wrote. Akshay is seen cycling in the heat in another poster from the film. The actor plays an or-
Janhvi Kapoor and Ishaan Khatter’s Dhadak Will Release in July
Jhanvi Kapoor and Ishaan Khattar’s Bollywood debut film Dhadak is all set to hit theaters on July 20. Karan Johar, who is producing the film took to Twitter Saturday and shared the news with his fans. “Six months to Dhadak #dhadak releasing 20th JULY 2018! Directed by @ShashankKhaitan and PRESENTING #Janhvi and #Ishaan @DharmaMovies @ZeeStudios_ @apoorvamehta18,” he wrote. KJo announced the release of the film with a poster in which Ishaan and Janhvi pose together. Dhadak is an adaptation of the acclaimed Marathi blockbuster Sairat. While the film marks Jhanvi’s debut, Ishaan made his acting debut with Iranian filmmaker Majid Majid Beyond the Cloud set in India. “The basic premise (of Dhadak and Sairat) is same. But there are variations. My story
is based on another set up. It is (set) in Rajasthan. It comes with its own challenges, conflicts, and style of a love story. We are adapting Sairat into the world that we want to,” he said, talking to PTI. Khaitan said that both Janhvi and Ishaan are very hard working. The director added that these are the qualities he looks for in actors. A portion of the film has been shot in Udaipur, where Janhvi’s mother actress Sridevi had accompanied her. Janhvi will be seen wearing outfits courtesy Manish Malhotra in Dhadak.
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dinary man dressed in a white shirt and light-colored pants with slippers. He portrays the 20-year struggle of a poor school drop-out from southern India to buy sanitary pads for his wife who changed the lives of women all over the world.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali thanks Akshay Kumar for postponing PadMan Sanjay Leela Bhansali publicly thanked Akshay Kumar with folded hands for postponing his film Pad Man Friday. Bhansali’s Padmaavat after being passed by the Censor Board will hit theatres January 25. Pad Man has been postponed for release February 9. Akshay announced the postponement of his film at a press conference at his home Friday. Bhansali was present at the press conference and thanked the actor for indulging. “It’s confirmed that the film will release on February 9th. See there’s no point because more than mine the wait is theirs,” said Akshay. He added that it was necessary for Padmaavat to release on that day and there was no point in releasing both the films on the same day. “Their stake is much higher than mine. So I can wait,” he said. Meanwhile, Bhansali said he was grateful and indebted to Akshay Kumar for life. “I think the industry and the world can understand the place in which we live, is to be with each other, stand by and respect each other. And, I think the fraternity would be proud of what Akshay has done today. This kind of gesture would have been quite impossible in this industry,” said the director.
Celebrating 25 years of Community Involvement
63rd Jio Filmfare Award 2018: Irrfan Khan and Vidya Balan Win Best Actor and Actress Awards The 63rd Jio Filmfare Awards for Best Actor and Actress were earned by Irrfan Khan and Vidya Balan at the event held in Mumbai on Saturday. While Irrfan Khan earned award for Best Actor in a Leading Role (Male) for his performance in Hindi Medium, Vidya Balan won the award for Best Actor in a Leading Role (Female) for Tumhari Sulu. The nominees for Best Actor in a Leading Role (Male) inlcuded Varun Dhawan for Badrinath Ki Dulhania, Shah Rukh Khan for Raees, Hrithik Roshan for Kaabil, Akshay Kumar for Toilet Ek Prem Katha and Ayushmann Khurrana for Shubh Mangal Saavdhan. The nominees for Best Actor in a Leading Role (Female) saw stiff competition among the nominees Alia Bhatt for Badrinath Ki Dulhania, Bhumi Pednekar for Shubh Mangal Saavdhan, Saba Qamar for Hindi Medium, Sridevi for Mom and Zaira Wasim for Secret Superstar. Meanwhile Hindi Medium won the Best Film award, while Ashwini Iyer Tiwari won the Best Director award for Bareilly Ki Barfi.
The other contenders for Best Director were Advait Chandan for Secret Superstar, Shashank Khaitan for Badrinath Ki Dulhania, Saket Chaudhary Hindi Medium and Shree Narayan Singh for Toilet: Ek Prem Katha.
Bigg Boss 11 Contestant Arshi Khan Reportedly Cast Opposite Prabhas Salman Khan is also previously known to make sure that all his Bigg Boss contestants have work. Meanwhile, previously Arshi mentioned she wanted to work in films and this might be her Bollywood debut. There have been reports that she has been approached for the next season of Khatron Ke Khiladi, but there has been no confirmation yet. Arshi has always been news for her controversial comments on the reality show. She took to Twitter hours before the show to announce that Shilpa Shinde is the winner of Bigg Boss, much before the announcement was made on the show.
Bigg Boss 11 contestant Arshi Khan has reportedly signed a film opposite Prabhas. And this is said to be all thanks to none other than Salman Khan. “#ArshiKhan signed on for a big film project also starring Prabhas. Thank you @BeingSalmanKhan @ColorsTV @EndemolShineIND @ BiggBoss.Special thanks to #NevadaPutman,” wrote Arshi on Twitter sharing the big news.
Arshi along with Shilpa Shinde, Vikas Gupta, and Puneesh Sharma appeared on Entertainment Ki Raat. The foursome recreated moments from Bigg Boss 11 house. She has become the secondmost searched entertainer on Google India in 2017, after Sunny Leone.
Rajeev Khandelwal All Set to Debut in Web Series Haq Se Rajeev Khandelwal is all set to make his debut in the web series Haq Se soon. The actor said his decisions or choices are not governed by the popular perception of him. “I take my own call and go by my instincts and actually gone through by my instincts all through my career,” said Rajeev talking to IANS. He added the response from the audience does not change his way of thinking. He doesn’t get influenced by what the audience thinks about him. Rajeev said he would not
change his way of thinking even if the audience gave him a different reaction. The upcoming ALT Balaji web series Haq Se also features actress Surveen Chawla. The
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series is all about four bloodbound sisters with four passionate dreams -- all yearning for one thing: fulfilment. It is a modern-day story of dreams, desires, love, war and the eternal pursuit of happiness, set against the beauty and unsettling unrest of Kashmir. The 42-year-old actor is known for his roles such as Dr. Aamir Ali in Aamir and ACP Arvind Mathur in Shaitan on the big screen, and Sujal Garewal in Kahin To Hoga and Capt. Rajveer Singh Shekhawat in Left Right Left on television.
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Vivek Dahiya Attacked, Talks about Lack of Security on Sets Vivek Dahiya who was recently attacked by drunken goons on the sets of his shoot late at night has questioned the lack of security for television casts and crews. The actor said that the industry needs proper security for the safety of the crew. The actor feels there should be a team of personnel including security officers to monitor sets on television and ensure the safety of the cast and crew. There should also be a department that ensures there are checks on sets and those not adhering to the safety regulations are fined,” said Vivek, who is married to Divyanka Tripathi Dahiya.
The actor was reportedly attacked by a group of drunken men with swords on his set. They even damaged his car, but
fortunately, no one was seriously injured. Vivek is known for his role in popular shows such as Yeh Hai Mohabbatein, Ek Veer Ki Ardaas...Veera, and Kavach...Kaali Shaktiyon Se. He said that the security guards on the set were the first ones to run away when the actor was attacked. “I think first, of all the things, there has to be a proper research that needs to be done for it. I got to know later that this area was not safe and the worst area to be shooting in at night,” said Vivek. He said that he came to know after the incident that the security guards only look big and are college students.
YRKKH Stars Mohsin Khan and Shivangi Joshi are Sizzling Hot in New Photoshoot The longest-running show on television Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai co-star’s Mohsin Khan (Karthik) and Shivangi Joshi (Naira) are sizzling hot in a new photoshoot. Both Mohsin and Shivangi took to their Instagram accounts to share the pictures. The duo, rumored to have been dating, have finally confessed their love for each other. Known as Kaira by their fans, Shivangi and Kartik are undoubtedly one of the most adored couples on-screen. The duo was linked ever since they
began romancing each other on-screen in 2016. “Several theories have been doing the rounds, including our link-up, but we didn’t allow it to affect our friendship or work. In fact, there was nothing to talk about initially, since we were just friends. Our friendship graduated to love only recently; it’s just been a month-and-ahalf,” said Mohsin, talking about their love. The actor added that though they haven’t gone on a date officially, they celebrated New Year with his family. He doesn’t know what made him fall in love with Shivangi, but guesses it must be her innocence. “We are still exploring each other. It has been a long friendship and a beautiful journey, which has now blossomed into love,” Mohsin said.
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DESH-VIDESH DISTRIBUTORS FLORIDA
Boca Raton Boca Indian Grill 561-465-3446 Cafe Bombay 561-750-5299 Preeti Salon 561-347-8250 Punjab Indian Restaurant 561-392-8000 Tanjore Indian Restaurant 561-886-7735 Bradenton India Bazaar 941-756-5373 Bawarchi Indian Cuisine 727-789-9760 Martins Indian Cuisine 727-237-3130 Tampa Grocery 813-655-8900 Casselberry Hindu Society of Central Florida 407-595-9224 COCONUT CREEK Robbie E Custom Cakes & Pastries 954-775-2633 Cooper City Ellies Desi Kitchen 954-436-1231 Coral Springs Bawarchi Indian Cuisine 954-344-3544 Indian Kichen 954-227-1123 Salma Kitchen 954-344-2644 Sheesh Kabab 954-775-0167 Taste Buds of India 954-603-6996 Daytona Beach Aavtar Indian Cuisine Taj Restaurant 954-629-7599 Delray Beach Deshi Bazar 561-865-7186 Saffron & Curry 561-270-2069 Fort Lauderdale 7 Flavors Restaurant 954-370-6200 Best Indian Grocery & Super Market 954-252-0011 Bombay Cafe 954-568-0600 Convenient Wholesalers 954-351-0080 Eastern Supermarket 954-749-0302 Mehfil Banquet Hall 954-742-3370 Monas Fashions 954-709-8622 Nirala Sweets 954-292-4415 Sunita Boutique & Beauty 954-747-6664 The Palace Indian Cuisine & Banquet Hall 954-370-4750 Woodlands Restaurant 954-749-3221 Fort Myers Halal Meat & Grocery 239-332-1765 Hindu Temple of Southwest Florida 239-225-0319 House of Spices 239-931-3901 India Palace 239- 939-2323 Indian Grocery Store 239-936-2123 Kabab Village 239-335-2222
Little India 239-936-9299 Spice Club India Grill Indias Grill 239-931-6751 Greenacres House of India-Greenacres 561-965-2102 Hollywood Big Bazar 954-433-7599 Flavors of India 954-433-4343 Little Asia Market 954-437-1666 Sitara Indian & Asian Groceries 954-517-0020 Tropics Restaurant & Nightclub 954-985-8382 Jacksonville 5th Element Indian Restaurant 904-448-8265 Apna Bazaar - Jacksonville 904-996-8780 Flavors Essence of India 904-733-1525 Hindu Temple of Jacksonville 904-268-7630 India House Restaurant 904-683-5528 Indias Restaurant 904-620-0777 Jax Spice 904-853-6217 Maa Kitchen Restaurant 904-990-9999 Masala Indian Cuisine 904-268-6499 Patel Brothers Llc 904-800-2235 Raja Indian Spices 904-448-8006 Sitaara 904-900-1369 Tandoori 904-646-4477 Buddhas Belly 904-900-6042 Kissimmee Antasha West Indian Grocery 407-518-9200 Punjab Indian Restaurant 407-507-1094 Lake Mary Spice Land 407-829-2440 Lake Worth Island Getaway Cuisine 561-434-6926 Rung By Ruby 954-232-8753 Lakeland Krishna Grocery 863-510-0200 New India Bazaar 863-667-1105 Lauderdale Lakes Singh S Roti Palace 954-735-4686 Lauderhill Bedessee East-West Indian Grocery 954-583-3700 Indian Chillies 954-741-8388 Longwood Apna Bazar - Longwood 407-260-2644 Spice House of Longwood 407-331-9888 Margate 711 Food Store Margate 954-935-5670 A-1 Foods International 954-752-3028 Bourda Market 954-977-6402 Lucky City Restaurant 954-972-1871 Shalama S Halal Roti Shop 954-977-6753
Melbourne Best India Grocery 321-914-0876 India Bazaar -Melbourne 321-600-4997 Taal Fine Indian Cuisine 321-802-6537 Tandoor Fine Indian Cuisine 321-704-0260 Taste of India 321-751-4191 Miami 786 Grocery 305-752-9199 Amar Jyoti Mandir (Miami) 786-553-8438 Ashoka Indian Cuisine 305-456-8566 Ashraf Halal Meat & Grocer 305-654-0195 Asia Grocery 786-268-7700 Asian Spices 305-387-0025 Bismillah Cash & Carry 305-324-4044 Bombay Darbar Indian Cuisine 305-444-7272 Caribbean Delight 305-254-6606 Consulate of Guyana 786-235-0431 Ghee Indian Kitchen 305-968-1850 India Bazzar 305-253-9551 Indian Grocery -Miami 786-293-1861 Indo American Store 305-382-7570 Lazeez Asian Cusine 305-388-2428 Masala Market 305-698-8770 Rupees Sarees 305-576-4368 Spice N Curry 305-359-3928 Thali Indian Cuisine 305-397-8814 Miramar Desi Bazaar 786-467-7999 S&A Caribbean Market 954-961-6160 Naples Passage To India Restaurant 239-513-0024 North Miami Zaika Indian Cuisine 786-409-5187 Orlando Aisha Beauty Salon 407-334-5465 Annies Roti Shop 407-930-8069 Apna Andaaz 407-859-0020 Apna Bazaar - Orlando 407-856-0238 Baps-Shri Swaminarayan Mandir 407-857-0091 Bombay Bazaar - Orlando 407-856-1780 Caribbean Super Center 407-523-1308 Chaat House 407-240-4922 Chutneys Indian Restaurant 407-730-9624 Dine India 407-802-4854 Flavors of India 407-778-5255 Golden Dynasty 407-851-2090 Grand India 407226-9797 Himas Indian Cuisine 407-574-4254 House of Spices 407-857-8805 India Palace Restaurant 407-238-2322 Indian Market 407-243-2424 Khasiyat Restaurant 407-888-2147
DESH-VIDESH DISTRIBUTORS Maa Durga Sri Sai Baba Temple 407-437-6709 Patel Brothers Orlando 407-816-0070 Shri Lakshmi Narayan Mandir 407-341- 9076 Shri Shivdham Hindu Temple 407-380-2661 Sizzler Tandoori Restaurant 407-345-4980 Woodlands Orlando 407-854-3330 Shahi Bazaar 386-675-6165 Palm Coast 5th Element Indian Cuisine 386-302-0202 Pembroke Pines Asia Spices 954-589-5401 Beautiful U Spa 954-441-9511 Beauty Cafe Salon 786-486-9665 New India Bazaar 954-270-2101 Ruchi Authentic Indian Cuisine 954-505-7455 Sheiks Bakery & Roti Cafe 954-441-4895 Shezan Banquet Hall Tandoor Restaurant 954.392-0999 Plantation Al Natour 954-514-7277 India House Restaurant 954-565-5701 Shiv Mandir 954-735-3560 Pompano Beach 5th Element India Grill 954-977-4334 Satis Indian & Vareity Store 954-977-6585 Port St Lucie India Spice 772-340-4991 Royal Palm Beach India Grill + Bar 561-249-7168 Sarasota Flavors of India 941-921-9200 South Daytona Masala Indian Cuisine 386-760-4505 Southwest Ranches South Florida Hindu Temple 954-252-8802 Sunrise Apna Bazar - Sunrise 954-742-5757 Delhi Fashions 954-702-8391 Hibiscus Restaurant 954-587-1238 Indu Herbal Beauty Salon 954-572-6822 Patel Brothers 954-742-3004 Tandoor Pizza & Sweets 954-746-6000 Zevar Jewelers 954-742-5305 Tallahassee Apna Bazar 850-597-9774 Little India Inc 850-422-7701 Persis Biryani Indian Grill 850-877-8899 Rhythm House of India 850-422-7701 Samrat Indian Restaurant 850-942-1993 Tampa Apna Bazaar - Tampa 813-903-1774 Biryani Cafe 813-972-7400 Dosa Hut 813-385-2033
Golden Paan And Chaat House 813-407-8612 House of Spices -Tampa 813-333-2479 India Bazaar -Tampa 813-885-9551 India Cultural Center (Icc) 813-802-4638 Kismet Bollywood Dance 310-729-6484 Malani Jewelers 813-866-4653 Patel Brothers -Tampa 813-558-9090 Rana Grill & Kabab 813- 972-1550 Royal Indian Bar & Grill 813-600-3463 Saffron Indian Cuisine-Tampa 813-600-3315 Shree Laxmi Naryan Mandir 813-444-9786 Tabla Fine Indian Cuisine 813-972-5900 Taj Indian Cuisine 813-971-8483 Tamarind Indian Restaurant 813-341-8100 Udipi Cafe 813-962-7300 Temple Terrace Gro Styles 813-903-8334 West Palm Beach Apna Pharmacy & Supermarket 561-967-7193 Desi Subs & Grill 561-328-7455 Halal Meat Market 561-433-3183 India Bazaar- West Palm Beach 561-684-3480 Indus & Indian Herbal Cuisine 561-249-0123 The India Palace 561-478-5606 Wilton Manors Little Market 954-561-8606
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Alpharetta Chennai Express Haveli Indian Cuisines 770-422-8000 India Plaza 678-867-0388 Spices Hut 770-410-9477 Taste of India 404-421-4505 Atlanta Asia Halal Meat 404-633-0010 Bhojanic Restaurant 404-841-8472 Cafe Bombay 404-320-0229 Himalaya Indian Restaurant/ Grocery 770-458-6557 Swapna Indian Cuisine 770-956-7589 Cumming Alpharetta Halal Meat 770-346-8808 Cherians International Groceries 770-888-4141 Decatur Chai Pani Restaurant 404-378-4030 Chat-Patti Indian Vegetarian 404-633-5595 Cherians International Groceries 404-819-5979 Gokul Sweets - Decatur 404-299-2062 Mantra 404-636-4400 Mirage Sarees 404-292-0002 Patel Brothers Atlanta 404-296-2696 Royal Sweets 404-327-5799 Sankalp Decatur 470-225-6083
Tava Indian Bistro 404-343-2710 Zyka Restaurant 404-664-8880 Duluth Apna Bazaar -Duluth 770-807-7776 Brahmin Samaj of Georgia Inc House 770-662-8628 Gokul Sweets 470-268-4444 Madhur Groceries 678-878-2420 New Delhi Imports 770-623-9560 Planet Mumbai Bombay 770-476-9976 Udipi Cafe 678-584-5840 Dunwoody Bharath Groceries 678-731-9252 Indian Bazaar-Dunwoody 770-455-3128 Johns Creek Biryani Pot 770-476-4795 Kennesaw Suvidha Indo-Pak Groceries 770-419-7112 Lake City Shree Shakti Mandir 770 968 3490 Lawrenceville Desi Bazar & Halal Meat 678-615-7089 Shahi Bazaar/United Wholesaler 770-972-5878 Spice Oven Catering 678-630-2867 Lilburn Akshar Grocery 770-717-9882 Al Hamrah International Food And Spices 770-381-2006 Kabab Hut 770-925-4440 Marietta Bismillah Halal Meat & Indo Pak Grocries 770-565-8859 Haveli Indian Cuisines - Marietta 770-422-8000 Lahore Grill 678-398-9868 Punjab Grocery 770-955-3277 Shivam Indian Groceries 770-971-7448 Vatica Indian Vegetarian Cuisine 770-955-3740 Norcross Guru Nanak Mission Society of All 770-931-3490 Junaid Jamshed 770-849-0001 Lazeez Tava Fry 770-939-1221 Rahuls Boutique 478-747-9418 Sabri Kabob House Sri Krishna Vilas 770-447-0049 The Mughals Restaurant 770-446-6941 Riverdale Hindu Temple of Atlanta 770-907-7102 India Imports 770-997-1085 Indo Pak Grocery 770-996-6786 Roswell India Chef 770-817-0661 Suwanee Suvidha Indo-Pak Groceries 770-292-1992
Advertisers’ Index ACCOUNTANT ENV’s Accounting........................................................................................................ 54 Vakharia Bhupen CPA................................................................................................. 69 ADVERTISING Desh Videsh Media Group................................................................................49-83-71 ASTROLOGER Pandit AnjiRam............................................................................................................ 73 Pandit Sitaramji........................................................................................................... 71 Star Astrology Center.................................................................................................. 50 ATTORNEYS Dehra Miotke LLC....................................................................................................... 65 Neelofer Syed ESQ..................................................................................................... 31 BANQUET HALLS Hilton Orlando............................................................................................................... 5 Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel............................................................................ 61 BEAUTICIANS / COSMETICIAN Anju Thaker................................................................................................................. 54 BOLLYWOOD ENTERTAINMENT Atif Aslam and Neha Kakkar Show................................................................................ 3 Ekal Vidyalaya............................................................................................................. 47 Da-Bangg.................................................................................................................... 52 TV Asia USA................................................................................................................ 21 BRIDAL SHOW Myshadi Bridal Expo............................................................................................... 26-88 CREDIT CARD PROCESSING North American Bancard............................................................................................. 11 CULTURAL PROGRAM 25th Asian Trade Show 2018...................................................................................... 51 Adhura Toy Madhura - Gujarati Comedy Natak........................................................... 44 Bhagawat Katha.......................................................................................................... 45 Indiafest 2018.............................................................................................................. 59 DECORATOR Anand Event Services................................................................................................. 19 Dreams To Reality....................................................................................................... 25 Linen Connection Decor.............................................................................................. 81 Occasions By Shangri-la............................................................................................... 8 DISC JOCKEY Dudha Productions...................................................................................................... 50 Pavan Events.............................................................................................................. 82 E-COMMERCE Global AMS................................................................................................................. 75 E-MARKETING The Arpan Group......................................................................................................... 13 EDUCATION Kumon North America GA........................................................................................... 41 FINANCIAL SERVICES Smithdeal & Barry....................................................................................................... 58 Waddell & Reed Financial Advisors............................................................................. 23 FLORIST Anand Event Services................................................................................................. 19 Dreams To Reality....................................................................................................... 25 Linen Connection Decor.............................................................................................. 81 Occasions By Shangri-la............................................................................................... 8 FOOD DISTRIBUTOR Commerce International Inc........................................................................................ 15 Sky Speed Distributor.................................................................................................. 55 FUNERAL SERVICES Wages & Sons Funeral Home & Crematories............................................................. 27 GIFT ARTICLES Ayurveda & Puja Hut..................................................................................................... 9 India Return Gifts........................................................................................................ 83 GROCERY House of India-Greenacres......................................................................................... 82 House of Spices.......................................................................................................... 82 India Bazaar- West Palm Beach.................................................................................. 83 Patel Brothers.............................................................................................................. 82 HINDUISM Desh Videsh Media Group Inc................................................................................ 34-35 HOME FURNISHING Gallery Furniture.......................................................................................................... 28
INSURANCE AGENTS American Family Insurance-Lilburn............................................................................. 81 Auto Owners Insurance............................................................................................... 54 Bill Daly Insurance....................................................................................................... 83 SDK & Associates Insurance Service.......................................................................... 67 IT CONSULTING Contract Engineers...................................................................................................... 65 JEWELERS Bhindi Jewelers Inc....................................................................................................... 4 Devam........................................................................................................................... 2 Legacy Jewelers.......................................................................................................... 85 Malani Jewelers........................................................................................................... 86 PS Jewelers.................................................................................................................. 9 Zevar Jewelers............................................................................................................ 65 Magazine Subscription Desh Videsh Media Group.......................................................................................... 77 P R COMPANY The Arpan Group......................................................................................................... 13 PHOTOGRAPHER / VIDEOGRAPHY Anand Event Services................................................................................................. 19 Krishna Video & Photo Studio..................................................................................... 83 Navyug Digital Studio & Color Lab.............................................................................. 82 Sona Photography....................................................................................................... 58 PRIEST Acharya Ramesh Mehta.............................................................................................. 81 Mahesh Gor................................................................................................................. 81 Priest Chakravarthy..................................................................................................... 82 Priest Ramachandra Bhat........................................................................................... 83 PRINTING Desh Videsh Media Group.......................................................................................... 57 RADIO SHOW Manoranjan................................................................................................................. 77 Radio Asia................................................................................................................... 77 REALTOR AmeriTeam Realty Inc................................................................................................. 81 Berkshire Hathway...................................................................................................... 69 Berkshire Hathway-Union City.................................................................................... 71 Camelot Realty Services............................................................................................. 69 Chapman Hall Realtors............................................................................................... 83 Coldwell Banker - Jyoti Laungani................................................................................ 81 Future Home Realty.................................................................................................... 82 Island and Resort Realty Inc....................................................................................... 83 RESTAURANT / CATERING 5th Element Indian Restaurant.................................................................................... 33 Ashoka Indian Cuisine................................................................................................. 24 Cafe Bombay............................................................................................................... 29 Rasa Asian Street Food.............................................................................................. 12 Rasoi Indian Cusine.................................................................................................... 38 Southern Spices Taste of South.................................................................................. 53 Tanjore Indian Restaurant............................................................................................. 7 SARIS Devam........................................................................................................................... 2 SCHOOL Kumon North America GA........................................................................................... 41 SPIRITUAL CENTER Planet Watch Guru...................................................................................................... 87 TRAVEL AGENCY Flight Bucks................................................................................................................. 22 Legend Travel & Tours................................................................................................. 14 Puja Travels................................................................................................................. 63 Worldwide Travel Inc................................................................................................... 81 VISA SERVICES Global Visa Care Services........................................................................................... 39 WEB DESIGN Global AMS................................................................................................................. 75 WEB HOSTING SERVICES Global AMS................................................................................................................. 75 WEDDING BUSINESS MARKETING Desh Videsh Media Group Inc..................................................................................... 43 The Arpan Group......................................................................................................... 13 WEDDING INVITATIONS Invites & Events........................................................................................................... 37 WEDDING SERVICES Anand Event Services................................................................................................. 19 Dreams To Reality....................................................................................................... 25 Linen Connection Decor.............................................................................................. 81 Occasions By Shangri-la............................................................................................... 8
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Celebrating 25 years of Community Involvement
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Celebrating 25 years of Community Involvement
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Celebrating 25 years of Community Involvement
Classifieds Live-In/Out Help Hands Down Best Stock Market Training. 100+ Chapters 9 Hours Of Self Paced Web Training. Coupon FRIENDS 50% off. Contact: 305-804-5755 www.modestreturns.com
Office secretary needed in Tamarac. Fluent in English, organized and able to multi task. K n o w l e d g e i n Wo r d s and Excel is plus. Part time/25 hrs and change to full time in 2 months. Contact : 954-540-3858
Seeking live-in nanny/ housekeeper in Orlando, FL to care for 2 school-age kids, cooking, light housekeeping. Enjoy great weather. Call: 917-720-6021
Hotel Housekeeping Needed: Indoor C o r r i d o r Ho t e l w i t h Elevators, OnSite Accommodations, Great Pay, Start Immediately. Properties in Atlanta, GA & Savannah, GA. Call D.J. Patel at 407-408-4500
Holi Hai! Holi Hai! explains why Hindus celebrate Holi, the festival of colors all around the world in the spring season. The book helps children living in America the universal message of the victory of good over evil. Phone: 954-784-8100 www.deshvideshpublishing.com
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Publications We Love Diwali We love Diwali! takes you inside the homes of families living in America where Hindus, Jain and Sikh children together celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights. Phone: 954-784-8100 www.deshvideshpublishing.com
Chronology of Hinduism The book, Chronology of Hinduism, highlights the rich history of the Hindu religion daing over 10,000 years. Phone: 954-784-8100 www.deshvideshpublishing.com
Celebrating 25 years of Community Involvement
Plan Your Wedding in One Day!
MyShadi
Bridal Expo The Largest Event of its Kind Photo Courtesy: Castaldo Studio
100
Over Vendor Booths Exclusive Shopping Boutiques Indian and Pakistani Clothing Designer Saree, Designer Blouses, Lehenga Choli, Lehenga and Lacha Saree, Evening Gown, Party Wear, Churidar, Salwar, Tops, Kurti, Tunics & Indo-Western wear Diamond, Gold & Silver Jewelry Fashion, Costume and Designer Jewelry Men’s attire Sherwanis, Jodhpuris and Kurta Pyjamas
What the Expo Offers • Free Admission and Parking • Free Food Sampling • Interactive sessions • Wide variety of top vendors • Interview multiple vendors in one afternoon • Designer runway fashion show • Mehndi, hair & makeup demos • Taste scrumptious appetizers and wedding cake • Find creative ideas and designs for all your events • Show discounts only for Expo attendees
Expo showcases elegant and modern products essential for Hindu, Muslim, Christian, and Sikh weddings. Over 100 vendors under one roof to save your time and money.
ATLANTA
ORLANDO
Sunday, March 25, 2018
Sunday, April 15, 2018
Noon to 5:00 PM
Noon to 5:00 PM
Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel
Hilton Orlando 6001 Destination Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32819
2450 Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339
Win Two FREE Tickets to India Register Online:
www.myshadibridalexpo.com Destination Wedding Pavilion
Designer Runway Fashion Show Presented by
Desh-Videsh Media Group Inc. (954) 784-8100 www.deshvidesh.com
Platinum Sponsors Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel
MyShadi
(770) 303-3123 www.renaissancewaverly.com
(954) 784-8100 www.myshadi.com
Hilton Orlando (407) 313-8458 www.thehiltonorlando.com
The Arpan Group (703) 651-6670 www.thearpangroup.com