gautam samadder, md - American Association of Physicians of ...

Chapter News
FAPI American Heritage Day
This year, on December 8, 2012, it was held at CDS, a private school that boasts an excellent IB program, with
exhibition of photographs on loan from MOSI’s (Museum of Science and Industry, Tampa) ‘Demystifying India
Exhibition’ and presentation of various dances – from classical to folk, and Bollywood to international pop – under
the leadership of Dr. Kabaria, President, FAPI.
The event was attended by members and families of FAPI, students, staff and various dignitaries. Addressing
the audience, April Griffin, Chair of Hillsborough County Public School Board said, “We have such a diverse
population of students including many Indian students. It is a microcosm of our entire nation. The school board
recognizes that diversity. Happy Diwali.”
Ryan Kelly, incoming Head of CDS emphasized character
building as a prime objective of the school. Shanker Montoute
of HCSO drew raffle and accepted charitable contributions
from FAPI for Thanksgiving Food Drive and
Christmas Toy Distribution by HCSO Charities. The other
distinguished guests included Florida State Senator, Tom
Lee and Florid State House Representative Mark Danish.
The evening’s cultural program started with invocatory
prayers and chanting of ‘Shanti Mantra’ by Sanskriti group
and, ch i ldre n’s l amp lig ht ing . This was fol lowe d by an
invocatory dance by Abhyasa school of dance, a Folk Dance - Garba
- led by CDS parent Mina Patel, Bharatha Natyam Dances by Tara
Bikkasani’s school of Dance, Classical Dances by Anjana Menon,
Bollywood dance by Radhika Mehrotra and Indian version of international
pop “Gangam Style” by CDS India Student Club led by
Suhani Patel. Also, our own ‘Indian’ Michael Jackson was on hand
to entertain the crowd during dinner time. Sid Morgan, COO of JSA
Health Care Corporation was the chief sponsor of the evening.
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