Though the Florida Legislature was nonetheless in an prolonged (till June 6) common session — attempting to go a State Finances and a few associated gadgets — whereas I used to be finalizing this problem, State Home Minority Chief Fentrice Driskell (D-Tampa) led a tribute on the Home flooring on Could 1 recognizing the important contributions of Hindu-Individuals throughout the state of Florida.
Joined by a number of of her colleagues, Chief Driskell (who serves in State Home District 67, which incorporates New Tampa) celebrated the adoption of her decision — Home Decision 8053, which designates October 2025 as “Hindu-American Heritage Month.” The decision was formally adopted by publication within the Home Journal on April 17.
To mark the event, Rep. Driskell welcomed a gaggle of Hindu-American leaders to the Home Chamber — together with New Tampa-based pharmacist Rasesh Patel and his daughter Puja, the place these Hindu-American leaders have been honored and offered with a framed copy of the decision (picture).
“As a consultant of a vibrant and various district with a major Hindu-American inhabitants, I’m proud to introduce HR 8053,” mentioned Chief Driskell. “This decision acknowledges the profound contributions of Hindu-Individuals to Florida’s cultural richness, instructional excellence, financial vitality and philanthropic spirit. It was a pleasure to have a good time this second with constituents and Hindu-American leaders from throughout the state.”
Rasesh Patel, who’s the Guide Pharmacist and Neighborhood Relations Lead with BAPS (Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan), positioned on E. Fowler Ave. in Thonotosassa. It’s a Hindu spiritual group and a denomination inside the Swaminarayan Sampradaya Swaminarayan Mandir. His daughter Puja, who was the youngest attendee of the occasion celebrating the adoption of the decision, is a proud USF graduate in Knowledge Analytics.
“Home Decision 8053 is greater than a symbolic gesture,” Patel says. “It’s a significant acknowledgment of the values, contributions and cultural heritage that the Hindu-American group brings to Florida. This decision serves as a bridge — fostering mutual understanding, respect, and celebrating the range that strengthens our democracy.”
He provides, “For Hindu-Individuals, particularly our youth, this recognition sends a robust message: your story issues, your tradition is honored, and also you belong. I’m sincerely grateful to Consultant Fentrice Driskell for championing this initiative. Her management paves the best way for future generations to embrace each their American and Hindu identities with pleasure. Florida’s recognition of Hindu-American Heritage Month is an important step towards constructing a extra inclusive narrative — one which displays the wealthy tapestry of communities that make up the American cloth.”
With Rep. Driskell’s decision in place, Rasesh says, “Roughly ten outstanding Indian organizations — every with a statewide presence in Florida and representing spiritual, skilled, cultural, and social communities — will come collectively to have a good time Diwali (on Oct. 20) on the Capitol in Tallahassee. This marks yet one more significant milestone in honoring the rising contributions of the Hindu-American group throughout the state.”
Patel additionally notes that Rep. Driskell, who has attended and actively participated in main festivals hosted by the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandi, together with Diwali, probably the most vital celebrations within the Hindu religion, not solely indicators solidarity with, but in addition demonstrates real curiosity in understanding and honoring Hindu traditions and values.”
He additionally says that Chief Driskell’s collaboration with BAPS Charities has additional deepened this bond. Within the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, she personally joined volunteers within the College space to assist distribute over 1,200 sandwiches and significant every day provides to affected households — a second of service that mirrored each compassion and management.
“Rep. Driskell’s assist additionally prolonged to BAPS Charities’ annual Walkathon, which raises funds for native charities and civic causes,” he provides. “By endorsing and taking part in these initiatives, she continues to uplift efforts that profit communities throughout faiths and backgrounds.”
Together with her historical past of assembly with Hindu leaders, attending cultural occasions, and championing inclusivity by legislative motion, Patel says. “Rep. Driskell stands out as a public servant who doesn’t simply symbolize — she connects, participates, and uplifts. Her relationship with Florida’s Hindu group shouldn’t be performative; it’s private, purposeful and profoundly appreciated.” — Particular to the Neighborhood Information
