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Local Man Narrowly Avoided India Terrorism

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By KRISTA KLAUS

News Channel 8

Published: November 28, 2008

Pawan Rattan (2003 photo)

A local Hindu leader says he should have been staying at the Taj Hotel in Mumbai when terrorists struck Wednesday.

Pawan Rattan left Tampa on Nov. 12 for a two-week trip but decided while he was there to extend his stay and do some holiday shopping in Mumbai. He planned to stay at the famed hotel, but a change of heart brought him home earlier than expected.

"It was just one of those things. You make a plan and change it," Rattan said.

Rattan said he is mourning the loss of a close friend killed in the terrorist attacks. He said he is organizing a prayer service for all Bay area Hindus this weekend.

"We will pray for the departed souls and equally important that God give us all wisdom so the scourge of terrorism will be eliminated from the face of the earth," said Rattan, chairman of the board of trustees for the Sanatan Mandir Temple in Tampa.

The prayer service begins at 11 a.m. Sunday at the Hindu Temple at 5509 Lynn Road in Tampa. For information, call (813) 962-6890.

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