The Hindu Students Council at UVA started in 1997 when a couple of close friends decided to form a group where they could share their thoughts and experiences concerning Hinduism. The first meeting was held on October 5, 1997, attended by seven people. Inspired by the Lord, these individuals, as well as numerous others worked tirelessly to organize weekly discussions and Bhagavad Gita readings, to form a constitution and a budget, and to publicize the organization around the University.
By the fall of 1998, HSC-UVA had become an official university contracted independent organization, and began to receive funding for its events. That semester, HSC organized a Ganesh Puja to begin the year, a Diwali Puja, regular weekly meetings, and our first ever Garba-Raas night (attended by 250 people!). In the spring of 1999, HSC organized Vikasa, A Weeklong Celebration of Hinduism at UVA. The week began with a Mahashivaratri Puja, and also featured two Swamis giving speeches, as well as a panel discussion with members of the Muslim Students Association. That year also included a Holi colorfest day, meetings on the four yogas, as well as Sikhism and Jainism, a group picnic, and a Lakshmi Puja to conclude the year. Overall, we held 39 events during the year!
Sparked by yet another talented and dedicated incoming first-year class, HSC was off to a fast start in the fall of 1999. A Ganesh/Saraswati puja kicked off the year, a pot-luck Diwali dinner/puja was held, and our Garba-Raas night was once again a grand success. Meetings were held on great Indian personalities such as Mirabai, the significance of Navaratri, and a skit on Ganesh was performed. During the spring semester, HSC once again organized Vikasa, Hinduism Awareness Week. The week began with two swamis giving inspirational talks, and also included a demonstration on bharatnatyam, and a talk about the role of women in Hinduism. The week concluded with colors flying in the air for Holi. Shortly thereafter, a new constitution that more clearly defined roles of administrative body members was drafted and ratified. Throughout the semester, small groups met for weekly meditation, bhajans, Gita readings, Vishnu Sahasranam chantings, and more.
In 2009, the Hindu Students Council organized a new event, the Gandhi Benefit Dinner. In honor of Gandhi’s commitment to peace and his noble acts for charity, the organization hosted a dinner featuring performances and presentations by guests from a charity organization. The proceeds from this event have greatly improved the living standards for hundreds of people. HSC is optimisitc for its continued support from the university community.
The common element that all of HSC’s members share is a passion and love for Hinduism that goes unmatched. Their humility, talent, sacrifice, and commitment has served as an inspiration to all, and has been the key to winning over the hearts of new members. The most amazing feature of the group is that it has been able to do so much in such a short span of time. Most importantly though, HSC is an excellent way to learn about and to practice Hinduism in a university setting.
It should be noted that HSC is not only for devout hindu students, but for anyone with any interest whatsoever in Hinduism in general.
By the fall of 1998, HSC-UVA had become an official university contracted independent organization, and began to receive funding for its events. That semester, HSC organized a Ganesh Puja to begin the year, a Diwali Puja, regular weekly meetings, and our first ever Garba-Raas night (attended by 250 people!). In the spring of 1999, HSC organized Vikasa, A Weeklong Celebration of Hinduism at UVA. The week began with a Mahashivaratri Puja, and also featured two Swamis giving speeches, as well as a panel discussion with members of the Muslim Students Association. That year also included a Holi colorfest day, meetings on the four yogas, as well as Sikhism and Jainism, a group picnic, and a Lakshmi Puja to conclude the year. Overall, we held 39 events during the year!
Sparked by yet another talented and dedicated incoming first-year class, HSC was off to a fast start in the fall of 1999. A Ganesh/Saraswati puja kicked off the year, a pot-luck Diwali dinner/puja was held, and our Garba-Raas night was once again a grand success. Meetings were held on great Indian personalities such as Mirabai, the significance of Navaratri, and a skit on Ganesh was performed. During the spring semester, HSC once again organized Vikasa, Hinduism Awareness Week. The week began with two swamis giving inspirational talks, and also included a demonstration on bharatnatyam, and a talk about the role of women in Hinduism. The week concluded with colors flying in the air for Holi. Shortly thereafter, a new constitution that more clearly defined roles of administrative body members was drafted and ratified. Throughout the semester, small groups met for weekly meditation, bhajans, Gita readings, Vishnu Sahasranam chantings, and more.
In 2009, the Hindu Students Council organized a new event, the Gandhi Benefit Dinner. In honor of Gandhi’s commitment to peace and his noble acts for charity, the organization hosted a dinner featuring performances and presentations by guests from a charity organization. The proceeds from this event have greatly improved the living standards for hundreds of people. HSC is optimisitc for its continued support from the university community.
The common element that all of HSC’s members share is a passion and love for Hinduism that goes unmatched. Their humility, talent, sacrifice, and commitment has served as an inspiration to all, and has been the key to winning over the hearts of new members. The most amazing feature of the group is that it has been able to do so much in such a short span of time. Most importantly though, HSC is an excellent way to learn about and to practice Hinduism in a university setting.
It should be noted that HSC is not only for devout hindu students, but for anyone with any interest whatsoever in Hinduism in general.