Kalyani Giri
HOUSTON, TEXAS, June 4, 2005: The Hindu Students Council (HSC, click here for web site) hosted an occasion in celebration of the unifying force of Hinduism at the Shri Radha Krishna Temple Hall on June 3, 2005. The event, a HSC Awareness Dinner and Fundraiser, was held to create more awareness in the community of HSC’s vision to give the world enlightened Hindu leaders in all walks of life. A first of its kind event in HSC history, it brought in a much-needed sum of $52,000 to financially aid HSC to realize goals and further its cause. Over 220 youth invested time and support to the event. Coordinated by the student body with guidance of their elders, the event drew nearly 600 gatherees, and enjoyed strong representation from over 30 temples and prominent organizations such as Art of Living Foundation, Arya Samaj of Greater Houston, Chinmaya Mission Houston, BAPS Shree Swaminarayan Mandir, Shri Meenakshi Temple Society, India Culture Center and Gujarathi Samaj of Houston, to name but a few. Also attending were guests from the Jewish, Christian, Sikh, and Muslim communities.
“I believe that having HSC in my school is like having a mandir at home,” said Hitesh Divecha, Pres. of HSC at the University of Houston, whose comment drew cheers of support from young attendees. Divecha’s sister Payal told of her understanding of the concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. “HSC made me realize that there exists a greater family than you’re born with, the whole world is one family,” she said reflectively. Delivering the keynote address was National President of HSC, all chapters, Sameer Rawal. An MBA student at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, Rawal deemed Texas the ideal state for Hindus in the USA. “Hindus in other states look to Houston Hindus to set precedents. And they follow your example. This awareness dinner is taking place at the right state,” he said.
He eloquently gave an overview of the vision of HSC. Founded in 1990, it is the largest student-run organization outside of India, with 77 chapters spanning North America and Canada. HSC has garnered the attention of over 105,000 students worldwide who benefit from activities such as holy scripture study sessions, Diwali poojas, seva projects, seminars, retreats, and global conferences such as the 2003 Global Dharma Conference held in New Jersey. Based on Vedic philosophy that encourages goodwill to all, and truth at all times, HSC provides a support system among Hindu students. HSC also spearheaded fundraising campaigns for the tsunami survivors. Through the Network of Hindu Minds (NetOHM), support from HSC continues even after a graduate joins the workforce. An affiliate of HSC, Community Action Network (CAN) works to prevent the defamation of Hinduism.