BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, October 5, 2006: “The past and future are but the essence of our existence.” These words by Swami Tygananda of the Boston Vedanta Society resonated with the attendees at Hindu Students Council’s 2006 Annual Meet, recently held on the Massachusetts Institute of Technology campus. The three-day meeting, from September 29 to October 1, brought together participants from all over the United States to discuss HSC’s future goals and bond together while learning about Hinduism.
The meeting started off with the participants joining the MIT chapter’s weekly Friday satsang on the Bhagavad Gita delivered by Swami Tygananda. After a relaxed Friday evening, attendees started Saturday morning at full speed, with discussions on HSC’s future and a presentation on how to build and maintain a productive team. After a satisfying lunch, the participants tackled tough issues relevant to Hindus through a presentation on Hindu-related human rights issues, sparking a lively and insightful debate about the role of HSC members vis-a-vis Spirituality versus Activism.
The attendees also got another chance to hear from Swamiji, as he spoke on how Swami Vivekananda could be a role model for the youth in this day and age. “I felt very honored to hear Swamiji speak, because he helped us make sense of how our daily rituals connect with our past and our future,” said Sheena Sood, chapter president at Emory University. After Swamiji’s talk, the attendees received a healthy dose of Bhakti Yoga by participating in a puja organized by MIT’s HSC. The day ended with a dinner where the attendees got to meet and interact with the local Hindu community leaders from the Boston area.
Sunday morning provided a chance for the Meet’s attendees to look at HSC’s goals for the year. Nikunj Trivedi, president of HSC, presented the theme for the upcoming year, “Reach Out, Recruit, and Retain,” as HSC embarks on a campaign to increase the number of chapters and volunteers performing various tasks all over the organization. Though the last day was marred by heavy rain that caused a few disruptions, attendees still came away with a feeling of clarity and accomplishment. Jilna Kothary, a chapter officer at New York University, remarked, “The Annual Meet was the perfect blend of religious, cultural, and social activities for Hindu youth, away from the pressures of student life.” With the 2006 Annual Meet completed, Hindu Students Council looks forward to the coming academic year and the promise of strengthening an already vibrant organization.