Hindu Students Council

Hindu Students Council (also known as HSC) is an organization of Hindu students in the United States of America and Canada. According to its website, it serves as an "international forum that provides opportunities to learn about Hindu heritage through various activities, events and projects." [1] It is an independent non-profit organization under 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3).

The HSC was set up in 1990 with support from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America, a constituent member of the right-wing [2] Indian Sangh Parivar; its current association with that body is a matter of some debate,[3][4] though it says that it became fully independent in 2003.[4][5] Prior to its separation from its parent organization, it was considered to be the student-wing of the VHP.[4][6][7][8][9]

It maintains cordial relations with temples and organizations in America including the Chinmaya Mission, BAPS, Gayatri Parivar, Barsana Dham, Ramakrishna Mission, Art of Living, Arsha Vidya Gurukulam, Indian Temple and Cultural Society of North America, ISKCON, Arya Samaj, Hindu Students Association, www.hinduamericanseva.org etc. The organization also has good relations with many Buddhist, Jain and Sikh organizations. Besides relations with Hindu/Indian organizations in America, HSC also maintain relations with youth organizations in Europe, Malaysia, and South Africa.[5]

Vision and goals

HSC describes itself as deriving its inspiration from the Sanatana Dharma, quoting the Rigveda.

The vision of HSC emerges from great realizations like:
  • Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: The entire creation is one family.
  • "Ekam Sat Viprah Bahudha Vadanti": Truth is one, sages call it by various names.
  • Sarve Api Sukhina Santu Sarve Santu Niramayah: Let everybody be happy, healthy, and blessed.[10]

It describes its goals as:

1. Provide opportunities to learn about Hindu heritage and culture.

2. Foster awareness of issues affecting Hindus.

3. Provide SEVA (service) to the community.

Activities

Activities of Hindu Students Council consist of celebration of festivals, talks and discussions on Hindu philosophy, Poojas (prayers), Yoga Sessions, interfaith events as well as Seva (service) initiatives.

Stephen Warner, of the University of Illinois at Chicago reports that many HSC members see the organisation as a method to "reaffirm their Hindu identity" and "link them to their families".[32]

Awards

In 2011, Hindu Students Council was awarded Best Hindu Organization by the popular online portal About.com, a part of the New York Times Company.[33]

References

  1. Hindu Students Council - Registration for Annual Camp now Open
  2. Performative Politics And The Cultures Of Hinduism: Public Uses of Religion in Western India, Raminder Kaur, Permanent Black, London, 2003
  3. "Contemporary American Religion", Wade Clark Roof, Macmillan, p305.
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 Hinduism Today | University | September/October 2001
  5. 5.0 5.1 welcome to hsc
  6. "Politics After Television: Religious Nationalism and the Reshaping of the Indian Public", Arvind Rajagopal, Cambridge University Press, 2001, p. 257,
  7. 2003 Yearbook, the Centre for the Study of Global Governance, London School of Economics
  8. "The Struggle for India's Soul", Mira Kamdar, World Policy Journal.
  9. "Negotiating Hindu Identities in America", by Diana Eck, in The South Asian Religious Diaspora in Britain, Canada, and the United States Raymond Brady Williams, Harold G. Coward, John Russell Hinnells eds., State University of New York Press, 2001, p.234.
  10. HSC Website
  11. "Hindu Youth Explore Plurality of and Challenges to Hindu Dharma at 21st Annual HSC Camp". Hindu Students Council. Retrieved 2014-08-18.
  12. "Southeast Regional Retreat". Hindu Students Council. Retrieved 2014-08-18.
  13. "Directory · Boston University". People.bu.edu. Retrieved 2014-08-18.
  14. "UMD presents Hinduism Jeopardy at GBM". Hindu Students Council. Retrieved 2014-08-18.
  15. http://www.retrieverweekly.com/?cmd=displaystory&story_id=5873&format=html
  16. "HSC Students at The White House Session on Advancing Interfaith and Community Service on College & University Campuses, Washington DC". Hindu Students Council. Retrieved 2014-08-18.
  17. "Eastern Religions Conference aims to educate students on faith". http://pittnews.com/newsstory/eastern-religions-conference-aims-to-educate-students-on-faith/
  18. "Hindu Americans Join Other Faiths in a Dialogue on National Security". Hindu Students Council. Retrieved 2014-08-18.
  19. "U. Arkansas Hindu lecture clears up misconceptions about religion". Hindu Students Council. Retrieved 2014-08-18.
  20. Students Throw Colors, Celebrate Holi Festival | The Cornell Daily Sun
  21. Holi Festival Celebrates Beginning of Spring | The Cornell Daily Sun
  22. C.U. Celebrates Holi | The Cornell Daily Sun
  23. Hindu Students Celebrate Holi | The Cornell Daily Sun
  24. Cornell United Religious Work
  25. "Bali Conference, WORLD HINDU YOUTH SUMMIT". Hindu Students Council. Retrieved 2014-08-18.
  26. "Under maintenance for the moment". Dharmaconference.org. Retrieved 2014-08-18.
  27. Global Dharma Conference: Speakers / Guests
  28. "Under maintenance for the moment" (PDF). Dharmaconference.org. Retrieved 2014-08-18.
  29. Global Dharma Conference 2003 - An About.com Hinduism Report
  30. comm-1&2.qxd
  31. Youth & Religion Project:Modules.4
  32. "The Best in Hinduism - 2011 Readers' Choice Awards" http://hinduism.about.com/od/basics/ss/The-Best-In-Hinduism-2011-Readers-Choice-Awards_2.htm