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.
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 a 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.