Hindu Yuva, a religious and cultural chapter that was established at the University of Washington to combat issues they face as young Hindu practitioners, developed a branch at San José State in 2008.
Hinduism dates back 5,000 years ago in India and is the oldest documented religion in the world, according to the Hindu American Foundation.
Hindu Yuva is an organization consisting of students who look to unite the broader Hindu community and students from around the world to celebrate the philosophies of Hinduism, according to its Hindu Yuva website.
Hindu Yuva is also a non-profit organization that aims to educate Hindu youth at San José State and aims to shed light on the stigma they face as a group, according to the same source.
SJSU Artificial Intelligence graduate student Ankita Arvind Deshmukh said Hindu Yuva SJSU arranges numerous events and festivals on campus.
“Through these events, members definitely experience a transformative journey,”Deshmukh said “(An average participant) definitely feels, like, a connection to a spiritual root, but it also creates interpersonal skill”
Prasad Khandat, a regional coordinator for Hindu Yuva, said the club uses a non-rigorous and friendly introduction into the world of Hinduism to educate anyone willing to learn about methods of wellness.
Khandat said one of Hindu Yuva SJSU’s main priorities is to carry on the traditions of Hinduism away from India.
“The purpose of Hindu Yuva is to create a platform and to preserve, practice and promote laws and principles,” Khandat said. “We aim to develop character and leadership skills and all of our members emphasize values such as self-discipline, self-confidence and selflessness.”
Hindu Yuva SJSU has an event to welcome new students called “Suswagatam,” which directly translates to “lone welcome” in Sanskrit, the primary language used in Hinduism, according to Hindu Yuva’s most recent newsletter.
This slogan is emphasized in a four-day event called “Gone to Dharma,’’ where students from campuses from across the country come together to learn about the auspicious slogan.
The event also includes a yoga session where students explore different techniques as amateur yogis and learn about Hindu folklore, according to the same source.
Deshmukh said she learned to embrace Hindu Yuva SJSU as a way of connecting with her Hindu roots.
“As an international student, I felt like I totally found a home away from home,” Deshmukh said. “I became a member of Hindu Yuva because I was drawn to its presence on the SJSU campus and opportunity to connect with individuals who shared similar values and beliefs.”
Deshmukh said the concept of “Dharma” or principles crafted by years of practice of their religion, seems to be lost in an ocean of rich culture.
This concept is derived from the ancient scripture in Sanskrit and is considered a “cosmic law,” according to the Hindu American Foundation.
“Hindu Yuva derives its inspiration from ancient knowledge and understands the task ahead of them,” Khandat said. “Hindu Yuva provides this platform to bring together Hindu college students and young professionals.”
She said along with the club’s emphasis on Dharma and culture, members have a commitment to the Sanskrit term ‘Seva,’ or “selfless service.”
Vinit Pankaj Kanani, treasurer for Hindu Yuva SJSU and artificial intelligence graduate student, said the organization’s goals go beyond creating a safe shelter and nurturing environment for Dharma and Seva.
Kanani said Hindu Yuva SJSU also focuses on personal development, personal well-being, spiritual development, promoting a sense of unity and cultural awareness.
“Hindu Yuva’s purpose is to bring together Hindu youth on college campuses across North America and create opportunities for them within the college communities through Hindu Dharma and the Hindu way of life,” Kanani said.
In addition, Kanani said the organization emphasizes personal development and creates a sense of unity, cultural awareness and service to others.
Khandat said the purpose and influence created for this ancient, but timeless set of philosophies is growing.
He said connections formed through Hindu Yuva SJSU can aid students in succeeding spiritually.
Kanani also said his experience at SJSU was definitely boosted through his experience with the organization.
“It not only helped me with my resume, it provided me with a sense of belonging within the group, these different experiences ignited my desire to give back to the community,” Kanani said.
Khandat said Hindu Yuva SJSU provided a valuable network of peers and leaders who eventually became my mentors and always engaged with the local community with volunteer work.
In 2022, the organization spread across 50 university campuses, becoming the largest Hindu student organization in North America, according to its website.
“Hinduism has been practiced throughout Asia for a thousand years. Today, Hinduism is a global religion representing virtually every racial, ethnic and national background and living on every continent,” Khandat said.
