St. John's University Hindu Students Council dedicated to seva in the community

November 21, 2011 - Because the chapter at her university went through a lull last year, President Jonaki Singh has taken upon herself the important job of bringing back the Hindu Students Council chapter at St. John's University. The four executive board members have been working hard to plan events, fundraise and perform seva for their community.The chapter has been putting on and participating in quality cultural, religious and seva events this fall semester. For many events, the chapter partners with the Indian Subcontinent Student Organization. This year, they co-hosted with the ISSO to put on Garba. The chapter took responsibility for planning and performing the Hindu-religious part of Garba, namely the aarti. In addition to garba and bake sales, the chapter participated in a seva project with Street Child International and helped them raise $2,000. The chapter also volunteered their time at a Fall Ball at Chaplin Nursing home.The chapter went all out for Diwali! At an interfaith festival of lights event held at the university, the chapter made a slide show presentation on the significance of Diwali for Hindus. They explained the significance of the diyas, the food and sweets and many other aspects. As a chapter event for Diwali, they hosted a movie night at which the attendees enjoyed samosas and other snacks.St. John's University's HSC has a lot of plans for the upcoming spring semester. The chapter plans on putting on Holi festivities for the university. Additionally, the chapter plans to participate in seva at the Community Center (Belrose or Floral Park) called India home in Eastern Queens.