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National Hindu Students Forum

Date:
National Hindu Students Forum Updates !!!
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"Hindu Law: Threat, imagination or reality"
Delivered by Dr Werner Menski
Saturday 22nd November 2003 | 3pm
Old Theatre, London School of Economics (for a map click here)
For more information

visit http://www.nhsf.org.uk/events
or Email sameer@nhsf.org.uk
or Phone 07092 377 304


Namaste Nutan Varshaabhinandan for Vikram Samvat 2060. I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to the NHSF (UK) Annual Lecture 2003 that is to take place on Saturday 22nd November. The annual lecture, which is an event open to all, has attracted speakers of significant standing over the past few years becoming a forum for speakers of international standing to address Hindu youth from all over the UK. Annual lectures have picked up contemporary issues relevant to Hindu youth and the very real issues being faced in discovering who we are and where we come from. The Annual Lecture will be delivered this year by Dr Werner Menski of the London School of Oriental and African Studies. Dr Menski is a German indologist (PhD in Hindu Law; MA in Sanskrit and Hindi) who is now a leading legal scholar of Hindu law, covering the entire spectrum from Vedic beginnings to the latest Hindu law cases both in Britain and in India. Dr Menski is a Senior Lecturer in South Asian Laws at SOAS, where he started work in 1981, prior to which he taught in Germany. Married to an Indian Kathak Dance artist, and having spent extensive amounts of time in India, Dr Menksi has fully embraced Indian culture and tradition. NHSF (UK) are proud to announce that Dr Menski has agreed to address Hindu Youth on topical aspects of Hindu Law at the 2003 Annual Lecture. "Hindu Law: Threat, imagination or reality" promises to provide an unrivalled insight into aspects of the acceptability of social behaviour within ethnic minority communities. Dharmesh Mistry President, NHSF (UK)






Please find below an article written by Rishi Handa a PhD student at SOAS

Hindu Law: threat, imagination or reality - a preface to the NHSF lecture delivered by Dr Werner Menski (SOAS)
Today, Hindu Law finds itself in a precarious situation. On the one hand, those, more so perhaps well-to-do Hindus, who see the adoption of western culture in place of traditional ideas as a sign of progressiveness, view Hindu law as an entity to be dismissed, not least because it appears 'backward' and reflects badly on them. In other words, they are somehow embarrassed, but why? Diasporic Hindu groups of this nature may take a more light-hearted attitude of jaisa desh vaisa bhesh, the Hindi equivalent of 'when in Rome do as the Romans do'. Modernist Hindus, however, in their attempt to stay away from the past, fear those at the other end of the spectrum: groups who have a more religio-political agenda to return back to a 'Hinduised' India away from the 'adharmic' lifestyle of the west, where society functions on and is governed by traditional precepts as presented in the ancient Sanskrit texts. All of these attitudes exist, but what sense do we make of them? The lecture examines the nature of our understandings of law and more specifically interrogates the Hindu legal system and the interpretations by Hindus of their own law. One often finds in today's modernist society a very simplistic understanding of legal concepts, thanks to western education and cultural influence. Law as the job of the lawyers and its place in courtrooms and the smallprint of books, journals and contracts is the image we are fed through television and other media. Looking at Hindu law, we also have to consider the impact of Asian television and other media. But is this the be all and end all of law, to remain as putty in the hands of judges and lawyers, and for the remainder of us to have no involvement? Social reality shows us a different picture which the Hindu system explicitly illustrates, even though Hindus amongst others see their law as enshrined in texts like the Manusmrti or Vidhura! niti. The reasons for this are examined in the lecture. In order to understand the nature of Hindu law, its concept and function, we must take ourselves back to early Hindu civilisation. The primary sources of information we have in this enquiry of Hindu law are the ancient Sanskrit texts, we cannot interview the rishis any more. So all we are able to ascertain from these works are the attitudes, ideas and concepts floating around in the minds of textualists at various times in the distant past. From a legal point of view, what is understood from the Veda, the most ancient of the world's literature, is the way in which Vedic Indians perceived the universe and the individual's place in it. From a natural law perspective, having observed regularities in nature [the archetypes and manifestations of its forces defied as devas], the ancients assumed an Ordered universe interlinked together by seen and unseen forces. While it was believed that the macrocosmic Order (rta) simply existed [a phenomenon shared by all old civilisations, it ! seems], the early Vedic Indians sought ways to influence it. In attempting to do so, using the media of yajna (fire sacrifice) and Vedic mantras, the ritual specialists addressed the devas (themselves servants of rta but never above it), for assistance. The intention was to connect with the macrocosmic Order using the science of ritual to link the spheres of nature with the human realm, promoting an attitude of better to flow 'with it' than counter it. While rich inquiries into the basic nature of the phenomenal and manifest universe are reflected in the Upanishads, not itself directly relevant to legal studies, these are instrumental to the development of Hindu Law. The conclusions of some Upanishadic thinkers, that the universal Self or Brahman is identical to the individual self or Atman, shifted the focus from the macrocosm to the microcosm, where the individual became the centre of attention. Over time, the focus was no longer so much on macrocosmic Order or rta, and t! hus on the job of specialists to influence the Order, but shifted to m icrocosmic order or Dharma and each individual's duty (dharma) to contribute to that order by doing the 'right' thing. At this historical stage, ancient textualists idealised a system of self-controlled order by advising, through dharmashastric literature, certain ways of living and dealing with situations according to the writers' own opinions, where everyone would execute their dharma resulting in an ordered society. But social reality is not such a Utopia, and the classical Indian writers learned this very quickly. The dharmashastras developed the concept of danda, implying assisted self-controlled order using the stick, proverbial for punishment or even the threat of it, in order to strengthen Dharma. The idea was that the individual would be reminded to carry out his or her dharma using the threat of punishment as a deterrent for transgressing Dharma. If any disputes rose, the individuals would never resort to the king as their first port of call; his job was simply to ! wield the stick of deterrence, not to dictate any state law. The people, through vyavahara or systems of dispute settlement, were expected to resolve the issue themselves, gradually going to higher authorities such as families, village panchayatas, and others before finally going to the ruler at the last stage if the dispute could not be settled lower down the hierarchy. The ruler's duty or rajadharma was not to resolve the dispute in accordance with any of his own prescriptive laws, but to achieve justice by resorting to Dharma depending on the customs and duties of the individuals involved. The intrinsic nature of traditional Hindu law, thus, did not privilege that state as a maker of laws, and thus Hindu law represents a very different system of law from those standard models of 'the West'. The British, arriving on an Indian scene which to them remained full of confusions, at first tried to apply the existing Hindu law to Hindus, but eventually decided to create their own system of Hindu law. The lecture shows how this process developed over time, resulting in an artificial reconstruction of Hindu law by outsiders which came to be called Anglo-Hindu law. Through the results of legal cases, the British set precedents and thus turned Hindu law into a positivistic written system of case law. We know today that in doing so they relied on the assumption that Hindu law was found in codes, the dharmashastras. But how could they apply these texts? They all said different things about the same issue, which was hardly surprising given the differing authors and times and places of composition. The decision was made to employ pandits learned in shastric literature to advise judges how to decide cases. However, in a typically Hindu law manner, not only did the pandits disag! ree, but the precedent from a previously established case was not being applied to new cases, that is to say that the pandits were giving different advice in every case. For them, each case was unique and to be judged on its own merit, and it confused the British even more. The British then attempted to write their own digests on Hindu law, an endeavour which also failed in practice. The British over the nineteenth and early part of the twentieth century then began to legislate by interfering in the Hindu personal law in order to deal with what they saw as social evils. Also after independence, the state continued to legislate but in reality could never supersede the customary law of the people as much as it tried to assert that it could. In recent years there have been attempts in certain states of India to abolish Hindu personal law, in order to create a secular Indian law, uniform and usable for all. Even the Indian Supreme Court repeatedly demanded a Uniform Civil Code Bill. However, the government refused to act and the future of Hindu law as the major personal law of India has been assured. Earlier this year, the events in Gujarat have led the Indian Supreme Court to criticise the abuses of modern state law when the legal process failed to bring individuals to justice, instructing the Gujarat state, as the ruler, to return to and execute rajadharma! in order to counter lawlessness. After a summarised historical analysis, what do we need to understand about Hindu Law in today's world? While those of a positivist inclination may still think that ancient Sanskrit writers developed a system of written law for Hindus, what has actually happened in the history is quite different. From day one, society lived in accordance with the customs of their village, clan, tribe, family, varna, jati, ashrama etc. which were always in a state of flux through constant negotiations and dispute settlements. Even when kings arrived on the Indian scene, they employed rajadharma as an aspect of Dharma; they did not legislate. The Hindu texts are, therefore, simply put, observances and suggestions of their authors and not legislation. Not only do these shastras acknowledge custom as a legitimate source of law, they even go as far as to propose a rejection of any shastric injunction if it goes against custom. Thus, while the shastra may have had some influence on certain strata ! of society, it cannot be seen to have ever been followed 'to the letter' by most Hindus. Societal customs played a fundamental role as the main source of Hindu law. In a postmodern age, India is beginning to rediscover such basic truths and is gradually abandoning its reliance on Western laws and concepts. Even the western world is looking eastwards at traditional legal concepts, questioning concepts such as positive law, acknowledging that cases are to be seen as context-specific and should be judged on their own merits. Rishi Handa (PhD student, SOAS)

__________________
NHSF

Date:
Permalink   

If you can't see this newsletter properly then go online to http://www.nhsf.org.uk/newsletter






Annual Lecture

 
NHSF Activity






Please accept this as a personal invitation to the NHSF (UK) Annual Lecture 2003 that is to take place on Saturday 22nd November. The annual lecture, which is an event open to all, has attracted speakers of significant standing over the past few years becoming a forum for speakers of international acclaim to address Hindu youth from all over the UK. Annual lectures have picked up contemporary issues relevant to Hindu youth and the very real issues being faced in discovering who we are and where we come from.

The Annual Lecture will be delivered this year by Dr Werner Menski of the London School of Oriental and African Studies. Dr Menski is a German indologist (PhD in Hindu Law; MA in Sanskrit and Hindi) who is now a leading legal scholar of Hindu law, covering the entire spectrum from Vedic beginnings to the latest Hindu law cases both in Britain and in India. Dr Menski is a Senior Lecturer in South Asian Laws at SOAS, where he started work in 1981, prior to which he taught in Germany. Married to an Indian Kathak Dance artist, and having spent extensive amounts of time in India, Dr Menksi has fully embraced Indian culture and tradition. NHSF (UK) are proud to announce that Dr Menski has agreed to address Hindu Youth on topical aspects of Hindu Law at the 2003 Annual Lecture. "Hindu Law: Threat, imagination or reality" promises to provide an unrivalled insight into aspects of the acceptability of social behaviour within ethnic minority communities.

Dharmesh Mistry President, NHSF (UK)






For more information about the activity of National Hindu Students Forum (UK) and respective branches around the country please visit http://www.nhsf.org.uk



Hindu Law

Preface to the Lecture by Rishi Handa
Today, Hindu Law finds itself in a precarious situation. On the one hand, those, more so perhaps well-to-do Hindus, who see the adoption of western culture in place of traditional ideas as a sign of progressiveness, view Hindu law as an entity to be dismissed, not least because it appears 'backward' and reflects badly on them.
> Read on - go to site
> 22/11/03 @ LSE, London - See Map
> Tube: Temple, Holborn or Charing Cross



Leaflets in English!

NHSF Launch Utsav Leaflet Series
Navratri, Maataji Ni Aarti, Diwali, Ram Navami, Holi, Shivratri..
NHSF (UK) launched a set of 5 utsav leaflets at the start of this academic year. A set of A5 cards that provide the meanings and significance of 5 chosen festivals in English. The leaflets are distributed free of charge to universities, Hindu community groups and the general public. If you would like these leaflets to distribute at a function then please email gaurav@nhsf.org.uk
> FREE leaflets available for distribution
> Focus on providing the meaning of Hindu Festivals to the younger generation
>If you would like to sponsor a festival then please email sunil@nhsf.org.uk



Termly Magazine

"HUM" the termly magazine goes from strength to strength
Written by students for students
The beginning of academic year 2003/04 has seen a record level of subscriptions for HUM which is reflective of the quality of the magazine. With contributors from the UK, USA, India and South Africa the magazine is truly international and makes for an interesting read for everyone. If you would like to subscribe to HUM and truly be enlightened then please email sheetal@nhsf.org.uk
> Subscribe to HUM
> Would you like to contribute an article email vibhuti@nhsf.org.uk
>To place an advert in HUM contact email sunil@nhsf.org.uk



Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, 9-11 January, Dehli
Inauguration by Prime Minister of India "...........We invite you not only to share our vision of India in the new millennium but also to help us shape its contours..........."
Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Prime Minister of India at Inaugural Ceremony, Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, 2003
> Creating a Global Indian Family
> Focus on engaging the younger generation of the Indian Diaspora
>For more info visit http://www.indiaday.org



Watch Mahabharat on DVD

Release of Mahabharat on DVD
An invaluable resource has been released on DVD - The Mahabharat! To capture the magnificence, the grandeur and drama of this great epic was the dream of producer-director Dr. B.R. Chopra, one of India's eminent filmmakers. For fans of the series, the release offers an unmissable opportunity to be re-aquainted with the various characters and story-lines. For those yet to experience Mahabharat, the series offers a most enlightening introduction to Indian culture, philosophy and mythology.
> Visit the NHSF site to order your copy at a discounted priceNHSF Site



Useful websites

Resources for Hindu Youth

A tribute to Hinduism
http://www.atributetohinduism.com
Comprehensive resource
http://www.hinduism.co.za
Valmiki Ramayan
http://www.valmikiramayan.net/
Bhagavad Gita
http://www.bhagavad-gita.org
Hindu Samskars
http://www.hindu.samskaras.i12.com
Hindu Scriptures
http://www.hinduscriptures.org
Ramakrishna Vivekananda
http://www.ramakrishnavivekananda.info/





For more information about the activity of National Hindu Students Forum (UK) and respective branches around the country please visit http://www.nhsf.org.uk





About NHSF
> Over the last twelve years, there has been a transformation on the campuses of UK universities and the general student community as a whole. What began as a stall with a few students at the Hindu Marathon, just twelve years ago has now emerged as the largest student body for Hindu students in Europe, with local chapters at over 51 universities and Institutions of higher education. Put simply, NHSF’s aim is to provide a platform for Hindu students and to develop a better understanding of the Hindu Dharma.

> If there is no Hindu Representation at your place of study then please get in touch to find out how to set up a society - email kayur@nhsf.org.uk

> National Hindu Students Forum (UK) is a non for profit organisation that relies on donations from caring individuals - if you would like to donate and enable us to spread our work further please email soujit@nhsf.org.uk

>If you have any comments /suggestions/ issues then please mail us on info@nhsf.org.uk  

 

 



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__________________
NHSF (UK)

Date:
Is terror something we have to live with?
Permalink   

If you can't see this newsletter properly then go online to http://www.nhsf.org.uk/newsletter







Upcoming

 
NHSF Activity






Time is racing ahead with half the academic year over already and many having just finished semester exams. For those of you with results to come - good luck!

The second term is just as busy as ever on campus with many activities being planned. Universities all over the country have a range of events happening over the next few weeks. Local talks on a range of topics related to Hinduism have become very popular with speakers such as Dilipji Lakhani of Vivekananda Centre in London being inundated with requests! Support from such speakers is vital to enable societies to organise a balance of events on campus.

Nationally activities have not stopped either with this term bringing events such as the Annual conference and Sewa Week.
Annual Conference will be held on 22nd February 2004 at the University of Leicester and this year is entitled British Hindus and the War on terror. This one day event follows on from the highly successful Be British Be Hindu conference held last year. Again the day will provide the opportunity for delegates to voice their opinions on a highly contentious topic.
Sewa Week then begins the following day (23rd - 29th Feb) and is the national event held locally. Each university has organised events to give people the opportunity to give up their time for a good cause. The Charities being sponsored this year are Imperial Cancer Research and Sewa International.
Zonal events are also being held this term with the whole of south zone coming together for Holi whilst at the same time raising money for the Ekal Vidyalaya scheme which aims to educate rural India - http://www.ekalvidyalaya.com/

These are just some of the activities coming up - details of local events can be found at http://www.nhsf.org.uk/events. Looking forward to seeing all of you at the Conference in a few weeks time.

Dharmesh Mistry
President, NHSF (UK)






For more information about the activity of National Hindu Students Forum (UK) and respective branches around the country please visit http://www.nhsf.org.uk



War on terror

Annual Conference
The Annual Youth Conference organised by National Hindu Students Forum (UK) is an opportunity for students to hear the views of acclaimed professionals and to voice their own opinions on subjects of vital importance to the Hindu Community as a whole. The topic of British Hindus and the War on Terror has been chosen to enable Hindu Youth to develop an understanding of recent world events and how changes in the UK political environment impact all groups concerned. The conference will also consider the application of Hindu dharmic principles to modern day dilemas such as the conflict resolution process currently in use in this modern day war on terror.
> Register your place - go to site
> 22/02/04 @ Uni of Leicester - See Map
> Transport being organised from each city - see list



Sewa Week

Sewa Week 23rd - 29th Feb 04

Annual Sewa Week is now in its seventh consecutive year. Held every year in the last week of February Sewa week gives the opportunity for youth to give up their time for good causes and raise money for nominated charities. This year's nominated Charities are Imperial Cancer Research and Sewa International. please email gaurav@nhsf.org.uk for more information or visit http://www.nhsf.org.uk/sewa
> FREE leaflets available for distribution
> Focus on giving up your time for good causes
>If you would like to sponsor a sewa week event then please email sunil@nhsf.org.uk



Termly Magazine

"HUM" subscription now available online!
HUM has been restyled and re-released taking on board suggestions from all over the community. With contributors from the UK, USA, India and South Africa the magazine is truly international and makes for an interesting read for everyone. Subscription is a must for everyone and you can now subscribe over the internet for only £5 a year (discounts available for students). To subscribe visit http://www.nhsf.org.uk/hum
> Subscribe to HUM
> Would you like to contribute an article email vibhuti@nhsf.org.uk
>To place an advert in HUM contact email sunil@nhsf.org.uk



Upcoming Festivals

Upcoming Festivals
Maha Shivratri -The great night of Shiva, or Shivratri is celebrated on the moonless night of the month of Magh, which is the fourteenth day in the dark half. This festival is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is considered to fulfil two roles, in the trilogy Lord Shiva fulfils the role of the dissolver; he brings one cycle of creation to an end so that Lord Brahmaa may construct the next. Many people fast the whole day and spend time during day and night in singing bhajans to Bhagawan Shiva.
>For more info visit NHSF site



Fees billed passed in House

Govt pushes on with ridiculous fees
Mandy Telford, President of the National Union of Students comments: "Surely common sense dictates that this Bill needs to be stopped and we should have a review now to finding a system that doesn't punish students. This fight is not over - we will take it to Committee Stage, to amendments and to the Lords. We will stop any moves to create a market in higher education. We will be having a week of action beginning on Monday 23 February, including a shutdown of education on the 25th and students lobbying MPs in constituencies on the Friday."
> Read more about the NUS's stanceStop Fees Now site



Useful websites

Resources for Hindu Youth

E Samskriti
http://www.esamskriti.com
Hindu Human Rights
http://www.hinduhumanrights.org
Hindu Youth UK
http://www.hinduyouthuk.org/
Hindu Group of Publications
http://www.hinduonline.com
Glossary of Hindu Terms
http://www.digiserve.com/mystic/Hindu/glossary.html
Shubhkaamna.com
http://www.shubhkaamna.com
Hinduism for Schools
http://www.hinduism.fsnet.co.uk





For more information about the activity of National Hindu Students Forum (UK) and respective branches around the country please visit http://www.nhsf.org.uk





About NHSF
> Over the last twelve years, there has been a transformation on the campuses of UK universities and the general student community as a whole. What began as a stall with a few students at the Hindu Marathon, just twelve years ago has now emerged as the largest student body for Hindu students in Europe, with local chapters at over 51 universities and Institutions of higher education. Put simply, NHSF’s aim is to provide a platform for Hindu students and to develop a better understanding of the Hindu Dharma.

> If there is no Hindu Representation at your place of study then please get in touch to find out how to set up a society - email kayur@nhsf.org.uk

> National Hindu Students Forum (UK) is a not for profit organisation that relies on donations from caring individuals - if you would like to donate and enable us to spread our work further please email soujit@nhsf.org.uk

>If you have any comments /suggestions/ issues then please mail us on info@nhsf.org.uk  

 

 


__________________
NHSF (UK)

Date:
NHSF (UK) Response to Awaaz Lies
Permalink   

Response from National Hindu Students Forum (UK)










National Hindu Students Forum (UK) - Response to Awaaz Lies
By Shrien Dewani General Secretary, National Hindu Students Forum (UK)


A recent report by AWAAZ South Asian Watch Group must be fundamentally challenged - amongst its numerous errors and factual inaccuracies it incorrectly states that National Hindu Students Forum (UK) is a "UK Student Affiliate" of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh UK. At no point in its 13 year history has National Hindu Students Forum (UK) had an official affiliation to Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh. The report also goes on to state that National Hindu Students Forum (UK) shares the same address as Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh - this is also inaccurate.


Affiliates of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh openly list themselves as service projects of the registered Charity - something that National Hindu Students Forum (UK) have never done. Not content with creating disharmony in the general community, Awaaz have stretched themselves to maligning the good work of National Hindu Students Forum (UK) at Schools and Universities across the country by attempting to fabricate tenuous links between independent Hindu Organisations.


The report released on 26th February 2004 entitled "In Bad Faith? - British Charity and Hindu Extremism" attempts to create disharmony amongst various faith groups in the UK and makes wild allegations with no substance. Such is the lack of evidence that they have resorted to using images from National Hindu Students Forum (UK) National Educational Events on the front cover. This clearly has no relevance to the fabric of the report (which is highly unstable) as National Hindu Students Forum (UK) is not a British Charity, and it not an extremist society - in fact it is completely the opposite!


At a recent free conference - hosted and entirely funded by National Hindu Students Forum (UK) - Jewish and Muslim student bodies shared the same platform as National Hindu Students Forum (UK) to discuss the War on Terror and its effect on the British Community. Similarly National Hindu Students Forum (UK) is actively involved with such initiatives as Interfaith UK promoting harmony amongst the UK community. The work of National Hindu Students Forum (UK) includes organisation of a National Charity Week of which the primary aim is to get students involved in donating their time to general community service projects. This week in 2004 ran from Feb 23rd - Feb 29th and saw Hindu Societies organise activities such as painting local community centres, gardening for the elderly, visiting disabled children care homes and much more. Various charities are supported through this week - the chosen charities this year are Sewa International and Imperial Cancer Research. In conjunction with Sewa International National Hindu Students Forum (UK) have raised money to help needy causes such as the Gujarat Earthquake Appeal. The £60,000 raised in 2001 has been used to build 5 schools in the state of Gujarat - these schools have been visited by NHSF members and therefore we are happy that funds have not been used for any other purpose than that for which they were raised. We are not extreme and refute any allegations - direct or indirect - that infer that we are. Awaaz, through its report, is attempting to create disharmony in the UK community and should not be given the credence to do so.


End


Notes to editors:


National Hindu Students Forum (UK) was set up in 1991 by a mixed group of students to fill the void left on campus for Hindu Students by the lack of Hindu cultural and educational activity.


National Hindu Students Forum (UK) now has branches at over 50 schools, colleges and universities who run a varied set of events many of which are listed at http://www.nhsf.org.uk/events


National Hindu Students Forum (UK) has bases all around the country however its primary National address is: P O Box 46016, London, W9 1WS


National Hindu Students Forum (UK) is an independently funded and governed organisation. The National decision making body as per its constitution is the National Executive Committee (NEC) and Board of Trustees (BoT)


The Charity week run by National Hindu Students Forum (UK) is called Sewa Week - "Sewa" meaning to serve. This is one of the sacred tenants of the Hindu faith and requirement of each and every individual. This week runs annually during the last full week of the month of February. The aims of the week are two fold - to aid general community service projects (not necessarily Hindu Projects) and to raise money for democratically chosen charities (charities to support are chosen by the National Council body)


The decision making bodies of National Hindu Students Forum (UK) - National Council (NC), National Executive Committee (NEC) and Board of Trustees (BoT) are representative of a wide range of Hindu Organisations from across the UK Hindu Community.


Contrary to the charge that NHSF is involved in duping the British Public it is in fact the media that has been duped by such outrageous reports.



__________________
NHSF (UK)

Date:
National Hindu Students Forum Updates !!!
Permalink   

If you can't see this newsletter properly then go online to http://www.nhsf.org.uk/newsletter







Review

 
Activity






One of the busiest periods of the NHSF year is still upon us with many students around the country trying to keep up with organising Hindu Society activity and making sure they meet their coursework deadlines!

This term has seen two major national events - the National Conference and Sewa Week both of which have been immensely successful. Youth Conference saw a turnout of over 200 students and Sewa Week has seen many more become active involved in a range of Service projects.


With Annual General Meeting having taken place last Saturday many active NHSF workers were able to take stock of the vast range of acheivements of the organisation over the last 12 months, but more importantly recognise how much work is still left to do! The new team brings together old experience with fresh blood and will therefore, I am sure, make for another very exciting period of work for NHSF.


Regardless of the numerous groups out there that exist to malign the work of NHSF - and the very basic need for students that we fulfill - I am glad to note that NHSF still has many supporters. It is these supporters - from both within the Hindu community and the general wider community that this student organisation relies on for the very fabric of its existence.


With the change over national and new intiatives taking place this is the perfect time of year to become involved with NHSF work. If you would like to become involved with your local branch, regional work or national work please contact kishan@nhsf.org.uk



Dharmesh Mistry
President, NHSF (UK)






For more information about the activity of National Hindu Students Forum (UK) and respective branches around the country please visit http://www.nhsf.org.uk






Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting of NHSF (UK) was held on Saturday 6th March 2004 at Imperial College London. A new year, a new team, and new ideas will hopefully make for an even more productive 04/05! Dharmesh Mistry will continue as National President whilst Kishan Chandarana will become National Vice President and Vibhuti Patel will become National General Secretary.
> See the complete new team- go to site
> Send the New Team a message- Mail the Secretary





National Events

Successful National Events

Both the National Conference and Sewa Week have been incredibly well supported events. National Conference 'British Hindus and the war on terror' proved a response from all those that attended.
> Read the report from the conference NHSF site
> If you would like to get involved in organising National Events for next year please email shivani@nhsf.org.uk



Hindu School


Proposed new Hindu School in Harrow
A new Hindu school as been proposed for the area of Harrow, Middlesex and a survey is currently being conucted to judge public opinion. This is a very important project for the community at large. Please take 5 mins to complete the survey and give give your views. http://www.psena.com/school





Upcoming Festivals

Upcoming Festivals
Ramanavami celebrates the birth of Shri Rama, the son of King Dasharath. The festival is celebrated on the ninth day of the bright fortnight of the Hindu month of Chaitra. In some parts of India, it is a nine-day festival, coinciding with the Vasanta Navaratri, and many people fast over this period. Lord Rama is an avatar of Lord Vishnu who came down to earth to battle the invincible Ravana in human form.
>For more info visit NHSF site



A Level Meetings


NHSF A Level meetings
During August and September NHSF will be organised a number of meetings in different towns for students that will have just received A Level results. NHSF representatives will be visiting towns to introduce students to their local representatives and the role of NHSF in the university environment.
Meetings will take place in Bradford, Manchester, Preston, Birmingham, Leicester, Nottingham, London North, London East and London South.
>We are looking for sponsors for each meeting in the above town - if you can help please email divya@nhsf.org.uk
>Read more about the meetings NHSF Site





Useful information


Resources for Hindu Youth
Websites:
Valmiki Ramayan
http://www.valmikiramayan.net
Chinmaya Mission
http://www.chinmayamission.org/
Bhagavad Gita
http://www.bhagavad-gita.org
Ramakrishna Vivekananda
http://www.ramakrishnavivekananda.info
Glossary of Hindu Terms
http://www.digiserve.com/mystic/Hindu/glossary.html


Books:
Arise Arjuna: Hinduism and the Modern World: David Frawley
India's Rebirth: Sri Aurobindo
Cradel Tales of Hinduism: Sister Nivedita
Idiots Guide to Hinduism: Linda Johnsen





For more information about the activity of National Hindu Students Forum (UK) and respective branches around the country please visit http://www.nhsf.org.uk





About NHSF
> Over the last twelve years, there has been a transformation on the campuses of UK universities and the general student community as a whole. What began as a stall with a few students at the Hindu Marathon, just twelve years ago has now emerged as the largest student body for Hindu students in Europe, with local chapters at over 51 universities and Institutions of higher education. Put simply, NHSF’s aim is to provide a platform for Hindu students and to develop a better understanding of the Hindu Dharma.

> If there is no Hindu Representation at your place of study then please get in touch to find out how to set up a society - email divya@nhsf.org.uk

> National Hindu Students Forum (UK) is a not for profit organisation that relies on donations from caring individuals - if you would like to donate and enable us to spread our work further please email shrien@nhsf.org.uk

>If you have any comments /suggestions/ issues then please mail us on info@nhsf.org.uk  

 

 


__________________
NHSF (UK)

Date:
Permalink   

National Hindu Students Forum (UK)


FREE Public Meetings


Namaste,


This is a request for volunteers:


A series of public meetings are being organised for students and their parents after the release of A Level results in August. The meetings will consist of a multimedia presentation on Hindu Societies around the country that are part of National Hindu Students Forum (UK) and will give students and parents the opportunity to meet existing students from universities around the country.


For each meeting we are putting together an organising team from the local area. Each team will be tasked with organising the publicity and logistics for each meeting, to ensure members from each and every samaj have the opportunity to attend their local meeting.


We would greatly appreciate your input into the organisation of each local meeting - if you are able to help then please contact the local co-ordinator on the list below or alternatively reply to this email.

North   Preston Date: 29th August
Time: 6pm
Venue: Preston Hindu Mandir
Contact: Hema Mistry
07814 124 239
Manchester

Date: 21st August
Time: 7pm
Venue: Gita Bhavan Hindu Mandir, Withington Road, Whalley Range
Contact: Divya Prinja
07929 204 909

Bradford Date: 27th August
Time: 6pm
Venue: Hindu Mandir, 321 Leeds Road, Bradford
Contact: Rakesh Ramji,
07763 605 750
Midlands   Leicester Date: 22nd August
Time: 2pm
Venue: Shri Sanatan Mandir,
Contact: Kayur Mody
07811 262 604
Birmingham Date: 22nd August
Time: 4pm
Venue: Shri Birmingham Pragati Mandal, 10 Samson Road, Sparkbrook
Contact: Dipvandana Shah
07782 344 583
Nottingham Date: 22nd August
Time: 4pm
Venue: Hindu Temple, Carlton
Contact: Vibhuti Patel
07786 565 861
South   London North Date: 24th August
Time: 7pm
Venue: Sangam Centre
Edgware Road
Contact: Meera Mistry
07814 029 021
London East

Date: 21st August
Time: 7pm
Venue: VHP Mandir
Contact: Puneet Gupta
07974 144 006

London South Date: 25th August
Time: 7pm
Venue: Oshwal Mahajanwadi, 1 Campbell Road, off London Road, Croydon
Contact: Shivani Mehta
07951 144 480

Vibhuti Patel
Joint National General Secretary

 


__________________
NHSF (UK)

Date:
Permalink   

If you can't see this newsletter properly then go online to http://www.nhsf.org.uk/newsletter







Summer, Summer, Summer

 
Activity





"Summer" is now in full swing - even though British weather might not make it feel like it! Whether you are spending your time working or on holiday there is plenty of activity going on around the country to keep you occupied during any spare time!


Hindu Youths groups have a wide variety of events organised - some of which are profiled on this newsletter. Whether your interested be spiritual, cultural or social something is going on somewhere that will interest you!


The National Hindu Students Forum (UK) Free public meetings are drawing closer (beginning 21st August in Ilford) and early indications are that the meetings will be an excellent opportunity for students and parents to meet, mingle and explore the world of Hindu Youth activity.


If you would like more information, please contact kayur@nhsf.org.uk


I am sure you will find the information in this newsletter useful and I hope to see many of you at the public meetings being held this month.


Pranaam



Dharmesh Mistry
President, NHSF (UK)






For more information about the activity of National Hindu Students Forum (UK) and respective branches around the country please visit http://www.nhsf.org.uk



Free Public Meetings


What makes you unique?
The free public meetings for students and parents to find out more about NHSF and university life are being held from August 21st in 9 locations around the country. This is a unique opportunity for you to find out about how to get involved in the largest Hindu Student movement in Europe and really discover where who you are?





City
Details
Contact


Preston

Date: 28th August
Time: 5pm
Venue: Preston Hindu Mandir

Hema Mistry
07814 124 239

Manchester
Date: 21st August
Time: 7pm
Venue: Gita Bhavan Hindu Mandir, Withington Road, Whalley Range

Divya Prinja
07929 204 909

Bradford
Date: 26th August
Time: 7pm
Venue: Shree Leuva Patidar Samaj

Rakesh Ramji,
07763 605 750

Birmingham
Date: 22nd August
Time: 4pm
Venue: Shri Birmingham Pragati Mandal, 10 Samson Road, Sparkbrook

Dipvandana Shah
07782 344 583

Nottingham
Date: 22nd August
Time: 4pm
Venue: Hindu Temple, Carlton

Vibhuti Patel
07786 565 861

Leicester
Date: 22nd August
Time: 2pm
Venue: Shri Sanatan Mandir,

Kayur Mody
07811 262 604

London North
Date: 24th August
Time: 7pm
Venue: Sangam Centre
Edgware Road
Meera Mistry
07814 029 021

London East
Date: 21st August
Time: 7pm
Venue: Ilford Hindu Mandir

Puneet Gupta
07974 144 006

London South
Date: 25th August
Time: 7pm
Venue: Oshwal Mahajanwadi, 1 Campbell Road, off London Road, Croydon

Shivani Mehta
07951 144 480

>Read more about this intiative www.nhsf.org.uk/sixthform





National Activity


Hindu Youth - Leicester Get Connected Festival
Leciester's largest ever Hindu Youth event is being held on 14th and 15th August at the Racecourse in Oadby. Get Connected is aimed towards people from all backgrounds and walks of life, particularly young people. Visitors will get an opportunity to enjoy, experience and interact with the different aspects of Hindu culture via a special zone concept
>visit www.hinduyouthuk.org for more information





Chinmaya


Chinmaya Summer Events
A range of events are being held by Chinmaya Mission this summer. From study classes, yagnas, and talks at the centre in Hendon, London to family camps in Dorest there is something for everyone. more information go to Chinmaya Events Page





Upcoming Festivals


Upcoming Festivals
Raksha Bandan, 29th August 2004


Raksha Bandhan is a Hindu custom marking the love and affection between brothers and sisters. Sisters tie colourful 'Rakhi' on the wrists of their brothers and ask their brothers to protect them from harm. Raksha Bandhan represents one of the most sentimental festivals of India. It is based on the emotional ties that bind a brother and sister in a very close bond - the most sacred relationship of life, without any ulterior motive or demand of any kind. Raksha Bandhan is a day of festivity and pure joy.


visit www.nhsf.org.uk/festivals for more info





 

For more information about the activity of National Hindu Students Forum (UK) and respective branches around the country please visit http://www.nhsf.org.uk





About NHSF
> Over the last twelve years, there has been a transformation on the campuses of UK universities and the general student community as a whole. What began as a stall with a few students at the Hindu Marathon, just twelve years ago has now emerged as the largest student body for Hindu students in Europe, with local chapters at over 51 universities and Institutions of higher education. Put simply, NHSF’s aim is to provide a platform for Hindu students and to develop a better understanding of the Hindu Dharma.

> If there is no Hindu Representation at your place of study then please get in touch to find out how to set up a society - email divya@nhsf.org.uk

> National Hindu Students Forum (UK) is a not for profit organisation that relies on donations from caring individuals - if you would like to donate and enable us to spread our work further please email shrien@nhsf.org.uk

>If you have any comments /suggestions/ issues then please mail us on info@nhsf.org.uk  

 

 



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