By Suraj Bhanot
General Secretary 2012-2013
Another incredible year has passed for NHSF (UK) and on reflection I am filled with a sense of pride with what has been achieved, both nationally and locally. Students and young professionals are setting examples for what can be achieved by serving the community at large. These achievements were reflected upon at this year’s NHSF (UK) Annual General Meeting (AGM).
On Saturday 23rd March, both National and Chapter Committees, well-wishers and alumni members braved the unseasonal wintery conditions and assembled at Birmingham City University for NHSF (UK)’s AGM. The AGM enabled us to review the previous year’s activities and look ahead to build upon this year’s successes.
Pranav Bhanot, National President, delivered his year-end report showcasing what each team on the National Committee had accomplished. The Hum Awards 2013 recognised the hard work that Chapters have put into the year to ensure our Dharma is ever present on campuses across the UK. ‘Most controversial workshop’, ‘best designed website’ and ‘most developed Chapter’ were amongst the accolades bestowed upon our many Chapters.
It was clear to see NHSF (UK) had increased its national and international standing. NHSF (UK) was present at the European Youth Interfaith Summit in Norway in June 2012 and was the only Hindu body at the British Youth Council’s ‘Young People in Faith’ consultation meeting. Strong links with other Hindu organisations were also upheld as NHSF (UK)’s Public Relation team sat on the organising committee for the annual Diwali in London celebrations. It is evident that our hard work, passion and dedication is being recognised by other influential bodies who are taking NHSF (UK) more seriously and ensuring that our voices are heard and listened to.
It has been an unbelievable year for the development of both Chapter and National Committees. June Committees day enabled NHSF (UK)’s Chapter Committee members to come together in preparation for another jam-packed year of sewa, learning, bhakti and social events, which always endeavour to unite Hindu students on campus. September saw each Chapter Committee member from across the UK equipped with the skills to develop as leaders by tailored training sessions on key aspects of leadership, management and team work. These workshops were delivered by distinguished professionals, Karyakatas and NHSF (UK) National Committee members. National Union Of Students (NUS) were also present at this event for the first time and were impressed at the professionalism displayed by all Chapter Committee members who showed that they were preparing themselves for the challenges that lay ahead.
NHSF (UK)’S Annual Conference; Big Hindu Questions, aimed to answer the questions and concerns the modern day Hindu student has regarding his or her faith. It addressed many misconceptions of our dharma and put its timeless teachings and philosophies into a modern day setting, ensuring that faith is still relevant to Hindu students today. Distinguished speakers and guest session facilitators embarked on a day filled with discussions and debates including topics such as ‘One God, Many Gods?’; ‘Law of Karma’; ‘Scriptures: Past their sell by date?’; ‘Science and Hindu Dharma and many more.
NHSF (UK)’s Annual Sports Competition was a resounding success, with over 750 players, onlookers and guests. For the first time an opening ceremony inaugurated the day’s proceedings, allowing chapters to showcase their Hindu Society Flag and impart a sense of passion, determination and rivalry for the games.
Bhakti events have become enshrined in NHSF (UK)’s calendar and this year was no different. NHSF (UK) North Zone’s 108 Hanuman Chalisa continued its tour of the North, this year taking place at the Radha Krishna Mandir, Liverpool. Central Zones 12 hour Ram Dhun this year was conducted at the Geeta Bhawan Mandir in Birmingham. Furthermore, Slough Hindu Mandir played host to this year’s London Zone and South Zones 12 Hour Krishna Kirtan. All three events allowed NHSF (UK) to build new links with Hindu communities which otherwise would not know about the work NHSF (UK) do.
Each year comes with a sense of sadness as we bid farewell to long standing members of the National Committee. Their hard work, dedication and commitment to the Hindu samaj are commendable and inspirational. The newly launched NHSF (UK) Alumni Project will ensure the work of NHSF (UK) reaches new dimensions and facilitates the development of individuals who yearn to volunteer for our samaj.
