While Edison High School boasts a diverse student body, until recently, there was no dedicated and consistent space for recognizing Hindu culture. The Hindu Student Association (HSA) was established to fill this gap, providing a much-needed platform for a diverse student body to engage in cultural exploration and discovery.
Founders Krish Saini ‘27, Sahasra Chalamalasetti ‘27, and Rishith Ravi Kiran ‘27 launched the association with one specific vision: to provide a welcoming environment where people could feel represented, share traditions with enthusiasm, and ask questions without judgment.
The club hosted its first general club meeting on October 30, which introduced students to a comprehensive review of the club’s structure, the establishment of future goals, and a glimpse into potential activities.
“I’m a Hindu, but I’m a bit uneducated about my own culture, so this is a perfect way to get directly involved with my community,” said attendee Darsha Damu ‘28.
The desire for direct connection is both a natural part of spiritual strengthening and a representation of Hinduism’s depth. Hinduism is one of the world’s oldest and most widely practiced religions, spanning over 4,000 years in age and amassing a following of over 1.2 billion worldwide. With discussions about the detailed scriptures from the Bhagavad Gita to reading mesmerising stories of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, HSA helps Edison High hit a new milestone while appreciating a unique culture.
“I think it’s a great addition to our diverse Edison High community,” said Abhiram Jonnalagada ‘26. “Having a club that represents and opens up Hindu culture is really good for our school.”
To bring this history to life, HSA plans to promote Hindu culture through cultural celebrations, discussion-based meetings, temple visits, and presentations on the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. While these plans may have challenges, the council is prepared to foster an environment of inclusivity and awareness within EHS.
“I would address any challenges by encouraging open conversation, explaining the meaning behind our practices and events, and collaborating with our members and advisors to ensure that all students feel comfortable and included,” said religious coordinator Priyanshukumar Limbachiya ‘27.
The board, including new additions such as secretary Rithika Gunasekaran ‘27, social media manager Mahidhar Venkataramanan ‘26, and Limbachiya, shares a collective goal of promoting understanding and respect within the school community.
Recently, in honor of Makar Sankranti, a major Hindu harvest festival marking the sun’s northward journey into the Capricorn (Makar) zodiac sign, HSA hosted a scavenger hunt that tested students on their knowledge of the Pongal. Pongal is a major four-day harvest festival that often coincides with the Makar Sankranti festival.
The meeting started with a brief presentation, and at the conclusion of this presentation, students were split off into different groups. Each group was provided with a clue that they had to process and “articulate an answer to” for a chance at the next clue.
“HSA’s scavenger hunt went pretty well. The hints were really creative, and I had fun with my friends,” said participant Khushi Mandanka ‘28.
Looking ahead, the founders of HSA have ambitious visions for the club’s future.
“I aspire for the club to become a lasting part of the school community that continues to grow in membership and impact. After I graduate, I hope it will be led by students who are passionate about preserving its mission and expanding its outreach,” said Saini.