Reflections of a Graduate, by Akshay Bhagwatwar
The decision of leaving India for education in the USA is a tough one for every Indian student. It is a big leap in the career path that comes with a huge financial investment and a challenge of adjusting to a completely new country and culture. So, when I started my journey to Seattle for my master’s degree at the University of Washington, there was a sense of apprehension over whether I would be able to adjust to the way of life in the USA and if I would ever get a chance to follow Indian culture and traditions.
The kind of welcome I received from the Hindu YUVA at UW was amazing. The ‘Suswagatam’ program (new student welcome program) organized by the Hindu YUVA at UW, made me feel at home. I was hosted by two Hindu YUVA volunteers, who were also students at UW, and they helped me settle down in Seattle. Hindu YUVA and its members soon became my family in Seattle. They not only helped me meet many new people but also re-introduced me to Shakha , which I had been occasionally going to back in India. Shakha is a weekly program of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, where people meet to practice yoga, play team-building games, have discussions and do community service activities.
Hindu YUVA celebrates Navaratri
Shakha and the activities organized by the HSS brought in a sense of discipline in my lifestyle and pride towards the Hindu culture. Participation in the activities and events organized by HSS also helped me go beyond just the normal academic schedule. I was amazed by the way Hindu culture is lived and celebrated in the US. HSS, Shakha and all the activities have now become a part of my everyday life here. All this have immensely contributed to my success in academics. As I plan to move ahead with my academic goals towards a doctoral degree at Indiana University, I have no doubts in my mind that the next 4 years are going to be enjoyable with the Sangh Parivar always around me.
Akshay Bhagwatwar just completed his master’s in Information Management from the University of Washington, Seattle. He plans to start his Ph.D. at the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University this fall.
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May 24th, 2010 09:45
What impresses me immensely about HINDUs in USA is the collaboration and congress and the share of compassion in many unions.
There is so much cultural awareness and the fact that it is enjoyable meeting everyone at the temple, society or even ocassion even if competitively everyone speaks of their own successes.
USA for Hindus is an avenue for growth, prosperity and expansion and there is just no limit.
Good choice of course.