Written by:
Savitha Bonthala and Shibani Khanna
July 26, 2006

When was the last time 150 youths got together, went canoeing and played garba-raas (an Indian traditional dance) in the same day? The 21st annual Houston area Hindu Heritage Camp was a success with a record number of campers, ages 7 to 17, attending.

Campers participated in several physical activities such as canoeing, sports, swimming, and yoga. Additionally, daily education sessions focusing on various aspects of the Hindu way of life truly opened the floor for discussion. Every night there were different special activities including garba-raas and bhangra (another traditional Indian dance), a camp wide scavenger hunt, and a skit night in which campers acted out all their experiences from camp.

“This camp is for the kids,” says director Alok Kanjia who has attended camp from the age of six, “We are here to encourage the kids having a good time while exploring their heritage.” Building confidence, spirituality, character and community is what the Hindu Heritage Camp is all about.

This year the campers were blessed with the presence of the respected Swami Vidyadhishananda Giri, a direct disciple of Paramahamsa Swami Hariharananda. Swamiji Giri provided another excellent opportunity for the campers to have their questions answered and their concerns addressed after a short lecture on adolescent life.

“It was an extremely humbling experience,” says Jersey Village senior Ishita Chakravarty, “Swamiji really put our lives in perspective and showed us the importance of knowing ourselves and building our own character by Hindu principles.”

Many counselors also see the need to create a social network for Hindu youth in America by serving as a mentor. “In many ways it fills the generation gaps between the parents and children,” says middle school coordinator Mona Malkan.

Friendships are often the biggest impact, helping to build a tight-knit community. "Ten years of camping and four years of counseling has lead to some of the best friendships with some of the biggest hearted people in the world," high school counselor Kruti Parekh said.

The dedication put forth by a large group of people, including Mr. Pravin Vyas, the current President of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad of American, shows the commitment behind VHPA’s Hindu Heritage Camp and the realization of a truly strong community.

Dr. Meena Parekh, one of the volunteer doctors and mother of two counselors and a camper stated, "Over years, Hindu Heritage Camp has evolved and provided an ideal platform for community interaction, teamwork, and leadership for the young and old alike. The concept of seva really incarnates itself here. It has been a perfect holiday for us, refreshing, full of fun, and uplifting."