Hindu life on campus
Welcome to Hindu Chaplaincy. There is a vibrant and growing Hindu community on campus. Hindu Chaplaincy and the Religious Life and Belief Centre aim to enrich the University experience of Hindu students by providing a warm, inclusive, and supportive environment that fosters spiritual growth, community building, and cultural appreciation. Through engagement with Hindu students, we strive to ensure that their needs are met and that they have access to resources and opportunities that enhance their time at the University.
Hindu Chaplaincy
A vital component of Hindu Life on campus is our dedicated Hindu Chaplain, Revd. Pt. Meeta Joshi. With her deep understanding of Hinduism and her compassion, Meeta leads pujas, organises festivals giving our students a ‘home away from home experience’ especially for our international Hindu diaspora. She also provides spiritual guidance, pastoral care, and support to all Hindu students and staff.
She plays an essential role in fostering dialogue and understanding between different faiths on campus and beyond. Meeta is an interfaith professional and closely associated with the Hindu Forum Europe. She has been involved in interfaith, faith and gender equality initiatives within the United Nations.
Meeta is available for one-on-one consultations, leading discussions on faith-related topics, and addressing any concerns or challenges that Hindu students may encounter during their time at the University of Surrey. By offering a supportive presence and a listening ear, Meeta plays a crucial role in enhancing the well-being and spiritual development of our Hindu community on campus. Within her team is a Hindu Chaplaincy Associate (Intern) Nishi Joshi-Bhatt promoting the needs of Hindu students on campus.
- Email: m.joshi@surrey.ac.uk
Hindu Worship Group
The Religious Life and Belief Centre hosts the Hindu Worship Group with a WhatsApp group of over 400 students. This active informal student organization on campus works with the Hindu Chaplain to create a nurturing and supportive environment for Hindu students. It offers events and activities, such as cultural festivals, spiritual workshops, and interfaith dialogues. The group promotes understanding and fosters a strong sense of community among Hindu students and the broader University community.
Hindu and Indian student societies on campus
There is a Hindu Student Society (affiliated to the NHSF - National Hindu Students Federation), Indian Student Association, Telugu Society and DESI Society that between them share a vision to add more vibrance to the existing Hindu life on campus, with regular weekly pujas, talks on the guidance from and to enhance major Hindu pujas festival celebrations such as Navaratri Diwali, and Holi by collaborating with the existing Hindu Worship Group and in conjunction with Hindu Chaplaincy.
Dedicated space for prayer and reflection
To accommodate the spiritual needs of Hindu students, we provide a dedicated shrine on campus for prayer, meditation, and reflection. This space is designed to offer students a quiet space to practice their faith and connect with their spiritual roots and is in the Peace Room at the Roundhouse Religious Life and Belief Centre. Activities include regular weekly, Wednesday afternoons with Yoga, meditation, scriptural discussions and Arti and Satsang. Hindu weekly prayers generally occur on both on Sunday afternoons and Monday evenings.
Vegetarian and Hindu dietary options
Understanding the importance of dietary requirements for Hindu students, we collaborate with campus catering services to provide vegetarian and Hindu food options. This ensures that all members of our community can enjoy nutritious and delicious meals in accordance with their beliefs and traditions. There are options for Hindu, vegetarian and vegan diets at Hillside and communal microwaves at the Religious Life and Belief Centre to conform with a variety of Hindu practices.
Hindu festivals on campus
One of the most vibrant aspects of Hindu Life on Campus is the celebration of various Hindu festivals throughout the year. Traditional pujas (prayers) are conducted during these festivals, allowing students to connect with their faith and spirituality. Some of the most celebrated Hindu festivals on campus include Diwali, the festival of lights; Navratri, the nine nights dedicated to the divine feminine; and Holi, the festival of colours, friendship and rejuvenation, Ganesha Chaturthi and Visarjan at the lake on Stag Hill, to symbolise the cycle of life, MahaShivratri- meditating for World Peace.
Hinduism believes in the principle of Vasudeva Kutumbakam – meaning the whole world is a family and so our pujas, celebrations and festivals are open to all and are attended by students and staff of all faiths and none. These events give opportunities for the entire campus community to come together, learn about Hindu culture and traditions, and celebrate the rich heritage that Hindu students bring to the University of Surrey.
Interfaith dialogue and understanding
Hindu life on campus is committed to promoting interfaith dialogue and understanding by working closely with other faith-based organizations and initiatives on campus. Through collaborative events and initiatives, we encourage respectful exchange of ideas and perspectives, fostering a sense of unity and shared understanding among students of diverse faiths and backgrounds. One of the innovative schemes coming out of the Hindu Chaplaincy is a new interfaith cricket tournament in partnership with the wider community.
Mentorship and support
To support Hindu students in their academic and personal lives, we offer mentorship and guidance through our Hindu Chaplain. The Hindu Chaplain is there to support our students on issues including work placement, accommodation, academic misconduct, admission support for children of students and Extenuating Circumstances. This support ensures Hindu students have access to the resources they need to thrive academically, spiritually, and socially on campus.
In conclusion
Hindu life on campus at the University of Surrey is dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive, and enriching environment for Hindu students. By providing access to spiritual spaces, accommodating dietary requirements, and offering opportunities for community engagement, we aim to ensure that Hindu students feel valued and empowered throughout their University experience. Join us as we work together to build a vibrant, diverse, and thriving Hindu community on campus.