Western University HSC: Shivali Sharma on Building a Campus Mandir, Hinduphobia & Sanatana Dharma

Описание: Western University’s Hindu Student Council (HSC) president Shivali Sharma shares how a student-led movement in London, Ontario is uniting hearts and minds through the timeless wisdom of Sanātana Dharma. We cover why Western HSC was founded, the difference between “social club” Hinduism and lived practice, inaugurating a campus mandir and chaplaincy, navigating controversy, inter-org collaboration (BAPS/Chinmaya Mission/United Consciousness), seva-first leadership, and what it really means to detach and let the next generation lead. We also touch on rising Hinduphobia online, how students can respond with clarity and courage, and a quick note demystifying Santoshi Mata and the evolution of living traditions.

What you’ll learn:
How a Hindu Students Council chapter starts, funds itself, and serves students
Why identity-safe spaces and real Dharma teaching (beyond just “Bollywood nights”) matter
The story behind a student-led campus mandir with community-donated mūrtis
Navigating controversy, interfaith chaplaincy, and online disinformation
Personal sādhanā through seva and Hanuman-bhakti

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00:00:00 Namaste & quick hello
00:00:36 “Western HSC” appears on Instagram—what is it?
00:01:36 Why start a new Hindu Student Council at Western (London, Ontario)
00:02:58 HSC roots in North America & identity against discrimination
00:03:56 Rutgers headline prompts a talk on rising Hinduphobia online
00:06:38 Speaking up vs. staying silent—student experiences & safety
00:09:16 Clarifying Santoshi Mata & how traditions evolve
00:10:33 Early impact: interest, inaugurating a mandir, and campus response
00:12:07 Introducing the chaplain & making dharma accessible in English
00:13:21 “Cultural appropriation?”—context, intent, and community learning
00:14:35 What the prior club missed: beyond Bollywood to lived Sanātana Dharma
00:16:26 Obstacles, criticism, and staying the course
00:17:25 Small wins that matter: student gratitude & sacred space on campus
00:18:45 Ratification, funding realities & community-powered donations
00:20:01 What gives a temple power? Prayers, homes, and shared devotion
00:21:26 Collaboration across sampradāyas (BAPS, Chinmaya, United Consciousness)
00:23:00 How Shivali met the chaplain; study, music, and devotion
00:24:32 Neem Karoli Baba, kīrtan influences, and student well-being
00:25:05 Fourth year & a legacy plan for the club
00:25:14 Vision forward: ratification, seva, and student support
00:26:59 Detachment in practice: building, then letting go
00:28:27 Final message to students: believe, act, and persevere
00:29:09 Closing & future invite

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