On a campus full of "the leaders and the best," a constant struggle exists within the active student body between work for student organizations and the trials of classes and homework. Often, one or the other suffers. Inteflex third-year studentAnand Kamlesh Parekh has managed to fulfill both sides of the quandary throughout his University career, maintaining a strong dedication to the Hindu Students' Council while devoting enough time to his studies to graduate a year ahead of time.
"The Hindu Students Council is a student organization that focuses on preserving and raising awareness of the Hindu culture and adding its part to maintaining a more tolerant community and campus," Parekh said.
HSC is a national organization with more than 50 chapters at various universities and colleges. This year is the 50th anniversary of India's independence and each of the country's chapters are putting on one-day seminars as part of "Freedom Festival '97," a program designed to "raise awareness about India's independence," Parekh said.
The University's council celebrated the anniversary in three parts. The first is an art display in the Michigan Union study lounge that is still running. It consists of art work from many different religions worldwide, showcasing the tolerance and diversity of the Hindu religion.
The rest of the celebrations consisted of a guest lecture by Dr. Veena Gandhi, who spoke on the role of women in India's freedom struggle, as well as numerous discussions on the role of Indian women in education, religion, health and family.
The final part was a night of cultural dances that took place in the Michigan Union Ballroom. Participants came and learned cultural dances such as the Raas, the Gerba and the Bhangara.
HSC also sponsors weekly discussions of Hindu religion and culture every Wed-
nesday in the Union. The council takes part in a volunteer project once a month and also holds Yoga sessions.
The University's chapter of HSC has a unique structure with no officers or hierarchy. The basic premise is that students come to the weekly meetings and make proposals for the group's activities. "In this way, it makes it seem like you are in an organization with a lot of people who have the same interests, Parekh said. "It is not about what position you are but working with people, learning and having fun."
Within the council, there is a core group of members who come to every meeting and take on specific roles such as managing finances or media relations.
Parekh's role in the HSC has grown over the years. As a first-year student, he attended the council's meetings, learning more about his culture. He took on the specific role of taking care of funding for the organization.
During his second year, Parekh's commitment grew. He began working on publicity and programming for the weekly discussions.
This year, Parekh has taken a larger role on the national level of the HSC. He is in charge of HSC's media public relations for all of North America. "I keep the general media informed of what HSC is doing in trying to promote religious tolerance and harmony," Parekh said.
In-between handling national media coverage and helping with the arrangements for a daylong seminar, Parekh has managed to excel academically. He spent the first semester of this year in England studying international relations at Oxford University.
As an Inteflex student, Parekh will be attending the University's Medical School starting in the Fall of 1998. He will be graduating a year early in May and plans to spend the interim year in the MD/MPh program at the University's Health Policy Management School - part of the School of Public Health.
"I finished early in three years so it was a question of, 'What should I do with my fourth year?'" Parekh said. "I'm very interested in health policy so (the MD/MPh program) merged my career interests of going into medicine and my interests in public policy and political science."
Parekh's interaction with many different student organizations and leaders has given him firsthand knowledge of the effort students put forth on campus. "I feel that the University is filled with students with great ideas and dedication. ... When I look around at all the ideas that people have and the things that they are doing, I feel very good about where we are going and I really respect all the student leaders on campus for all of their hard work and effort," he said.
JENNIFER BRADLEY-SWIFT/Daily
Anand Parekh, at the HSC-sponsored "Freedom Festival '97" display in the Union.