Integrating Your Identity

Integrating Your Identity

Issue 56 Spring 2018

HUM is a National Hindu Students’ Forum (UK) Publication Contents

5. We Think With Words

7. Changing The World Begins With A Small Step

9. Dharma & Moksha: The Two Strands To Hindu Identity

11. Crafting Your Identity Through Change

12. Faith in Policing - Shraddha & Beyond

13. Swami Shreeji

14. Riti, Niti & Priti The Components That Form Our Identity

15. Relinquish Your Priorities

17. You Are What You Eat

18. Serving The Soul

19. Recipe Corner 2 President’s Message What is an identity? prunes all my other identities. I visibly Hindu in all our sub- am not a daughter to my father, identities. Take the example I am a sister, a daughter, a but I am a Hindu daughter; as of Guru Purnima. This is an graduate of chemistry, a York I am a Hindu graduate; as I am ancient custom in the Hindu alumna, ethnically Indian, a Hindu York alumna; I am a tradition where we (as students) belonging to a polity called Hindu Indian; and I am a British pay homage to our teachers the United Kingdom of Great Hindu. (whoever they maybe). I would Britain and Northern Ireland. encourage us to bring to the fore My name is Drishti, which too Identity is a label. A label of our Hindu-ness in our identities is an identity. All are important utmost importance because as students, and mark this day in their given context, and all it helps the other, as well as with our professors who impart are insignificant in certain oneself to recognise the values knowledge to us. In return, I circumstances. All these with which we live our lives. can confidently say that your identities are true, and yet they This edition is about how we can identity as a student will be all feel, to me at least, as if not learn to integrate our identities enhanced in the eyes of your quite grasping the totality of without any inner conflict or professors by the values you who I am. What appears to be contradictions. I want us to confidently uphold and your missing is my Hindu-ness from explore how our Hindu-ness being Hindu. all of these. It is what makes can help us flourish in being me an integrated whole. It is better sons and daughters; what Erich Fromm, the famous better students and graduates; Drishti Mae Austrian psycho-analyst would better future leaders; and better NHSF (UK) President have called an ‘integrated members of the British society. Graduate in Chemistry personality’. It is my Hindu- University of York ness which is at the core of my In particular, I would encourage identity. It feeds, it steers, it us all to be comfortable in being Editorial The term identity can be loosely contribute indirectly to our Identity’: how are our identities defined as the ‘characteristics identities. Many individuals incorporated into our daily that determine a person or embody the attitudes of their lives? Delve into a collection a thing’. It thus follows that parents, friends and peers, not of anecdotes and stories that our identities consist of both realising that this isn’t always provide an insight into the tangible and abstract concepts reflective of their true selves. ways in which individuals have that help to contribute towards As a result, we are embroiled maintained their identity whilst the development of our in a vicious cycle of meeting performing their everyday personalities. For example, others’ expectations and not tasks and duties. Consider the many of us identify with a achieving self-actualisation. significance this has for each name, religion, nationality, When an individual’s identity is author, and more importantly, ethnicity, sexuality, family, misaligned with their personal think: ‘Is my identity a set of occupation and so on. In a fast- goals, it leads to uncertainty and tangible concepts I have control changing world, knowing and dissatisfaction. It is therefore over? Or does it consist of owning your identity is a tall important to question our concepts I have internalised order, albeit one that is very identity, and consider whether from others?’ important to personal growth. we are truly at one with ourselves. It is also worth noting Dhara Patel If I were to ask you what that the concept of identity NHSF (UK) HUM Editor contributes to the development exists on a continuum: it isn’t Graduate in Psychology of your identity, you might a static entity that remains University of Leeds ponder over the question for constant throughout one’s a few moments. Our identities life, but changes as a result of are closely intermeshed with experiences, events and new the choices we make in our encounters. daily lives, which reflect the values we hold dear. Of greater This edition of HUM explores interest are the factors that the concept of ‘Integrating your 1 Balham New Road, Balham London SW12 9PH Tel: 0208 772 1499 EMail: [email protected] Bhakti Shyama Care Centre is part of Abbey Total Care Group Ltd. We offer end of life care with 24hrs support, day care services, care for elders with dementia and shortterm care for patients discharged from hospitals. We at Abbey Total Care Group provide work placement and full support and training for those who want to develop their career in Health care /Social care.

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These5 four We words, if truly grasped, would be transformative. think Sadly, all too often people nod their heads with (usually in agreement) upon hearing these words and before the

These four words, if The usual suspects are parents, from the building blocks of our truly grasped, would be grandparents, nursery nurses, internal language. transformative. Sadly, all too early years teachers, other often people nod their heads care givers, and the childrens’ Let’s see if we can nail this (usually in agreement) upon media. These people (and through an example. Take a hearing these words and before the institutions in which simple word such as Bhagawan. the final nod has even finished, they belong) have built the Suppose we have two subjects – the porous mind has all but let underlying software that runs A and B. Our subject A, let’s call them slip. your hardware. (This is a clunky her Laxmi to personalise this analogy at best, but it may suffice a little, was raised in her early Our internal language is to drive the point home). years with the understanding formed in our early years, that the word Bhagawan meant and cemented, according to Our identity is central to us. God by her parents. And God Chomsky, by age ten. This It is one of the key drivers in turn was taken to mean a internal lexicon shapes how which shapes so much of our superbeing beyond the universe we internalise, rationalise, and experiences. It forms our place who created everything and digest our experiences. The in the world; if forms our everyone. This too was part of fundamental experiences of confidence in tackling the future her linguistic endowment from the world and our place in it, (or not); it shapes our responses her well intentioned parents, is rationalised by this internal to the world; and quite literally who were deeply influenced by language. Now think back, who informs us in who we are. All of the general narratives floating taught you your inner language? this is spawned fundamentally around their circle of friends 6 and the social environment at- whereas Sarasvati always seeks Urdu and then English came large. to learn and become. to replace them as languages worthy of learning. And then, Then we have subject B, and In this simple, and what I hope these same Indian languages let’s call her Sarasvati to to be an effective example, were fed back to the Hindus by humour ourselves. Sarasvati we can see how our internal non-native speakers resulting was endowed with the language shapes how we can in a complete corruption of the understanding that Bhagawan experience the world. Now take internal lexicon and narratives means a human being who words to do with one’s identity: passed on from one generation possess something called bhaga. Hindu, British, Indian, and so to another. Bhagawan became This came to her from her on. What do these words mean God. Dharma became religion. grandparents, in particular her to you? How has the word Jati became caste. Varna was grandmother, who was a self- Hindu been fed to you in your subsumed by the word caste. taught Sanskrit speaker. Her childhood? What is the content Murti became idol. Atma access to the language of her surrounding the word Hindu in became soul. And so on and ancestors meant that she could popular narratives. Try word on! Alas, it meant that we were pass it down to Sarasvati. Now I association games. Hindu - India given our identity not from a need not preach to enlightened - third world - poverty - caste - clear lineage of our ancestors, NHSFers who know all too discrimination - religious - God but from outsiders who, well- well the meaning of the term fearing - cow worshipping and intentioned or not, were not our Bhagwan, so I will skip ahead. so on. Now contrast this with: ancestors, and took hold of our Hindu - Bharat - ancient and identity. Both subjects, that is Laxmi rich culture - made bankrupt and Sarasvati are the same by geopolitical forces - India - And therefore, it delights me, age. Both from the same socio- rising - spiritual - rich literature and others like me, that young economic condition and so - Ramayana/Mahabharta - to people are beginning to lead on. All things being equal cultivate bhaga and so on. the way to reclaim Hindu then, we can explore how this languages, and to take hold of simple difference in linguistic The word is Hindu. Yet Subject the narratives that are passed programming can make such a A (the former word association onto us. When people can dramatic effect in experiencing string) compared to subject take ownership of their own the world and their place in it. B (the latter) will experience language, they begin to exude a Laxmi believes in God. Sarasvati his identity with a distinct confidence in themselves, and believes in acquiring bhaga inferiority complex. This results therefore take a proactive stance for herself. Both will narrate in disassociation or self-denial of shaping the world in which to themselves and to the world and in extreme cases outright they inhibit; tell-tale signs of that they believe in Bhagawan. hostility towards one’s own. an integrated identity begin to Laxmi experiences the world Whereas subject B has a sense of emerge. The not too famous, but as one who is created by an history, a sense that there is an brilliant psycho-analyst Erich external all-powerful deity, unfolding taking place, and that Fromm once said, ‘an integrated something she must submit to he is the direct custodian of that identity is the ideal foundation and please; whereas Sarasvati rich cultural past. for freedom’. And if Hindu has no such notion, and sees civilisation can be summed in her life’s mission as to acquire, My contention is that Hindus one word – it would have to be that is cultivate that thing called globally, along with their freedom. bhaga, and become Bhagawan. land, lost a grip on their Laxmi is prone to masochistic language. Over centuries Hindu Sachin Nandha tendencies; whereas Saravasti languages, that is ancient Indian NHSF (UK) Alum is not. Laxmi will seek comfort languages such as Sanskrit, National Vichaar Manthan and shelter in God, or anyone Tamil, Malayalam, Pali and Coordinator who convinces her that they so on, were first lost hold of, have some access to God; and languages such as Arabic,

Vichaar Manthan is an independent voluntary organisation which engages in open dialogue with members of society and institutions. VM explores issues facing modern British society through a Hindu civilisational lens. 7

Changing The World Begins With A Small Step 8

Growing up, I never questioned garbage bags as they have no I can change is myself, and what my mother told me. I use in the egg industry. suddenly I realise that if long listened, obeyed and respected ago I had changed myself, I all the beliefs that were In Hindu culture, the cow is could have made an impact thrust upon me. Living under valued as sacred, it represents on my family. My family and I a vegetarian household, I life and sustenance. Mahatma could have made an impact on understood the value of ahimsa, Gandhi said “Cow protection my town. Their impact could the view of respecting all living to me is not mere protection have changed the nation and I things and avoidance of violence of the cow. It means protection could have indeed changed the to others. Being vegetarian of all that lives and is helpless world.” (Unknown Monk, 1100 can be interpreted in several and weak in the world. The cow A.D) different ways – for example, means the entire subhuman there are individuals who world.” The milk the cow gives Today, I am still a vegan. I have consume some food products is for her calf, but the male even managed to convince my containing egg and those who calf is taken away from her in mum to try it out. By setting the don’t. order to be used for veal, while example first, you too can make the female calf is isolated in a difference. A couple of months ago, I took hutches. Their milk is sold for on the decision to become human consumption. We are the Bhakti Nakarja vegan. No one believed that I animal in the world that drinks NHSF (UK) Finance Team would actually manage a day, another animal’s milk. Graduate in Accounting & let alone a week or a month. Finance Yet being vegan is becoming In the Mahabharat (Anu.115.38- De Montfort University easier every day. The Daily 39), Bhishma explains “He who Telegraph has reported that purchases flesh, kills living around 542,000 people over the creatures through his money. age of 15 have adopted a plant He who eats flesh, kills living based diet in the past 10 years. beings through his eating. Even celebrities such as Ellie He who binds or seizes and Goulding, Jennifer Lopez and actually kills living creatures is Liam Hemsworth have become the slaughterer. These are the vegan. three sorts of slaughter through each of these acts. He who I never thought of the does not himself eat flesh but repercussions that animals approves of an act of slaughter, undergo when their milk is becomes stained with the sin taken from them. It is a common of slaughter.” In the same way, misconception that animals are even though we may not eat not harmed when producing the meat, we consume the dairy dairy and eggs. However, it which is a by-product for the causes major suffering every slaughter and are allowing the year. Did you know that act of himsa to occur. naturally, wild hens only lay 12 to 20 eggs a year? But those that “When I was a young man, I have been raised to produce an wanted to change the world. egg a day are confined to small I found it difficult to change spaces with no room to roam the world, so I tried to change or spread their wings. The hens my nation. When I found I even have their beaks cut off to couldn’t change my nation, I stop pecking in overcrowded began to focus on my town. I conditions. Not only that, but couldn’t change the town as the male chicks that are born an older man, I tried to change are killed by being ground my family. Now as an old up alive or left to suffocate in man, I realise the only thing 9

Dharma and Moksha: The Two Strands To Hindu Identity

At the core of Hindu identity, I very much a goal that remains is that of dharma. To live as a would argue, lies two concepts. at a distance albeit one I hope to Hindu is to live according to The concepts of dharma and understand. dharma. What do I mean by moksha lie at the heart of ‘Live according to dharma’? I what it means to be Hindu It is often mentioned that the mean, simply, to live in sync and provide a unique feature paths to moksha or nirvana are with that principle which of Hindu thought. For many, many; however what we often sustains harmony in the world. including myself, moksha is forget is that the path to moksha To live dharmically is to live 10 in a moral and ethical manner intellectual pluralism and our daily lives is to consciously by which our thoughts and the sharing and critiquing of make the effort to live more actions enable both ourselves ideas that more dharmic ideas dharmically. It is the process and others to flourish. It should and philosophies can move by which humanity journey be noted that talk of living forward, influencing the world through the next stage of ‘inner dharmically is not binary. It is around us. So can we engage evolution’ and by which we not a question of either being and interact with ideas that we can become happier in a more dharmic or adharmic. Instead, haven’t thought about before meaningful way; to increase we should think of it as a or have had preconceived not only our own well-being, continuous scale and journey of notions about, in a constructive but also that of those around the inner evolution of ourselves, manner? Can we engage with us. This requires four things- to make ourselves ‘better’ and ideas, not with a view to being introspection, engagement, happier; together with those proven correct, but in order action and patience. around us. to achieve the most dharmic outcome? Can we take the time, Anon How can we live in such a once a week, to read something NHSF (UK) Alum manner? It starts by being new or to delve a little deeper self-conscious. Nobody is into different perspectives on perfect and nobody will make issues that we may hold dear? an overnight transformation. Can we talk to someone with However, the road to perfection wildly different views and begins with us being aware have a good and productive of our daily actions, thoughts discussion? Can we approach and motivations. When we topics like vegetarianism/ talk to others can we observe veganism, morality, ethics, our thoughts? When we religion, Hindu identity, discuss ideas with friends and abortion and euthanasia in a other students, what are our deeper and more meaningful motivations in this discussion? manner? What is the lens through which we view others and the world The third prong is arguably the around us? What actions of ours most important. Lots of talk will lead to increases in our and reading is meaningless wellbeing? without action. Hence it is also important to try to make The manner in which we view small conscious changes in our others and the world around us behaviour. When we see litter influence our behaviour. From on the streets, what do we think the old lady who just got on the and do? When we need to get bus to the guy at the back of the to a tutorial, do we walk, take lecture theatre who won’t stop the bus or take a cab because talking. From our family and we’re late? Why do we make friends to the loud stranger in such a decision? When deciding Starbucks who holds radically what to eat can we cut down different political views - how on dairy consumption for one do we view these people and day a month and incrementally how do we interact with them? make such changes slowly? Can How can we do so in a way we implement yoga and Dhyaan which allows us to act more into a routine? Can we volunteer dharmically? What thoughts and get involved in some cross our mind as we navigate community work? Through through our day? the voluntary implementation of such things the clay of our As well as introspecting, it is inner character gets chiselled important to expose ourselves, into a beautiful, more ‘dharmic’ with a critical yet open mind, to sculpture. new and possibly inconvenient ideas. It is through dialogue, To integrate Hindu identity into 11

Crafting Your Identity Through Change

We run away from changes, yet we want to “fit into the crowd” and not be left behind. We are on this constant run, away from responsibilities, questions we don’t know the answers to, and situations that overwhelm us. Sometimes, we even find ourselves running away from our inner problems. Just stop running for a minute and ask yourself: “Who am I?”

Think about who you were a few years ago and who you are now. Think about the changes that have occurred during that period of time. We will blame those changes, good or bad, for what defines who we are today. As a student, I find it difficult to accept that the individual I am today has been solely of my own accord. I may blame University, friends and even my circumstances on the situations I face. In the end, I am responsible for deciding which changes I choose to accept or reject.

My identity consists of me being a student, who is studying in London and aspiring to be a Pharmacist. But is that actually, who I am? For me, my identity is more than what society categorises me into, it is more than just following the social construct of the community I live in. It is about finding who I truly am, deep inside. This is no easy feat, and I’m certain that the situations I encounter will no doubt contribute to the development of my identity. I urge you to spend a little time asking yourselves too: which lessons, mistakes, highs and lows have contributed to your identity?

“When I discover who I am, I will be free” ~ Ralph Ellison

Anon 12

Faith In Policing Shraddha and Beyond

Not your typical career for a bad in life, and even a mouse as armed forces. young Hindu, but the police his chariot, showing that he is service does, in fact, have its fearless yet humble. Take PC Keith Palmer - a son, a links to Hindu Dharma. In the husband, a father, a brother, a context of Vedic society, the term Similarly, these skills are police officer. He was just doing ‘Kshatriya’ – one of four Varnas required by a police constable his job. Just doing his duty. He (social orders), derives from the in today’s society where there is was killed outside Parliament to Sanskrit word ‘Ksatra’, meaning more work done on prevention, protect democracy. Nobody joins “rule” or “authority”. The role intervention and a wide the police to get rich. Nobody of Kshatriyas was to protect spectrum of safeguarding. In joins to be famous. It remains a society by fighting in a war and these situations, we are more job like no other. upholding the law by governing often than not the first point peace. of call for someone in crisis, Might I suggest that, as a whether that be the Manchester society, we need simply to be In today’s society, the police terror attack, Grenfell Tower more grateful for officers out service does exactly that: or an elderly lady who has lost there. They are a remarkable protecting the vulnerable, her purse – all of which hold bunch of human beings doing a helping victims of crime and some sense of responsibility and challenging job – brave, funny, taking on an extended duty of leadership qualities to go above loyal and honourable, hard- dealing with mental health, and beyond that of an average working crown servants. Police vulnerabilities, safeguarding, citizen. So ask yourself: what officers are heroes too, and we crime and much more. Most of difference will you make to need to be a whole lot prouder these issues are prevalent in society? of the remarkable men and Asian communities. women who stand on the thin Being part of an agency, which blue line. I spoke at a police Diwali is often of first and last resort “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” celebration event about how comes with its challenges, both - The whole world is one family. Hindu culture and the police internally and externally. The are very closely entwined. The lack of BME (Black and Minority Personally, what is always qualities of Lord Ganesha is Ethnics) representation is important to remember is that very appropriate. He has a large gradually shifting, but the behind the badge, I am human. head to show that one must job naturally comes the Behind the badge, I am Hindu. think big and use their intellect responsibility of being a role to its full potential, small eyes model for the youth – an even Kiran Patel so show that one must focus, bigger challenge at a time Police Constable large ears which identifying whereas a society, we don’t Former NHSF (UK) Vice being a good listener, a large seem to regard the police in the President stomach, giving Ganesh the same way we regard the heroes NHSF (UK) Alumni ability to absorb both good and of other emergency services and 13

Swami Shreeji

Bhagwan Swaminarayan strived renunciation, pilgrimages, vows, of Bhagwan. How can we continuously to reinstate the yagnas and charity, is satsang.’ engage in this worship whilst at values rooted in the Vedas As students, we can practise university? This can be achieved which had been lost over some of these during our time by simply offering prayers in generations. He was a strong at university. A great example your mandir at home or even proponent of religious tolerance, is taking a group of friends to visiting the mandir of Bhagwan respect, following a code of volunteer or carry out ‘sewa’ at from time to time. If you are conduct, self-restraint, faith your local temple; this would a student living out whilst in divinity and detachment. fall under charity work. It could studying at university, and do He imparted these universal even be something as simple as not have access to a home or principles through analogies visiting the mandir of Bhagwan local mandir, one such way you and metaphors that everyday once a month, or even better: can worship Bhagwan is to close people could relate to, such once a week! your eyes and contemplate upon as farming, digging wells, the Bhagwan’s form. outer shell of a seed and other Another such principle familiar everyday items. He Bhagwan Swaminarayan These are just small droplets emphasised the importance discusses is ‘The Ultimate of an ocean filled with of imbibing these universal Goal’. Bhagwan Swaminarayan possibilities of adhering to ideas to gain happiness in this explains in Vachanamrut universal values as Hindus, world and eternally thereafter. Jetalpur 5: ‘There is nothing whilst studying at university. An important question to greater than worshipping Bhagwan Swaminarayan in ask ourselves is: How can we Bhagwan.’ As Hindu students, the Vachanamrut goes to great imbibe these universal values at we should continue this lengths in explaining these university? principle of worshipping universal principles that we, as Bhagwan continuously. You Hindus, should practise in our One of the principles Bhagwan may ask: ‘Why?’ The simple day-to-day lives. Swaminarayan propagates reason is that Bhagwan is the is pleasing Bhagwan. In all-doer and because of him, Tejas Islania Vachanamrut Gadhada II- we are here today. A common NHSF City Communication 54, he says, ‘The Supreme goal for all Hindus is to achieve Officer endeavour that pleases God, out moksha (ultimate liberation). 2nd Year LLB Law of all the endeavours, such as We can accomplish this goal by Ashtanga Yoga, sankhya, tapas, engaging in continual worship 14

Riti, Niti & Priti The Components That Form Our Identity

I’m sure we have all been up how we should live in three our traditional values. During amongst conversations about words: this time we have upon this integration amongst our local Earth we should endeavour communities and more so, Riti - Live righteously: this does to seek love with all whilst seen it on mainstream TV. We not mean simply doing puja and remembering our culture and have all been through our religious prayers but looking doing some sort of spiritual own life experiences; learning after the world, your body, your practice. Our Dharma lies in and gaining knowledge family and your livelihood. The serving others so we should along the way. We have to word Dharma is used so widely accept others for the way they have a foundation for our but it is not just restricted to are. Riti, niti and priti are understanding and this can be prayer: it is looking after your important aspects of Hinduism derived through our rich texts samaj, family and the world. that have helped to formulate that come in the form of the my identity – I request you Mahabharata, Bhagavad Gita, Niti - Live with honesty, respect to ponder over your attitude Ramayana and many more texts and earn your money in this to these three elements and that offer tangible answers to all way. Speak to all with honesty whether they contribute to these questions. So how do we and seek to speak the truth. your identity or whether you integrate, whilst being practical Giving God a share of this consider them to be peripheral and keeping Dharma as our money or giving it to a good concepts. foundation? cause is symbolic of your gratitude to all you have. Anon Translating religious ideals NHSF (UK) Alum into practice begins in the Priti - Live with joy and love. home. Householders are not Show this love not only to your only expected to look after family and friends but to the their children, but also parents, whole of society. Respond to grandparents, uncles and aunts. all situations with the same They are expected to contribute love, as this will also teach you towards the society in general. to develop virtues of patience, This is how they are expected to graciousness and humility. put religion into practice. We have to remember that it is important to integrate with Pujya Rameshbhai Oza sums everyone whilst remembering 15

Prioritising to Control Our Identities

“Things do not grow better; they organised opens us up to new One useful way of being remain as they are. life experiences. organised is setting up a weekly It is we who grow better by the planner rather than an on the changes we make in ourselves” When we engage in new go to-do-list which will get – Swami Vivekananda. activities we need to fully longer by the end of every day immerse ourselves, which often - becoming impossible to keep Our personal identity is what we requires time to prepare and up with. Weekly planning could create for ourselves that evolves engage. Have you ever accepted be a practical way of prioritising over the course of our life. How an invite to a birthday party the most important tasks to you. much we maintain from the weeks in advance because it The remaining time in the week present and renew in ourselves was the right thing to do then ahead – well, it is your time to is down to some things that realised on the day that you make the most or least of! we have no control over and have not yet bought your gift? others which we control by When you go out looking for If you cannot afford time choice. Aspects such as the the gift you had in mind you for yourself to be organised colour of our skin or our height cannot find the size or colour. then you could be giving up are largely out of our control, Now you settle for second best. your freedom to enjoy new however for the remainder we Apply this lack of forward challenges, or you could be can agree that our everyday planning and being too busy to gradually selling off your true choices will determine our prioritise the things and people self. For the disorganised, we identity. When we embark on that are important to you – your will ultimately be forced to new milestones in our lives family, closest friends, lecturers, decline new offers because we such as our university careers dreams and aspirations. For left what is important to us or or a new workplace, most of us those of us going to university required of us too late. Knowing will relate to the idea that this - will you claim to be too ‘busy’ your priorities will ultimately is an opportunity to embrace to ring your family back home, help you remain in control new friends, activities, interests, will you lose touch with your of your identity. How will experiences and thoughts that high school friends who were you prioritise to control your will altogether broaden our once your BFFs? Will you stop identity? minds and ultimately reshape writing your journal, going for our identity for the better or a run, sending a photograph to Kartik Bharadia worse. your grandmother because they NHSF (UK) Alum will understand that university What we personally retain and is about doing as much as how much we embrace will possible? Will you spinoff your sum up how we feel about the current responsibilities with change. How can we ensure newer ones? Will you replace that we maintain what we yourself (your identity) with cherish and desire whilst the influences around you? Or keeping ourselves open to new will you achieve a fair balance life changing opportunities? between embracing new In discipline lies freedom...in opportunities and being true to the context of priorities and yourself? choices that lie ahead, being Metropolitan Police Hindu Association Promoting a better understanding of Hindu Faith & providing assistance Contact: [email protected] 17

You Are What You Eat

When I think about integrating Such foods are juicy, succulent, is clearer, then one can better my Hindu identity in my nourishing, and naturally focus on bhagavān and divine everyday life, I think of the tasteful.” work. simplest thing that I do: the food I eat. In a fashion, the food I eat Through the words of In social life, the challenges are helps form my Hindu identity. Shree Krishna, we learn the even greater. When meeting Often, I’m described as ‘fussy’ importance of eating food friends or family for a meal. when it comes to food; although that helps our body and mind I have to consider dining at that may seem true at times, develop. Daily, I remember places where there is no onion my Hindu identity informs me Shree Krishna bhagavān as the or no garlic, or have to find the about the food that I should and example of these words. Shree menu online to know what I should not eat. Krishna had complete spiritual will order beforehand. Although authority, and is also considered this requires minimal effort, Hindu Dharma teaches us the model of exceptional and I often remember that doing the importance of following abundant physical health and so means that I am observing a sattvic diet in our everyday mental poise. Shree Krishna a sattvic diet. Sometimes, the lives. What is a sattvic diet? It is depicted in our scriptures thought of going to the same consists of eating fresh fruit, and in the media as slim, restaurant over and over vegetables and whole grains active, energetic, graceful, and becomes repetitive, but with which are pure and help attractive. This is partly due Shree Krishna’s words in mind, keep the mind clear. I started to the foods Shree Krishna the food I eat helps me become a focusing on eating sattvic consumed. With his qualities more sattvic person. foods as a student, and this has and diet, Shree Krishna is the resulted in me being more pure- embodiment of sattva. In this small way, I feel that I can minded, more compassionate keep my Hindu identity close to and better able to control my In the working world, I have me. Keeping the food I consume emotions. encountered challenges in my at the back of my mind has desire to maintain a sattvic diet. become the norm for me and The importance of sattvic food is Whilst working with younger following a sattvic diet has led taught to us by Shree Krishna in children, I often find myself to self-improvement. Students, the Bhagavad Gita: feeling lethargic and energy put down your tamasic and drinks do become tempting. I rajasic foods and pick up some “āyuḥsattvabalārogyasukhaprīti- used to drink coffee daily, but fruit or nuts. Start your sattvic vivardhanāḥ now tried to avoid it due to its diet: it will make the world of rasyāḥ snigdhāḥ sthirā hṛidyā rajasic nature. Rajasic foods are difference to your body, mind āhārāḥ sāttvikapriyāḥ” those that have a stimulating and ātmā. effect on the mind and body. (Bhagavad Gita XVII.8) Instead, I have learnt to pick up Jaimal Patel an apple to give me the energy NHSF (UK) Events Team “Persons in the mode of I need for the day and drink Coordinator goodness prefer foods that more water to keep a clear Graduate in Theatre Arts promote the lifespan and mind. Keeping a sattvic diet has Education & Deaf Studies increase virtue, strength, health, been tough, but there are many University of Reading happiness, and satisfaction. benefits; after all, if the mind 18

Serving the Soul

Youth for Sewa (YFS) 2017 intern why she sent Sneha out to work not even knowing how to make Vipasha Surange writes about at such a young age. Her answer a cup of tea when girls the age her experience as an YFS Intern will always stay with me. Her of 13 are tasked with cooking working with Surajya, an NGO mother said this “Financially, dinner for their whole family in in Pune where 43% of the we are stable. I work every the vasti. We shield our children city’s population lives in slum day, I earn just about enough to the point that they cannot dwellings (vastis). to keep us going. Sneha has 3 stand on their own two feet. I’m siblings so it is a big household not trying to portray the typical “My project is to start a weekly but I didn’t send Sneha out to “Oh, we should be so aware Sanskar Kendra for kishori work for the money. I sent her of our privilege, we should (teenage) girls – aiming to to work, against the wishes of be grateful for everything we create respectful, conscientious, friends and family, because have, those poor people have compassionate, confident, she needs to learn the value absolutely nothing”. I’m saying disciplined and organised of hard work and money and quite the opposite. I’m saying girls who will be the leaders of needs to experience what it’s that they have so much that tomorrow. like out there. There’s no use we don’t, there is so much we in keeping girls shielded inside can learn from women in the Every time I speak to these girls the vasti until they’re off to be vasti! How to be dedicated, hard I’m blown away by how much married – if we do that then working, how to economically they do, how much inner and when will they learn to take run a household and how to give outer strength they have and care of themselves? To stand on your children responsibilities how they carry out all of their their own two feet? It’s a tough from a young age to prepare responsibilities with a smile on world out there, especially for them for adulthood. their face. a girl, but it’ll be even tougher if the girl doesn’t know how They have so much capacity, One encounter stood out for to be independent and how to inner strength and dedication – me amongst them all. When I navigate the streets for herself. The insight and wisdom you get went on home visits last week, Sending Sneha to work adds to upon actually getting to know we went to Sneha’s house. her own sense of self-confidence vasti life will last you a lifetime. Sneha is 13 years old, she goes and adds to our confidence in to school and she works. She’s her. Sneha cooks as well, she’s I implore every one of you to, not been working for long, a a fantastic cook! Many days she at some point in your life, visit few months maybe, and now cooks dinner for us.” a vasti and get to know the she’s had to stop because school women there. They are the true has started again. Her work It makes me look back, embodiment of strength, ability, (paid) was going to a couples’ admittedly ashamedly, at our virtue and hard work. They are house (both families know each lifestyle in the west – how we the true embodiment of women other well and trust each other), complain about the smallest of power.” doing their cleaning, cooking, things, how we molly-coddle our and spending time with the aji kids to the point that they’re not Vipasha Surange (grandmother) there. It was only able to be independent and self- NHSF KCL Culture Executive a couple of hours every day and sufficient. I look back in shame 2nd Year International Relations Sneha got on really well with the at the fact that so many kids, family. I asked Sneha’s mother boys and girls, start university

Read more of Vipasha’s blogs at https://servingthesoul.wordpress.com

Youth for Sewa is an unpaid 6 week summer internship initiative led by Sewa UK and NHSF to connect young dynamic individuals from diverse backgrounds with NGOs in rural India. The internship focuses on self-development through the journey of service in underprivileged communities. It is an opportunity for individuals to contribute their energy, time and ideas and make a real difference. Projects are available in health care, education, environmental awareness, women’s empowerment, rural development and micro-finance. http://www.youthforsewa.org.uk @youth4sewa 19

Super Easy Chocolate Mousse Recipe Corner Ingredients: Silken Tofu 300g Dark Dairy Free Chocolate 100g (at least 80% - I recommend over 90%) Pinch of Salt Optional Ingredients: Roasted nuts Orange Zest Mint Oil Maple Syrup

Method: 1. Break the chocolate up into small pieces and place in a bowl. 2. Melt chocolate in a bowl over a pot of boiling water. Alternatively, microwave in bursts of 10 seconds until completely melted. 3. Place tofu in a blender/food processor or whisk until smooth and creamy 4. Add a pinch of salt into the chocolate. 5. If you want a flavoured or sweeter mouse add the optional mint/orange and syrup as required. 6. Mix together the chocolate mix and tofu in the bowl until everything is one colour. 7. Pour out into 6 small individual portions. 8. Finish with roasted nuts/orange zest/mint leaves or leave plain. 9. Leave to chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour before eating.

About The Chef: Jay Mistry I studied Automotive somewhere on the back of a of diet. I aim to bring tasty food Engineering at the University of packet; my frustration led me to at a reasonable cost to everyone Huddersfield, and I have worked stick a massive logo on the front and expose them to the fact that in the automotive industry as saying this food is also suitable the food options they currently an engineer for companies such for carnivores. enjoy are also available as a as Jaguar Land Rover and The vegan option. London Taxi Company. Whilst My company is a vegan food I was at University, I helped to company. I offer lunch options As well as the food, the set up the Huddersfield NHSF delivered to you in the Leicester packaging is equally important (UK) chapter. In 2017, I wanted area and catering services. Later as it has an impact on our to start following my passion this year I will also be launching environment. A big contributor rather than doing a job for a food van that will be at events to the damage of our somebody else. This began across the UK. The challenges environment are plastics, so as my new venture, Suitable for I find with vegan food are that much as it is avoidable, plastics Carnivores. It’s called Suitable options are limited, it is difficult are not used and will not be for Carnivores because I got to come across, there are many used in my business. fed up of looking at food specialist ingredients that are labelling which had ‘Suitable for expensive and the food is ‘new’ Jay Mistry vegetarians/vegans’ in tiny print if you are not used to this type Suitable for Carnivores