The Solon Hindu Student Association is a new addition to SHS’s growing club population. The club held a fundraiser to support the Sree Venkateswara temple’s high school enrichment programs this summer. Club officers Anoushka Dubey and Mahita Somanchi share their thoughts about the fundraiser and future hopes for the club—Dubey gives her insight on the club in the interview below.
Q: Why did you decide to make the club?
A: We made the Solon Hindu Student Association to bind people of the Hindu faith at SHS together, people of South Asian culture, and also people who just haven’t been exposed to the culture before to show them how bright and colorful and amazing the culture and religion really is.
Q: Are there any requirements to join?
A: The point isn’t to just include people of the Hindu faith or who are South Asian. Our club is open to anyone who just wants to explore something new and be a part of something really fun and exciting.
Q: Are you hoping for more members this year?
A: For sure. We have a good base, but we are hoping to get even more people this year. People of different cultural and ethnic backgrounds kind of start building up the club so that it can really stand the test of time.
Q: Are you planning any more fundraisers for the year?
A: Yes. So one of the bigger events that’s coming up this year for people of the Hindu faith is Diwali. And so we are planning on doing a fundraiser with the Greater Cleveland Shiva Vishnu Temple which is in Parma. But to get that fundraiser to come to life, we need a ton of volunteers and people who are willing to put in their time and energy. The fundraiser is going to be in November so keep an eye out for that.
Q: What impact do you think this club will have on the school?
A: I think this club is just going to bring people of the Hindu faith together and also just show people that Solon is a diverse community, and Solon is this bright and colorful school to be a part of. There are so many different cultures at SHS, and I think this club is just a great way to show that. For people who are Hindu, when they come to school on days like Diwali or Holi, because we don’t get those days off, it’s just gonna make them feel more excited and welcomed.
Q: Lastly, is there anything you would like people interested in your club to know about?
A:We are most likely going to be at a club fair in September, so you can check out our booth. We also have a website…where you can contact us, see our upcoming fundraiser and kind of just get a little bit more info about us.
Somanchi shares more about the Solon Home Days fundraiser in the video below:
The Solon Hindu Student Association is always looking for extra support and new members. For more information, follow their Instagram, look at their website, visit the SHS club webpage, or go see their trifold at the club fair Sept. 6-7.
