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Namaste, I’m Ishika! I’m running to be your Sanskaar Coordinator for 2026/27 at Leeds Hindu Society, and I’d love to tell you a bit about myself :)
I’m originally from Newcastle and came to Leeds to study Architecture. My passion for architecture actually comes from my religion as I’ve always been fascinated by the intricate designs and deeper meanings behind mandirs and different aspects of our culture. Although I was born and raised in the UK, I’ve grown up in a strongly rooted Hindu environment. From a young age I attended weekly sanskaar sessions at the mandir, and I’ve been lucky enough to visit India every year allowing me to stay connected to my religion through visits to different mandirs. Sewa has always been a big part of my life. I always try to help out wherever I can, and over time I’ve taken on more responsibility, especially during big events where I make sure darshan runs as smoothly as possible. It’s something I genuinely enjoy doing because of how it brings people together and creates a sense of community. My family helped set up a weekly sanskaar class at our mandir, which has grown so much over the years. Being able to now teach and guide younger kids has been incredibly rewarding, and it’s something I’m really passionate about. Through connections with Hindus across the UK I was able to continue this here in Leeds allowing myself to expand my community with families from Leeds.
During first year, I have regularly attended Hindu Soc events, including the newly introduced Sanskaar sessions where I helped organise the physical activities side so that we could learn our sanskaar in a fun and active way. I hope to continue these and develop it as Sanskaar Coordinator.
As Sanskaar Coordinator, I want to make our sessions something everyone feels excited to come to. Whether you’re very involved in your faith or just curious to learn more. I’d love to expand on our current sessions to make them more interactive and discussion-based so can explore practical lessons from the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita in a way that actually relates to student life and create a really open, welcoming space where everyone feels comfortable sharing and learning. Further including small parts of our Sanskaar in weekly Chai and Chill like an Aarti or small teachings would help us reflect throughout the week. Additionally, I would like to introduce a Bhajan Kirtan Night potentially with other Hindu Societies in the North so we can all enhance our spiritual connection with the Divine. I also want to develop more varied events like festival-based workshops so we can understand directly why we are celebrating the festival and why we do the rituals we do. One of my favourite festivals is Holi as it reminds us of unity within diversity. Another goal of mine is to work towards creating a dedicated Hindu Mandir on campus, so we have somewhere we can go to reflect, pray, and feel at home as our Hindu Soc really is a home away from home. On top of that, I’d love to expand our sewa initiatives, from feeding the homeless to volunteering opportunities and working more closely with Leeds Hindu Mandir, so we can give back while growing stronger as a community.
More than anything, I want to help build a space where everyone feels included, supported, and connected, no matter where they are on their journey. I wish to make Sanskaar something that fits naturally into student life rather than feeling separate from it
If that’s some If that’s something you’d like to see, I’d really appreciate your vote 🙏💜🕉️

Hello! I’m Gargi, a second-year Maths student with a passion for spirituality and philosophy. I was really excited to join the Hindu Society when I started university, as I felt it offered a dedicated space for young people to explore their potential through the lens of Dharma. In today’s world, having both spiritual direction and a strong Hindu community is more important than ever. I strongly believe I can help facilitate this through my enthusiasm and commitment to the values and teachings of Hinduism.

As a child, I was fortunate to be exposed to an abundance of Hindu philosophy and traditions. Festivals were always celebrated with great fervour in my household, fostering both cultural appreciation and spiritual awareness. I am naturally curious, and discussions and debates have always been encouraged in my life. This has included participating in debates with the Divine Brain Trust (DBT), an organisation that encourages young people to engage deeply with Vedic thought. My involvement has been incredibly rewarding, helping me develop critical thinking skills and deepen my understanding of the Hindu principles that guide our everyday lives. These insights have stayed with me and continue to shape my perspective.

I believe Sanskaar, derived from Samyak Akaar meaning the “right approach” or righteousness, is central to personal and spiritual development. My goal is to bring this spirit into our Hindu Society by creating a safe and welcoming space where individuals feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and learning from each other’s unique perspectives. I also aim to foster a sense of harmonious brotherhood and sisterhood within the society, strengthening meaningful connections among peers.

I am of the opinion that Sanatan Dharma is not merely a theological system confined to texts, but an active foundation that shapes an individual’s outlook from the very beginning of life. It is not limited to religious activities; it is a form of Acharan—implementation through action i.e Dharma is active devotion and not just a passive conversation. This philosophy is something I hope to embody and promote as a Sanskaar Coordinator.

Building on this vision, I aim to introduce the approach of Adhyatma a deeper, reflective thought process through various engaging modalities. These would include meditation sessions, discussions on great Vedic literature, and comparative explorations of Eastern and Western philosophy to encourage a deeper understanding of Vedic culture. I also hope to conduct interactive workshops that connect young minds to the importance of Hindu Dharma in both personal and collective contexts.

Additionally, I plan to organise structured yet enjoyable discussions on themes such as the universality of Dharma beyond caste, creed, or nationality, and how its true understanding can guide young people in shaping their life paths. My aim is to create an active learning environment that is both intellectually stimulating and spiritually enriching.

Ultimately, the principles of Hinduism remain timeless, as the challenges faced by humanity are universal. It is through spiritual development that individuals can find clarity, purpose, and direction in their journey. I am truly looking forward to the opportunity to serve and to become an instrument in creating a positive and lasting impact within our Hindu Society. If you align with my vision then do vote for me, together we can make a difference!

Namaste! I'm Aarav a first-year Economics student, and I'm excited to be standing for Sanskaar Rep for 2026/27.
Growing up in Delhi, faith wasn't something that was taught to me - it was lived. Every Tuesday, my grandfather would take me to the temple near our home. Not out of obligation, but out of love. Every small achievement, every little celebration, was first celebrated with God, at the temple, before anything else. Meals were served to God as ‘Bhog’ before they reached our plates. These weren't rituals to us - they were an integrated part of my life. Coming to Leeds, I carried that with me. And finding NHSF felt like finding that same warmth, that same sense of belonging, all over again.
That is exactly the energy I want to bring into the Sanskaar Rep role.
I believe Sanskaar isn't just about knowledge of scriptures - it's about how that knowledge shapes the way we live, speak, and treat others. As Sanskaar Rep, my goal is simple: make faith feel like home, not a lecture hall. I want to create sessions that are open, engaging, and genuinely exciting to attend - whether you've grown up deeply rooted in Hinduism or are simply curious to explore.
Here's what I have planned:
I want to run interactive scripture sessions centred around the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and the Bhagavad Gita - not as dry readings, but as living conversations, of course fuelled with Chai and other Indian snacks. What does Arjuna's dilemma on the battlefield actually look like in student life? How does Lord Ram's journey through exile mirror our own experience of being away from home? These stories are timeless, and I want us to feel that.
Alongside this, Puja sessions would give members - especially those living away from home for the first time - the grounding of knowing how to perform basic prayers independently.
A Hindu Mythology Quiz Night would bring some healthy competition and a lot of laughter, while still being deeply educational. And I'd love to organise Kirtan and Bhajan evenings as a way to connect spiritually through music.
Beyond events, I want to expand our Sewa Initiatives, because Dharma. It is 'Acharan' - action. Whether that's volunteering, feeding the homeless, or partnering with Leeds Hindu Mandir, I want our society to give back meaningfully to the community around us.
I'll also work closely with the PR and Marketing Rep to make sure every event, every session, every ‘Utsav’ is communicated in a way that feels inviting and accessible so that no one ever feels like Hinduism is something they need to already understand to walk through our doors.
Ultimately, NHSF is my Parivaar here in Leeds. It is where I stay close to my faith, my roots, and the values my grandfather quietly passed down to me on those Tuesday evenings. I want every member, whether deeply devout or just beginning their journey, to feel that same sense of belonging.
Sanskaar, to me, is not a role. It is a responsibility I carry with pride.
If that vision resonates with you, I would be truly honoured to have your vote. 🙏

Hi! I'm Adi, a first-year undergrad studying Philosophy, Ethics and Religion.

My free time consists of lots and lots (and lots) of writing and reading most of which, concerns Theology and Philosophy. Currently, I'm writing a new book on the comparative study of Hindu Epics with the Bible. I'm definitely an avid reader having written my own books and created websites with the purpose of making Sanatan Dharma feel more accessible to people of all cultures, backgrounds and experiences. I specialise in writing Vedantin-Lensed analysis of scriptural texts across a broad ranage of religions though of course, I hold the Gita as my guiding light!

When I'm not busy with research and religion, I work as an SEN Support Worker with the local charity, SNAPS where I get the wonderful opportunity of providing therapies and running community activities that benefit Special Needs children and their carers. In addition to that, I'm frequently hired separately to cover for teachers in schools, Primary to Post-16, and create diverse and fun activities to introduce new experiences to the students. I'm often posted as leader in safeguarding and PREVENT (de-radicalisation and terrorism prevention) as I never shy away form difficult discussions and encourage others to explore their emotions and philosophies in a safe and welcoming manner.

I'd love to bring my experience in planning and facilitating creative sessions to the philosophical discussions of Dharma and to encourage members to participate in a wide range of interactive and engaging activities that can benefit those around us. I aim to encourage difficult discussions that can tackle our preconceptions and inspire more thoughtful approach to Dharma and community, ensuring that we act as the best of ourselves to invoke the message of Sanatan Dharma and to model a beautiful, family community that we want to see in the world.

Jai Sri Krishna 🙏 🪷