Samir Rawal is a man I came to learn from and respect within days of my first meeting with him some five years ago. Since that time, my views have changed and evolved; one can't really be the same after listening to Samir and his love for Hindu Students Council (HSC). In him, we witness a man who has grown into a leader and individual whose passion drives us to become a better and contributing societal being.

His story begins as many of ours do when involved with a cause of importance. In 1994, Samir established the Hindu Students Council chapter at New Jersey Institute of Technology. From weekday meetings, pujas, intellectual conversations, and festive events he created an interest in what is intrinsically ours- our culture and history. In little time, Mr. Rawal was promoted to a Mid-Atlantic regional team member and Regional Coordinator because of his contributions in the Northeast. By 2001, his perseverance, dedication, and desire to enhance HSC shone through, leading him to the post of HSC Communications Coordinator. Because of his familiarity with the organization, Rawal availed himself of this opportunity to acquaint with chapters outside the Northeast and oversee the 2003 Global Dharma Conference. As part of his role, Samir traveled to over 50 chapters, spreading the wealth of Dharma and relating to fellow HSC members while learning of what their needs to serve local communities are.

In 2003, this first ever Global Dharma Conference drew representatives over 20 countries, through which HSC has been able to form relationships with sister organizations such as the Hindu Students Forum in the UK and Hindu Youth Organization in Trinidad. This event gave every participant a global perspective. Samir was personally amazed by the delegation from Trinidad. This was a group of young professionals whose families left India, more than 100 years ago, and they have been able to maintain their religion and traditions- forming and sustaining a Hindu identity on foreign soil that they now call home. “Their history is something that we as American Hindus need to study because it is a recurring theme today in our society- their desire and fruitful efforts motivate me to serve my fellow brethren. Comprehending our cultural identity is a global challenge especially since there has been a paradigm shift with cultural values and a desire to assimilate into the western mold”.

Today, it is this dedication and conviction that have pushed HSC to the next level; his deserved appointment as President, HSC, should come as no surprise. In my recent sit-down with Samir after attending a rigorous yoga class that he led to understand his passions I asked what drives him to accomplish so much for this organization. At 30, he emanates a quiet strength; with his strong handgrip and sharp gaze, it's as if He's saying I am ready - I am willing. He states “there are too many great reasons for me to stay with this organization” with a chuckle. “One of the first memories I had was of attending the Roots Camp in which students from across the globe had an opportunity to go back to India without the family and the touristy obligations. It gave us an introspection of India that we never had or could even fully understand. I stood on the same rock in Kanyakumari where Swami Vivekananda gazed and I felt his vision. I felt it was a calling to me as once was for Swami Vivekananda; he served our communities and society. This is what I have tried to do- this was my driving force”.

Many know of Samir Rawal in the role of yoga instructor, a senior system analyst, and community activist – but I wanted him to take me back to understand what mattered to him. I wanted to know:“What is the driving force that keeps you going in HSC?” Samir leans back and without hesitation says, “Well, I dream of a world where a Hanumanji altar can be found in the middle of the hustle of Times Square”. Today's life centers on bright lights, loud noises and material wealth –Times Square symbolizes this illusion, maya. We have to find ourselves by looking within and looking within each other. It is the inner calmness, the sanctity that will assist us in finding ourselves everyday hence having Hanumanji in the center represents finding our true selves. Leadership is an innate quality, more like a calling. Even if we want to become a leader- it happens when the time is right.

He continues saying people inspire each other particularly in certain situations. Some are fortunate to have a divine calling and for others it is situational. “I ask that everyone leads by their own example – believe in oneself. We cannot believe in God until we believe in ourselves. Swami Vivekananda once said that the greatest religion is to be true to your own nature and I agree. We have to find ourselves before we can find God or the higher being”.

Accomplishments in my tenure as the President of HSC would be to simply provide current and future members the opportunity to grow. I believe a few heart-whole, sincere, and energetic men and women can do more in one year than a mob in a century. Our organization is not just an organization but an institution of learning. And with that, we have President, HSC, Mr. Samir Rawal.