SANSKAAR MICHAELMAS 2013

Editor’s Welcome 2

CUHCS Committee 3

Freshers’ Tips 6

Saraswati Pooja 2013 8

Calendar of Events 9

Garden Party 2013 13

Film Review 14

Hinduism Crossword 15

Chaas Recipe 16

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

वक्रतणु्ड महाकाय सुययकोटि समप्रभ टिटवयघ्िं कुरु म ेदवे सवयकायषे ुसवयदा

Vakra-Tunndda Maha-Kaaya Surya-Kotti Samaprabha Nirvighnam Kuru Me Deva Sarva-Kaaryessu Sarvadaa Meaning: O Lord Ganesha, of Curved Trunk, Large Body, and with the Brilliance of a Million Suns, Please Make All my Works Free of Obstacles, Always.

Visit us at www.cuhcs.org.uk

Hold fast to dreams,

For if dreams die

Life is a broken-winged bird,

That cannot fly.

- Langston Hughes

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Namaste and welcome to all freshers and of course welcome back to everyone else! Hopefully, you have all had a relaxing and fulfilling past few months and are ready to take on Michaelmas Term. At times, the workload may be high and the weather not that pleasant but never fear because your trusty Sanskaar magazine is here to chase away those term time blues and inject some fun and creativity into your lives. In this issue we have some fantastic Freshers Tips from Akshat Agarwal as well as a review by Payoshaa Shah at what has probably been one of the biggest Bollywood movie releases of the year - Chennai Express. Shreya Chugh and Dharmika Tailor showcase what’s on offer this term with their Calendar of Events so that you can start filling your diaries with all the exciting things on offer this year. There are also two picture pages of the Saraswati Pooja and the Summer Garden Party, bringing back fond memories from last year with the hope that next year will be just as successful and fun. Moxi Shah shows us how to make a traditional Gujarati drink—chass, and if you find yourself wanting some intellectual stimulation away from your university studies, then try and tackle Logan Vasudeva’s Hinduism Crossword and see how well you fare. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this edition of Sanskaar and of course thank you to all the readers who make editing Sanskaar such an enjoyable and rewarding job. If you would like to contribute to the next edition of Sanskaar please send an email to me at njp47@cam.ac.uk. Lastly, whether you are a fresher or a finalist, make the most of this academic year and the opportunities in front of you. Above all, think always of the things that you are lucky to have and not of the things that you do not and may this academic year bring you good fortune and happiness.

EDITOR’S WELCOME

- Nirali Patel

When you rise in the morning, give

thanks for the light, for your life,

for your strength. Give thanks for

your food and for the joy of living.

If you see no reason to give thanks,

the fault lies in yourself.

- Tecumseh

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CUHCS COMMITTEE

This year’s committee members share their favourite memory with CUHCS.

Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are

the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.

- Marcel Proust

Namaste! My name is Moxi Shah and I will be serving as your President for 2013-14. CUHCS has given me wonderful memories. The most memorable one would have to be our Saraswati pooja at the start of Easter Term. It was great to see Indian cultural spirit revived in the land of Cambridge, and we hope you join us in our future endeavours of this sort as well.

Hi I’m Shreya Chugh and I will be serving as your Vice President. My best memory of Hindu Soc last year has to be participating in Mastana. The thrill of being on stage, immersed in culture, vibrant colours, and being supported by an enthusiastic audience, was priceless. The atmosphere on the night was so lively. But what made it special was not just the night of the show: the time spent throughout the rehearsals had brought all the participants together like a family and now I can be sure that I have made friends for life. I cannot wait for next year’s show!

Hello everyone, I am Payoshaa Shah, the CUHCS Secretary. My favourite Hindu Soc event was the first big event of Michaelmas term - Garba. It was my first term away from home (Mumbai !) and being a gujju, I missed the nine nights of dancing but CUHCS Garba came to the rescue. With peppy music, dance and a bit of good old devotion, you cannot go wrong. It was great to see everyone dressed up in traditional clothes and having a go at dancing, no matter how inexperienced some may be. I remember accidentally hitting and being hit by stray dandiyas which was interesting...

Saikiran

Hi, I’m Saikiran Adapa, the CUHCS Treasurer. My most memorable moment with Hindu

soc was the Holi celebration where for a moment, I felt like I was back home! The colours,

the excitement, the energy, it was the perfect way to forget the stress of being in

Cambridge, the stress of surviving through yet another tripos - to those of you who have

already sat tripos exams, you know exactly what I mean, and to those who haven’t, just you

wait! ;)

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One man may read the Bhagavata by the light

of a lamp, and another may commit a forgery

by that very light; but the lamp is unaffected.

The sun sheds its light on the wicked as well as

on the virtuous.

- Ramakrishna

Hi! My name is Nirali Patel and I am the Editor of Sanskaar. My favourite memory is when I went to Antakshari last year. I got to meet some great, new people as well as learn that there are so many people in Cambridge who share my love of Bollywood music.

I’m Devang Agrawal and I am the CUHCS Learning Officer. My best memory of Hindu soc was Gita reading session with Dr Shaunaka Rishi Das from Oxford Centre of Hindu Studies. It exposed me to one of the core texts of Hinduism and broadened my outlook of the world, never before have few hours left such a big impact on my life.

Namaste! I’m Rikhil Raithatha, the current Learning Officer. Fancy a moment of meditation or a spot of soul? Soul Sounds is a method for all of us to express our devotion to the Divine. Join the Soul Sounds Cambridge page on Facebook and keep an eye on our website to be kept in the loop.

Hello, I’m Nikita Patel and I am the Community and Events Officer. My best memory of HinduSoc last year was Mastana 2013 because it was really nice to see a showcase of talents from all different kinds of backgrounds. The event and after party was really well-organised, delivered and enjoyed by everyone who attended. It brings the Cambridge community together which makes it colourful and vibrant.

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Thousands of candles can be lighted from

a single candle, and the life of the candle

will not be shortened. Happiness never

decreases by being shared.

- Buddha

I’m Dharmika Tailor and I am the Sponsorship Officer. My best memory of Hindu Soc so far definitely has to be Holi. It was a fun, memorable, (and colourful!) way to end second term. It was a great way to let off some steam and enjoy Holi with both Hindus and non-Hindus alike.

Hi, I'm Akshat Agarwal , CUHCS's Welfare and Ents Officer. My best Hindu Soc memory is probably from 2 years ago when I attended the Oxford Diwali Ball. I met a load of people who are now really good friends and also enjoyed some great food and music!

Hello, my name is Gaurav Kumar and I am the Sponsorship Officer. My fondest memory with Hindu soc was definitely the Holi event last year. It was my first Holi away from home and had no idea what to expect. However, I had the fortune of being involved with the committee members from last year in setting up the colours. Once the celebrations began, it was amazing how so many people had gathered in the Queens' greens and how quickly everything escalated.

Hello, I’m Gopal Kotecha, the CUHCS Webmaster. I am a clinical medic at Trinity, with an interest in philosophy and neuroscience. I am also passion-ate about a good curry! My favourite memory of CUHCS would have to be the colours of Holi every year, especially when it doesn’t rain!

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FRESHERS’ TIPS

Akshat Agarwal shares some useful advice with all incoming freshers.

What’s the workload like?

Your workload at Cambridge will be a vast step up from your colleges and sixth forms, even for those of you doing 4 or even 5 A-levels! Art students, you'll spend most of your time buried under books and writing essays whereas science students will spend more time in lectures and supervisions but still plenty of time labouring on thorny problem sets. Even though it's busy, you'll still have time to take breaks and enjoy some society events and extra-curricular activities. If you're struggling with work, sometimes a break or changing your workplace can do wonders!

How much academic support do you get?

Cambridge and Oxford are the only institutions with the supervision setup. You'll probably have two-on-one supervisions with academics who will be leaders in the field they teach and there isn't a better approach to absorb and understand your course. However, preparing work or questions for supervisions is a must - without it, you're never going to reap its full benefits. If you're still struggling though, lecturers will be open to questions at the end of lectures or you could simply drop them an email. In the end, you'll get as much help as you ask for and if you're struggling on something, chances are your supervision partner or other people in the lecture are too, so don't be afraid or embarrassed to ask!

Congratulations, you've earned a place to study at the University of Cambridge! Being one of the top institutions in the world, it's not the easiest place to settle in and I'm sure you're anxious about the people, the workload and the scary supervisors. So here is a short FAQ you might find useful to enjoy and excel in your first term here.

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How many societies should I join?

Striking a balance between your work and extra-curricular is not easy at Cambridge. Most people sign up to far too many societies at the freshers' fair but I don't think that's a bad thing. Firstly, you don't have to attend every event for every society you join, there may be some weird and wonderful clubs (like clay pigeon shooting or gliding, it truly is endless) and also, you quite often get some cool, free things which may come in handy! I'd really advise joining clubs similar to those you enjoyed at school such as sports or music societies, or even think tanks. I know plenty of people who are actively involved in several societies and still get a good 2:1, but it all depends on you. It's still important not to forget that you're in Cambridge to study...

Should I get a cycle? Where from?

If you're in one of the outskirt colleges like Homerton or Girton, then a bike is a necessity. A bike does make getting round town, to lectures and supervisions much quicker but even so you can probably get away without one. Cambridge is a really pretty place which I appreciate much more when I simply stroll through it! If you don't have a bike or can't bring your own, then your college will normally have a really cheap bike sale. They won't be great bikes, but they'll still be quicker than walking and probably give you that extra 10 minutes in bed!

4. What are some affordable and nice places to eat?

For Indian food, the rice boat is a great place to eat with "thali" options and a great range of South Indian dishes with an interesting twist! It can get a bit pricey but is really worth it. Dojos is an excellent noodle bar; if you love affordable, large portions of and tasty Oriental food, then this is a great place to dine for lunch or dinner. They also have an array of vegetarian options! If coffees, cakes and more traditional English food appeal to you, then Fitzbillies is an interesting and charming cafe restaurant. For any vegetarians and vegans out there, the Rainbow Cafe on Kings Parade is a delicious and serene place to enjoy food and some friends' company.

Hopefully these answers will help you through your first days in Cambridge, but if you are struggling or need any help, all of CUHCS's members are always available!

A spiritually illumined soul lives in the

world, yet is never contaminated by it.

- Swami Bhaskarananda

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SARASWATI POOJA 2013

Take in the blessing of Goddess Saraswati—the goddess of knowledge, music, arts and science.

If you have knowledge, let others

light their candles in it.

- Margaret Fuller

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EVENTS CALENDAR

Shreya and Dharmika give us a peek into some of the exciting things happening this term.

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun

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2 3 4 5 6

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8 9 10 11

12 Freshers’

Squash

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14 15 16 Karma

Talkies

17 Mastana

Launch

18 19 20

21 22 23 Jay

Lakhani Talk

24 25 26 Garba

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28 29 30 Karma

Talkies

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October 2013

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun

1 2 3

4 5 6 Karma

Talkies

7 8 SV Exhibit,

Antakshari

9 10

11 12 13 Karma

Talkies

14 15 16 Oxford

Diwali Ball

17

18 19 20 Karma

Talkies

21 22 23 24

25 26 27 Karma

Talkies

28 Science of

Karma

29 Diwali

Dinner

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November 2013

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EVENTS CALENDAR

Freshers’ Squash & Mastana Launch

Freshers’ Squash: The CUHCS Freshers’ squash was a very enjoyable time, with an opportunity to meet freshers, committee members and of course, relish the tasty Indian snacks! The current committee, with their deep red hoodies, were there to answer any questions, help sign up to the mailing list and become a member. A slideshow of all the amazing events from last year was also put up, so everyone can get a flavour of all the excitement of CUHCS.

Mastana Launch:

Do you like acting? Singing? Dancing? Do you play a musical instrument? Or do you just like organising events? If yes, then Mastana is for you! Mastana is CUHCS’ annual charity talent show, with proceeds going to a different chosen charity each year! This year, our chosen charities are BEHT and the Nirvana School. Our Mastana Launch was on Thursday, 17th October at Sidgwick Hall, Newnham College, where we could all relive the excitement of Mastana 2013. People also had the chance to talk to the Mastana Chairs and sign up to choreograph any dances or the fashion show in our next show in March 2014. For more information contact Avish Patel (ap755@cam.ac.uk) or Sheel Raithatha (svr25@cam.ac.uk) .

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EVENTS CALENDAR

Jay Lakhani Talk & Navratri

Hinduism and the Western Enlightenment:

Jay Lakhani is the Director of the Hindu academy and the Education Director of the Hindu Forum UK. He delivered a very interactive talk regarding the cutting edge between science and spirituality. Whether or not you call yourself religious, the talk was sure to cater to all your questions in the field. The talk was in collaboration with the Festival of Ideas and the ICCA.

Garba:

Garba was a great chance for us to come together and dance the night away to Indian folk tunes! A professional band led by a renowned musician, Amit Kansara, came to sing for us while we danced away! The Arti was very relaxing and to end, everyone enjoyed some Disco Dandiya! Refreshing soft drinks and delicious snacks kept us energized throughout the evening!

The little space within the heart is as

great as the vast universe.

The heavens and the earth are there, and

the sun and the moon and the stars. Fire

and lightening and winds are there, and

all that now is and all that is not.

- Swami Prabhavananda

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EVENTS’ CALENDAR

Antakshari, Science of Karma & Diwali Dinner

Diwali Dinner

Join us at the Wesley House on Friday, 29th of November

to celebrate this auspicious occasion of Diwali. We have

planned a night packed full of fun, you can look forward to

a mouth-watering, authentic Indian meal, entertainment,

sparklers and of course the much-awaited committee play.

This is a night not to be missed!

Antakshari

If you’re a keen singer or if you just love Bollywood music

come down for a fun, music filled evening to play Antakshari

on Friday 8th November at Newnham College. Whether you

can sing or not this is an event for all. Meet some new people

and relax with some catchy Hindi songs.

The Science of Karma

Julius Lipner is a Professor of Hinduism

and the Comparative Study of Religions

here at Cambridge. So make sure you come

along to the Newnham-Sidwick Hall on

Thursday 28th November at 6pm to listen to

his talk on the Science of Karma.

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GARDEN PARTY 2013

Chase away the cold weather with these sizzling summer garden party photos.

A single rose can be my garden,

a single friend, my world.

-Leo Buscaglia

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FILM REVIEW

Payoshaa Shah gives her verdict on one of the biggest releases of this year.

This summer’s biggest release Chennai Express fails to do much for

the King of Bollywood who tries to salvage the paper-dosa thin plot

with an over-dose of charisma. A quarter of the film is in Tamil with

no subtitles, so it is worth watching it with a Tamil friend if you do

not want to fall asleep in those scenes. Despite the flaws, Shahrukh

Khan’s charm and Deepika’s laughable South-Indian accent make

the film an entertaining one-time watch.

SRK as Rahul (yes, again!) sets out to Rameshwaram to perform his

100-year-old dadaji’s last rites. When his grandpa was alive, he

basically mowed over Rahul’s love life, hence he is using the excuse

of Rameshwaram to go to Goa to celebrate his freedom.

A chance encounter with a South-Indian lady Meena (Deepika Padukone) on the train foils his Goa

plan and leads him to Rameshwaram. The scenes on the train are entertaining, after which the movie

digresses into a series of escapes master-minded by Meena. The escapes too are fun, possibly because of

Shahrukh’s puppy-expressions, until they get repetitive.

It is a great comedy movie, as a love track emerges only towards the end, resulting into an unnecessary

climax to allow the director Rohit Shetty to showcase his talent in making cars, gas cylinders and other

paraphernalia explode into flames.

Apart from the random nonsense you are subjected to, it is a good over-all entertainer. The songs

Lungi Dance and 1,2,3,4 make for a foot-thumping dance track while Titli is not too bad. For Shahrukh

fans, the film will charm you like the way only King Khan does. For everyone else, the Om Shanti Om

chemistry between the lead actors and the earnest attempt at making a fun film should be enough for a

lazy afternoon watch.

The moment we cry in a film is not when

things are sad but when they turn out to be

more beautiful than we expected them to be.

- Alain de Botton

Star Rating: 3/5

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HINDUISM CROSSWORD

Logan Vasudeva gets us to put our thinking caps on with his Hinduism Crossword.

Across:

3. One of the most popular harvest festivals of southern India, celebrated in January. (6)

6. The largest religious monument in the world, built and dedicated to Vishnu in the 12th century. (6,3)

7. The mount of Lord Murugan. (7)

9. The festival of lights. (6)

11. The Hindu festival of dance. (8)

13. The depiction of this goddess in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom led to controversy. (4)

14. Formerly the largest Hindu temple outside India, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is located in which London suburb. (7)

15. The Mount of Ganesh. (5)

Down:

1. Star of Pretty Woman, she revealed in a 2010 interview she had converted to Hinduism. (6,7)

2. The festival of colours. (4)

4. The goddess of knowledge, music, arts and science; often depicted playing the veena. (9)

5. Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam, often listed as the largest functioning temple in the world is in this Indian state. (5,4)

8. The ancient language in which most of Hindu literature is written. (8)

10. The one supreme universal spirit. (7)

12. The most sacred river to Hindus. (6)

Answers on page 17. 15 14

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CHAAS RECIPE

Moxi Shah brings a coolness to this term with a recipe for a cool and refreshing drink.

Ingredients: 2 cups yogurt (dahi) 1 tsp cumin seeds (jeera) powder 1/2 tsp black salt (sanchal) Salt according to taste 1 tsp oil 1/4 tsp cumin seeds (jeera) A pinch of asafoetida (hing)

Method: 1.Combine the curds, cumin seeds powder, black salt and salt in a deep bowl and mix well. 2.Add 4 cups of chilled water and whisk well. Keep aside. 3.For the tempering, heat the oil in a small pan and add the cumin seeds. 4.When the seeds crackle, add the asafoetida and pour the tempering over the buttermilk. 5.Serve chilled.

If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it

would be a merrier world.

- J.R.R. Tolkien

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CROSSWORD ANSWERS

See how well you did with the crossword with these answers.

Put your heart, mind, intellect, and soul even to your smallest acts. This is the secret of success.

- Sivananda Saraswati 17 16

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President: Moxi Shah (ms2024) - Robinson Vice-President: Shreya Chugh (sc783) - Trinity Secretary: Payoshaa Shah (ps601) - Newnham Treasurer: Saikiran Adapa (jsa36) - St Catharine’s Sanskaar Editor: Nirali Patel (njp47) - Selwyn Learning: Rikhil Raithatha (rr443) - Queens’ Learning: Devang Agrawal (da368) - Queens’ Community and Events: Nikita Patel (np399) - Peterhouse Welfare and Events: Akshat Agarwal (aa681) - Gonville and Caius Sponsorship: Gaurav Kumar (gk333) - Selwyn Sponsorship: Dharmika Tailor (dt388) - Trinity Webmaster: Gopal Kotecha (gk300) – Trinity

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