Hindu Students Council (HSC), the largest pan-Hindu youth organization in North America, announced a historic first Hindu Virtual Commencement featuring Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. The ceremony will be held on Sunday, June 7 at 5 PM ET and will be broadcast live via HSC’s Facebook page.

The program will include offerings of Hindu prayers, recitation of a traditional graduation message from the Upanishads, and a symbolic conferral of degrees to high school and college graduates. Congresswoman Gabbard will then headline the ceremony with an inspirational commencement address.

“As a national community for Hindu students across the US and Canada, a virtual commencement is the perfect opportunity to build national solidarity in the face of COVID-19 while also giving the Hindu community a chance to come together to celebrate our graduating seniors,” remarked Arnav Kejriwal, National President of HSC. “Congresswoman Gabbard - or as a Hindu would call her, Tulsi ji - is the defining example of a Hindu American leader. We couldn’t be happier to have her delivering HSC’s commencement address to the class of 2020.”

Students graduating in the Class of 2020 (at all levels of education) and who have registered for the event will have their names read during the ceremony. The HSC has invited parents, family, friends, and the broader community to register and attend the ceremony.

Congresswoman Gabbard was selected to give this historic speech because she is a proud Hindu American who brought issues impacting Hindus to a national spotlight during her candidacy for the Democratic Presidential campaign. As a Congresswoman and combat veteran who confidently emphasizes her Hindu values, she exemplifies what it means to be a Hindu American leader.

“For many young people who face Hinduphobia in their daily lives, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard has inspired pride and confidence in our roots,” added Sohini Sircar, Vice Chair of HSC. “We hope that students hearing her speech will be driven by her convictions as they set off on the next phase of their journeys.”

Founded in 1990, Hindu Students Council is North America’s largest pan-Hindu youth organization. HSC is a 501(c)3 non-profit providing a safe space for Hindus on campuses all over, and is a platform for young Hindu leaders to grow. Over 200,000 students of various backgrounds have attended HSC’s programs since its founding.

For more information, please visit www.hindustudentscouncil.org or email HSC at info@hindustudentscouncil.org. Like us at www.facebook.com/hindustudentscouncil.org

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