Page 152 - Sewa Dharma Network Report 18 Dec 20

ORGANIZATIONS

Vivekananda House

WEBSITE https://www.vivekanandahouseus.org

PHONE NUMBER (317) 556-0866

PHYSCIAL ADDRESS 6114 Columbia Falls Ln Katy, TX 77540-5612 United States

EMAIL ADDRESS VivekanandaHouseUS@gmail.com

NUMBER OF CHAPTERS 2

VISION : Our aim is to provide a physical space and conducive environment on campus for young
adults interested in practicing and exploring Hinduism. Since 2018, Vivekananda House
at Iowa State University (ISU) and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) have
hosted dozens of student-centric programs, including a weekly Bhagavad Gita class, student
discussion forum, guest speakers, weekly yoga workshops, and festival celebrations.
-Engage in Sewa on Campuses and Beyond
HIGHLIGHTS :
-To connect with the larger issues affecting Hindus globally
-Create a library of Hindu Books at each of the Vivekananda House
-To provide opportunities to Hindu students to practice Hindu culture”

In these unprecedented times of COVID-19, the Vivekananda House teams at
HIGHLIGHTS :
ISU and UIUC have been actively engaged with the student community to provide
support and are constantly adapting to conduct innovative and exciting events.

During the initial phases of the COVID-19 Pandemic in March, Vivekananda House
partnered with Bharatiyam, Hindu YUVA, and Sewa International to create a COVID-19
Student Support Helpline for students who were facing housing, financial, and
immigration problems due to the widespread effects of COVID-19. Vivekananda House
also hosted immigration and sapiritual webinars with experts to help students navigate
immigration problems as well as mental and physical health during these tough times.

In addition to helping students across the country through webinars and helpline, the
Vivekananda Houses at ISU and UIUC also assisted in their own communities by
helping buy groceries for students who were unable to leave their houses or did not
have a method of transportation. Additionally, Vivekananda House residents who had
financial troubles during the COVID-19 Pandemic had their rent payments deferred to
ensure they were able to continue their studies in a safe and supportive environment.

Both the Vivekananda Houses are also participating in Sewa Diwali by raising funds and
food from campus community for local charities and food pantries.”

www.sewausa.org | Dharma Coalition Report
151