Mridula Mukundan is from Westborough, Massachusetts, and will be attending the University of Michigan to pursue biomedical engineering. She has been a member of the Ashland Shri Lakshmi Temple Bala Vihar for over a decade, where she cultivated her understanding of Hinduism through studying works such as the Bhagavad Gita and Ramayanam. She also is active in cultural events within the community, having served as an emcee for Hindu Heritage Day and Ashland BVM’s Talent Show. She looks forward to carrying the values of Sanathana Dharma with her to campus and beyond, continuing to share the teachings instilled in her by her gurus and parents as she enters this new chapter of her life.

Saanvi Tatipalli is a rising Freshman at the Georgia Institute of Technology, where she will be studying Computational Media. She is interested in the intersection of technology and creativity and hopes to build tools using technology to create social good in her future. Saanvi is a passionate leader through her school and community organizations and is actively involved in the Hindu community.

Diva Shrestha is a recent graduate of James M. Bennett High School. She is pursuing a double major in Cell Biology & Genetics and Environmental Science & Tech at the University of Maryland College Park to fulfill her dreams of becoming an ecologist. Diva, who is often found with her beloved Ganesh Ji locket around her neck, indulges in her love of art in her free time. She loves singing, playing instruments, crocheting, and painting. She has been a devout Hindu for her entire life and incorporates her faith in all aspects of her life. She seeks leadership in her college's cultural clubs and Hindu Student Council to further deepen her connection to God and dharma.

Dhruv Gupta is from Michigan and a graduate of Troy High School. He will be attending Johns Hopkins University, where he plans to pursue an undergraduate degree in neuroscience. Throughout his life, Dhruv has found deep inspiration and guidance at his local temple, which has played a vital role in his personal and academic journey. Looking ahead, he hopes to remain actively involved in the Hindu community and continue embracing Hindu Dharma as a core part of his life.

Shawn Ray is a distinguished scholar and innovator with a remarkable academic record, including being Valedictorian of Bridgeland High School. He is also a dedicated leader in his community, serving as President of Bal Sanskar Shala at the Gayatri Consciousness Center - Houston, where he educated over 2,132 young individuals through innovative teaching methods and spearheaded initiatives like the "Dharma Trivia Challenge" to foster community spirit and appreciation for cultural heritage. His extensive experience spans cutting-edge research, software development, and impactful community leadership, reflecting his commitment to leveraging technology for social good and fostering academic excellence.

My name is Siddharth Sannabhadti, and I’m proud to call Houston, Texas home. I’ve always been driven by a deep curiosity and a desire to learn—hoping that one day, I can create something meaningful that uplifts humanity. This fall, I’ll be pursuing computer science at Stanford University, a journey I embark upon with immense gratitude. I’m truly thankful to VHPA for believing in me and nurturing my passion for technology through this scholarship. Your support means more than words can express—it’s a reminder that I’m not alone on this path, and that community can be a powerful force in shaping the future.

Samanvita is a rising freshman at the University of Texas at Austin and is beginning her degree in Chemical Engineering following the pre-med track. She loves volunteering at the Sharadhamba Temple, where she explores her interest in the Bhagavad Gita and the Vedas. She enjoys meeting new people and is excited to navigate the modern college experience as a Hindu and learn to balance her interests with her spiritual beliefs. I’m incredibly grateful for this scholarship and even more grateful to be part of the vibrant Hindu community within the Vishwa Hindu Parishad America

I'm an incoming freshman at Johns Hopkins University from Washington State who is fascinated by the intersections of linguistics, psychology, and computer science. Growing up with the Swadhyay movement, curiosity and gratitude for the Vedic culture were early instilled in me. Whether continuing my journey with Tabla, connecting academics and culture through phonological research, or fusing tradition and modernity with the 5 Minute Sanskrit Project, I strive and will continue to develop my own and others' appreciation and understanding of the Hindu Dharma.

Prachet Sowale recently graduated from Carmel High School, where he served as a marching band conductor, founded and led the Hindu Heritage Society, and pursued his passion for classical Indian music and cultural outreach. He will be attending Purdue University to study Aerospace Engineering, carrying forward the values of niyam (discipline), vinaya (humility), and harmony rooted in Sanātana Dharma. His leadership is guided by respect for tradition and a commitment to sevā through vidyā.

Inesh Rai has been a committed member of the Hindu community through his long-standing involvement with the Hindi Association of Rhode Island (HARI), where he has taught Hindi, Indian history, and culture to over 100 students since 2020. Passionate about preserving and sharing his heritage, he has developed educational materials that strengthen cultural identity among youth. Inesh is also an AI researcher, Robotics World Championship Division Winner, DECA State Vice President, and varsity tennis captain—to name a few of his many pursuits. This fall, he will attend the University of Virginia as a Jefferson and Rodman Scholar, one of 36 selected from the entire nation, studying computer science with a mission to serve others through both technology and seva.

Bhuvan attended American Heritage School in Plantation, Florida, and will continue his education at the University of Florida, where he will pursue a degree in Biochemistry with a minor in Public Health on the Pre-medical track. Having attended Balavihar for 10 years and volunteered there for four, he has remained committed to educating the next generation of Hindu youth through efforts like his informative podcast Teens Talk Dharma. At UF, he plans to continue volunteering at Balavihar while also joining organizations like Hindu Yuva and the Indian Students Association to help uplift and educate about Sanatan Dharma within the student community.

Ishana Datusalia will be attending the University of California, Los Angeles this fall as a biochemistry major on the pre-medical track. A proud Hindu, she is actively involved in Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh and founded her school's Indian Student Association to raise awareness about Hindu civilization and values. Rooted in the spirit of sewa, she has completed over 1,500 hours of community service, including founding her local chapter of the Annapoorna USA Foundation to serve local homeless populations in need; she has also earned the Presidential Volunteer Service Award Gold Medal for 3 years in a row. Ishana is deeply committed to preserving and sharing the richness of Sanatana Dharma and plans to carry this mission forward throughout her life

Namaste! My name is Devansh Joshi, a recipient of the Swami Brahmarupananda Scholarship and an incoming Electrical and Computer Engineering student at the University of Texas at Austin. Born in India and raised in Cypress, TX in a devout Gujarati Brahmin family, I’ve been deeply involved in Hindu service through BAPS, HSS, and local mandirs. At UT, I look forward to continuing my spiritual journey through Hindu YUVA and HSA, and hope to lead by example - sharing the timeless values of Sanatan Dharma with others through service, knowledge, and character

Mrunal Dongre graduated from Providence High School in Charlotte, North Carolina. She will be attending University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill pursuing a double major in Business Administration and Statistics and Analytics. Mrunal has been an active member of the Hindu community through organizations such as Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, Yoga Bharati, Samskrita Bharati, and Aum School. She is a certified yoga instructor and is looking forward to teaching more students at UNC and beyond. Through these avenues, she will continue to preserve, promote, and protect Hindu dharma.

My name is Aarav Patel, and I've been so lucky to grow up in a Swadhyay community. It's taught me values that have helped me appreciate life and give me a purpose in fulfilling my dharma. I've experienced many twists and turns, but throughout all of them, my faith in Bhagwan has always given me confidence that things will turn out alright. Especially in school, I've encouraged Hindu values by embodying them. Inclusivity, open-mindedness, and a mentality of active thinking have made me into the man I am today and created the impact I leave on other people's lives. Going into a Christian-dominated college with an enormous number of people will be overwhelming, but if I stick to my values and dharma, I will remain fulfilled and make the impact I want to leave on this earth.

Puraav, a dedicated Hindu and Jain follower, is eager to bring his deep-rooted principles to life as he embarks on his journey at University this year. He was born and raised in Mumbai for much of his early life and has visited many temples across India instilling deep rooted traditions and values that he continues to cherish today. Puraav finds peace in going to his local temple with his family every Sunday to pray and assist with Pathshala lessons. Puraav will enroll at Cornell University aiming to major in Economics and Applied Math. He is very involved in his local government and and has a passion to represent the youth and advocate for their needs. Outside of school, Puraav loves spending time with family, playing pickleball, and always meeting new people. He hopes to continue to share his identity of Hindu culture and traditions on campus with his fellow students.

My name is Kapil Patel. I am from Evans, GA. I graduated from Lakeside Highschool. As a devout Hindu I love following my faith. I also enjoy reading and skating. I was born in India and raised in America and have great pride in both of my nations. I will be attending the University of Georgia studying Mechanical Engineering. In the future, I plan on becoming a sadhu to completely devote my time to the teaching of Hinduism's values.

Thank you very much for accepting me as a recipient of the scholarship. I also thank the Asthana Family and other donors for making this scholarship possible. I greatly appreciate this opportunity. I have copied a small introduction of myself below: Amogh is an incoming freshman at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in the Physician-Scientist Program, a combined BS/MD program with the Albany Medical College. Amogh aspires to become a physician scientist, working both in the clinic and lab to translate novel ideas in the basic sciences into clinical application. He is honored to have received the Sharada Hindu Scholarship, and he promises to pursue his education with the hopes of bettering the lives of Sanatan Dharma followers around the world.

Vinaya Sivakumar is a social entrepreneur revisioning youth response to societal issues. With her Hindu values guiding her, she has founded award-winning nonprofits Atharv (preventing the erosion of Indian culture in America) and Heads Up (mobilizing youth against the digital addiction crisis). She was also recognized as a Coca-Cola Scholar and is an active advocate in gender equality and climate change spaces. Vinaya will attend the University of California, Berkeley as a Regents' and Chancellor's Scholar to double major in Computer Science and Economics.

Sanketh Kamath is very proud of his Hindu Indian heritage. Growing up in a household that has imbued qualities and values of Sanathana Dharma into his identity has made him the person that he is today. Karma teaches him the consequences of his actions. Dharma serves as a guidebook for him to live his life by. Sewa urges him to serve others. Hinduism allows him to improve life for both himself and others and navigate the challenges of life with humility, resilience, and gratitude. Sanketh has been involved with Hindu organizations such as HSS(Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh) and Sewa International since childhood. Attending shakha weekly has served as a fuel source. Week by week, it has inspired him to continuously explore his heritage and develop himself holistically. Sewa International has allowed him to get personally involved in his community. Four years and more than seven hundred volunteer hours later, Sanketh has had the opportunity to participate in a variety of unique volunteering experiences and work closely with many different communities. Sewa has taught him “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam ‘, the idea that the whole world is one family. This fall, Sanketh will be studying Electrical and Computer Engineering at Princeton University. He is committed to staying rooted in Hinduism and making a positive impact wherever he goes.

Sumedha Sethi has been brought up in Canton, Michigan, where she has developed a strong connection to her religious beliefs, cultural heritage, and the Hindu community around her. She has recently graduated at the top of her class from Plymouth High School. She will be continuing her education at the Honors College at the University of Illinois Chicago where she will be studying psychology and neuroscience on a pre-medical path. Sumedha has always been an ardent member of the Hindu community in Canton. For more than a decade, she has actively participated in events, traditions, and practices at her local Hindu temple. Dedicated to preserving and promoting her beliefs and traditions, Sumedha has devoted her time to teaching young girls about their religious and cultural backgrounds while encouraging them to embrace and stay firm in their identities. Sumedha has also utilized her voice and platform through local radio programs. She has led thoughtful discussions with members of the Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, and Jain communities in Michigan to raise awareness and educate others about their religion.

Sneha Vashistha is from Carmel Indiana and will be attending Georgia Tech with a major in Biomedical Engineering on the pre-med track. Sneha has been attending the Balagokulam Program at the Hindu Temple of Central Indiana for most of her life and has served as an assistant teacher and youth leader in the program. She is also a Sanskrit teacher in the Indianapolis Balakendram and enjoys taking part in interfaith panels and programs. Sneha is a violinist and studies both Carnatic and Western Classical orchestral performance. She is also an active Girl Scout and Bharatanatyam dancer, preparing to perform her Arangetram in August 2023. She aims to further spread the values of Hinduism as she continues in her higher education and is thankful to her gurus and parents for instilling these values in her life.

Anay has been a part of the Hindu religion ever since he was born. He is a part of the Bal Sanskar Kendra in the Swadhyay Kendra of Chattanooga. There, he has heard many stories of Hindu gods and goddesses. He has also learned about having good morals and values. He uses everything he learns in Swadhyay to help others and spread the Hindu Dharma. Swadhyay and Hinduism have been a part of Anay's life for 18 years, and he does not see life without it. He will continue his study of the Hindu Dharma and Swadhyay in Yuva Kendra at the Georgia Institute of Technology where he is majoring in biomedical engineering. He loves playing tennis and sports in general, spending time with friends and family, and using his creativity to make things. Most importantly, he loves helping people. Anay uses the lessons from Swadhyay to make good decisions and help others. He wouldn't be the person he is today without being a proud Hindu.

Ria Kothari will be attending the University of South Carolina as a Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major on the Pre-Medical track. She is a follower of Shrimad Rajchandra and regularly attends shibirs at the Shree Raj Saubhag ashram in Gujarat. She plans to continue practicing the spiritual values her gurus have imparted and act as an ambassador for her cultural heritage as she progresses to the next chapter of her life.

Ananya Narayanan comes from Ashland, Massachusetts and recently graduated from Ashland HIgh School. Ananya was a member of the concert band and is deeply involved with arts forms including Bharatanatyam and Carnatic music. During her high school years, she tutored reading and math to kids at Kumon Inc, volunteered at her local library, and did an internship at Biogen Pharmaceuticals. Ananya will be attending UMass Amherst this fall and plans to major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. For her post-grad plans, she aspires to do a PhD and pursue cancer research.

Jai Jinendra! My name is Isha Shah and I am from Chicago, Illinois. I have just graduated from Hoffman Estates High School and will be moving on to Purdue University to pursue a degree in Engineering.

Anoushka is very proud of her Hindu roots. She has been attending weekly shakha (a local chapter of HSS, USA, voluntary, noneducational, and cultural organization) since her childhood. more involved as a teen, She became learned more about Hindu Dharma and what it means to be a proud Hindu American. She is committed to stay rooted in her Hindu family values and be a positive role model for other teens. Anoushka Rustagi, will be attending Rice University in the fall as a Biosciences major on the pre-medical track. She dedicated to learning more about my cultural background as a Hindu Indian American and sharing that knowledge with my peers. In my free time, She loves to volunteer and explore the outdoors with her family

Residing in Cypress, Texas, Ria Bhatia graduated from Cypress Ranch High School. She will be attending The University of Texas at Austin in the fall, where she will be pursuing a degree in Public Health. Ria aims to join the healthcare field, where she wants to use her Hindu values to impact each person around her.

Monica is proud to call herself an American citizen, firmly rooted in Hindu Indian culture. Brought up by immigrant parents entrenched in Indian customs and traditions, she considers herself fortunate to have inherited her love for Indian traditions and culture. She has attended Sunday Balvihar school through Chinmaya Mission from the last 10 yrs where she has learned religious mantras and the epic stories of the Hindu religion. She has also represented Hindu religion at Interfaith prayer meet in Orange County, CA. Monica graduated high school this year and proudly represented Indian culture by wearing a traditional saree to her high school graduation. For Monica, dance is truly the elixir of life. Although she has learned multiple forms of dance including Indian styles such as Bharatnatyam, Bhangra, and Bollywood, as well as Western forms like ballet, hip-hop, and modern, the highlight of her dancing career has been learning the Indian classical dance form of Kathak. On May 8th, 2022 she completed her Kathak journey- Rangmanch Pravesh, the dance graduation. That performance was a defining moment that changed her status, from a novice, to a professional artist. She hopes that her efforts as a classical dancer will encourage other children to connect to their cultural roots as well. Presently she is a student who will be majoring in Data Science at University of California, Riverside. She is the recipient of many awards including 2022 Edison Scholarship and the Resilience Award given by the House of Representatives for writing various children books, titled The COVID-19 Coronavirus ABC Alphabet Book, ABC of the Indian Festival of Lights: Diwali, and the ABC’s of the Indian Festival of Colors: Holi. Hinduism being her North Star, as a Hindu she is dedicated to promote the values taught by her esteemed Gurus and her family. Forever indebted, in order to spread her love and awareness for Hindu religion worldwide, she is currently working on a project which aims to Introduce “Namaste” to different cultures. She innately values her religion and will always strive to be worthy of being born a Hindu.

Garv is an incoming freshman at Brown university. Planning to study computer science, economics, and music, he is excited to jump into a new cultural experience. He is honored to have received this award, and he promises to pursue his education with the hopes of bettering the world any way he can.