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Hindu Heritage Youth Camp to mark 41st anniversary
The camp has served as a vital platform for youth in the Greater Houston Area to deepen their understanding of Hinduism in a welcoming, dynamic, and age-appropriate setting.
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Staff Reporter - Thu, 17, Jul 2025
- 17:07 EDT
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Hindu Heritage Youth camp counselors 2025 at Texas Hindu Campsite. / Courtesy Photo- Vijay Pallod
The Hindu Heritage Youth Camp (HHYC), a long-standing initiative by Hindus of Greater Houston, is set to celebrate its 41st anniversary this year.
Since its inception in 1985, the annual camp has grown in popularity drawing over a hundred campers. For five days, campers participate in sessions that combine traditional education, interactive games, yoga, and cultural celebrations such as Holi and Garba night.
Also read: Hindu Heritage Camp’s new Texas campsite unveiled
Leading the camp this year are three former campers turned directors. Srushti Gaikaiwari, a 2023 Bioinformatics graduate from Texas A&M University, returns for her second year in the role. “Camp helped me see how Hinduism fits into our American lives,” she said. “Now I get to pass that experience on.”
Camp directors Smit Shah Srushti Gaikaiwari Keshav Shah / Courtesy Photo- Vijay PallodSmit Shah steps into the role of director for the first time. A May 2023 graduate in Biochemistry from the University of Texas at Austin, Smit has been part of HHYC for 14 years. “After 14 years with camp, I’m proud to share what I’ve learned and help build a space where we form friendships and connect with our Hindu roots,” he said.
Keshav Shah also serves as a first-time director. A longtime camper and counselor, he will graduate in May 2025 from the University of Houston with degrees in Accounting and Management Information Systems. “Camp gave me lifelong friends and a place to learn about Hinduism — now I get to help create that for future generations.”
Supported by a volunteer team of 86 counselors, HHYC continues its mission to empower the next generation with cultural pride, spiritual grounding, and leadership skills.
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