In a historic first, UC Berkeley’s Student Senate approved the passage of a new Hindu Heritage Month proclamation, making it the FIRST university in the U.S. to do so.
This proclamation followed a year of negotiations between the Executive Vice President’s (EVP) Office and student leaders from on-campus Hindu student organizations CYAN and Hindu YUVA.
According to the student organizations, the proclamation signals a positive step in improving Hindu representation within student government, with the ASUC* Senate formally recognizing the use of the term Hinduphobia and acknowledging the foundations of Sanātana Dharma.
At UC Berkeley, heritage months serve as platforms to honor and celebrate the various cultures, histories, and identities that its students represent. These initiatives help disseminate information through CalMessages, webpages, and newsletters, while fostering dialogue, and promoting engagement. By acknowledging and celebrating diverse heritage and history, the UC Berkeley campus “cultivates an inclusive environment where all members feel valued and represented.”