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Giving Them Wings

A P Kamath

Following the recent trend of allocating more time and financial resources to involve the young, the Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago is seeking to strengthen its youth group, In The Wings. Formed in May 1991 by college and high school students, the group includes students aged 8 to 25.

The administrators at the temple feel since they were one of the pioneers of the Hindu youth movement, they want bigger participation by college and graduate study students.

In The Wings was created to bring together and educate the Indian youth in our community about Indian culture and religion and to help them understand and deal with cross-cultural conflicts.

Though ITW has grown to over 300 youth members and has been the largest youth group in the Chicagoland Area for the past three years, youth leaders and temple trustees feel the number could easily go to 1,000.

Through monthly youth fora, and the annual summer youth camp, youth members get a chance to work with their peers in trying to find solutions to difficulties which they may face while growing up.

ITW also provides various social events, which allows students the opportunity to enjoy time with one another in a more relaxed atmosphere. Also, ITW has a bimonthly, four page newsletter,Wings of Time. The articles are written by board members, and this newsletter goes out to all members.

ITW also holds its major social program of the year, Youth Night. Young adults can enjoy several performances involving both Indian and American culture in which they live. Nearly 3,600 people have witnessed and enjoyed this event in the past four years.

Membership ($ 13 per year and $ 5 for renewal) allows students free or discounted admission into all In The Wings events. In addition, all members receive an official In The Wings T-shirt, an official membership card, and In The Wings mail.

If you are interested in becoming a member, or would like some information, contact: Sumant (630) 986-5427.

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