Hindu Student Faces Religious Trials Solo

March 6, 2007

Author: Millie Tolleson

Source: The Appalachian

http://theapp.appstate.edu/content/view/2163/43/

Upholding religious traditions in college can be hard, but being one of only a few practicing the same religion makes it even tougher.

Smeeta A. Lavani practices Hinduism and has found fewer than a handful of other Hindus at Appalachian State University.

“I am from Raleigh where there is a huge Indian population. I had a culture back home,” Lavani, a junior psychology major, said.

Lavani said while there are no specific holy days in Hinduism, followers pray and attend temple everyday, if they can.

This presents a problem for Lavani, as the closest temple to Boone is in Charlotte.

Lavani usually only attends temple when she visits her family in Raleigh.