For the first time, a law school has a space just for Hindus

(RNS) — Law school’s notorious stress takes a toll on even the most determined students. But for a group of 20-somethings at New York University School of Law, an ancient tradition offers a framework for handling the pressure.

“Many parts of Hinduism are so well-suited to being able to handle such a high-stress profession,” said Roshni Yaradi, the co-chair of the new Hindu Law Students Association. “Like, many times, you’re handling literal life and death.

“Practices of Hinduism — including yoga, meditation, breath work — things that are so fundamental to the faith, are very stress-relieving and focusing techniques that I think any practicing lawyer should utilize.”

Yaradi and six other students, all of Indian origin, are the first members of the only Hindu affinity group at any law school in the nation. HLSA was conceptualized by twin sisters Tanya and Megha Bansal three years ago, but officially started last spring, after taking time to gain traction and the necessary approval signatures.

“If every other religious group has an organization at NYU Law, why don’t we?” thought Rachita Bommakanti, a fellow second-year student and Yaradi’s co-chair.

___

This content is written and produced by Religion News Service and distributed by The Associated Press. RNS and AP partner on some religion news content. RNS is solely responsible for this story.