Students now have a chance to learn more about India thanks to a generous donation by a community organization. At the meeting for librarians of the East Baton Rouge Parish School System held October 19 at the Christa McAuliffe Center, members of the Hindu Vedic Society (HVS) Community of Baton Rouge presented 86 copies total of two award-winning books, “Finders Keepers?” and “India Unveiled,” to school libraries in the district.
 
HVS Community represents about 200 families of Indian origin living in Baton Rouge, who, along with the rich multicultural society of Baton Rouge, are enriching the fabric of Louisiana.  Members of HVS Community see this book donation as a way the Indian-American community can give back to Baton Rouge, which is now their home. The donation was made possible by a member of the HVS community in Atlanta.

“I want students to know more about the customs and culture of India,” said Raju Hingorani of the HVS Community.  “Our families and children are part of the Baton Rouge community, and we wanted to share the basic principles common to both Indian and American cultures.”
           
Cathy Seal (pictured left accepting the book donations from Hingorani, right), the district’s director of School Libraries, “Finders Keepers?” presents lessons on honesty and respect that reinforce the district’s positive character building efforts in the context of another nationality. In addition, she said the beautifully illustrated book “India Unveiled” provides comprehensive coverage of the regions of India that can be used in conjunction with the curriculum in middle and high schools.