Bhartiya Samaj of Central Florida (BSCFL) is a non-profit cultural organization ("Samaj") based in Polk County, Florida. Our samaj has grown to be one of the most active Indian organizations in Florida and conducts many exciting cultural and recreational events that bring more than 300 Indian families together. Our fundamental mission is to:
1. Maintain, enhance, understand, and appreciate our Indian culture and heritage
2. Encourage friendship and oneness among members with entertainment and cultural events, and
3. Educate the next generation about our rich customs, traditions, and festivals
We would like to recognize graduating seniors who have had an extended length of participation with our Samaj, our culture/heritage and who have made active contributions to their school and community. As part of this encouragement for academic growth we would like to award two scholarships in the amounts of $1,000.00 and $500.00 for continuing education.
REQUIREMENTS:
1. All applicants must be graduating seniors of the current school year and intend on entering college/university after graduating.
2. Have a good record of school and community involvement.
3. Have been part of BSCFL (as a member) for two or more years.
4. Must fill out the online application form (on www.bscfl.com after you login as a member) and write an essay on “My Heritage”.
5. Your application and essay must be received (online submission only) by BSCFL no later than January 14, 2024, by 11:00 pm EST. No late entries will be accepted.
6. You must agree to our terms and conditions, rules and regulations.
ESSAY PROMPT: “MY HERITAGE”
As a Bhartiya (Indian) kid growing up in America, you have the unique advantage of exposure to ancient heritage and culture at home, clubbed with modern lifestyle at school and society. This not only positions you as a diverse and capable individual, but also makes you broad minded and unique.
At home, at cultural events and at temples, derasar, gurudwara or monastery, you have learnt about the ethical values and moral code of conduct. This knowledge has instilled the qualities in you such as personal responsibility, good work ethics, integrity, compassion, empathy, and individuality.
We want to know about this connection that you inherited with your roots and heritage. Tell us in your unique way how you have been influenced by parents, family here and in India, from your Guru, and visits to India. Tell us how you have sculpted yourself to be a better person by your inherited heritage (Sanskruti and Sanskara) and your Karma (your lifestyle, volunteering, achievements, etc.).
Include different aspects of our rich heritage that may have influenced and inspired you, for example:
1. Core concepts like Namaste and Vasudhaive Kautumbakam (“The whole world is one family”)
2. Respect to Guru and all elders
3. Festivals; Concept of fasting and detoxification on certain days
4. Traditional art (classical dance forms, folk music, Rangoli, etc.)
5. Traditional Dress designs
6. Thousands of years of history, advancements in sciences (astronomy, maths, physics, metallurgy, architecture, health, etc.)
7. Integration of science with lifestyle in our culture
8. Use of symbols, shapes, and colors with geometric precision in Temple architecture
9. Medicinal values of spices used every day in the Indian kitchen
10. Personal hygiene habits taught by parents/grandparents
11. Sanskrit, the mother of all languages
12. Unity in diversity (Multiple languages, traditions, cultures in Bharat)
13. Yoga
14. Brain development techniques like mantra chanting, meditation, etc.
15. Bhartiya traditional games (chess, kabaddi, wrestling, archery, etc.)
16. Experiences during your visits to Bharat (India)
17. Mountains, forests, lakes, rivers, deserts, grasslands in Bharat
18. Respect for Mother Nature and wildlife
19. Teachings from the four major religions that originated from Bharat (Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Sikhism)
20. Influence from our ancient scriptures like Vedas, Bhagwad Gita, Upanishads, Sutras, Ramayan, Mahabharat, etc.
21. Influence from the allegorical and metaphoric stories from Puranas
Application and Essay Judging Criteria:
Your volunteering and awards will be evaluated qualitatively by a panel of five judges from diverse backgrounds. Your Essay will be judged on writing style, content and your unique perspective of our culture and heritage. Judges will look for writing that is clear, articulate, unique, personalized and logically organized and what you have done for the community. Winning essays must demonstrate an outstanding grasp and in-depth understanding of the subject. We want to know what diverse aspects of our heritage and culture that you have studied in-depth. Remember – this should be about your perspective of your heritage.
We DO NOT ENCOURAGE use of ChatGPT and similar AI tools and reserve the right to reject your application in case of any evidence of use of AI for composing your essay. We expect your essay to portray your story in your own words.
ARE YOU READY TO SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION AND YOUR ESSAY?
Click here to start your application and paste your Essay