Oxford’s Hindu Chaplaincy aims to serve the needs of Hindu and Jain students and staff of the University. We aim to give the students people to walk alongside when, or if, they are going through dark periods, struggle and grief. We work to ensure that everyone’s wellbeing – physical, mental, emotional as well as spiritual – is looked after and nurtured during what can be an uncertain time. You do not have to be in spiritual crisis to meet with the Oxford’s Hindu Chaplaincy’s chaplain, Shaunaka Rishi Das. He, as well as the rest of the Oxford’s Hindu Chaplaincy, are practiced listeners and have a wealth of experience in supporting people through relationship, work and study difficulties, spiritual, and vocational issues. If we are unable to help, we often know who can. The Chaplaincy is involved in care, advice, advocacy, celebration, and education. 

The Oxford’s Hindu Chaplaincy work to support wellbeing and resilience for students and staff, including offering pastoral listening and prayer, and offer opportunities for relaxation and refreshment throughout the academic year.

Working with the Hindu Student Society (HUM), we host bhajans and puja each week during term. We also hold a weekly Bhagavad-gita study group. Kirtan (chanting) is offered each month. In this way the OCHS turns in to a pop up temple that offers the students a place to practice their religious rituals. We also host the celebration of festivals which fall during term time, often including Ramnavami, Shivratri, and Diwali. We welcome volunteers (sevaks) each year to help organise these festivals and every year we are blessed with a tidy amount who help organise every bit, from the singers and instruments to decorations and food. Everyone is involved in some way. These people are the driving force behind the festivals and we are thankful for their contribution.