One of our active TAGCA YUVA members, Rishi Jasti (rising senior at NCSSM Durham), is running a unique three‑session summer seminar called Ritual & Reason. This program investigates the science 🔬, philosophy 📚, and meaning 🙏 behind Hindu ritual practice. Inspired by Princeton University’s “Reason & Rationality” program and developed in collaboration with Sagar Rao (PhD student in Philosophy & Religion at Princeton, specializing in Asian philosophy), the seminar culminates in a guest lecture by Sagar.

Students will:

Conduct real experiments with ritual materials

Compare results to Hindu philosophical traditions rarely taught in youth programs

Engage in deep, discussion‑based sessions modeled on university‑level seminars

Present their thinking at a community event alongside Sagar’s talk

This is not a casual youth program — it is built for academically motivated students who want to understand their tradition at a deeper level.

Highlights:

🆓 Free to attend · All materials provided

🌟 Limited to ~20 students

🎤 Guest lecture by Sagar Rao (Princeton PhD student)

📚 Combines chemistry, philosophy, and Hindu thought

💡 Perfect for students passionate about questioning and learning

Notes:

📍 Location: Chimneys of Marvin Clubhouse, Charlotte, NC

📅 Date: Saturdays, tentatively starting 18‑07‑2026

⏰ Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

📝 Registration: Google Form link (space limited)

👤 Contact Person: Rishi Jasti