This Oasis marks the first time we get to see the Society of Vedic Education and Spiritual Advancement (SoVeSA). The club, formed only last year, is planning three events this Oasis.

So what is SoVeSA all about? The society has a spiritual and philosophical approach to things. According to the coordinator, Aditya Choudhary, they attempt to ask questions about the existence of morality and a greater being, the path to true happiness, and the endless human struggle for the same. Their objectives are to provide a forum to the ones interested in spiritual advancement – they do so by promoting meditation, the Vedas and the Indian culture, and promoting scientific understanding of Vedic literature.

Outside of Oasis, SoVeSA routinely publishes and distributes relevant literature, books, and newsletters on spiritual subject matter. They also organise educational trips and excursions to places of spiritual significance, and conduct workshops and guest lectures by eminent speakers.

This Oasis, SoVeSA plans on conducting three events. They will be setting up two book stalls, where books on Vedic wisdom and counter-culture are displayed. They will also be conducting an exhibition to educate people about Vedic cultures and traditions. The club will be hosting a presentation where small clips will be displayed. The clips will be related to the impact of Indian culture on the hippie movement.

According to Aditya, the club will be introducing themes that deal with the frustration with the existing culture in the West, the acceptance of Vedic teachings, and the non-violent nature of the hippie movement. The club ideology and the theme of counter-culture connect well, as many think it was the Indian concept of ‘sanyas’ that was the true ideology behind hippie movement. On a parting note, he mentioned how he was looking forward to Oasis, and hopes that the club’s first Oasis is a success.