The Indian Heritage Culture Club is the newest addition to the list of the many clubs Joliet West students have the option of participating in. Sponsored by Mrs. Barrowman, the club has had only one brief informational meeting so far, but has high expectations for the future.  Completely student lead, the club was actually initiated by juniors’ Frank Spesia and Vinay Rao.

“West is already a very diverse school; however, we have a very small Indian population. So I got the idea of forming a fun, yet informative club that would provide a social, cultural and religious understanding about the Indian culture. Also, I wasn’t very well informed about my own heritage, so I figured it would be a great way to teach others and even myself,” Rao said.

So far, the club has plans on hosting both movie and food nights, as well as participating in a Holi Festival.  A major festival throughout Hindu /Indian culture, Holi begins in March as a way to welcome to springtime back.  Mrs. Barrowman explained that a tradition within the holiday includes wearing white, then throwing brightly colored powder at others.  Bollywood dancing and field trips have also been suggested.

“My expectations are that the club is really truly student led. It will be what the members make of it.  If they follow through on a few ideas it could be really amazing,” Mrs. Barrowman added.