by Angad Raut | Jun 15, 2026 | Community, Editors Choice, Uncategorized
Reading Time: 2 minutesMost students graduate high school knowing how to solve equations and memorize historical events. But many leave without understanding how credit cards work, how taxes are filed, how loans grow over time, or how to create a basic budget. This is a serious problem because financial decisions begin almost immediately after graduation.
Financial literacy should be a required high school course because it teaches students practical skills they will use for the rest of their lives. A student may never use advanced chemistry or calculus after graduation, but almost every adult will deal with rent and taxes. These are not optional life skills. They affect whether a person can buy a car, afford college, avoid debt, or plan for emergencies.
One important reason schools should teach financial literacy is that young people are often targeted by debt before they fully understand it. Credit card companies, student loans, car payments, and “buy now, pay later” services all make spending money look easy. The problem is that borrowed money usually comes with interest. A person who does not understand interest may think they are only paying for one purchase, when they are actually paying much more over time. A financial literacy class could teach students how interest works and how to compare loan options before making a decision.
Another reason is that many families do not teach these topics at home. This is not always because parents do not care. Some parents are busy, some are private about money, and some were never taught financial literacy themselves. If schools do not teach it, students from families with less financial knowledge are placed at a disadvantage. A required course would make basic financial education available to everyone, not just students whose parents already know how to manage money well.
Financial literacy would also help students make better college and career decisions. Many teenagers are asked to choose a college without fully understanding tuition, scholarships, and student loans. This can lead students to take on large debt without a clear plan for paying it back. A good financial literacy course would not tell students what career to choose but how to avoid many problems considering financials in the future.
Some people may argue that schools already have too many required classes. That concern is fair, but financial literacy does not need to replace these core classes. It could be taught as a one-semester course, included in government or economics, or offered as a graduation requirement. The point is not to overload students. The point is to make sure they graduate with knowledge that can help them in a positive manner.
Students should learn how to create a budget, read a paycheck, and much more. These lessons should include real examples, such as calculating the total cost of a car loan or comparing two college financial aid offers. That kind of learning would prepare students for real decisions.
High school is supposed to prepare students for adult life. If students graduate without knowing how to manage money, schools have left out one of the most important parts of adulthood. Financial literacy should not be treated as extra knowledge for people who are already interested in business. There needs to be systems in place to help students.
Requiring financial literacy before graduation would not solve every financial problem, but it would give students a stronger foundation. It would help them avoid common mistakes, and make more informed decisions.
by Hind Himalaya Staff | May 17, 2026 | Community, Indian-American
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Yash Asarsa, an individual of Indian origin, made history by becoming the first Indian-origin person elected to public office in the small East Texas city of Rusk.
On May 14, 2026, Asarsa was sworn in as a member of the Rusk City Council after winning the District 3 seat unopposed in the May 2 local election. This achievement holds significance for the city of Rusk, which has a population of nearly 5,000 residents and is situated in Cherokee County, approximately 130 miles southeast of Dallas.
Originally from India, Asarsa expressed his initial fascination with Texas due to its cowboy culture and Western lifestyle. However, it was the welcoming nature of the local community that led him to establish permanent residency in Rusk. Over the course of 15 years, Asarsa became a prominent figure in the town through his business, the Truckerz gas station, where he engaged with residents from various backgrounds on a daily basis. Reflecting on his journey, Asarsa acknowledged the community’s support in shaping his life, inspiring him to give back through public service.
Asarsa emphasized the importance of listening to people’s concerns and bridging gaps within the community, drawing from his experience in retail to understand individuals from diverse backgrounds. His priorities as a council member include enhancing road infrastructure, appointing a police chief, addressing the municipal budget deficit, and revitalizing downtown Rusk.
He aims to ensure that residents feel heard and represented in decision-making processes. In light of current debates surrounding immigration and anti-Indian sentiment in certain parts of Texas, Asarsa remains optimistic about the opportunities available to diligent individuals in the United States. He views his role as a council member not only as a civic responsibility but also as a representation of his Indian heritage in the American context.
The swearing-in ceremony for Asarsa took place at Rusk City Hall, signifying a remarkable journey from immigrant entrepreneur to elected public official in the same community that embraced him years ago.
by Hind Himalaya Staff | Feb 22, 2026 | Community, Immigration
Reading Time: 2 minutes
A recent viral post has sparked a heated debate regarding immigration and H1B visas in Dallas.
The post, which showcased an old festival footage of a Ganesh Chaturthi procession in a Dallas-area suburb, has caused controversy online. The video depicts men and women dressed in traditional Indian attire playing drums and celebrating in a shopping center car park. The caption of the post claims that Dallas is turning into “Dallaspuram” and blames the visa system for this transformation. It suggests that H1B visas are being misused to import Indian workers for basic jobs that could be done by Texans and criticizes these workers as not being top global talent.
However, it is important to note that the video is not recent and dates back to August 2025. It was filmed during Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in Lewisville, a suburb known for its large Indian community. While Hindu Americans described the event as a cultural celebration, some members of the community complained about the disruption caused by the procession in a commercial parking area. The broader debate surrounding immigration and the H1B visa program has now taken center stage, with conflicting viewpoints on its impact. While many argue that skilled migration has benefited the local economy and key sectors like technology and defense, others believe it takes away jobs from US workers and offers them to foreign workers at lower salaries. The Dallas-Fort Worth metro area is home to a significant Indian American population, with many residing in suburbs like Frisco, Plano, and Lewisville.
The region has become a hub for technology and business, attracting skilled migrants from around the world.
As tensions continue to rise, recent discussions at a city council meeting in Frisco highlighted fears of an “Indian takeover” of the region. The ongoing debate underscores the challenges surrounding immigration and work visas in the current political climate.
here is the viral post –
by Hind Himalaya Staff | Jun 8, 2025 | Community, Indian-American
Reading Time: < 1 minuteTwo Indian-American candidates have emerged victorious in their respective city council runoff elections in Texas.
Sanjay Singhal, a retired energy executive and graduate of IIT Delhi, secured a significant win over Nasir Hussain in Sugar Land’s District 2. Similarly, Sukh Kaur, a Sikh-American and education reformer, triumphed in San Antonio to retain her District 1 council seat. Both candidates ran campaigns focused on community engagement and development.
Sanjay Singhal expressed his gratitude to the residents of District 2 for their support and pledged to serve with transparency and dedication. Sukh Kaur, the first Sikh woman elected to the San Antonio City Council, highlighted affordable housing, public transit expansion, and inclusive urban development as key priorities during her campaign.
These victories mark a milestone in the increasing representation of Indian-Americans in Texas’s civic leadership, particularly in urban centers such as Houston and San Antonio. The mayoral contest in Sugar Land saw Carol McCutcheon emerge victorious, with a focus on strategic vision for the city’s growth, as well as priorities including improving crime response and supporting law enforcement. The incoming council members and mayor are expected to be sworn in over the coming weeks, further solidifying Indian-American representation in Texas’s civic leadership.
by Hind Himalaya Staff | May 26, 2025 | Community
Reading Time: 2 minutes
The air was filled with excitement and anticipation as the 5th grade students of Coppell LEE Elementary gathered for their graduation ceremony on a sunny afternoon in Coppell, Texas.
Principal Misses Kastrounis kicked off the event with a warm welcome, setting the tone for a day filled with pride and celebration. As the ceremony continued, Counselor Miss Garvin took the stage to deliver an inspiring speech, highlighting the growth and maturity of the students as they prepare to move on to middle school.
The room was filled with a sense of accomplishment and gratitude as Miss Garvin spoke about the hard work and dedication of both the students and the teaching staff.
As the ceremony came to a close, students were recognized and awarded for their achievements in various categories. The room erupted in cheers and applause as each student received their well-deserved recognition.
The event was a mix of emotions, with tears of pride and joy mingling with the excitement of what lies ahead for these graduating students. As the ceremony concluded, students took the opportunity to capture memories with their teachers and friends, creating lasting mementos of their time at Coppell LEE Elementary.
In the end, the 5th grade graduation at Coppell LEE Elementary was a day filled with love, pride, and gratitude. It was a celebration of not only the students’ academic achievements, but also of the friendships and memories that were made along the way. As these students prepare to embark on the next chapter of their educational journey, they do so with the knowledge that they are supported by a community that believes in their potential and is excited to see what the future holds for each and every one of them.
One of the highlights of the event was when 5th grade student Manjiri Raut took the stage to deliver a heartfelt speech on behalf of her class. She expressed her gratitude to her classmates, teachers, and parents for their support throughout the school year. It was a touching moment that brought tears to the eyes of many in the audience.
by Hind Himalaya Staff | May 2, 2025 | Community, Indian-American
Reading Time: < 1 minute
Indian Americans in Fremont, California came together on April 26th to hold peaceful demonstrations in response to the tragic Pahalgam terrorist attack that claimed the lives of several Hindu tourists. The participants expressed their outrage and sorrow over the incident, calling for strict action against the perpetrators and advocating for stronger measures to prevent future atrocities.
The gathering, which saw over 400 Hindu Americans in attendance, aimed to honor the 28 lives lost in Kashmir due to the Islamic terrorist attack believed to be backed by Pakistan. Jewish Americans also joined in solidarity with their Hindu counterparts at the event. Various local Hindu organizations collaborated to organize the demonstration, condemning the heinous terrorist act and expressing deep anguish over the tragic events that unfolded in the Kashmir Valley. Speakers at the event emphasized that violence can never achieve legitimate goals and called for increased efforts to prevent targeted attacks against Hindus.
Participants wore black attire and carried placards with messages such as “Stop Killing Innocents” and “Justice for Kashmir Victims.” The protestors waved the Indian tricolor and held banners demanding that Pakistan be declared a terrorist state in light of the Pahalgam Hindu massacre. The demonstration not only showcased the global Indian community’s concern for homeland security but also underscored a message of unity and resilience against terrorism. Similar vigils were organized across North America to show support for the victims of the attack in Kashmir.
FBI Director Kash Patel extended condolences to all those affected by the tragedy and reiterated the agency’s commitment to offering full support to the Indian Government in such challenging times.
