The Official Student News Site of Parkway West High

Pathfinder
The Official Student News Site of Parkway West High

Pathfinder
The Official Student News Site of Parkway West High

Pathfinder
“I'd say my biggest accomplishment was founding the Indian Club with my best friend. I [most proud of it], because it is the only thing that I've done here at West that has proved that I care about my identity, culture, that I care about other people who might struggle with the same [struggles as me], and who may want a place to come and build a community. So that was the first time that I actually created something [that] I deeply wanted to create. I wanted to [make] an Indian Club because I wanted to consolidate a safe space for people who struggled with their identity in school [and] may have formerly faced some sort of bias because of their identity. [My purpose behind making the club rooted from] wanting to learn more about the history of India and being super interested in learning about a lot of the forgotten history.” - Riya Ashok, 12

Riya Ashok

Mahiya Pallipat, CJ1 Writer • February 1, 2024

Juniors Riya Ashok and Puneeta Ganga give each other a high-five as they celebrate the Indian holiday Holi. Ganga, co-president of Indian Club, put on this event to introduce other students to the holiday and to have fun with friends. “Holi is a really fun celebration, and I believe it should be an experience that everyone can participate in,” Ganga said.

A colorful weekend

Audrey Ghosh and Achyuta Ambal • March 16, 2023

Around the globe, millions throw colored powder at each other in celebration of the Hindu festival, Holi. Although Holi is primarily celebrated in India, the Indian Club brought this vibrant tradition...

Cutting into a celebratory cookie cake, the secretary of the Indian Club and junior Swati Kumar kicks off the first meeting. Club board members introduced themselves and reviewed what future meetings would look like. “[I am] excited to see how far we could take this club. Indian culture is overlooked many times, so being a part of educating and celebrating it with others [is] so fun,” Kumar said.

Calling all clubs!

Lily West, Staff Writer • January 12, 2023

Whether you are building gingerbread houses with German Club, volunteering for NHS or playing sports with Leisure Club, there’s something for everyone. Clubs, while beneficial for college resumes, are...

Senior Khushi Chauhan and Sophomore Samir Shaik help each other pour a cup of chai. At Indian Club’s first meeting, they dived into the history of chai and how it became a part of Indian culture. “The meeting was chaotic, but we were prepared. We had a presentation, and in the end, everything came together. In America, where everything is so westernized, it’s important to connect back to your culture. I love planning these meetings for people to learn and enjoy,” said Chauhan.

Indian Club in Motion

Nidhi Pejathaya, Staff Writer • January 5, 2023

Pulling up a slideshow and setting down a tray of samosas, junior and Indian Club founder Puneeta Ganga prepares to present their lesson on chai as people slowly pour into the room.  They spent their...