Dr. Sona Ram Lund Scholarship
Each year the Afghan Hindu Association awards the Dr. Sona Ram Lund Scholarship to students from our community who are pursuing higher education. The scholarship is funded by our members, through their dues, donations and volunteer hours, and honors the spirit of service and unity that Dr. Sona Ram Lund exemplified.
2026-27 Scholarship Recipients
What This Scholarship Means
This award is more than financial support. It is the trust of a whole community that believes in each student's potential. We see it as a shared investment and the beginning of a lifelong relationship: the community that helps a student today hopes, in time, to be helped and served by that student.
How the Award Is Used
Scholarship funds are paid directly to the student's college or university (Bursar's Office) toward tuition and educational costs. For 2026-27, awards are $5,000 for graduate and professional students and $2,500 for undergraduate students. Recipients are selected by the Scholarship Committee based on academic achievement, extracurricular activities, community involvement and determination to continue their education.
What We Expect from Recipients
Family Membership
The recipient's family remains a due-paying member of the Afghan Hindu Association in good standing.
Community Service
20 to 40 hours of service within one year, supporting temple programs such as the AsaMai School, Diwali and Holi celebrations, melas and other AHA activities.
Giving Back
Once established in their profession, recipients give back by mentoring younger students, volunteering professional skills, taking on leadership roles, or supporting the temple and this scholarship fund.
Renewal
The scholarship may be renewed each year while the student remains eligible and continues their education. Renewal is not automatic: each year the Scholarship Committee reviews the family's standing with the temple, progress on community service hours and overall engagement with the community.