Extracurriculars is a new series within Columbia News dedicated to showcasing the many clubs and organizations that exist at Columbia University.
Ever since Abdu-l Baha, the founder of the Baha’i faith’s son, gave a speech at Earl Hall in 1912, the building has been important for followers of the Baha’i faith. “Our Baha’i group on campus is small but dedicated,” said Dean of Religious Life Ian Rottenberg. “The club is always engaging and interesting.”
The Club’s Mission
The club is a space for both Baha’is and non-Baha’is (who are called friends of the faith) to come together and talk about important issues, and learn how to discuss them in respectful, constructive ways. Discussions might focus on the principles of the Baha’i faith—unity, equality, justice, and the harmony of science and religion. The club emphasizes consultation, inclusion, and service over partisanship or politics.
Outside of the club, members participate in a wide range of Baha’i service activities in the city, all driven by the Ruhi Institute, a global educational program that builds capacity for community service and spiritual growth. Members help lead or support initiatives such as children’s classes, junior youth spiritual empowerment programs, study circles, and occasional retreats.
These activities embody the Baha’i principle of coherence—the idea that spiritual development, intellectual growth, and social action are not separate pursuits, but interconnected parts of a meaningful life. Through both learning and service, the club aims to nurture individuals who can contribute thoughtfully and compassionately to their communities.
Baha’i Club Meetings
The club usually meets weekly in a variety of places, the most recent being Earl Hall; they also occasionally meet at nearby spots such as the Hungarian Pastry Shop. The meetings (called devotionals) are 45 to 60 minutes, and consist of 10 to 15 minutes of prayers followed by either socializing or a predetermined discussion on a topic led by one of the members.
Club Members and Conversations
On paper, there are 40 or so members; anywhere from three to 10 people usually attend meetings. “The Baha’i community is small, but friends of the faith frequently join to learn more about it,” said club co-president and Columbia College senior Ajay Mallya.
At a recent club meeting, the topic of conversation was the harmony between science and religion. “The Baha’i faith considers science and religion as dual systems of knowledge that live together,” said Mallya. “The intention is to cultivate a mindset that unites moral insight and empirical reasoning, and that guides how we learn, work, and interact as members of both an academic and human community.”
For more information about Columbia’s Bahai Club, email: [email protected].
