Name: Yash Bhor MS’26
Major: Master of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering
Hometown: Mumbai, India
Objects: Sapp and Stick (Bhangra dance props)
Meaning Behind the Objects:
After feeling a bit homesick during his first weeks on campus, Yash Bhor MS’26, an international student from India, decided to attend a practice for LU Bhangra—a student organization that performs the traditional folk dance of Punjab—and found his Lehigh family. As part of the dances, Bhor learned to use the Sapp, an instrument that creates a clapping sound when expanded and collapsed, and Stick, a dance prop. They signify his appreciation for the dance and the community he found through LU Bhangra.
“I didn't know about this art form before, and learning these dances after I came to Lehigh has been pure joy,” Bhor said. “That's what I think makes it more meaningful.”
Yash Bhor MS’26, an international student from India, said when he first arrived at Lehigh to pursue a master’s in industrial and systems engineering, he felt a bit homesick and missed catching up with his family due to the time zone difference. With encouragement from his sister, Bhor decided to attend the first practice for LU Bhangra, a student organization that performs the traditional folk dance of Punjab, and found his Lehigh family through the team.
“LU Bhangra has not only given me a lot of good memories, but also a community of people that I can always go back to and talk to,” Bhor said. “It has always been a space where I can just go be myself and have fun while doing the dance. It really helped me navigate the difficulties in other aspects of my life while I dance.”
Bhor, who began dancing in the third grade, said he knew he wanted to get back into dancing in some capacity at Lehigh, but hadn’t performed Bhangra before. He said the members of LU Bhangra made him feel welcome from the start and didn’t require any prior Bhangra dance experience.
As part of the dances, Bhor learned to use the Sapp, an instrument that creates a clapping sound when expanded and collapsed, and Stick, a dance prop. While Bhor said Stick was easy to learn and became his favorite, achieving his goal of learning the Sapp took many practices and he is proud of the accomp
The Class of 2026 reflects on the keepsakes, memories and milestones that shaped their Lehigh experience. Through personal stories and meaningful objects, these Future Makers share moments of growth, discovery and connection. Read the stories behind the keepsakes, or view the expanded photo essay.
