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On February 22, 2023, Ohio State Senator by Niraj Antani appreciated Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA (HSS) and its volunteers on the Senate floor for their social work and for organizing the “Darshana – A Glimpse into the Hindu Civilization” exhibition (Darshana) at the Ohio Statehouse rotunda. While reading the proclamation on this special occasion, he also appreciated the richness and diversity of Hindu culture and its contributions to the world. The exhibition and resolution are expected to impact positively, promoting a greater understanding and appreciation of Hinduism and strengthening cultural ties between communities.

The exhibition offered a platform to explore a wide range of topics such as Yoga, Ayurveda, Dharma, Mathematics, Architecture, Arts, Sciences, and the present-day global presence of Hinduism. This exhibition is part of the Hindu Dharma Awareness Campaign and is successfully being displayed and welcomed nationwide. In the last four months, from April 2022, over 200 events have been organized nationwide to educate political, civic, educational, and interfaith leaders about Hindu Dharma, another term for Hinduism. The event is open to all and provides glimpses into the Hindu way of life.

Several elected officials and their staff visited the Darshana and appreciated this awareness campaign. State Senator Stephanie Kunze representing the 16th district, enjoyed learning more about healthy eastern ways to care for the body through healthy eating, exercise, and meditation. People visiting the State House on business also took an opportunity to visit the exhibition and learn more. Tod Bowen, Managing Director of External Affairs and Government Relations at Ohio Restaurant Association, appreciated his interaction with students presenting Darshana and the information the exhibition provided about Hindu culture, contributions, and practices.

While thanking the Elected officials of the Ohio State Senate, Mr. Sitaram Koppaka, President of HSS for Ohio, said, “Our idea was to reach out to the local communities across the United States and to bring awareness about Hindu philosophy and culture that the fellow Hindus in their neighborhood practice.” In alignment with Mr. Koppaka’s comment, this exhibition has traveled in 165 cities across the United States since the spring of 2022. It was enthusiastically received by a broad audience, including federal, state, and local government officials, judges, educators, business leaders, and ethnic, religious, and interfaith groups. The exhibition also attracted broad public participation.

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in Camellia Festival Parade

Hindu Youth of Los Angeles March for First Time in the Famous

Camellia Festival

Even a cold winter day, with slight drizzle could not stop the
enthusiasm of the Hindu community members gathered in Temple City,
which is a beautiful community located about 20 Kilometers North East
of downtown Los Angeles. There was much excitement in the air for
about 100 members belonging to Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS).
Some of them had driven 80 miles to cheer their fellow community
members marching for the first time in the Camellia Festival.
The Camellia parade is an annual event organized by Temple City,
California since 1944. This is being done with the intention of bringing
the diverse communities of their city together. The event for year 2020
was held on Saturday, February 22.
Mr. Ravi Chilakamarri, one of the team member who coordinated HSS’s
participation in the event, said the preparation started right away
when they received confirmation from the city last month. HSS
volunteers from both Los Angeles north and south divisions came
together for the event. The band primarily comprised of teenagers
with some pre-teens and adults. In total 38 volunteers participated in
the parade.
“Due to the geographic distances involved, the band members had to
travel very long distances for their practice sessions. The HSS spirit of
selfless service and motivation made it easy for them. Some had to

start by 5 AM and travel 80 miles (one way) to practice with the group”
said Mr. Chilakamarri.

Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh Marching Band (Ghosh Gana)
Temple City, California – February 2020

The band had drums (Aanak), trumpets (Shankh), recorders (Vamshi)
and bass drum (Panav). They played the following rachanas in order:
Kiran, Kedar, Bhoop, Tilang and Tilakkamod. The march took about 30
minutes to cover a distance of one and a half kilometer.

HSS marching band, Las Tuna Boulevard, Temple City, California – February 2020

The teenagers shared that while few of them felt anticipation for first
few minutes of the parade, it was overall a fun and enjoyable
experience. The presence of family, friends and community members
along the route gave them much delight. HSS volunteers left the venue
with a sense of pride, honor and joy of coming together to represent
and create awareness about Hindu community. The volunteering
activities of HSS was announced over loud speakers when the band
approached the area where the honorable Mayor and panel of judges
were seated.
After the event, HSS thanked the city officials who in turn requested
HSS to continue to participate in future Camellia festival events.

Video Link: https://youtu.be/6OzGgnV2Nnk
Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/HSS-Durga-Shakha-112283775516496/

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