Traditionally, Raksha Bandhan is an occasion when sisters tie sacred threads, or rakhis, around the wrists of their brothers. These rakhis symbolize love, affection, and commitment to protect and care for one another. For HSS, Raksha Bandhan extends beyond the traditional brother-sister relationship, urging all members of society to embrace the responsibility of safeguarding their families and the wider community.

This year, HSS organized Raksha Bandhan celebrations in over 80 chapters across 20 states in the United States. Volunteers tied rakhis to various protectors of society, including police personnel, fire personnel, civic officials, and others who dedicate their lives to ensuring the safety and well-being of their communities. This gesture of appreciation and unity recognizes the sacrifices and dedication of those who work tirelessly to protect our society.

HSS volunteers also tied rakhis to faith leaders during this year’s Parliament of World Religions in Chicago. This event demonstrated HSS’s commitment to fostering harmony and understanding among diverse faith communities, promoting the idea that despite our religious and cultural differences, we share a common humanity and the duty to protect and nurture it.

Through these events, HSS reiterates its dedication to building a more harmonious and interconnected world where individuals from all walks of life come together to protect and nurture their shared humanity.

While appreciating on behalf of his team, Fire Chief James Blanchfield, Wilton, CT, said, “It’s nice when we get together for something like this. On behalf of all the emergency services here today, we thank you guys for coming out here and spending the day with us.”

“#UniversalOnenessDay serves as a reminder to reaffirm social and civic responsibilities in hopes to support and protect the community that we are part of. It was great speaking on the importance of #oneness. I also got to try Sesame Barfi, which was delicious! Thank you HSS for stopping by and celebrating!” are thoughts that Illinois State Senator Adriane Johnson, District 30, shared.

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ROCKAWAY, NJ, USA, January 17, 2023 /– On January 16th, 2023, ‘Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, USA, (HSS) Youths’ received the ‘2023 Service Above Self MLK Youth Leadership Award’ from Aurora (IL) Mayor Richard Irvin. This award was given to youth groups and youth leaders for their Community Service and efforts in promoting ‘Diversity-Equity-Inclusion’ (DEI). HSS Youth received this award for their food drives, highway cleanup, cultural education and, honoring of school teachers & first responders, and other service activities in 2022.

Since its inception in 1989, HSS has focused on inculcating its members to practice universal values of Hinduism, such as humanity, equality, inclusivity, and serving the needy in the society they belong to. Over the years, HSS, through its local chapters and members, has worked for society by conducting food drives, cleanup projects, health awareness events, tutoring, and helping people during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequently with government authorities to conduct successful vaccination drives.

HSS youths that received the award observed that the award was only an acknowledgment of being part of the society and that, just like MLK said, “We may have all come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now,” and that serving society was more fulfilling than the award itself.

HSS volunteers at Roseville & Rocklin, California, celebrated MLK day with the local community and community leaders. They also helped the event organizers in the setup and cleanup. The youth chanted Hindu prayers for “peace for all and unity”, which were appreciated by the participants.

The Lewisville community in North Texas celebrated the 30th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. This year the theme was “Living the Dream: It Takes a Team.” Hindu Education Foundation (HEF), a project of HSS, continued the partnership with the MLK committee of North Texas to co-sponsor and co-host the event this year in collaboration with the local school district. The event was attended by elected officials from 3 neighboring towns and the school district superintendent. This civic event is planned as a non-political inter-Faith event to celebrate the ideals of Dr. King, such as eliminating all forms of prejudice, equality of races, equality of gender, sustainable development, and international peace.

HSS Dallas team partnered with African American museum in a Realizing the Dream – Healthy Expo. The HSS volunteers conducted a few sessions of Yoga and SNY, explaining the simple breathing techniques, their benefits, and how they can be practiced. Many people attended and gave very positive feedback.

HSS member and volunteer Mr. J. R. Sandadi was invited by the Indiana Christian Leadership Conference (ICLC) to represent the Hindu community for the 54th MLK Day celebration service at St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church, Indianapolis, Indiana. Mr. Sandadi, expressing his gratitude for Martin Luther King Jr., spoke on this occasion and offered a Hindu prayer of peace and unity for all. Sharing his experience, Mr. Sandadi quoted MLK, “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” He further said, “MLK’s inspiration is not limited to a day, but is experienced all the time while serving the society.”

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Find more about the news coverage here.

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The U.S. celebrates the first week of May as “teacher appreciation week” and Tuesday of the same week as “National Teachers Day”. Hindu philosophy and culture consider the Guru as the “Supreme Being” who invokes and sustains the light of knowledge while eliminating the darkness of ignorance. Our lives are touched and inspired by countless teachers in schools, colleges, and many other activities that we participate and excel in. To acknowledge and appreciate these Gurus who silently shape our lives, HSS volunteers across the nation will hold Guru Vandana during their weekend activities in the Month of May and at some places in June. In a typical event, the children will present a cultural program where Sanskrit shlokas are recited in the honor of the Guru. The shlokas focused on the significance of the Guru, comparing the Guru to God, and pointing out the Guru’s role in achieving the supreme knowledge. A local chief guest will share his or her thoughts with the audience, followed by a teacher appreciation ceremony. Following infographic shows 2021 Guru Vandana statistics

What is Guru Vandana?

Testimonials from educators on Guru Vandana

School District Superintendent, Indiana

Middle School Principal, Texas

Elementary School Principal, Indiana

School District Superintendent, Texas

Guru Vandana 2019 Report, TX

Past Guru Vandana events by the numbers

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Subject: Thank You: Guru Vandana (Teacher Appreciation)

Dear <Teacher / Principal / District Superintendent / Board Member Name>,

On behalf of the HSS-HEF team, I wanted to convey our sincere thank you for attending the Guru Vandana event.

Thank you for being a source of motivation and inspiration to your students and recognize that your warm participation in such events is an additional element for the growth and nourishment of the students.

Guru Vandana events were hosted in other cities as well by HSS-HEF chapters. We felicitating over 1,700 teachers from 113 school districts from 24 states. I am sharing the national press release for Guru Vandana 2021 (please see attached) that was covered in various media outlets.

Have a great rest of the summer break and best wishes for the upcoming school year.

We are looking forward to the continued partnership to enhance the student learning experience.

Warm Regards,

 <Your name and contact phone number>

Hindu Education Foundation (HEF), a program of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, USA (HSS).

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