"In such a nation, to create a band of men who are tied and bound together with the most undying love in spite of differences, is it not wonderful? This idea of wonderful liberality joined with eternal energy must electrify the whole nation and must enter the very pores of society in spite of the horrible ignorance, spite, caste feeling, old boobyism, and jealousy which are the heritage of this nation of slaves." -- Swami Vivekananda
During the months of May and June 2017, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, USA (HSS) organized Guru Vandana events across the nation to honor teachers and their contribution in the society. More than 1250 teachers, principals, and superintendent as well as a total of over 6500 attendees (which includes HSS families as well dance, music, arts, karate, physical fitness teachers and coaches), participated in 65 events held from North to South and East to West in over 20 states.
HSS calls upon CNN to be sensitive to the Hindus in America
Hindu Americans are deeply concerned with CNN’s misrepresentation of the Hindu religion and cultural traditions in the show, “Believer.” By focusing on a tiny, obscure and fringe sect, the show further increases the already prevalent misunderstanding about Hindus at a time when the country is going through a period of concern and fear. The grotesque practices portrayed in the show give a totally misleading impression of a faith of 1.25 billion Hindus with a civilization that spans thousands of years.
Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh calls upon CNN to be sensitive to the more than 3 million Hindus living and working in the United States who belong to a tradition with major tenets including peace and nonviolence and who cherish living in harmony with their neighbors.
While Americans are struggling to understand their neighbors and different faiths that have enriched the American society, CNN should be part of the effort to bring us together rather than pushing us apart by sensationalized journalism.
Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh has been displaying this appreciation for our teachers here in the United States through the Guru Vandana program, an annual event which offers Hindu students an opportunity to honor and recognize their teachers and their role in shaping who they have become. These programs consist of inviting educators to our shakhas and honoring them in our Hindu tradition. Educators are treated to cultural performances, traditional food, and mementos among other things which differ from shakha to shakha. Teachers from the elementary to high school levels, principals, and even district superintendents have all participated in these activities with very positive feedback.
Perhaps the most instrumental external influence on the dreams, aspirations, and character of a boy or girl comes from that of a teacher. Teachers spend more time with children than even their parents, and undoubtedtly impact their upbringing to a level which is felt even after they have left the stages of student hood. In our Hindu culture, this amount of responsibility of the shaping of young minds we have bestowed upon our teachers, or gurus, is greatly revered and respected.
MARCH 14, 2016 — The fifth biennial youth camp of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS), held in Austin, TX from March 12 to March 14, brought together 110 university students and young professionals from across the country. HSS organized this camp to provide a forum for young leaders to share their experiences, exchange ideas, and gain a deeper understanding of Hindu culture, while addressing societal problems faced around the world.
Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA, Inc. (HSS) concluded its
Tenth Annual Health for Humanity Yogathon on January 31, 2016. During the
two-week Yogathon, over 10,000 participants from close to 200 locations across
the US, participated in the yoga routine known as the Sun Salutation, or Surya
Namaskara.
JUNE 21, 2015 -- To mark the first-ever International Day of
Yoga, more than 100 centers of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, USA (HSS) organized
yoga festivals in 30 cities, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, San
Jose, San Francisco Bay Area, Irvine, Milwaukee, Houston, Bloomington,
Morrisville, Tampa, Orlando, and Phoenix. The events attracted thousands of
participants around the country. Activities included guided yoga poses,
meditation techniques, and scientific presentations on the benefits of yoga,
live music, and demonstrations by expert yoga practitioners.
“International Day of Yoga was a resounding success and
indeed recognized the universality of this invaluable gift that India has given
the world,” said Dr. Ved Nanda, president of HSS. “It was exciting and
inspiring to see thousands of people commit to living healthy, harmonious lives
through the practice of yoga.”
