"Stand up, be bold, be strong. Take the whole responsibility on your own shoulders, and know that you are the creator of your own destiny. All the strength and succors you want is within you. Therefore make your own future." -- Swami Vivekananda
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.”
भारतीय नववर्ष 2072, युगाब्द 5117
Dear Swayamsevak Bandhu and Swayamsevika Bhaginee,
I wish you, your family and friends a happy, healthy and prosperous Varsha Pratipada, beginning of Hindu New Year.
I hope this email finds you in the best of health and good spirits. With this email, I would like to bring to your attention nationwide events on the occasion of International Day of Yoga on June 21, 2015.
In his maiden speech at the United Nations General Assembly on September 27, 2014, Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi urged the world community to adopt an International Yoga Day. Appreciating the holistic approach that Yoga brings to health and well-being, 170 Member States of the UN supported this concept and proclaimed June 21 as International Day of Yoga.
As a Sangh Swayamsevak / Swayamsevika we develop shakhas and serve the community, and in the process we give our best to society without expecting material returns. By offering sewa, we help the needy in society and by developing Surya Namaskar Yajna we offer simple techniques to balance the body, mind and soul for the entire society. By our selfless actions we try to attain what Shri Krishna meant by “yogah karmasu kaushalam.”
International Yoga Day is bringing us a similar opportunity where we can give back to our karmabhoomi the best part of our collective inheritance -- Yoga. As you know, Yoga is not a mere tool for physical fitness but more importantly is a spiritual beacon for an individual’s upliftment. It is in this spirit that HSS is organizing Yoga events at various locations nationwide to promote Yoga and its many benefits. These events will involve all regardless of their race, faith, gender, nationality or any other similar barrier.
I encourage you and your families to not only participate in your local event but also to invite your colleagues, friends and local organizations. The success of this unique opportunity depends on your active participation and involvement of other organizations and their members.
