On January 30, 2022, we had the Volunteer Recognition Event for the “Paatshala” Initiative, a tutoring project started by Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, Alameda County. From Feb 2021-May 2021 we had 10 teenage volunteers who dedicated 1-3 hours every week to help tutor the underserved in the Burmese Community here in Oakland, California. The children were tutored in the subjects of Mathematics, Science, and English. The teen mentors would prepare a lesson plan each week, work on their teaching style, learn how to engage with a youngster, and help them work through some of the difficult topics. The Recognition event was to appreciate the teens, the parents volunteer, and others who contributed for making this project such a success. We had two very special guest speakers who also inspired the teenagers. The first was Saumya Baswant who is part of the U.S. Space Force and currently pursuing her masters in astronautical engineering. She inspired and reminded us that whenever we put on our different “uniforms” that we must uphold the values and morals in every aspect of our lives. Next, we had Kripa Chandran who was a Field Engineer for General Electrics who has now decided to become a full time HSS volunteer for the next 6 months. She reminded us to keep thinking of others and keep doing selfless service as it will allow oneself to grow. The Paatshala team thanks and appreciates everyone who made the program a success in its pilot year and we look forward to recruiting more volunteers for our future projects.

Devastating wildfires ravaged Los Angeles, CA, in early January. Inspired by the principles of “Serving Humanity is Serving God” and “The Whole World Is One Family,” HSS volunteers in the area, including those affected by the fires, took up the task of serving their community in crisis. On January 8th HSS volunteers from Pasadena, Temple City, and Arcadia helped set up Pasadena Convention Center as an evacuation zone by sorting and organizing relief materials. On January 12th, teen volunteers assisted Sewa International and Pasadena YMCA in transporting rehabilitation materials to evacuation centers near Pasadena City College. On January 25th, HSS, in collaboration with the Hindu Temple & Heritage Foundation and Sewa International, organized a Donation Drive at Pasadena Hindu Temple, supporting 70 families with essential supplies kits. Additionally, HSS volunteers established crisis helpline centers to assist evacuees with accommodation guidance, evacuation zones, and relief centers. HSS families also opened their homes to temporarily shelter displaced community members.

Several chapters of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh hosted African American guest speakers to commemorate February as Black History Month. These events were opportunities for Hindu Americans to learn about the history and struggles of Black Americans in shaping their successes and challenges of today.

• Volunteers of Sri Krishna Shakha, Folsom in Sacramento, CA observed Black History Month by inviting US airforce veteran & current President of the Folsom-Cordova Unified School District, Chris Clark for a presentation. He spoke about his family’s experiences and struggles, while also emphasizing community engagement, the need for a conscious effort to learn about other cultures, and how people in power can influence building stronger communities

• Jijamata Shakha volunteers in Peoria, AZ, honored African American community leaders in a special session. Corporate leader Bridget Reeves was the chief guest. Bridget spoke about several instances of the Black Community’s contributions in the areas of innovation, science, and lesser-known fields. The session was highly interactive, and Bridget answered several questions from HSS volunteers

• Volunteers of Aadi Shakti Shakha in Harrisburg, NC celebrated Black History Month in a specially organized event. Three District Judges, a State Senator, a State House Member, and the head of the International Minority Coalition of Charlotte joined and shared their experiences with the group

HSS Publishes Annual Report 2024