More than 1,100 participants from all walks of life converged to celebrate Hindu Sangam, a colorful event organized by Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS), Boston chapter with the support of many other social organizations of New England area, on September 17, 2006, at Marlboro Middle School, Marlboro, MA. The event was organized as a culmination of the birth centenary celebrations of Shri M.S. Golwalkar (Guruji), the second head of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a source of inspiration for HSS.
HSS organized several sessions as part of Hindu Sangam for ages 5 and up. In the morning more than 100 kids participated in a very well planned Ganesh Pooja or worship of lord Ganesh. A detail worship of Lord Ganesh with modern day explanation of each step was enjoyed not only by kids but also by accompanying parents. There were parallel sessions for youths to discuss Hindu Values such as "The whole world is one family", and "Value of Good Citizenship".
During Hindu Sangam, HSS also showcased its 31-poster exhibition on Hindu Culture and the Dharmic Traditions of India. The exhibition gave a glimpse of the Hindu contributions in various areas such as Astronomy, Mathematics, and Metallurgy, as well as touched on topics such as Yoga, Ayurveda, Cosmic Rhythms and Hindu Women. Quiz on the exhibition with attractive prizes challenged many students and adults alike to find the correct answers from the posters and in the process fecilitated a lot of learning about the Hinud way of Life.
The guest of honor for the program was RSS General Secretary, Mr. Mohan Bhagwat from India. Mananiya Mohan Ji articulated the need for Hindus to come together, work together, and take the message of Hindu Dharma to the whole world. He mentioned that the concept of unity in diversity is inherent to Hindu Dharma and has been ingrained in Hindus from time immemorial. Those present were challenged to demonstrate the Hindu way of life through their actions and become true cultural ambassadors of Bharat. He cited examples from the Vedas which mention how we are all children of the earth and how the earth contains different kinds of people. He said Hindus are not there to compete with other people but to complete other people.
Cooperation, not competition, is the need of the hour as per Mohan-ji Bhagwat. The audience was impressed with Mohan ji's articulation and message which was delivered in a very simple yet effective manner. The chief guest was Dr. Satish Jindal who talked about the need for such events and how our Hindu values and upbringing has helped us in becoming successful in our professions in USA.
The afternoon was full of cultural programs starting with the invocation with Vande Mataram. Several groups presented musicals and dances during the cultural show. Audience was impressed by the participation and great display of activities over the stage by young Indian generation. However the climax of this appreciation was highly visible and vocal for the final event – "Ram Leela". Ram Leela is an action based story of Ramayana and was performed by 140 youngest generation of children. Finally the day was over with Shanti Mantra or the recitation and praying the almighty for peace and prosperity for all.