HSS Charlotte, NC Chapter celebrates Teacher's Appreciation Day (Guru Vandana)

May 12th, 2018. Time: 10:00PM. Venue: Hindu Center, Charlotte, NC
The Charlotte North and South chapters of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) celebrated the Teacher’s Appreciation Day (Guru Vandana) to honor the teacher community of Cabarrus, Charlotte-Mecklenburg counties in recognition of their service in educating and shaping the lives of kids. Around 30 teachers,
professors, principals from several schools around Charlotte were honored in a grand ceremony that was attended by over 150 people. Several enthusiastic HSS volunteers especially the kids of various age groups entertained and honored their teachers in the traditional Hindu way.

The program started with a ceremonial lamp lighting and Ganesh Vandana (prayer to Lord Ganesha).

HSS volunteers Mrs. Sudeeba Bhaskaran and Mrs. Sreelatha Das who were the EAMCEE for the program welcomed the teachers and the audience and explained the relevance of lamp lighting and Ganesh Vandana. This was followed by an enthralling Kathak dance performance by Mrs. Toshi and Ms. Prachi to welcome the guests.

Mrs. Ashwini Santosh (HSS Volunteer) in her welcome speech went over the importance of Guru (Teacher) in Hindu culture and how they are instrumental in shaping the lives of the students and the future of the nation. The word Guru itself stands for ‘Remover of darkness’.

HSS kids (Medha, Gautam, Sharvil, Prasanna) explained the importance of a teacher and the teaching profession through a skit. The skit also explained how Hindu tradition puts Teacher next to God and without a Guru it is difficult for anyone to reach their goals or realize their ambitions. Group of HSS Young volunteers (below 8 years) recited a melodious Guru Bhajan (Song). HSS Kids showcased their music talent by playing Indian tunes on western instruments. The audience present were impressed by the music fusion and how young kids effortlessly performed several traditional Indian music compositions.

A presentation on HSS by Mrs. Rajyalaxmi Selvakumar (HSS Volunteer) elaborated on the activities conducted by HSS and how the organization is trying to promote dharma through its weekly congregations, Sewa (service) activities and trying to make a difference in the society. The presentation also covered in detail how HSS has been honoring Teachers across the United States for several years now. Mr. Hemanth (Hindu Center) who was the chief guest mentioned that he is impressed by contributions of HSS and he is touched by seeing so many teachers honored in a traditional Hindu way.

HSS also presented a memento as a token of appreciation to Mr. and Mrs. Hemant Amin. Mrs. Kalyani (HSS Volunteer) explained the significance of each of the steps involved in Guru Vandana which include applying the ceremonial tilak (red dot that is applied on the forehead by Hindus), Aarti (a Hindu way of worship with light from the lamps), kids prostrating at the feet of their teachers seeking their blessings and finally present them with a memento/gift. In all around 28 teachers/professors from various schools in Cabarrus and Charlotte Mecklenburg counties along with teachers from music and traditional Hindu schools were honored. Each of the teacher’s present were invited on to the stage and the kids performed Guru Vandana in the traditional Hindu way. Teachers became very emotional and one could see some of them wiping tears in their eyes having overwhelmed by the occasion.

The teachers who attended the ceremony expressed their happiness and said that they were touched by the honor given to them by the students and felt wonderful to be part of this ceremony and to know the importance accorded to Guru’s (teachers) in Hindu religion. They mentioned that this concept of Guru
Vandana is important to the society as it recognizes the importance of teachers and their place in the life of the student. This tradition like other Hindu traditions like Yoga etc. must be popularized as it teaches great values to the kids. They commended HSS for not only promoting their Hindu roots but
also teaching kids great ideals and make them good citizens.

The program ended with the vote of thanks presented by Mrs. Manjushree Dogre (HSS volunteer) who thanked the Teachers for taking time on a weekend to be part of this ceremony and for being role models for hundreds of Hindu kids. Everyone enjoyed a tasteful Indian lunch at the end of the event
and took pictures with the kids and parents.

HSS Volunteers Mrs. Swati Kapse and Mrs. Neha Talap who led the planning and coordination with the help of several HSS volunteers personally thanked everyone for pulling of an impressive event. Mr. Venkat Raghavan (HSS Coordinator for NE and SE US) interacted with several teachers present there and personally thanked them for gracing the occasion and mentioned that HSS strives to promote Hindu values in the society, similar to Yoga, through Guru Vandana we would like to see teachers being honored and accorded highest respect as they are very important in shaping the future of the younger
generation.

Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) USA is a voluntary, non-profit, social and cultural organization. Sangh, as the organization is popularly known, aims to organize the community in order to preserve, practice and promote Hindu ideals and values. HSS conducts structured programs of regular athletic and academic activities to develop strong character and leadership skills among its members.

For moredetails please visit http://www.hssus.org.