The first week of May is “teacher appreciation week” in the United States, and the following Tuesday is “National Teachers Day.” According to Hindu philosophy and culture, the Guru is a “Supreme Being” who summons and upholds the light of knowledge while banishing ignorance’s darkness. Numerous teachers at our schools, colleges, and many other activities where we thrive have a profound impact on us and encourage us. In May and June 2023, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, USA (HSS) held Guru Vandana events across the country to commemorate teachers and their contributions to society in order to recognize and respect these Gurus who silently change our lives. More than 6,000 people, including students, parents, and other invited guests, attended these ceremonies to show their appreciation for more than 1,000 academicians, including teachers, principals, and superintendents from more than 60 school districts.
During a typical event, the kids performed a cultural program that included Sanskrit shlokas in praise of the Guru. The shlokas concentrated on the importance of the Guru, equating him to God and highlighting his contribution to obtaining the highest knowledge. A chief visitor from the region spoke to the crowd before a ceremony to honor the teachers was held.
Children participated in this event’s cultural program in several locations, showcasing their talent in traditional dances, singing, and musical instruments. Several locations hosted Darshana, a well-liked exposition on Hindu civilization created by HSS volunteers. Each Darshana poster was presented by a young student member of HSS who covered various components of Hindu Dharma, Philosophy, Yoga, and other civilizational aspects. Some young people created creative skits that featured famous Americans and Indians. Some demonstrated their experience with yoga, Indian martial arts, and other team sports. In certain places, there were gaming booths and information booths about various philosophical and cultural topics. All of these events were planned and coordinated by teenagers and their families and arranged by neighborhood HSS centers. HSS worked with the townships in some locations to include the school district.
The degree of participation and respect among children of all ages astonished the teachers and attendees. Some educators were particularly fond of the Hindu practice of conducting aarti in front of the teacher while applying kumkum to their foreheads, presenting flowers, and giving them sweets. This event was notably well-liked by instructors. They expressed gratitude for the event’s introduction to Hindu culture and its inclusive ideology, as well as for their dedication and passion.
Students lavished praise on their professors during presentations or when emceeing events by discussing how they learned math, English, dancing, or other subjects, as well as how their teachers helped them become self-assured and independent thinkers.
As it encouraged their kids to participate, made them consider the significance of the Guru in their lives, and provided an opportunity for parents to speak with teachers and school officials, parents liked and enjoyed the event.
The attendees’ comments are summarized in the list below:
“The affection and respect the Hindu community has for us makes me feel humble. To see such gratitude and acknowledgement for our labor is touching. Today I learned a lot about Hindu culture,” said a teacher from Wilton, Connecticut.
“People are very involved in honoring our teachers, which I think is a fantastic endeavor,” said Eric Smith, the president of New Buffalo Grove Village in Illinois.
“It is crucial that students make connections between the knowledge from their own cultures and modern subjects. It results in the pupils’ learning being individualized. To remember them later, I have taken pictures. – A 6th grade social studies instructor from a school in the Boston, Massachusetts, region.
