Eduardo Hernandez, the captain of Northeast Fort Bend Fire Station 2 in Richmond, patiently stood while a young lady carefully tied a silk thread around his outstretched wrist. In the midst of this scene, other firefighters adorned with similar bracelets savored Indian sweets as they warmly welcomed children into the fire station. These visitors belonged to the local chapter of the faith-based nonprofit Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS). The silk bracelet they were placing on Captain Hernandez’s wrist was a rakhi, a symbol steeped in centuries of tradition, embodying the fundamental connection between a protector and the one they’ve sworn to safeguard. This heartwarming gesture was part of a series of visits by representatives from various HSS chapters to fire stations across the county in the lead-up to the Indian festival of Raksha Bandhan, slated for Wednesday, Aug. 30 this year.
While the rakhi tradition is traditionally practiced within families, where sisters tie these threads around the wrists of brothers and cousins, it holds significance for many Hindu children who are encouraged to consider their cousins as honorary siblings. In a creative reinterpretation of this tradition and an expansion of its meaning, the HSS chose to express their deep gratitude towards firefighters and law enforcement officers for their unwavering dedication as protectors. Apoorva Shrivastav, a coordinator and volunteer at HSS, emphasized their intention to promote a sense of universal unity, viewing the entire world as one big family. Firefighters and police officers play pivotal roles in maintaining a civil society, and this act of appreciation and thanks was their way of acknowledging their invaluable contributions.
Arun Sharma, the executive director at HSS, Houston, highlighted their commitment to reaffirming their social responsibility and contributing to the safety and harmony of society. In their endeavor to celebrate Raksha Bandhan at a societal level, HSS extended their appreciation to law enforcement agencies, fire stations, and elected offices, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and nurturing the bonds that protect and unite communities.
