Author:
Publication: Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (USA)
Date:
URL: http://www.hssus.org/content/view/194/1/
Vijayadashami, being one of the most auspicious
days for Hindus, is celebrated with great fervor all across India, and many
parts of the world. It comes as the finale of the nine-day festival, Navaraatri.
It assumes historical significance in the wake of the fact that Lord Rama
defeated the demon king, Ravan on this day. Vijayadashami is a festival of
victory because it is resplendent with many inspiring episodes reflecting
the victorious culmination of deeds of valor, signifying the victory of forces
of righteousness over those of wickedness.
Like every year, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh organized
Vijayadashami celebrations in the bay area this time at the Sunnyvale Hindu
temple on October 27th from 10:30 AM to 1:15 PM. All nine bay area chapters
of HSS from San Ramon to Fremont and from San Jose to San Bruno enthusiastically
participated. This year's event was attended by more than 500 people from
all over bay area.
The program got underway at the exquisitely
decorated temple hall with the traditional 'Ayudh puja' (worship of tools
& instruments of common use) by Shri Chandru Bhambra, public relations
coordinator of HSS. This was accompanied by Vedic chants that reverberated
the hall creating the perfect atmosphere for the function. This was followed
by a series of cultural programs presented by participants from all the nine
chapters in the bay area. Children, with great confidence and exuberance enthralled
the audience by presenting various programs including chanting of shlokas
from Hindu scriptures, skits on riveting stories from Hindu legends, well
coordinated and synchronized yoga etc. Their participation exemplified the
positive influence of Balagokulams, conducted by HSS, on these young minds.
While the pre-teens displayed their talents, teenagers were not far behind
with their spellbinding "Acapella" - a form of vocal music without
instrumental accompaniment. Demonstration of some unique physical activities
also formed part of the cultural program. This included Yogasanas by the ladies,
pyramid formations and synchronized physical formations by male participants.
The program, which was a perfect blend of
physical, mental and spiritual activities, concluded with a few words of motivation
by the chief guest of the function, Ms. Anu Natrajan, Fremont city council
member. Ms. Anu complimented HSS for the many efforts it has been undertaking
in the local communities. This was followed by the Vijayadashami address by
Shri Nishank Trivedi, West coast coordinator of HSS Youth activities. who
deftly passed the message of how strength of an individual and combined strength
of all in a society can push the envelope of progress and victory. Even the
good and the righteous can succeed against the evil forces only when they
come together in an organized endeavor. The program ended with everyone enjoying
sumptuous food prepared by HSS volunteers.
In keeping with the tradition of Hindu Dharma,
in which it is said that serving humanity and especially those in need is
the real service to God, HSS with American Red Cross organized a blood donation
drive at the same venue from 12 PM to 5 PM. The response from the community
was so overwhelming, thanks to the weeks of hard work put in by HSS volunteers
with ample support from Red Cross, that forty units of blood were collected
during the five hours. Many eligible volunteers had to return home without
donating as Red Cross had reached their capacity. Red Cross official, Ms.
Mona Helmhold summed up the success of the event when she asked - "when
(and not if) can Red Cross come again!". Sunnyvale mayor, Mr. Otto Lee,
visited the site and was very happy to see such a turnout for blood drive,
and commended the commitment of HSS to the society. The drive turned out to
be more significant in the wake of Southern CA fires, where such drives were
cancelled putting more pressure on Northern CA to collect more blood.
Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) USA is a voluntary,
non-profit, social and cultural organization. HSS aims to organize the Hindu
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 in its members, emphasizing
values such as self-discipline, self-confidence and a spirit of selfless service
for humanity. HSS encourages maintaining Hindu cultural identity in harmony
with the larger community.
