Guru Vandana Celebrations (Teachers' Appreciation) - HSS, Roseville,CA

The Roseville branch of the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) and its Teen branch held a vibrant Guru Vandana event on Sunday, May 19th 2024, at Ruhkala Elementary School, Rocklin. With over 130 attendees, including 20 teachers and their families, the event was graced by the presence of Roseville Mayor Mr. Bruce Houdeshelt and Roseville Joint Union High School District Superintendent Mr. John Becker, marking it as a significant success.

A Warm Welcome and Cultural Performances

The program began with a heartfelt welcome to the teachers by MCs Smriti Deshpande and Meghana Phanse. The event was officially inaugurated by the traditional deep-prajwalan, or lighting of the lamp, performed by Mayor Bruce Houdeshelt, Superintendent John Becker, Ms. Janet Molinari, Teacher/Director at Roseville Montessori Academy and Venkat Narayan, co-ordinator HSS.

Following the inauguration, Deepa Prasad recited the Guru Vandana shloka, a traditional prayer to initiate any proceedings, setting a reverent tone for the program. Prabhakar Maramreddy, the director of HSS Roseville introduced the Guru Vandana event by sharing an insightful perspective on the sacred relationship between a teacher and the student per Hindu philosophy. This was followed by cultural performances by kids presenting a captivating dance on “Gurur Brahma Gurur Vishnu” signifying the bond between a guru and her pupil. The teens then performed a devotional Bharatanatyam group dance on the various aspects of Hindu god Ganesh. The revered hymn of “Aigiri Nandini” dedicated to the Hindu goddess Durga, who represents feminine power, was then performed by the kids bringing an end to the cultural segment of the event.

Guru Vandana Teacher Felicitation

Prefacing the felicitation, a video presentation of each student expressing their appreciation to their teachers was played. The Guru Vandana ceremony was then conducted where each kid performed aarti (ceremony of light) and sought blessings from their teachers. Aarti signifies a deep sense of reverence, adoration and meditative awareness in Hindu culture. A shawl was placed around the teacher’s shoulders signifying a mark of respect and gratitude to each teacher. Mayor Houdesheldt and Mr. Edward Hedwig, senior representative for Congressman Kevin Kiley, California District-3 were also felicitated along with the teachers. Mr. Hedwig presented a Certificate of Congressional Recognition to the Hindu Education Foundation, Roseville for highlighting the essential role teachers perform in our community. The event concluded with an insightful talk by Venkat Narayan on preserving and passing on our Hindu heritage to children and sharing Hindu culture to the broader community we live in.

Interactive Exhibits and Activities

After the formal festivities concluded, attendees explored the Darshana Exhibits, an informative display on Hindu civilization and culture. The event also included a photo booth where teachers and students enjoyed capturing memories in colorful traditional Indian attire such as lehengas, dupattas, vests, and pagadi or turban.

A popular attraction was the henna booth, where intricate patterns and designs were applied to delighted participants. The culinary offerings were equally enticing, with guests savoring traditional Indian snacks like jalebi, samosa, and hot masala chai.

Community Engagement and Appreciation

The event highlighted the strong community engagement fostered by HSS, bringing together students, teachers, and families in a celebration of cultural heritage and educational contributions. The attending teachers expressed their gratitude for the recognition and enjoyed the immersive cultural experience.

The Guru Vandana event in Roseville exemplifies the HSS's commitment to honoring educators and promoting cultural understanding. It served as a joyful and educational gathering, reinforcing the values of respect and appreciation within the community.