Hindu Community Honors Teachers At Special Event In Farmington

Courtesy of Suraj Kurtakoti

FARMINGTON, CT — The local Hindu community gathered recently to celebrate a special event that honors local teachers in three area towns.

The event is called "Guru Vandana" and, according to one of the event's organizers, Suraj Kurtakoti, that translates into "Teacher Appreciation."

It took place May 13 at the Farmington Senior Center, with Hindu families from Farmington, Avon and Simsbury gathered.

The program was done with the help of Hindu Swamyamsevak Sangh (HSS), a nonprofit organization, and it honored 29 teachers from the three towns of Farmington Valley.

Farmington Town Council Chairperson C. J. Thomas was the chief guest and the event was attended by more than 150 people, including 60 family members of the teachers.

Kurtakoti said, according to Hindu tradition, teachers or "gurus" are held in high esteem as they "lay the foundation of the society for several decades by educating the next generation as well as helping them to become responsible, conscientious and productive citizens of the nation."

As part of the event, the community had an exhibition on Hinduism, tables with traditional board games, a henna station, a photo booth where guests donned traditional dresses/headgears for taking pictures, as well as display of native musical instruments for the guests to enjoy.

The event was inaugurated with ceremonial lamp lighting, national anthem , followed by cultural performances that showcased glimpses of Hindu culture.

The program ended with a speech by Thomas, who said he recognized the value of teachers in the lives of students and concluded by quoting Einstein: `` It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy of creative expression and knowledge."

For more information on Hindu Swamyamsevak Sangh, click on this link.