Teacher Appreciation Event in Ardsley, NY

Hindu Dharma says: Teacher is one who creates and sustains knowledge and destroys ignorance. For this, we bow down with absolute humility and total gratitude to the teachers.

Hindus have been emphasizing the importance of Teacher or Guru from time immemorial and, hence, recognizing their contributions at every opportunity. As one who imparts knowledge, a remover of ignorance, teachers (Gurus) are held in high esteem in the Hindu culture. Through Guru Vandana (Salutations to the teachers) we express our gratitude towards our teachers for their immense service to the society.

In accordance with this, Gayatri Chapter of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, USA held the Guru Vandana or Teacher’s Appreciation program on May 20th 2023 in the Ardsley Neighborhood. The teachers were honored in the traditional Hindu way.

The kids attending the Gayatri Chapter sent the Guru Vandana invitations to their teachers. Nine teachers from Ardsley and Scarsdale attended the program.

The program started with lighting a lamp which is considered to be auspicious in the Hindu tradition.

This was followed by invocation to Shri Ganesha and Mother Saraswati.

The children demonstrated three traditional musical pieces with different traditional Indian instruments.

The highlight of the event was “Guru Puja” wherein the kids honored the teachers and guests by applying Tilak (sandalwood or Kumkum paste) on their forehead and touched teacher’s feet to show the highest respect and to seek their blessings. Each honoree was presented with beautiful traditional gifts.

State Assemblywoman MaryJane Shimsky addressed the group near the end of the program, which she described as “delightful and moving at the same time”. She added, “The concept of enlightenment goes through so many religious and spiritual traditions. Teachers give us enlightenment on so many levels – social, intellectual and spiritual – and you are very powerful people, which is why forces of darkness sometimes go after teachers. But as long as we stand behind our teachers and all that they do we are going to be Ok.” She thanked HSS for showing how important teachers are in the religious tradition.

Dr. Ryan Schoenfeld added “There is a lot of work that goes on in teaching. Typically, is not a lot of celebration of our teachers. There is a lot of work that goes on they do it from their heart. It’s about children and children are a big part of it today.” He appreciated the efforts in the event and thanked HSS for showing the culture and tradition.

Seema Roc district representative for Congressman Mike Lawler also attended the event. She especially appreciated the Darshana exhibition and emphasized the importance and benefits of Hindu values such as meditation.

Ms. May, math teacher at Ardsley Middle School, said “I was floored. It was amazing, very respectful and touching. I had no idea what to expect when I came here today. This is beautiful. I had no knowledge of the Hindu community here in Ardsley. This event gave us some insight into your community, which is part of our larger community.”

Mr. Ryan, Earth Science teacher at Ardsley Middle School thanked HSS for organizing the event and mentioned that the event was joyful. He also mentioned the event as was a wonderful learning experience. Several other teachers also expressed similar thoughts.

Representatives from other Hindu organizations like Durga Temple of Westchester and Arya Samaj NY had also attended the event.

The event ended with a note from HSS Speaker Ganesh Ramkrishnan and very delicious Indian traditional home cooked food.

Teachers are highly revered in Hindu Dharma and HSS, USA programs are geared towards inculcating such values in its members.