The Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA (HSS USA) organized a traditional reverence program called ‘Guru Vandana’ on Apr.27 in appreciation of teachers at the Lindsey Elementary School in Katy, Texas.
In Hindu culture, the Sanskrit word ‘guru’ or teacher means he who removes ignorance and has been given utmost respect.
More such events are planned in May across the Houston area, according to the executive director of the organization’s Houston chapter, Pradeep Sharma. These events will coincide with the Teacher Appreciation Week from May.6 to May.10.
At the Katy event, a lamp was lit to start the festivities, following which schoolkids chanted slokas and mantras to show gratitude to their teachers. This was followed by a garba dance performance. Finally, a skit depicting why and how Hindus celebrate their most popular Diwali festival was exhibited on stage.
In the second part of the event, kids offered flowers and aartis (singing of mantras while waving light to remove negative energy) to their teachers and put tilak (a red vermillion mark) on their forehead between their eyebrows. The spot where the tilak is applied is said to be the node of thinking and this results in a calming and spiritual effect.
Handmade gifts were also offered to teachers in order to show appreciation for their contribution to society. At the end, vegetarian Indian dinners were served to all the teachers and their families.
The event was graced by around 300 participants including teachers, their families, and kids.
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