During the weekend of February 16-18, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh MA Chapter held its fifth annual family camp where 70 kids and 40 adults stayed two overnights and enjoyed physical, mental, and spiritual activities. This free family camp was held at the Sadhu Vaswani Center in Dracut, MA. 

On Friday around 7:30 p.m., camp attendees began arriving and by 9:00 p.m. about 90 people had arrived. The atmosphere was charged with attention and affection—attention to amenities and affection of friends. All families introduced themselves over tea and snacks. By 10:30 everyone was tired and went to sleep. Although many kids, too eager for the morning to come, stayed awake into the night. 

On Saturday morning the whistle blew at the break of dawn and by 6:15 almost everyone was awake. By 7:00 a.m. most other camp attendees had arrived bringing the total to 111. The activities began with parallel sessions of Yoga for adult/teenagers, women, and children. Vijay Chitra and Brij Garg conducted the adults' yoga sessions. 

After yoga, and other physical games, everyone had breakfast. Then it was time for mental activities. Dr. Indraneel Basu gave a talk on the meaning of being a "karyakarta" or a doer. His discussion consisted of four important points. First, "in order to be a karyakarta, there has to be this implicit obedience in the discharge of your actions," he said. "Every blood cell your body should know that you want to do this action." Second, he said, "you have to be a maverick in self-sacrifice." He reminded us that we are mavericks in everything material—we want the best houses, cars, education, etc., but when it comes to self-sacrifice, often we are satisfied with mediocrity. But a real karyakarta is a maverick when it comes to self-sacrifice. Third, "you cannot expect others to do what you cannot do yourself." He gave an example of when Napoleon, while crossing the Alpines, said "I will not send my men where I cannot go myself." Napoleon was a ruler, and he could have dispensed with many men for experimental purposes, but he didn't do that. In order to be a karyakarta, you have to lead by example, not dictation. Fourth, Dr. Basu said, "you have to be truthful." You can lie to everyone else, but to yourself you cannot lie. If you do, it irrevocably impairs your mind. So, in order to be a karyakarta you have to have purity of mind. Dr. Basu is a faculty in Medicine at Harvard Medical School, Harvard University and is also In-Charge of the Center for Research in Invasive Cardiac Electrophysiology at the Harvard-Thorndike Electrophysiology Institute at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. 

Throughout the day there were more physical games, such as kho kho, kabaddi, dodge ball; and also there were more mental activities, such as pranayam, and avartan dhyan or cyclic meditation, led by Balu Shastri. In addition, Harsha Vardhan of Hindu Students Council gave a talk to the kids about Hindu culture. "In addition to the culture, the kids should learn our history and rich heritage." He also cautioned against chasing after material wealth. There was also a talk by Anil Mahajan on the meaning of Prarthana. He said that prarthana is a one-on-one connection with the divine. He added that prarthana is also reverence for the saffron flag. 

On Saturday evening there was an hour of bhajan kirtan, followed by a janam dinam pooja or birthday pooja, conducted by Sanjay and Sangeeta Saxena. All families sat together and performed the rituals. 

Saturday night was time for cultural program. For almost two hours, more than 30 kids displayed their talents in reciting shlokas and prayers, dancing to classical as well as modern songs, playing musical instruments such as tabla and saxophone, and telling jokes. There was also a verbal Ramayana quiz during the cultural program for the kids. 

After the 10:00 p.m. tea and snacks, everyone went to sleep. It was a long, 14-hour day, but a fruitful one as it was packed with physical, mental, and spiritual activities for men, women, and children. 

On Sunday, there was another session of yoga. 

At the samarop or concluding ceremony, the chief guest Dr. Anil Saigal gave a talk to the kids. He described to the kids how important of a role parents play in their life and the value of being respectful and caring towards parents. He said, "parents want wings for their children, so that they can fly high." But then he analogized the situation to a flying kit. He said that only those kites that are controlled by a string fly stable; those whose strings are cut off, fly by the wayside and crash. He likened the parental control to the string and urged the children to let that string guide their lives—only then their lives will be stable otherwise their lives will crash like the kite gone wayside. Dr. Saigal mentioned that there are three important elements to a successful life, first as a child, and then as an adult. First, he said, you need knowledge or gyan. These days a lot of information is available on the internet. Then why go to school? He said that education at a school helps you learn to make good decisions; distinguish right from wrong. Second, he said, you should have devotion or love. He said that devotion helps calm your mind and boost your confidence. Devotion towards parents is the same as devotion to God. Third, he said, you must follow your duty or karma. He said that serving the less fortunate should be everyone's duty. All the kids really enjoyed this interactive discussion with Dr. Saigal. Dr. Saigal is Professor and Mechanical Engineering Department at Chair at Tufts University, and cofounder of Lokvani.com. 

After the discussion, Mrs. Ranjani Saigal distributed certificates to all the kids. Mrs. Saigal is Project Manager for Academic Technology at Tufts University, where she works in the area of Digital Libraries and Educational technologies. She is also the co-founder of Lokvani.com. She is also the founder of Eastern Rhythms School of BharatNatyam Dance. 

Finally, Balu Shastri, a vistarak or full time volunteer, gave a talk about the discipline built at shakha. He gave several examples. First, he said that what if you described a person who played games, meditated, and listened to talks for two straight days, without TV or iPods, you might say that he has a boring life. But that is exactly what 111 people did for two and a half days at the family camp and they enjoyed every minute of it. Kids didn't want to end the fun. Second, he said that even those who desire to obtain a Ph.D degree have to start learning the A-B-C's first. It's a process. You learn the letters, then spellings and sentences, then paragraphs, and so on. Success is achieved by a process. Such a process, called discipline is built at the HSS shakhas. Even those who ultimately achieve success need discipline. He gave an example of Shri Ramakrishna Paramhansa. Once someone asked him that even though he had realized God, why did he still do little rituals and poojas everyday. Shri Ramakrishna Paramhansa replied that we are all like brass pots. Just as we must keep brass pots cleaned if we want them to stay shining, we must keep our minds cleaned if we want them to stay shining. Going to shakha is similar to doing the rituals necessary to keep the brass pots shining. It's the discipline that leads to success. 

This family camp was organized by the Satsang Balagokulam and the Aazad Balagokulam of the HSS. Balagokulam is a place where families come every week for 90 minutes of physical and mental exercises.

Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) announces the seventeenth annual “Yoga for Health, Health for Humanity Yogathon” or “Surya Namaskar Yajna” (SNY). This program runs from January 18th to February 2nd, 2025. Participants across all ages, genders, races, ethnicities, nationalities, and faiths are invited to participate in the Yogathon to kickstart the New Year with health awareness and practice.

Surya Namaskar is a yogic practice done in reverence to the sun. Research shows several physiological and psychological benefits from Surya Namaskar when practiced regularly. They are performed as a series of 10 physical postures, flowing in a graceful, continuous sequence. The Surya Namaskar Yajna seeks to promote the practice and its benefits among all Americans aspiring for a fit body and balanced mind.

Since its inception in 2007, participants from 43 states have actively participated in the Yogathon through Yoga centers, community organizations, schools, and colleges, and also as individuals. Regardless of their faith and belief, these participants have performed over four million Surya Namaskars over the past several years. This is a testament to the success of the Yogathon in achieving diversity and inclusion in communities nationwide while promoting public health and well-being equitably.

 

Acknowledging this, community leaders and elected officials across the nation also appreciate this initiative and encourage their residents to participate in the Health for Humanity Yogathon and benefit from a healthy lifestyle. The Yogathon has received numerous proclamations from American mayors, governors, US Congressmen, and US Senators. It also found recognition in the Congressional records in 2017. The “Let’s Move” initiative of then First Lady Michelle Obama declared HSS as a partner in 2012 in cognizance of the Yogathon.

About Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS):
HSS is a 501(c)(3) voluntary non-profit cultural organization with over 230 chapters across the United States. HSS organizes service activities and community outreach projects to promote discipline, self-confidence, teamwork, and the spirit of selflessness. HSS also fosters a dynamic and flourishing Hindu-American community through civic duty, responsibility, and volunteerism, instilling lasting pride in Hindu heritage among its members. Learn more at www.HSSUS.org.

Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) announces the seventeenth annual “Yoga for Health, Health for Humanity Yogathon” or “Surya Namaskar Yajna” (SNY). This program runs from January 18th to February 2nd, 2025. Participants across all ages, genders, races, ethnicities, nationalities, and faiths are invited to participate in the Yogathon to kickstart the New Year with health awareness and practice.

Surya Namaskar is a yogic practice done in reverence to the sun. Research shows several physiological and psychological benefits from Surya Namaskar when practiced regularly. They are performed as a series of 10 physical postures, flowing in a graceful, continuous sequence. The Surya Namaskar Yajna seeks to promote the practice and its benefits among all Americans aspiring for a fit body and balanced mind.

Since its inception in 2007, participants from 43 states have actively participated in the Yogathon through Yoga centers, community organizations, schools, and colleges, and also as individuals. Regardless of their faith and belief, these participants have performed over four million Surya Namaskars over the past several years. This is a testament to the success of the Yogathon in achieving diversity and inclusion in communities nationwide while promoting public health and well-being equitably.

Acknowledging this, community leaders and elected officials across the nation also appreciate this initiative and encourage their residents to participate in the Health for Humanity Yogathon and benefit from a healthy lifestyle. The Yogathon has received numerous proclamations from American mayors, governors, US Congressmen, and US Senators. It also found recognition in the Congressional records in 2017. The “Let’s Move” initiative of then First Lady Michelle Obama declared HSS as a partner in 2012 in cognizance of the Yogathon.

About Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS):
HSS is a 501(c)(3) voluntary non-profit cultural organization with over 230 chapters across the United States. HSS organizes service activities and community outreach projects to promote discipline, self-confidence, teamwork, and the spirit of selflessness. HSS also fosters a dynamic and flourishing Hindu-American community through civic duty, responsibility, and volunteerism, instilling lasting pride in Hindu heritage among its members. Learn more at www.HSSUS.org

Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA (HSS) has conveyed our following content in a formal email sent to the President and Vice President/Chief of Staff of Georgetown University.  Unfortunately, they didn’t acknowledge it or responded to a subsequent follow up, despite concerns expressed about misinformation published about a reputed organization that represents American Hindus on Georgetown University website, 

We are writing to bring to your attention the falsified material presented, and inferences drawn in the Factsheet about the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA (HSS) available on Bridge Initiative’s webpage hosted by Georgetown University's website. 

Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA (HSS) operates as a legally constituted, independent, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in the United States, adhering strictly to the nation's laws and confining its activities solely within the country. It has achieved a rating of 92% by CharityNavigator.org for financial health, which encompasses efficiency, sustainability, and trustworthiness, along with a strong commitment to governance practices and policies.

We are appalled that the factsheet about HSS lacks basic research and fosters animosity towards the minority Hindu community in the United States. It deviates from established standards of academic research and professionalism, despite using the university’s academic resources. Below is a list of deviations, misrepresentations, and inaccuracies that we wish to especially highlight -

1. The factsheet’s ‘Impact’ section does not state HSS’ connection to Islamophobia in the US or anywhere around the world. It also fails to link HSS’ social activities, programs, and teachings with Islamophobia anywhere.
2. The factsheet claims to be authored by the "Bridge Initiative Team," yet the hyperlink doesn’t publish any name of the author and leads to an error page stating, "Oops! That page can’t be found."
3. Also, an individual named Raqib Naik, mentioned as the collaborator, claims to be the author of this “report” on his X account. This same person’s X account shows Hinduphobic tweets over the years. From his previous articles and tweets, he appears to be an extremist, nurturing venomous hate towards Hindus.
4. The reference to the Hindu Education Foundation (HEF) in the factsheet as suggesting that Islam is inherently violent is a misleading representation. In reality, the HEF proposed a change about Mughal rulers, as stated in the article. Unfortunately, the authors of the factsheet chose to interpret historical injustices solely through a religious lens, thereby stigmatizing all Muslims.
5. The factsheet states, In an April 2023 piece for The Nation, a former participant from Boston, who attended Balagokulam in 2004 and 2005 when she was 11 years old, stated they left the program due to its Hindu nationalist curriculum. The article cited here does not mention that the “Hindu nationalist curriculum” drove away the family from the Balagokulam. Hence, this statement in the factsheet is a blatant lie. This referenced article also goes to the extent of ridiculing Yoga and other Hindu practices, and is, therefore, incredibly Hinduphobic.

Hence, we see this factsheet as a smear campaign against HSS’ law-abiding, rightful activities and consequently, an injustice to the minority Hindu community’s freedoms. It is disheartening that the Georgetown University administration allows the use of its official website and labels “the Bridge” as its initiative, but remains largely unaware of such activities, which poses a serious concern in the current climate characterized by the proliferation of hate-driven agendas with political motives. This situation imperils the safety and well-being of the targeted community, notably Hindu students at Georgetown University and the broader minority Hindu community.

We are proud of our continuous contribution to the American Society. As an American non-profit, HSS actively embodies a philosophy rooted in respect for all individuals, irrespective of their race, gender, faith, age, nationality, or ethnicity. Our partnership with Interfaith organizations is much appreciated. Our initiatives supported charity organizations in over 200 cities to reduce food insecurities. For the past 17 years, we reached out all across the US to bring health awareness through our Yoga for Health, Health for Humanity Program.  Our contributions, extensively covered in the media, have been lauded by numerous stakeholders, including first responders, law enforcement officers, charitable organizations such as food banks, school administrators, professionals, entrepreneurs, and lawmakers across the nation. Our commitment lies in advancing societal well-being rather than embracing a victimhood narrative driven by self-interest.

We urge you to review the contents and institute safeguards to prevent abuse of the Bridge Initiative platforms in harassing, defaming, and intimidating the minority Hindu community in the US and their institutions.

Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) announces the seventeenth annual “Yoga for Health, Health for Humanity Yogathon” or “Surya Namaskar Yajna” (SNY). This program runs from January 13th to January 28th, 2024. Participants across all ages, genders, races, ethnicities, nationalities, and faiths are invited to participate in the Yogathon to kickstart the New Year with health awareness and practice.

Surya Namaskar is a yogic practice done in reverence to the sun. Research shows several physiological and psychological benefits from Surya Namaskar when practiced regularly. They are performed as a series of 10 physical postures, flowing in a graceful, continuous sequence. The Surya Namaskar Yajna seeks to promote the practice and its benefits among all Americans aspiring for a fit body and balanced mind.

Since its inception in 2007, participants from 43 states have actively participated in the Yogathon through Yoga centers, community organizations, schools, and colleges, and also as individuals. Regardless of their faith and belief, these participants have performed over four million Surya Namaskars over the past several years. This is a testament to the success of the Yogathon in achieving diversity and inclusion in communities nationwide while promoting public health and well-being equitably.

Acknowledging this, community leaders and elected officials across the nation also appreciate this initiative and encourage their residents to participate in the Health for Humanity Yogathon and benefit from a healthy lifestyle. The Yogathon has received numerous proclamations from American mayors, governors, US Congressmen, and US Senators. It also found recognition in the Congressional records in 2017. The “Let’s Move” initiative of then First Lady Michelle Obama declared HSS as a partner in 2012 in cognizance of the Yogathon.

About Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS):
HSS is a 501(c)(3) voluntary non-profit cultural organization with over 230 chapters across the United States. HSS organizes service activities and community outreach projects to promote discipline, self-confidence, teamwork, and the spirit of selflessness. HSS also fosters a dynamic and flourishing Hindu-American community through civic duty, responsibility, and volunteerism, instilling lasting pride in Hindu heritage among its members. Learn more at www.HSSUS.org.

HSS mourns the passing of its America Sanghachalak (President) Prof. Ved Prakash Nanda on Monday, January 1st, 2024 in his hometown Denver, CO. He was surrounded by his close family and HSS volunteers.

Born in 1934 in Gujranwala of the undivided India, Prof. Nanda underwent an arduous immigration to the Punjab state in India along with his family during the partition of Pakistan from India. He went on to build an exemplary career starting from M.A. Economics from Punjab University, Law degree from Delhi University in India, and LLM from Northwestern University and subsequent postgraduate work from Yale University in the US. He was a champion of Human Rights and a successful International Law professor at the University of Denver Denver’s Sturm College of Law since 1972. He was also Honorary President of the World Jurist Association, former honorary Vice President of the American Society of International Law, and a member of the advisory council of the United States Institute of Human Rights. He was widely published, having authored or co-authored 24 books in various fields of international law. He was a regular columnist for the Denver Post and wrote on a wide range of topics including human rights and international relations. In 2006, the University of Denver Denver’s Sturm College of Law alumni founded the Ved Nanda Center for International and Comparative Law in his honor. He has also received a number of awards including the Gandhi-King-Ikeda Award for Community Peace Building in 2004 and the Padma Bhushan in 2018 by the Government of India.

The cause of preserving Hindu Dharma and integrating Hindus in America was dear to Prof. Nanda and he advocated it lifelong with his infectious smile, humor, and compassion. He started the first shakha in the US in 1961 at the University of Chicago. Since 2001, after becoming president of HSS, Prof. Nanda constantly traveled across the country to meet, guide, and inspire HSS volunteers. He took initiative to reach out to the opinion makers of the society for various Hindu-American causes.

He also served as the Chairman of the Board of Hindu University of America. He was the chairman of the board of trustees at Hindu Temple of Colorado and also remained active in interfaith activities in Colorado.

He leaves behind his daughter, Anjali, son-in-law, granddaughters and extended family. On the demise of our beloved Nanda ji, we express our heartfelt condolences to his family and acquaintances and pray to the Almighty that the departed Atma be absorbed in the Divine light.