HSS chapters nationwide observed the annual tradition of celebrating Raksha Bandhan as Universal Oneness Day, which symbolizes the bonds and shared responsibilities of safeguarding one another by exchanging a thread known as “Rakhi.” Below are some highlights –

• 50 HSS volunteers and Hindu community members in Cleveland OH tied rakhi – the symbolic thread of protection – to firefighters, policemen, and city officials. They also set up a display of the Hindu civilizational expo, called Darshana. Mayor Edward Kraus of the City of Solon thanked the HSS for “sharing traditions and ongoing contributions to our shared vision of a harmonious community.” Solon Fire Chief, Mark Vedder proudly displayed a Rakhi tied to his vehicle from last year’s celebration. “This Rakhi is more than a thread; it’s a daily reminder of our noble duty to protect and serve,” he noted.

• HSS chapters in the San Ramon CA area celebrated Raksha Bandhan collectively by hosting 12 first responders. Children and youth volunteers tied them to the rakhi. All the 140 attendees enjoyed a traditional, festive lunch

• The Connecticut chapters of the HSS partnering with other Hindu community organizations visited the Norwalk and Milton Police Departments to honor the staff by tying rakhis, as the bond of “protection, obligation, and care”.

• Members of the Hindu-American community in Livermore CA, including the HSS and the Hindu Community and Cultural Center – Shiva Vishnu Temple, visited the Livermore Police Department to offer their greetings to the community’s protectors—police officers, firefighters, and first responders as part of the Raksha Bandhan celebration. “We were honored to share in this Hindu tradition, where Rakhis were tied as a symbol of unity. We also appreciated their prayers for our well-being and safety”, says the Livermore Police’s post on social media

• HSS volunteers from Austin TX visited APD’s Office of Community Liaison (OCL) and celebrated Raksha Bandhan with Interim Austin Police Chief Robin Henderson, Community Engagement Officer, Lt. Fausto Rodriguez, and other department members. The volunteers showered wishes and tied Rakhi (Protection) wristbands on their wrists to symbolize the bonds shared between the protectors and the public

• Hindu American youth belonging to HSS Aurora IL visited with Aurora police officers and firefighters, honoring them with rakhis and sweet treats in gratitude for their service to the community. In the nearby town of Naperville, the local HSS chapters organized a similar ceremony outside the Naperville Police Department.  Having witnessed this annual tradition several times, Naperville’s Fire Mark Chief Puknaitis remarked, “I have a collection of rakhis that have been presented to me over the years”

• HSS chapters in Edison NJ celebrated Raksha Bandhan with the Piscataway Police Department to extend their appreciation for the first responders. Volunteers in HSS uniforms and traditional outfits tied rakhi to 20 first responders. In a similar celebration in Parsippany, the children volunteers got to shake hands with police officials and peek inside the police car

• Through the efforts of Shivaji Shakha, the HSS received a proclamation for its celebration of Raksha Bandhan as Universal Oneness Day from Mayor Susan Landry of the City of Campbell CA

Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) USA pays its deepest reverence to Hind Ki Chaadar, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the ninth Guru of the Sikh faith, on the 350th anniversary of his supreme sacrifice. In November 1675, at Chandni Chowk in Delhi, India, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji gave his life to uphold the universal right to freedom of faith and conscience, standing firmly against tyranny and persecution.

His unparalleled courage remains an eternal symbol of righteousness, devotion, and resistance to oppression. The martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji is a glorious chapter in history and a timeless, universal inspiration for humanity to uphold justice, truth, and Dharma.

On this historic occasion, HSS USA calls upon Hindu organizations and communities to commemorate the anniversary with educational, cultural, and interfaith initiatives that reflect Guru Ji’s immortal teachings of mutual respect and universal brotherhood. The truest tribute to Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji lies in spreading his eternal message of Dharma and freedom of conscience, so that the bonds of mutual cooperation and harmony remain ever strong.

Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) USA welcomes the U.S. Department of Justice’s decision to close its investigation without charges against Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) or the Akshardham Temple in Robbinsville, NJ.

What began in 2021 as baseless allegations of caste discrimination grew into a troubling attempt to target Hindu beliefs and tarnish a peaceful, law-abiding community. This effort sought to shame a micro-minority that has long stood for inclusion, service, and the timeless value of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world is one family.

We commend BAPS for its integrity and unwavering faith throughout this ordeal. We thank Hindu individuals and organizations nationwide who responded with unity, dignity, and resolve. Their example reflects the best of our tradition and our commitment to America’s pluralistic values.

We call on public leaders to reflect on the damage such unfounded narratives can cause. We urge sincere engagement with practicing Hindu voices to ensure that decisions impacting our community are informed, respectful, and just.

Let this be a turning point—for deeper understanding, greater inclusion, and continued contributions of Hindus to the American story.

Dr. Shankar Rao Tatwawadi ji

Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) USA joins the global Hindu community in mourning the passing of Dr. Shankar rao Tatwawadi at the age of 92 in Nagpur, India. Shankarrao ji, as he was fondly known, was the former international coordinator of HSS and an academic scholar. As a Sangh pracharak, he chose to dedicate his later years to the ideals of Dharma, Sangh, and society.

After completing his MSc in Chemistry from Nagpur University and his doctoral studies from Benaras Hindu University in India, Shankarrao ji undertook post-doctoral research in the United States at the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Kansas in the mid-1960s. He then joined BHU as a professor in the Department of Pharmacy, where he later became the Head of the Department. Having seen the situation of Hindus around the globe, he took early retirement and devoted himself to organizing Hindu society outside India under the banner of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS). With this passion, Shankarrao ji led the expansion of HSS in the US, often weaving through cities in Greyhound buses to meet Hindus and bringing them together. In 1993, he became the Vishwa Vibhag Samyojak International coordinator for HSS, working tirelessly towards the organization and unity of Hindus globally. In 2011, Dr. Tatwawadi joined Vijnana Bharati in India as a Margadarshak or guide, mentoring scientists and engaging with prominent personalities in the scientific field.

We, at Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA, were blessed to have received his guidance and vision. His affable personality, warm interactions, and scholarly insights encouraged many of us to commit deeper to our mission of Hindu unity, values, and service. As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate his inspiring journey, cherishing the wisdom and ideals he imparted to us.

ॐ पूर्णमदः पूर्णमिदं पूर्णात्पूर्णमुदच्यते ।
पूर्णस्य पूर्णमादाय पूर्णमेवावशिष्यते ॥
ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः ॥

Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA strongly condemns the recent attack on the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha Hindu Temple in Chino Hills, California.

Over the past five years, there have been 15 to 20 incidents of vandalism targeting various Hindu temples across cities and towns in the United States. Alarmingly, six of these—including the most recent case—have specifically targeted BAPS Hindu temples.

Despite these repeated attacks, no perpetrators have been apprehended or brought to justice. This wave of vandalism is compounded by ongoing social media bullying and misinformation campaigns against American Hindu communities and organizations. Such unchecked hostility emboldens those who seek to use violence as a means of making political statements against the Hindu community. It also fuels a divisive agenda that fosters unwarranted fear and misunderstanding about Hindus, a peace-loving community that actively contributes to American society through social service, arts, culture, entrepreneurship, education, and economic growth.

We firmly believe that this rising climate of hostility does not affect Hindus alone—it threatens the fabric of American society as a whole. Hatred, when left unchecked, transcends boundaries and endangers the principles of pluralism and coexistence that define this nation.

We urge elected officials, community leaders, media, educators, and law enforcement authorities to recognize the gravity of this attack. Addressing such crimes requires not only thorough investigation and accountability but also a broader effort to raise awareness and combat hate through education and responsible media coverage.

Now more than ever, it is crucial for all sections of society to stand together in solidarity, uphold the values of peaceful coexistence, and serve as a model of unity for the rest of the world.