The fourth National Yuva Varg was held on the weekend of January 14 to 16 at the wonderful campsite of Camp Woodmen in Bellville, Texas. The preparation of the Varg started right after KKM from the last week of November.

There were 3 teams of yuva karyakartas who worked in preparation of the varg: Sharirik (Ruchi Munshi, Akash Belsare and Rudra Upadhyaya), Bauddhik (Ravi Kiran ji, Santhosh ji, Aniket Pingley, Amruta Houde and Debjit Dutta) and Vyavastha (Sameer Wadwalkar, Richa Dixit, Khyati Vaidya and Niyati Vaidya). Ruchi Munshi and Akash Belsare were Varg Mukhya Shikshak and Saha Mukhya Shikshak repectively. Debjit Dutta was the Karyavaha.

The total participants were 54 including 7 adhikaris and pracharaks and vistaraks. Ma. Saumitra Ji (Vishwa Vibhag Samyojak), Ma. Ram Vaidya Ji (Vishwa Vibhag Saha Samyojak), Yelloji Mirajkar (National Karyavaha of HSS US), Anjali Patel Ji (National Saha Sevika Pramukh), Darshan Soni Ji, Digant Dash Ji, Santhosh Prabhu Ji, Vinod Shastry Ji, Sreevidya Radhakrishna Ji and Jaymin Kathiriya ji were present during the entire duration of the varg. Vinod Ji, Sreevidya Ji and Jaymin Ji were present as Shikshaks. Total 17 universities were represented from all over US (21 from WC, 5 from SW, 5 from MW, 9 from EC and 7 from SE).

Most the participants assembled in the campsite by Friday night, January 13. The Varg started on Saturday with wake up calls at 6 AM. After Ish Chintan and one set of Surya Namaskar followed by breakfast and shower the participants came together for ice breaker games where they came to know each other and bonded very well with light and fun games. A warm welcome, context setting, parichaya and explaining few rules for the camp by the varg karyavaha followed this. Next, during the udghatan bauddhik Ma. Saumitra ji set the platform for the Varg when he explained how Sangh is action in continuation of Swami Vivekananda’s vision. This was perfect with the theme of the Varg since all the activities were planned keeping SV150 in mind and with the purpose of increasing the knowledge of Swami Vivekananda’s life and message among the participants.

The rest of the day was full of a number of activities that were designed to increase interaction among all the participants, increase their understanding of Sangh and Swami Vivekananda’s life and mission. In the charcha, participants who were divided in 4 ganas learned and discussed about the concept of organization and leadership as put forward by Swami ji and Guru ji. The participants also learned about different unique experiments tried out in different campuses to run a successful yuva shakha. In the evening, there was formal inauguration of annual printed copy of the youth magazine Tattva by Vishwaroop ji of SVYASA. At night we had a wonderful inspiring katha session by Yelloji on Eknath Ranade ji and Vivekanand Rock Memorial. The day ended with a some fun filled games in ratri karyakram.

All the shakhas in the Varg were designed to improve the sharirik knowledge of the participants in different vishays: samata, yoga, niyudhha, danda. There were shikshanvidhi sessions for khel, yoga and niyuddha which are done in most of the yuva shakhas. There was also a short sharirik pradarshan by all the shiksharthis in the sayam shakha on Sunday where they demonstrated what they learned in 2 days. There were also feedback sessions on how to run different model yuva shakhas: shakhas comprising of graduate students, undergrads, grad and undergrads and young professionals where everyone got a taste of different flavor of yuva shakhas.

The Sunday activities were similar to Saturday. The highlight of the day was brainstorming and deciding action items on SV150 by each sambhag. Various teams were also formed to work on different resource building for SV150 comprising of yuva karyakartas across the nation. In one of the morning sessions different yuva projects (Tattva, SOC, YFS, Suswagatam) were explained by the respective coordinators. In the afternoon the participants were enlightened by a wonderful bauddhik by Philip Goldberg who flew from Los Angeles that morning and talked about the influence of Hindu Dharma on American society. After lunch, there was a very interesting karyashala on how working in a team is favorable than working individually.

After sayam shakha, sayam vandana and dinner there was an inspiring and stimulating session of pracharak anubhav kathan and Q/A. The day concluded with camp fire where the atmosphere got rejuvenated with the vibes of Sangh geet and patriotic songs.

On Monday morning, there was a one hour Surya Namaskar marathon session where many yuvas performed 8 sets of Surya Namaskar. The samarop bauddhik was done by Ma. Ram Vaidya ji. The bauddhik was unique where he talked about Integral Humanism and Sangh vision and in between also made us do some stretching and light exercises to keep our focus intact.

Some highlights of the varg:

1.    17 universities were represented.
2.    Presence of many senior adhikaris: Ma. Saumitra Gokhale Ji and Ma. Ram Vaidya Ji were present during the entire varg.
3.    The vyavastha team worked tirelessly providing all the necessities to the siksharthis.
4.    Sharad Amin ji (SW Sambhag Karyavaha) and Mahesh Raghunandan ji (SW Sambhag Saha Karyavaha) were present in the Varg. Satya ji took care of the bhojan vyavastha from Sunday.
5.    All the varg attendees did Surya Namaskar in formation of sun rays around a huge model of Surya Dev.
6.    A small farewell to Darshan Ji who concluded his vistarakship a day after the yuva varg.

Apart from the regular sessions the attendees also got enough time to interact informally. There was also informal Q/A time with Ma. Ram Vaidya ji when the yuvas stayed awake till late night in spite of a tiring day. The overall atmosphere of the Varg was very stimulating and joyful.

Overall the Yuva Varg was a fun filled but at the same time an intense learning period of two and half days where yuva karyakartas from all over the country came together, exchanged ideas and went back with new motivations to work as Sangh karyakartas. Hopefully the Varg will provide the ideal platform for all of us to achieve our goals to maintain quality, systems and regularity in our yuva shakhas and work in the direction of executing a successful SV150 in 2013.

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.