Home > 2009 Issues > February 15, 2009

Pravasi Bharatiya Chicago recognition to Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh Naperville shakha of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) in Chicago received SNY 2009 proclamation on January 31 at the hands of Mayor of the City George Pradel at city hall. The Mayor handed over a beautifully ?rosewood framed? proclamation. The Mayor agreed to do a proclamation and a big event during Diwali this year. The Chief Fire Officer Mark Puknaitis was also present on the occasion, and he agreed to conduct a yoga session for over 200 firemen, just after the winter season. Fire officer also agreed to conduct a small awareness session for shakha kids. The Mayor and other city officers are helping Naperville shakha in all ways, such as Raksha Bandhan celebration, and over 300 people attended the candle light vigil after Mumbai terror attacks. Since the uniqueness of Hinduism and the culture as practised by Hindus has a significant contribution to make for the benefit of humanity, the HSS feels that it is essential for Hindus living in America to develop unity and harmony in their community to effectively promote these salient features. There are around two million Hindus in the US. Their contributions to the economic, social and cultural life are widely acclaimed. The HSS is inspired by the idea that the whole world is one family and conducts activities across the United States in order to spread this message widely. It was started in the United States in 1989 and today has over 100 weekly meeting centres across USA. Each chapter of the HSS is known as Shakha, a weekly programme for the entire family. While the kids enjoy learning in the Balagokulam, youth and adults participate in activities such as games, songs, discussions and lectures on Hindu culture. HSS strongly emphasises the physical, intellectual and spiritual growth of each individual and also promotes a sense of discipline. The HSS believes that in order to promote spiritual growth, a sense of unity with the environment and general well being is necessary. Therefore, yoga has been made an important part of the shakha programmes. There are a variety of games, including kabaddi and kho-kho that are played in the shakhas. (FOC)

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