'Universal Oneness Day' with Livermore Police and Fire Department.

Livermore, CA – August 21, 2024: The Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) Livermore chapter hosted a heartwarming 'Universal Oneness Day' celebration on August 21st, 2024, welcoming over 30 officers from the Livermore Police and Fire Departments to join in the festivities. This event brought together over 25 participants from the Hindu community, including children, for an event filled with camaraderie, education, and a celebration of cultural diversity. Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (also known as HSS) is a nonprofit socio-cultural Hindu organization with over 235 branches in 164 cities and 34 states. HSS Livermore fosters a sense of civic duty, care for the community, responsibility, volunteerism, and an understanding of selfless service through service activities and outreach projects such as a food donation drive during the festival of Diwali, a "Health for Humanity" yogathon, and a backpack drive for local students.

Hindus have traditionally observed Rakṣā Bandhana (pronounced ruck-SHAH bund-HUN) – also known as Rakhi, which symbolizes the bond of love, protection, and unity between brothers and sisters. The way brothers and sisters in a family look after each other, HSS believes that as members of one big universal family, we all must look after the wellbeing of our "brothers and sisters" in society and promote harmony. HSS celebrates Rakṣā Bandhana as the ‘Universal Oneness Day’ program to spread this message of universal oneness and care for each other.

Since 2004, members of HSS have visited city officials, lawmakers, Government elected officials, Police, and firefighters and appreciated their services in a Hindu way by tying a sacred thread 'Rakhi' on their wrists. Through these interactions, they showcase the vibrant cultural mosaic of our community and strive to nurture more robust relationships between the Hindu community and local authorities. These celebrations foster understanding, appreciation, and unity within our diverse society.

The highlight of the 'Universal Oneness Day' was the enthusiastic participation of the officers from the Livermore Police and Fire Departments, including both the Police Chief and Fire Chief. They expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the visit and were incredibly thankful that members of the HSS community brought their families to the department. The Police Department’s media representative noted that this was the first time such an event had been held at the department and described it as a humbling experience for all involved. The officers engaged in meaningful interaction with HSS members and showcased the police department facility and fire truck.

To make the day even more unique, the Livermore Police Department provided a tour of the entire facility, including the dispatch room. The tour, led by the Police Department coordinator, was both informative and engaging, particularly for the children in attendance, sparking their curiosity and interest.

A Livermore Police Department officer expressed his gratitude, stating, "It's wonderful to see such a strong sense of community here in Livermore. We are grateful for the opportunity to connect with our neighbors and learn more about their culture."

"This event represents a vibrant Hindu community and a celebration of diversity in our community," said an HSS volunteer. "We are thrilled to have the support of the Livermore Police and Fire Departments and grateful for their dedication to keeping our community safe."

As a testament to the success of the 'Universal Oneness Day' celebration, it highlighted the values of unity, cultural exchange, and community cooperation. The event's upbeat atmosphere and the warm reception from the Livermore Police and Fire Departments left a lasting impression, reinforcing the importance of building bridges across diverse communities.

In conclusion, the 'Universal Oneness Day' celebration organized by the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh Livermore chapter is a shining example of how cultural diversity can be celebrated and cherished within our community.

For more information about HSS Livermore, please visit their website at hssus.org.