Roseville HSS Hosts Guru Vandana Event Honoring Teachers

The Roseville branch of the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) and its Teen branch held a vibrant Guru Vandana event on Sunday, May 18th, 2025, at Maidu Community Center, Roseville. Organized under its project Hindu Education Foundation (HEF), the event brought together around 125 attendees, including 16 teachers and their families. It was graced by the presence of the Vice Mayor of Roseville, Mrs. Karen Alvord, Placer County Supervisor Shanti Landon, Rocklin Councilmember Mr. Bill Halldin, and Roseville Joint Union High School Board Member Mr. Bill Schuetz, marking it as a significant success.

A Warm Welcome and Cultural Performances
The program began with a heartfelt welcome to the teachers by MCs Amogh Shashital and Deepa Prasad. The event was officially inaugurated by the traditional deep-prajwalan, or lighting of the lamp, performed by Mr. Halldin, Mr. Schuetz, and Ashwini Kulkarni, HSS Regional Director for the Bay Area and Greater Sacramento region.

Following the inauguration, Manya Yanamandra recited the Ganesha shloka, a traditional prayer to initiate any proceedings, setting a reverent tone for the program. Prasad Mukkamala, the director of HSS Roseville introduced the Guru Vandana event by sharing an insightful perspective on the sacred relationship between a teacher and the student per Hindu philosophy. This was followed by cultural performances by A soulful rendition of 'Krishnashtakam' by young voices. Followed by teen performers offered a graceful semi-classical dance in reverence to Goddess Saraswati, the divine muse of knowledge and arts. An exuberant performance by the kids followed, filling the atmosphere with joy and rhythm. Next, the children took the stage once more to enact a meaningful skit highlighting the reverence of Guru Vandana".

Guru Vandana Teacher Felicitation
Prefacing the felicitation, a video presentation of each student expressing their appreciation to their teachers was played. The Guru Vandana ceremony was then conducted where each kid performed aarti (ceremony of light) and sought blessings from their teachers. Aarti signifies a deep sense of reverence, adoration and meditative awareness in Hindu culture. Mrs. Alvord, Mrs. Landon, Mr. Halldin, and Mr. Schuetz were also felicitated along with the teachers. The event concluded with an insightful talk by Ashwini Kulkarni on preserving and passing on our Hindu heritage to children and sharing Hindu culture to the broader community we live in.

The teachers and city council members shared heartfelt and encouraging feedback on the cultural exchange, especially praising the thoughtful portrayal of Guru Vandana. They appreciated how the students captured the essence of respecting and honoring one’s teachers through creative expression, highlighting the timeless relevance of this tradition. The educators remarked that such performances not only showcase talent but also nurture deep-rooted values, making the cultural exchange both meaningful and memorable.

Interactive Exhibits and Activities
After the formal festivities concluded, attendees explored the Darshana Exhibits, an informative display on Hindu civilization and culture. The event also included a photo booth where teachers and students enjoyed capturing memories in colorful traditional Indian attire such as lehengas, dupattas, vests, and pagadi or turban.

A popular attraction was the henna booth, where intricate patterns and designs were applied to delighted participants. The culinary offerings were equally enticing, with guests savoring traditional Indian snacks like gulab jamoon, samosa, and hot masala chai.

Community Engagement and Appreciation
The event highlighted the strong community engagement fostered by HSS, bringing together students, teachers, and families in a celebration of cultural heritage and educational contributions. The attending teachers expressed their gratitude for the recognition and enjoyed the immersive cultural experience.

The Guru Vandana event in Roseville exemplifies the HSS's commitment to honoring educators and promoting cultural understanding. It served as a joyful and educational gathering, reinforcing the values of respect and appreciation within the community.