Teacher's Appreciation Event

Wilton Chapter of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS), hosted their annual Teacher’s Appreciation Event at Comstock Community Center in Wilton CT, hosting teachers, educations and coaches from various towns in Fairfield County. HSS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, non-political organization whose members engage in social work across communities in States in USA. HSS has 235 chapters across USA with 5 chapters in CT. Each year during the month of May, HSS celebrates Teacher Appreciation Day,’ which is referred to as “Guruvandana.” Guru, in Sanskrit, means “teacher, spiritual master, and mentor,” while Vandana means “salutations to the teacher.” It is an expression of love, gratitude, and reverence towards teachers. The event focuses on expressing gratitude to teachers for their contributions to the community by imparting knowledge and instilling moral values in the next generation.

40+ teachers, guests and their families joined the event. The chief guest hosted by HSS was Steve Hudspeth, who served as Chair of the Litigation Department at a major international law firm. The Honorable Mayor of Norwalk, Harry Rilling, joined the event and spoke about teaching being a noble profession and the important role teachers play in our society. Other guests attending the event included Cantor Harriet Dunkerley, a clergy member, and Pamela Ly from the Wilton Board of Education.

The event started with the lighting of the oil lamp, symbolizing the wisdom that teachers bring into our lives. Teachers then participated in light-hearted icebreakers and games, helping build camaraderie. This was followed by a story that showcases the vital role of a teacher in Hindu culture, which was followed by a short skit derived from one of the greatest Hindu epics~~-~~**—**the Mahabharata—performed by young children. The program also featured musical instrument recitals and singing performances by students of all ages.

The highlight of the event was the Teacher Felicitation Ceremony. One by one, each teacher was invited to the stage alongside the student who had nominated them. The student applied a tilak (a mark of vermilion) on the teacher’s forehead, then bowed before the teacher to receive blessings and best wishes.

During the teacher reflection segment toward the end of the program, many teachers expressed that they had never felt so honored or appreciated. The event provided them an opportunity to connect with teachers from different school districts, as well as connect with the local Hindu community. In addition, there were vibrant photo booths, Henna stations, and traditional clothing displays for guests to enjoy and try on. Finally, guests were treated to traditional homemade Indian food at the end of the event. HSS hosted this successful event to appreciate the teachers who play such a critical role in the success of children and would like to express gratitude to all the teachers, esteemed guests, and attendees for making this a memorable event.