Parsippany Public School Teachers Thanked In Hindu Ceremony

PARSIPPANY, NJ — The Parsippany-Troy Hills-area chapter of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh recently conducted a Guru Vandana, or teacher appreciation event, to honor local teachers.

Students in the local chapter were able to invite their teachers to express their gratitude, respect, and reverence for the teaching and guidance they receive from their teachers.

The event took place at the Morris County Library in Whippany.

Children and teens invited teachers from the public school districts of Parsippany, Randolph, Denville, Rockaway, and Pinebrook. Judy Mayer, Vice President of the Parsippany Board of Education, and Andrea Zeydelis, a Denville Board of Education member, also attended the event.

Teacher Appreciation Week is observed in the United States during the first week of May. To commemorate this, HSS has been honoring teachers in a Hindu/Dharmic tradition called "Guru Vandana" for several years across the United States.

Guru is a Sanskrit word that means teacher, spiritual master, or mentor. Vandana is a greeting. It is an expression of love, gratitude and adoration for the teacher. Guru Vandana is an ancient Indian tradition that is still practiced today.

The Guru Vandana began with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, which is considered auspicious in Hindu tradition. The students then entertained their teachers by performing classical dances and reciting a few Indian songs.

Each student performed the "Guru Puja" or teacher’s worship, by applying Tilak (red dot applied on the forehead), performing thanks and worship to the teachers and sought their blessings by touching their feet.

Mayer addressed the group after the ceremony, which she described as "amazing, respectful, and very well organized." She then thanked HSS for demonstrating the importance of teachers in the community and society and praised the event's efforts.

All teachers were honored in accordance with Hindu tradition. As a token of appreciation, each honoree also received traditional gifts.

"The event was also an opportunity for the teachers to experience the culture of their students. Teachers loved different elements of the culture and rituals and were amazed by the children’s performance," the Morris County HSS said.

HSS is a 501(c)(3) voluntary non-profit cultural organization with over 250 chapters across the United States. HSS organizes service activities and community outreach projects to promote discipline, self-confidence, teamwork and the spirit of selflessness.

Learn more at www.HSSUS.org.