East Coast SSV 2001 - Press release

[Guest guest]

>"Vasant M PandavHSSmw" [hssmw] East Coast SSV 2001 -

>Press release Thu, 10 Jan 2002 11:06:55 -0800

>

>PRESS RELEASE:

>

>ANNUAL HINDU SWAYAMSEVAK SANGH CAMP

>

>The Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) organized its sixth annual camp (Sangh

>Shiksha Varg) from December 22-29, 2001. This much awaited event was held

>simultaneously at two places in the USA: Vraj (Schuylkill Haven - in the

>Blue Hills of Pennsylvania - East Coast) and Loma Mar, CA (on the West

>Coast).

>

>The East Coast camp at Vraj (www.vraj.org) was truly a rewarding experience

>for all the participants (32 shiksharthis, 13 shikshaks, 5 vyavastha and 10

>guests) , who learned about the Hindu way of life in practice and

>experienced the Sangh's atmosphere of discipline under the able guidance of

>learned and knowledgeable adhikaries. The focus of the camp was to

>inculcate Hindu values (samskars) in Hindu youth and develop a sense of

>identity, pride in their heritage and selfless service among Hindus living

>in American countries.

>

>The participants, who came from far away cities like Tampa, FL, Iowa City,

>IA and from many cities in Canada, were an eclectic mix of school and

>college students, professionals and businessmen. The activities at the camp

>were a delightful combination of bauddhik (intellectual) and

>sharirik(physical) activities, ranging from yoga, martial arts, games,

>stories, multi-lingual songs, shlokas, Sanskrit lessons, music lessons

>(Ghosh), lectures, debates, workshops and exhibitions on Hindu

>contributions in various fields. Activities were conducted group-wise, with

>different groups for children and adults. There was special emphasis on

>learning and team building in a fun filled environment. Special fun filled

>learning sessions were conducted after dinner where siksharthis were

>required to present on many topics of interests.

>

>Sri Swami Tattvavidananda (Arsha Vidya Gurukulam - www.arshavidya.org ) has

>given inaugural address explaining that Hindu Dharma stood the test of time

>and has simple solutions for many current complex world issues. Swami also

>emphasized that the need of the hour is to work unitedly to bring the past

>glory to the only living culture in the world for thousands of years. Dr.

>Shankar Rao Tatwawadi, the Samyojak of the Vishwa Vibhag of the HSS, who

>explained what is 'Hindu Dharma, Samskriti and Religion' and elaborated on

>'Invasions on Hindu society and lessons learned'. He stressed the

>importance of not only practicing Hindu Dharma but also being assertive

>about it.

>

>

>Other prominent speakers were Sri Rakshpal Sood (Karyavah of HSS, USA), Sri

>Arun Kankani (Sah karyavah of HSS, USA), Sri Stephen Knapp

>(http://www.stephen-knapp.com), Sri Vrindavan Parker

(http://www.vedicempire.net), Sri

>Swamy Aksharananda and Sri Dr. Manohar Shinde (Sah-Sanghchalak of the HSS,

>USA) who spoke on various important topics of interest on Hinduism, 'Sangh

>mission and methodology', 'Glimpses of Vedic history throughout the world'

>etc. to name a few. Besides, there were story sessions on 'Life of P.P.

>Keshav Baliram Hedgewar', 'Sikh Guru parampara' and 'Dr. Babasaheb

>Ambedkar' by Sri Sandeep Khadkekar, Sri Rakshpal Sood and Sri Arun Kankani.

>There were also special presentations by Sri Kanai Mukherjee (Cyber

>Grandpa) on how to create and present stories effectively using modern

>techniques.

>

>A few of the camp's many highlights were the participation of three

>generations of shikshathis (son, father and grandfather combination), 'USA

>born and brought up' shikshaks (trainers), bhajan and bhojan in the local

>temple, mauna bhojan (silent lunch), multi-lingual songs competition and

>Manoranjan Sabha (cultural program) organized by the participants. The

>grand finale of the HSS camp was the Samaarop (concluding ceremony) where

>participants demonstrated their skill in martial arts, yoga, yogchap, ghosh

>(band) and samata (drill).

>

>Sri Vrindavan Parker says "Seeing the enthusiasm of the participants, who

>varied in age, profession and background, yet all in sync, has been a great

>eye opener. As a person from an American background, yet raised in the

>ancient Hindu tradition, I have at times felt lost in between two diverse

>worlds. A part of both yet not completely belonging to either. However, my

>e xperience at the camp, has given me a new sense of identity and has

>confirmed that I am a non-Indian Hindu born in America. True Hinduism,

>recognizes no artificial caste nor demands a national identity of its

>followers. The spirit of the camp was imbued with this feeling and I was

>honored to participate. Due to the efforts of the RSS and associated

>groups, we, Hindus, can be confident of our future".

>

>To paraphrase the words of various participants, the annual HSS Sangh

>Shiksha Varg was a unique experience where all the participants grew as

>individuals and made lasting friendships while learning about Hindu culture

>and values in a fun filled, family like atmosphere.

>