FREE Yoga event at London Trafalgar Square

Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh and Hindu Sevika Samiti in support of the High Commission of India present a unique opportunity fo this years International Day of Yoga.

Yoga in the heart of London – Trafalgar Square

Date: Tuesday 20th June
Time: 3pm to 8pm
HSS presentation: 5.20pm to 5.40pm

Register your attendance and for a chance to be amongst the 40 participants in the designated Yoga Zone in front of the stage during our presentation.

https://hssuk-idy2017.eventbrite.co.uk

Please also let us know and share with friends and family on our event on Facebook

On Friday 2nd June 2017, Rob Wilson, the Conservative MP for Reading East visited Reading Shakha & Balagokolum.  It was a great opportunity for the swayemsewaks to interact and get a glimpse into the life of a Member of Parliament.  He was appointed Parliament Under Secretary of State at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport but currently canvassing votes for re-election.   Lately, he had been participating in a number of grueling hustings events and some full-on media interviews but our group had decided to welcome the guest for a light hearted and a jovial session at the same time extol the virtues of some of our activities such as Yoga and Meditation which could aid him during this arduous period.

Our Public Relations representative (Sampark Pramukh), Shree Narendraji, kicked off the session with a summary of his biography encompassing his education, political career and outside interests including business entrepreneurships and even book writing.

Our area coordinator (Vibagh Pramukh), Shree Yogeshji, gave a brief on over 50 years of HSS in the UK, the activities it conducts through weekly gathering of Shakha and values it promotes on Sanskaar, Sewa and Sangathan in the society

Thereafter, the floor was given to Rob-Ji to say a few opening words.

After University, he always wanted to go into business and make lots of money, not necessarily one but a number of different ones. He enjoyed the thrill of being an entrepreneur and never wanted to work for anybody else and made his name by building up several small businesses.   He got into politics by accident – he stood for local council and got elected; subsequently, he got elected to parliament and as he got more involved, it was impossible to manage the businesses so he sold them and became a full-time politician. When we commented that he was like a forthright capitalist Indian who loves running businesses.  His befitting reply was that he felt like an honorary Indian.

The question and answer session revealed a number of further facts about his life and his passions.  The parents and children had an opportunity to quiz him on a number of topics; ranging from his favourite subject, sport and music taste to environmental issues.  His interest also included projects to improve the local transport infrastructure, enhancing the healthcare with world-class specialist care services to providing parents with a choice of school types such as Grammar’s and Academy’s to University Tutorial colleges.

Although, many teenagers would not be able to vote in this General Election, if was refreshing to observe the level of enthusiasm shown in this country’s democratic process. Indeed, we do not support any political party, yet exposing these youngsters during their formative years to such meetings may help alleviate any misgivings that may hold about going into politics in the future.

North London Sampark Pramukh Sumitji Joshi coordinated signing up 16 organisations who run youth activities.

These like-minded organisations came together to collaborate and share their experiences in working with children and youth. This was reinitiated in this forum to develop dialogue and share thoughts, concerns and ideas around child development and address some of the key challenges that we all face today and will continue to face in the future.

Organisations such as Chinmaya, ISKCON, Shishukunj, Oshwal, HSS UK, Jain School, Avanti schools and Samiti participated in the inaugural quarterly meet to collaborate, share and learn from each other.

Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS UK) & Hindu Sevika Samiti UK wish you all a Happy International Day of Yoga!

We had a very successful celebration at Trafalgar Square yesterday, which was well managed, executed and created a truly befitting atmosphere.

A real sense of community and harmony was created, and one that showcased India’s wonderful gift of Yoga that has been shared to all corners of the world.

It was a pleasure to have partnered with the High Commission of India on this celebration and we give special thanks to the IDY team for the hard work and support given.

HSS UK’s message was that of peace and unity, and one that transcends generations. The essence of family and feeling the whole world is one family, provides the foundations of true harmony, and it was wonderful to see so many participating together as one in the Suryanamaskar and Yog-asana presented.

Our participants, and in particular the youth, had a wonderful time and returned energised and inspired.

Our best wishes on the continuation of the celebrations on today’s official International Day of Yoga.

International Day of Yoga 2017 was celebrated in Rugby at Caldecott Park on Sunday 18th June.

The first session started at 9.30am with a prayer, then general stretching which was followed by thirteen Suryanamaskars with mantras, followed by five types  Prayanaams- Bhastrika, Agni, Kapalabhati, Anulom Vilom and Bhramari.

The session was finished off with three Omkars.

The second session started at 10.30am taken by Patenjali Yog Peeth instructor Dr.T.Jotengia. He went through the warmups, stretches, Asanas and Prayanaam and at each stage explaining, the reasoning and benefits of each of the movements. This session was finished with a prayer and a question and answer session.

The third session started at 1.30pm and was taken by a Paul Thompson a member of RAYS (Rugby Area Yoga Society). Paul showed various Asaanas with concentrating and focusing on breathing during each of the movements.

The day was sunny and warm and attended by nearly one hundred and forty people throughout the day and came from all walks of life, the age varied from 7 to 95yrs old who attended and enjoyed by all.

On the 24th of June Slough’s Abhimanyu Shakha, Sita Shakha & Balgokulam Slough had their annual beach trip to Bournemouth. This year they were also able to celebrate International Day of Yoga 2017 with a coach of 50 swayemsevaks and sevikas down to Beach.

With a 7am start, sleepy faces were very much expected, but the excitement of the coach trip and the Vada Pav made by Samiti dispelled those early morning blues. The journey started with the Sangh Prarthana and then onto a game of BINGO, with everyone hoping luck would be in their favour to win the prize. A guessing game of the distance from Slough to Bournemouth in kilometres ensued, without cheating of course (no googling).

Arriving at a windy Bournemouth with most of the beach empty and therefore happily claimed it to start a quick warm-up and stretches. There were then over 2 hours of extensive Shakha Khels; Kho-Kho, Dodgeball, races and many more shaareirik activities. Details and commentary provided by 19 year old Hull University student and Sevika Chaitra Dinesh.

Here is a fantastic write-up by 16 year old Swayemsevak Bhushan Dadarkar –

There’s no place like Aum

24th June 2017 is a day that will be etched in the memory of Slough Shakha Swayamsevak’s and Sevika’s. After an action-packed coach journey packed with games that all the family could partake in, and the wonderful food that had been so lovingly prepared by the many families. Spirits were high as we rolled into Bournemouth and despite the early start, everyone was bouncing with excitement.

On arrival, in honour of International Yoga Day, which had just happened 3 days before, our Karyavaha, Ajay Murudkar, decided we should have an impromptu yoga session on the beach and it seemed that the decision to lug the gargantuan speaker system up the hill and through the sand to our position was vindicated.

Despite some groans from the younger members of the group, everyone made their way to an open space. We started with some light stretching before getting into the main event. To say that the speaker system was loud would be a gross understatement of astronomical proportions. Some Swayamsevak’s in Slough could have participated in the session! Swiftly after the volume was turned down to the extent that only the whole beach could hear us, we began. We started with some simple poses such as Vrksasana and Dhanurasana, but everyone was keen to stay off the floor. We followed up with some Virabhadrasana and finished off with Suryanamaskar.

Throughout this, there were some youngsters in the back who were seemingly sinking into the sand as the had sand up to their shins. It transpired that they had been putting sand over their feet and then making it look like the sand was swallowing up. Simultaneously pictures were constantly being taken by our diligent photographer, and the Mukya Shikshak making sure that no matter where the camera was, he could be seen with ease. This turned into a running joke throughout the day as it got to the point where he would get out in games so he could have photos taken of him.

On finishing the Yoga, we all took a well-earned break have been stretched thin, literally for some people. However, we all really loved the Yoga and will remember it for years to come as a fond memory of our Shakha.

Article by Dr Harsha Jani

International Day of Yoga 2017 celebrations off of the coast of St Thomas, in the Eastern Caribbean, onboard the Cruise Ship Oasis of the Seas.

The ancient practice of yoga, pranayam and ayurved is deeply intertwined with  panchmahabhuta , the five elements water, air, earth, fire and space.

I had the rare privilege of celebrating International day of Yoga at sea. The visual connect with the vastness of the sea made this yoga day a spiritually blessed day for me.

I was attending the first of three yoga sessions while cruising the Eastern Caribbean onboard ‘ Oasis of the Seas’. Whist talking to Yoga teacher Mick at end of the session, I suggested we could have a special International Day Yoga  celebratory session the following day.  He was delighted with the suggestion. So, a Yoga class on the helipad 18°20′N 61°55′W  off the coast of St Thomas part of the American Virgin Islands was to take place on 21st June. 

 

It was a beautiful morning, a group of 22 yoga students form eight different nationalities collected our yoga mats and made our way to the helipad on deck 7 with Mick, our instructor.  As the heavy door was opened, the view of the monumentally large body of water, the sea,  on the forward end of the ship on this beautiful morning was  just phenomenal. 

 

After settling ourselves on our yoga mats in padmasan or sukhasan, we chanted ‘Aum’. Immediately there was calmness, divinity in the air. The sound of the waves, the humming sound of Aum was totally relaxing. Postures including surya namaskar, ustrasan, virbhadrasan, paschimottanasan bhujangasan, trikonasan,  balasan and navasana and postures from hatha yoga were performed in harmony.  For me, the most challenging posture was performing vrikshasan in a ship that was rocking gently as it navigated the waves. No matter how hard I tried to focus, I just kept tilting to one side and loosing balance, but I was not alone!! Laughing at this mishap was also part of this celebratory yoga day.

After an hour and ten minutes of yoga we ended with chanting of Aum and namaste. This was a spiritually fulfilling, energising experience in the vicinity of  nature. A day which will be totally engraved in my memory, a day I will savour. A blessed day.

Yoga & Sewa day is a very popular event in Basingstoke. All the communities in Basingstoke eagerly look forward to this event. The event has yoga activity and a charity cricket tournament in which teams from different parts of South West England complete against each other. Each year the event has got bigger and better.

The preparation for this event started with forming groups on whatsapp for easy communication. A detailed plan was laid out in the karyakarta baitak and task was assigned to all karyakartas. This time the support was further strengthened by our Sevika Samiti who were very keen to help the event to be a big success. They took the responsibility for food preparation for the event and managing the activities on the day of the event. A team of 15 karyakartas and swayamsevaks dedicated their time and efforts for this event.

Yoga & Sewa day event is a popular event in Basingstoke and has been conducted successfully for many years. Different communities were encouraged to participate in the yoga session and also to enrol their team in the competition. The aim was to bring people from different cultural groups together for this event so that the tournament is very interesting. Nine teams decided to participate in this tournament. All the teams were encouraged to provide opportunities to children and women into their team. Balagokulam managed to enrol 3 teams namely Balagokulam A, B & C team. Regular patron like the Lower Earley Eagles and CKS A & B team had participated too. This time we had new members join us from Newbury and they had enrolled 2 teams (Newbury Indian A & B). We had continued support from the cricket club who were kind enough to provide us with the pitch and other facilities that were required for the tournament.

A total of 100+ players participated in the tournament with their families pushing the total number of guests to 200+. Sevika Samiti members had many discussions on the food preparation, activities for the event and the tasks were listed out and assigned to all the Sevikas. Banners, posters, printed T-shirts were ordered for the event.

Finally, the day had arrived. Sevika Samiti members headed to the Carnival Hall at 5:30 in the morning to prepare the food, snacks and other refreshments for the event. Food preparation was completed at 8:30 in the morning. A separate team of KaryaKartas were organising the tents and stalls for the event at the venue. All the members and guest arrived on time for Yoga. The enthusiasm to be part of the world yoga day was very high and the yoga mats were out. More than 30+ participants had joined for the yoga session. The yoga event was led by West London Vibhag Shareerik Pramukh from Slough Shakha. The session started off with stretching exercise and slowly shifted gear with some good asanas. Children enjoyed different poses and asanas. Their supple and flexible body was put to a good test by veerabadrasan. Finally, the Surya Namaskar with Shlokas and Mantra was performed to complete yoga session.

Slowly the cricket teams started to trickle in for the charity cricket event. It was exciting to see all the participants in cricket gears. The teams were rearing to go and started to practice on the pitches. Three pitches were setup for the tournaments to run 3 matches in parallel and the pitches were named after popular battle fields from Indian history like Kurukshetra, Haldighat & Saraighat. Ambitious plan to conduct a league with 14 matches with 9 teams was made. Each team had 3 matches at league stage. The top 4 teams would move on to semi-finals. All the participating team had only one goal that was to beat the defending champions the Lower Earley Eagles. After a little bit of hustle, the tournament started with 3 matched in flight at the same time.

Sevika samiti members had cooked sumptuous for the day. The foods were neatly arranged, bouncy castle was setup, stalls like face painting & mendhi were setup. The guests started to arrive in large numbers and all the volunteers were busy attending the guests. Kids were excited with the games stalls and the bouncy castle. Some of the stalls were managed by bal and balikas. The guest were charged for the activities and food and all the proceeds would go to charity. The event was in full swing and all the volunteers were busy. The plan and preparation was impeccable and the result was evident in the seamless conduct of the event. People enjoyed the tasty meals prepared by our sevika samiti. Kids enjoyed the games that were conducted and tiny tots were extremely busy on the bouncy castle.

Each person participating in the cricket match contributed £10 as registration money. The entire proceeds would be donated to Sewa UK. The teams fought hard against each other in the league stage and 4 teams progressed to the semi-finals. Surprisingly, both the teams from Newbury had reached the semi-finals.  Balagokulam A team played well to reach the semi-finals. Lower Earley Eagles had moved to semi-finals winning all their league games. The other 3 teams in semi-final had only one goal and that was to defeat the Lower Earley eagles. Newbury Indians after hard fight were knocked out of the tournament by LEE & BG-A.  The final encounter was as exciting as an India Vs Pakistan finals. Balagokulam A team had fought extremely hard but lost to LEE. The tournament was won yet another time by Lower Earley eagles. Prizes & memento were distributed.

The event was a grand success with more than 200+ people attending. The participants thoroughly enjoyed the day and had a wonderful time. People left the venue with a very happy face but with lots of reluctance. All of them thanked the organising team for putting together a wonderful and well planned event.

We would like to say a big thank you to all the karyakartas, swayamsevaks and sevikas who organised this event, as without their help and hard work, Yoga day wouldn’t have been a wonderful and successful event. We anticipate the collection to touch £2500 and the contribution net expenses are earmarked for Sewa UK charity.

On Friday 14th July 2017, teachers from primary and secondary schools across Reading and Wokingham Borough joined their pupils to celebrate Guru Purnima (Teachers Day festival).  The festival is traditionally celebrated by Hindus, Jains and Buddhists to pay their respects and gratitude to their spiritual and academic teachers.

The event was organised at Reading Temple by Reading Hanuman Shakha, a registered charity which organises weekly session encompassing physical, spiritual, cultural and charitable activities.

It was sheer joy to see the children give an inspiring presentation on activities they have been involved with embracing our guiding principles of Sanskars (life values), Sewa (selfless service) and Sangathan (community spirit).

The icing on the cake was an exceptional session on Laughter Yoga. Even, our public relations officer, rarely one for participation, was up on his feet for the finale.

As recognition for the hard work that the teachers do throughout the year and the contribution they make to their pupil’s holistic development, the children gifted the teachers a handcrafted wooden box and a thank you card.

At the end of the event, everyone was treated to delicious Indian food prepared as well as a tour of the Hindu temple with an exhibition on Hinduism.

Mr Johnson, headteacher of Maiden Erlegh School in Reading commented: “How incredibly powerful it is to be thanked and if we had more thanks in our community generally, then our community might be a better place to live”.

Opportunities present themselves in wrappers unknown, who knew that accepting Dhiraj Bhai’s Facebook friend request would do just that.

I’ve been attending Shakha since I was around 8 years old, over 2 decades of being part of our selfless family.
I actually recall my first Shakha; I used to go to cubscouts and for some reason one Friday evening, my mum took me to Abhimanyu Shakha in Slough. I was blown away, this was basically Hindu scouts, we had a flag, a pack leader, played games and sat and talked, all with a Hindu twist. I felt welcomed, energised and had previously met a few of the swayemsevaks at the local Mandir.

My regular Shakha attendance hadn’t been so regular since attending university, getting back into it after getting a full-time job, post university, isn’t the easiest task. I came back a few times to deliver some bauddhiks and also took a major role in Slough’s SV150 event, which was hugely successful.

It wasn’t till I attended full-time, in the karyalaya, at SSMS Mahashibir 2016 did I reconnect properly with Sangh. A true revitalization of everything our samaj stands for and the selfless efforts to promote it.
Since SMS, I’ve been more active in Sangh, nationality networking further, taking on the karyalaya at SSV 2017 and also playing a prominent role on the website and Facebook group, silently, selflessly.

In the last few years, I’ve been travelling a fair amount and documenting my travels, plans and experiences on my personal blog site; http://spreadwisdom.co.uk

Anyone that has Dhiraj Bhai on Facebook knows he is fairly savvy with it, comments, likes and interacts with our Sangh online. I bumped into him at our Khel competition in Birmingham where he urged me to let him know future plans to travel, to carry out some international sampark. This is a great idea and through the experience of being part of other international organisations, I’ve really felt the benefits of global communities, adventure, networking and cultural assimilation.

I started writing this post from Toronto, Canada where I was visiting family, attending my nephew’s 1st birthday party and conducting some business meetings.

A few days prior, I was near Brampton and went along to a Shakha at Thorndale Park. The swayemsevaks were not expecting me, but after a quick parichay, they quickly understood and recognised a fellow karyakarta.

The younger swayemsevaks had a Khel session whilst I had a charcha with the rest, we spoke on each others experiences of Sangh, camps, compared sankhiya numbers and what works for different communities, on which days, of course RamJi got a deserved mention for his ability to travel the world of Sangh!

I implore all fellow swayemsevaks and sevikas to take the next step, do something further, challenge yourself to see what you can do for our samaj, selflessly. Opportunities present themselves in wrappers unknown.

Tonight we head down to SSV, where tomorrow hundreds of swayemsevaks will arrive, register and begin an exciting week of khel, charcha, geet and further their understanding of this family to become effective leaders of our samaj.

My favourite 2 Sanskrit shlokas:

Ekam sat vipra bahudha vadanti; The truth is one, wise men call it by different names

Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam; The Whole World is One Family

Hindu Youth Group, created bonds for Peace and Social Harmony

Members of the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh and Hindu Sevika Samiti (HSS UK), two local Hindu youth groups, today celebrated the annual Hindu festival of Raksha Bandhan in a unique way with the firefighters at Langley Fire Station.

Raksha Bandhan is a Hindu festival traditionally has been explained as the marking the respect and affection between brothers and sisters. Raksha means protection, Bandhan means bond. On this day, traditionally, sisters tie a colourful ‘Rakhi’ (sacred thread) on the wrists of their brothers. Sisters believe that this will bring success, peace, and good health to their brothers throughout the year. Brothers on their part take a vow to protect their sisters, and as a symbol of their love give gifts to their sisters.

As with much of Hindu philosophy, it is the symbolism that is everlasting if articulated appropriately and HSS UK has been at the forefront of articulating the values symbolised in a modern and practical way. This year therefore they articulated the raksha bandhan theme of mutual respect and protection by taking tying rakhis to the brave firefighters of the Emergency services

As a HSS UK volunteer explained at Langley Fire Station “In broadening the concept, the festival also celebrates those values we know to be exemplified by our Emergency Services personnel. People who step out each and every day, with the sole intent to serve and protect the lives of citizens, us. This year, like every year before it, the work of our emergency services teams stands out as beacons of hope for us all, for the good in our societies, and as role models for our generations to follow.

This year, we would like to extend the ethos of this festival by tying this Rakhi personally to you as members of our Emergency Services to Thank You for all that you do for us. In turn, we’ll be taking a vow to try to serve the community as you do and learn from all the immense contribution you make, to make our lives safer.”

Graham Hartley- the Crew Manager of Red Watch at Langley Fire Station said that this was a first for him and commented “This is a unique festival which is new to us at the Fire station but it demonstrates how Hindus in UK are working cohesively in promoting peace and harmony in the wider society and festivals such as Raksha Bandhan remind everyone of the true spirit of service and sacrifice for the welfare of the society we live in.” he continued “ the ethos of Unity in Strength and Diversity which the HSS UK volunteers emphasised today is one which the emergency services would hope is promoted throughout society and is one that is at core of our work in the emergency services. If the community works together with us then there will be a lot less issues even when emergencies arise.

HSS UK has been promoting the fact that this festival symbolises the basic element of an amicable and harmonious social life where all members of the society look upon themselves as brothers and sisters. It reflects the great Hindu belief of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the whole world is one family).

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One of the 13 Year old Swayamsevak’s write up on the Visit –

On Sunday 13th August, after our regular Shakha and Khel, we made our way down to Langley Fire Station. We had a very clear purpose: to tie a Rakhi to the firemen as a token of appreciation for all that they do for us, and also to celebrate the Hindu festival of Raksha Bandhan. When we got there, we were very surprised to find out that they had a gym inside the Fire Station. We also later found out that they had a tower that they use for training purposes. We also got to see some very interesting gadgets that they use for their job.

Then, we had a ceremony where we tied a Rakhi to all of the firefighters that were onsite. After that, they showed us their new fire engine, that was bought 2 months ago. They then told us about the daily life of a firefighter, and we got to see the real drill that they use whenever there is an emergency. They told us that they had to get ready and be out of the station in less than 100 seconds! We also got to see inside the brand-new, very well-equipped fire engine. Overall, the experience was very enjoyable and memorable, which gave us an insight into the firefighters lives and how they manage to do so much for us. -Vedant Dubey

Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (UK) Woolwich Shivaji and Pannabai Shakhas, took part in SKS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (East London) 30th anniversary street procession (Nagar Yatra).

Swayamsevaks and Sevikas participated with full Ghosh band for a duration of 3 hours.

In addition, Baal and Kishore Swayamsevaks dressed up as Hindu Gods and great personalities such as, Shri Krishna and Swami Vivekananda.

Ashish Channawar, with his family and the other residents from Wellington House, were evacuated from their homes recently. There were strong chemical smells late at on a Sunday night when the incident occurred. Close to midnight, the emergency services were out and the residents were being moved into a nearby hotel.

The residents were not able to go back to their homes for the night, some without wallets, keys, clothes or other essentials. Our swayemsevak was interviewed by the local paper, where he described the night that “nobody wants” He went on to praise the efforts by Swindon Hindu Temple and the British Red Cross.

Ashish is a founding member and Executive Committee member of Swindon Hindu Temple and a zonal coordinator for HSS UK and commended the ‘immense community spirit’ the residents showed during this trying time.

Fortunately, there was no fire or smoke, the fire services and the Swindon Borough Council indecent team were suspicios of the smell and called in an advanced team to investigate further, locking off the building at 1am.

Once the hotel was full, the council’s civic centre provided emergency accommodation. The next day, Ashish and team from Swindon Hindu temple co-ordinated efforts to transport them all and also feed them lunch.

Ashish said: “It was highly distressing time for residents of Wellington House, as young children, pregnant ladies and elderly people were out of their homes on Sunday night without any preparation due to emergency evacuation.

“However, the incident showed an immense community spirit where people supported each other, co-operated with the investigation team, and provided all the information and support needed for the investigation.”

Leicester Nagar organised a Wales Adventure Weekend on 18th – 20th August where 9 swayamsevaks implemented and demonstrated what we learn in Shakha, i.e. Sanskaar, Sewa & Sangathan, in a fun and active manner.

The venue was Pontypool, Wales where the swayamsevaks participated in 2 days of hard and exhausting physical and mental outdoor activities, namely, caving, co-steering and walking for 12 miles.

In order to successfully complete the challenges, all the participants had to support each other and overcome personal individual challenges such as fear of height, water, the dark and insects.

Overall, it brought the group closer together and the life-long relationships will continue to grow!

Photos Link for anyone to see – https://photos.app.goo.gl/imOSmLzKxe2QK4nb2

Leicester Prahalad Shakha, Samiti and Balagokulam Leicester Raksha Bandhan Utsav

On Sunday 27^th August, Leicester’s Prahalad Shakha along with Leicester Samiti and Balagokulam celebrated an innovative Raksha Bandhan Utsav.

This utsav gave a deeper understanding and a modern context to our celebration.  We learnt that it is not just the siblings that give us protection, but a festival that symbolises the good relationship we hold with various people who fight for our well-being, like the British Army soldiers to the Police that protect us in our daily lives.

Special guests PCSO Russell Kirby, PCSO Kerenza Patecka, Shameer Mehta (RAF) and Vivek (British Army) shared their thoughts on this auspicious day.  Their experience showed that no matter gender, age, race or educational background that we can all contribute to protecting our community.  PCSO Russell Kirby explained how his role is reliant on us.  We soon realised that we need to help them help us.  Communication showed to be a key issue and that we as citizens play a key part in protecting our society.

Shameer Mehta, an aircraft engineer in the RAF and the Vice President of the Armed Forces Hindu Network (AFHN), gave us an insight from an Indian and a Hindu perspective.  He told us statistics showing how the numbers of Hindus is rising and he encouraged us all the think about joining.  He gave many benefits to joining the Armed Forces.  He even mentioned how they give very cheap accommodation!  Vivek reinforced these benefits and went on to say how time off is given for religious events and personal development.
After the utsav, we were encouraged to mingle with the special guests.  This more informal talk helped us interact and get personal experiences.  The funniest call that PCSO Kerenza Patecka received was regarding children being too excited at a park!  Although funny for the children listening, this made us realise not to mess around too much!

Finally, we all made our way outside and had a chance to dress up as police officers, play around in the Police car and get a selfie with the Police and Armed Forces personnel.  This proved to be very popular, especially when we found the siren button in the car!

Overall, it was an inspiring day that helped us engage with those that protect us on a daily basis and helped us to understand a deeper meaning to Raksha Bandhan.

Harsh Patel

On Sunday 27^th August, 20 karkyakartas from across the East Midlands gathered at the Leicester Karyalay for a Sampark Abhyaas Varg.

Opening the varg, Shri Prakashji Nandha (Europe Karyawah) explained how sampark is the first pillar of Sangh.  From Sampark flow the other activities of Sangh.

Sampark means to connect or to be together.  For Sangh, sampark can take place on two important levels:

1) Within the Sangh Parivaar to motivate one another and to keep together, and,

2) With the Samaj which is broader outreach to society.

In this day and age of social media, face-to-face sampark came out as the 5-star method.  The varg continued with some role play as well as exploring the concept of what Samaj actually means to us and why we as swayamsewaks need to actively engage in Sampark.

Overall, it was a fruitful day that helped give focus to a primary pillar of Sangh.  The next step for us is to put our learning into action!

Over the summer, Hindu Sevika Samiti (UK) held a Balika Varg for 10-12 year olds.

Our Balikas did a range of activities to develop their inner & outer strength (shakti).

Navaratri is a time of celebrating Shakti.

Have a look at our Balika Varg video. Can you spot our Creative Shakti?

AN ANCIENT symbol of protection was given to Rugby’s firefighters by a local Hindu group.

Members of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh and Balgokulam visited Rugby Fire Station on Corporation Street to tie a Rakhi to the firefighters’ wrists as part of the festival of Rakhsha Bandhan.

The Rakhi, a simple but colourful thread traditionally tied to the brother by the sister, represents the community binding together and helping each other in times of need.

Children from the group were treated to a tour of the fire station and learned about the risky work the firefighters have to do.

The visit culminated in the distribution of chocolates, symbolising the group’s acknowledgement and respect for the immense sacrifices the fire services make for the community – and vowing to help if they are ever called upon. The firefighters were also presented with a scroll.

Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh and Balgokulam – who undertake community projects such as painting parts of St Cross Hospital and raising money for a vein scanner – meet weekly for physical and mental exercises mixed with cultural values. Meetings are open for all to attend.

The scroll presented to the firefighters:

Rakhsha Bandhan

(Pronounced Ruck-shaa Bun-dun )

This Hindu Festival traditionally sees the sister tie a decorative string called a Rakhi (pronounced Raakhee) on the right-hand wrist of her brother. The brother in-turn takes a vow to love, protect and help the sister in times of need. The Sister also, feeds a sweet to the brother symbolising that their relationship will be joyous and full of fun.

Every year, we Hindus in Rugby take the opportunity to tie a Rakhi to the Mayor who represents the local community where we take a vow to serve in any capacity we can. Over the years, we have raised thousands of pounds for local causes and we even have a ‘Sewa Day’; a day specially dedicated to provide physical help to people or organisations that need it without expecting anything in return.

This year we want to share this wonderful meaningful festival with those who risk their lives daily for the protection of ordinary people, especially in these troubled times. Who can forget those Grenfell Tower firefighters who entered the ill-fated building with toxic fumes and falling debris so that they can save others or PC Keith Palmer who challenged the terrorist outside the Houses of Parliament. Had he not intervened, there could have been more bloodshed but he helped prevent an affront to democracy. We also remember the Ambulances that rushed to the Manchester attack scene from all corners of the country so that they can save the lives of those affected.

We want to imbibe those values in our young so that they can follow the example of the Taxi Drivers who took the concert goers to their homes without charging or like the homeless man who offered comfort to those injured in the blast or perhaps just someone who can cheer up lives of the less fortunate.

By tying this Rakhi to you, we are thanking you for all that you do for us and in turn, we are taking a vow to try and serve the community as you do and learn from all the immense contribution you make to make our lives safer.

There is a famous Hindu saying – Dharmo Rakshathee Rhakshithaa (‘by protecting our values, those values help protect us’).