Dharma Bee national contest in the US
Hindu Swayam-sevak Sangh organised a unique rather first of its kind event in the US recently to celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. The event, named as Dharma Bee, was also part of 120th anniversary of Swami Vivekananda’s trail blazing speech at the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago. The event, which drew well over 3,000 children from around the country, concluded in Chicago on June 15.
The Dharma Bee tested students’ knowledge about Vivekananda and other Hindu leaders in a written test, oral presentation and team project. More than 130 children, short-listed from regional competitions, were invited to participate in the final round on June 15. Distinguished panel of judges from Chicago area as well as from around the US evaluated the contestants. Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh in collaboration with the Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago organised the final round. The first Hindu Congresswoman, Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii and Swami Ishatmanandaji of Vedanta Society Chicago were chief guests for the prize distribution ceremony held at Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago on June 16.
Congresswoman Gabbard said Dharma Bee was not just a competition to win a medal or title as the children have taken to their hearts the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and have found a way to understand the message. They did not do it because mom and dad asked them to do so, but they have realised and learned the lessons of the Bhagavad Gita themselves. The children have found the wisdom in the words of Lord Krishna and that the key for perfection and happiness in life lies in the Gita, she said.
Swami Ishatmanandaji of Vedanta Society Chicago said Dharma Bee goes to good things like honey bee goes to the choicest of flowers and pick the best. HSS conducts a structured values education programme through its 150 chapters nationwide to develop strong character and teamwork and leadership skills and to organise a dynamic and flourishing Hindu-American community.
—Bureau Report
