Intro : Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh volunteers tied rakhis to the policemen and firemen in California on August 30. More than 100 people joined the function celebrated as Universal Oneness Day.
Rakshabandhan, which is traditionally a celebration of bond between brother and sister, was extended further on to the community in the name of Universal Oneness Day. Netaji Shakha of Irvine, California, USA honoured the Firemen and Police officials at a very well organised Rakshabandhan Utsav on August 30. About 106 people joined the function of tying rakhis, which is a symbol of bond of protection. The function was organised by Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, USA.
The function began in a well-decorated hall with colourful Indian draperies, a table set with garlanded pictures of Bharatmata, Doctor Hedgewar, Shri Guru and Mausiji Kelkar. ‘Bhagwa Dhwaj’ was in the centre of the hall with decorations around. Shri Raj Kumar, Irvine/Cerritos Sanghachalak, Nine Firemen with 3 fire units and four Policemen, Shri Ramesh Prakash, Smt. Asha Sharma graced the function. Shakha began regularly with hoisting the Dhwaj, Ekta Mantra and Khel. The programme details were then announced and after a song a thoughtful bouddhik was delivered, briefing about the importance of Rakshabandhan to the community and Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh karyakartas.
The need to reach out to the community with the message of sharing a bond of protection was stressed along with some practical experiences, where Rakhi has played an important role. Rakshabandhan has helped in making friendship with the rivals by eliminating any bitter memories. First Rakhi was tied on the Bhagwa Dhwaj with a deep feeling that each of them would do their best to protect each other and the society as a whole, followed by tying Rakhi to USA flag, California Flag.
Chief Guests, Representatives of Fire Department and Police departments also expressed their views and lauded the efforts of HSS for bringing the community together and for celebrating this festival as a community event. They expressed their delight in watching the discipline and activities. Later the kids gave a handmade greeting cards made by all kids along with a flower and tied Rakhis on the guests.
One Fireman mentioned that he kept the last year’s rakhi in his locker to remind him of these innocent kids and he planned to do the same this year. A policeman praised the discipline that he observed at this function. Later all karyakartas tied rakhi on each other. The function was concluded by a delicious snacks served to all. Overall, Rakshabandhan was a big success with guests from Police, Fire, Sangh adhikaris and all Shakha families participation. Karyakartas did an excellent job in planning, organising and executing such a smooth and disciplined festival while spreading the message of Brotherhood and Hinduism.
