The Sanskriti Mahashibir displayed the inspiring work undertaken by the HSS UK in its 50 years of existence in the country and their commitment to upholding the Hindu principles of equality and Sewa
Prerna Lau Sian
From July 29 – 31, the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh United Kingdom (HSS UK) celebrated their 50-year anniversary. The three-day Sanskriti Mahashibir celebration was concluded with a special Sanskriti Samarop which saw over 2,200 people attend. The grand occasion illustrated the achievement of the Hindu community in unifying and preserving some of our ancient traditions and values.
Both children and adults from all Shakhas throughout the UK came together to display musical, yoga and martial arts performances. A huge exhibition had been put together by hundreds of volunteers that took visitors back in time through the history of HSS. The exhibition showed the success of setting up HSS in the UK, which attracted the attention of senior dignitaries such as the then serving Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in 1990. It illustrated how the organisation had since expanded and developed, whilst also inspiring other partner organisations to grow such as the National Hindu Students Forum and Sewa UK.
The exhibition highlighted the charitable projects undertaken by HSS members throughout the UK and globally, including the large funds raised to help natural disasters both in Bharat and outside. Recent examples of funds raised by HSS include the earthquake in Nepal and the floods in Uttar Pradesh. Many walking through the exhibition felt a strong sense of pride and honour at the large amount of sewa undertaken by the Hindu community.
Chief Guest, Shri Mohan Madhukar Bhagwat, the sixth and current Sarsanghchalak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), spoke to a captive audience at the Samarop closing ceremony. Shri Bhagwat’s inspirational speech reiterated the basic Hindu principle of equality. He stated that “equality is our mantra and with equality we will progress together”. This notion is already practiced in India, which has long been a sanctuary for minorities persecuted in neighbouring countries. Shri Bhagwat also spoke about the beauty of Hinduism, which respects all other religions and doesn”t impose or enforce traditions and beliefs on others.
In line with Hindu dharma and as stated in the Bhagavad Gita, Shri Bhagwat reminded Hindus to fulfill their civic duty. He said that, “everyone in the Hindu society should bring together all activities and contributions for the good of society.” This notion is already evident from the great charity and educational work not only undertaken by the HSS, but also the RSS in India. He also reiterated that Hindu society is not about supremacy and that the “world is our family”. Only by working together and respecting one another can society progress and develop.
Overall, the Sanskriti Mahashibir displayed the inspiring work undertaken by the HSS in their 50 years of existence in the UK and their commitment to upholding the Hindu principles of equality and sewa. It was a humbling experience for all to hear the respected Shri Bhagwat speak on our ancient values which Hindu organisations in the UK and Bharat strive to uphold.
(The writer is a London based Barrister (NP), writer, broadcaster on Nusound Radio 92FM and is working in Investment Banking)
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