Kenya Chapter of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh Celebrates Vijayadashmi Utsav

As is the annual tradition of the Kenya Chapter of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) Vijaya Dashmi Utsav was held on Sunday 28th October 2018 at Jamhuri High School, Nairobi.

A marchpast consisting of 125 participants including the band commenced at Ram Mandir in Parklands and en route Jamhuri High School where the rest of the Utsav was to be held. It passed through various important religious landmarks like East Africa Satsang Temple, Jain Shwetamber Munisuvratswami Temple, Shree Vishwakarma Mandir, Mangal Mandir and Shri Digamber Jain Mumukshu Temple, who accorded the procession a lot of warmth, encouragement and blessings. The reaction from the crowds along the way was just as rich with good tidings as from the temples.

After a refreshment break at Jamhuri High School and upon all the guests being settled, the rest of the Utsav commenced.

Demonstrations of Yoga (Men’s Wing; ages 6-65), Martial Arts & Dumbells (Women’s Wing – mixed age groups), Yoga by Bal Gokulam (3 – 6-year-old children) and Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) by all.

In keeping with a balance between physical and intellectual, our Honourable Chief Guest, Shri Sathyamoorthy Rajagopalan addressed the gathering with appreciation and touched on the importance and meaning of Vijaya Dashmi. An address was also given by the Karyawaha (Secretary) of HSS Kenya, Shri Divyeshji Parmar, who had specifically travelled from Mombasa to be a part of the Nairobi Utsav. Of utmost importance, he presented the ideologies of HSS and Vijaya Dashmi about the modern day. The essence of Vijaya Dashmi is the fight of good over evil; of enlightenment. In modern-day context, this relates to the challenges individuals, families and societies face regarding physical, mental and moral health along with the importance of bonding within families for the younger generation to create socially responsible individuals. An example he mentioned that resonates worldwide today, is that families within the same house only get together when wi-fi is unavailable!

With the demonstration involving the marchpast, the martial arts, yoga, dumbbells etc., along with the 15 members of the band, all in sync, a feeling of unison is imbibed within all the individuals – those participating and those spectating. It shows a united force moving in synchronised harmony towards a common goal, unwavering and incapable of being defeated. It encourages physical fitness, teamwork, discipline and focus. In similar fashion, the addresses made enable sharpen the intellect, the spirit and improve clarity in thought and vision. In it’s simplest form, the Utsav itself, from inception to completion, demonstrated the success of a collaborative effort!

All in all, another successful Utsav that had around 150 participants from HSS (including two from HSS London, England and one from HSS Perth, Australia) and 250 members of the public. Amongst others, taking the time out of his busy schedule was Shri Kamalji Gupta (Chairman, Hindu Council of Kenya) & Jayendra Malde( MCA Parklands /High ridge Ward ) to support and encourage all those involved in the Utsav.