On Friday, the Hindu Spiritual & Service Foundation (HSSF) Seva Exhibition 2024, Hyderabad Chapter at the Nampally Exhibition Grounds in Hyderabad continued to promote the vision of a value-driven future Bharatiya society through unique cultural celebrations.
The day 2 was filled with inspiring and thought-provoking programs like in the morning, Kanyavandanam, in the afternoon, Prakruti Vandanam, and in the evening, Naari Vandanam programmes which conveyed the necessity of upholding social values not only to children but also to adults. Hundreds of students from the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad participated in these activities, embodying spiritual and ethical values and social responsibility leaving audiences both young and old amazed by their acts.
The highlights were as follows:
Kanyavandanam:
The Kanyavandanam ceremony unfolded as a profoundly moving experience, capturing the hearts of all present by honouring women as embodiments of the divine. HSSF organisers orchestrated this touching event with a heartfelt purpose: to awaken society to the timeless value of respecting and protecting girls and women.
In a beautiful and reverent atmosphere, young girls were seated in chairs while boys performed a ceremonial worship of their feet with turmeric, kumkum, and flowers, all while sacred Vedic mantras resonated through the air. This act wasn’t just symbolic—it was a reminder to the boys, instilling a lifelong respect for women as sisters, mothers, and divine figures.
The girls, visibly touched by this gesture, experienced a moment of deep honour and belonging, while teachers and elders watched with joy and pride. Dr. Ananthalakshmi, a prominent spiritual leader, captured the essence of this event, elaborating on the profound role of women as the bedrock of creation. Her words, paired with the ceremony, stirred a strong sense of reverence, resonating deeply with everyone in attendance.
Prakruti Vandanam
The Prakruti Vandanam programme that unfolded in the afternoon was a poignant reminder of our collective responsibility to cherish and protect the natural world—a duty more crucial now than ever amidst escalating global environmental challenges. The event highlighted the critical role of preserving our green cover, the very source of life-sustaining oxygen, essential for the survival of humans, animals, and all living beings.
In a touching display of reverence, students received saplings and conducted a heartfelt ritual, chanting “Om Vriksha Devatayai Namah” as they adorned the plants with flowers, turmeric, and kumkum. This sacred act wasn’t just a tradition; it was a call to instill a deep respect for nature and an awareness of the urgent need to protect it.
As the young participants took a solemn pledge to nurture their saplings, they embraced this act as a daily reminder of their role as custodians of the Earth. Carrying their saplings home, they symbolized a new generation’s commitment to safeguarding plants, trees, Gomata (the cow), serpents, water bodies, and Mother Earth herself. Additionally, they vowed to honour and protect the people who nurture and defend our society: their parents, teachers, women, and soldiers.
This ceremony left a profound impact on everyone involved, touching hearts and underscoring a shared sense of purpose—to respect and preserve our natural world for future generations.“The inclusion of nature worship in this Seva Exhibition is truly a noble initiative,” remarked Aurobindo International School Director, Chalamayi Reddy, as she highlighted the medicinal properties of plants. “We must recognize the wealth nature provides and work together to preserve it,” she added, emphasizing the profound health benefits plants bring.
Retired IFS officer R. Shobha, engaging directly with students, shared insights on the crucial benefits that resources like trees and water offer. “Our responsibility is to conserve these resources. Every effort counts,” she urged, resonating strongly with the young audience.
Inspiring the students further, Padma Shri awardee Vanajeevi Ramayya and his wife drew on the ancient wisdom, “Vriksho Rakshati Rakshitah” (The tree protects those who protect it), motivating them to stand as guardians of the environment.
Tree conservationist Dusarla Satyanarayana underscored this message with a powerful call to action, stressing the pressing importance of conserving nature for future generations.
Naari Vandanam (Mahila Samman)
The Naari Vandanam (Mahila Samman) programme, the grand finale of the second day, emerged as a unique and deeply resonant event, powerfully underscoring the role of women as the bedrock of both family and society. At a time when society faces unprecedented challenges to women’s safety and dignity, this programme stood as a moving reminder of the respect, protection, and honour that all women deserve for the welfare of society at large.
Presiding over the event, former Director General of MANAGE, Usha Rani, called upon society to elevate the status of women, condemning any form of disrespect or mockery as unacceptable. In her impassioned address, she urged everyone to understand that when women are safe, cherished, and honoured, the entire society flourishes.
Chief Guest S. Vijayabharati, acting chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission, India, emphasized the ideal of “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah” (“May all be happy”), reminding the audience that the mission to ensure equality and dignity for women is central to the cause of human rights. She candidly shared the nature of complaints her organisation receives, highlighting the pressing need to protect women’s dignity in all spheres and the invaluable contributions women make across all sectors.
In a thought-provoking keynote address, Gangadhara Shastri, Chairman of the Bhagavad Gita Foundation, drew from the Bhagavad Gita’s teachings on social responsibility and urged the audience to embody the profound respect for women embedded in Hindu Dharma. He voiced his concern that despite Hinduism’s immense strength, Hindus appear weak when they fail to honour the Dharma’s core values. He questioned the meaning of our existence if, having been born in India, we do not know at least one verse from the Bhagavad Gita, and if, as Telugus, we do not know at least one poem by Pothana. He invoked the patriotic example of Sri Rama’s reverence for his motherland and encouraged everyone to walk in his path. He asserted that the Vedas, Bhagavad Gita, and Upanishads are not retirement literature but are to be practised every day.
During his visit to the Seva Pradarshini exhibition on its second day, Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay praised the organisers, highlighting the noble work presented across nearly 180 stalls by various NGOs and institutions. Speaking to the media, he remarked, “This exhibition sheds light on the selfless service activities of these organisations, many of whom work tirelessly without seeking public recognition, unlike others who tend to promote their contributions widely. This event is dedicated to educating society about the true meaning of seva, or service.”
The Minister lauded the participation of notable organisations such as Isha Foundation, Mata Amritanandamayi Math, Patanjali, Jeeyar Trust, Seva Bharati, Saraswati Vidya Peetham, and Saksham. Each organisation has set up its stall to showcase the dharmic service they provide and their dedication to helping those in need.
“These 180 stalls exemplify the deeper spiritual and social responsibilities these organisations uphold,” he added. “This is an inspiring event that truly captures the essence of dharma and seva, reminding society of the profound impact of serving with compassion and purpose.”
