Guru Vandana 2024•NapervilleAurora

The first week of May also indicates the celebration of Teacher’s Appreciation Week. Usually during this time, many students give their teachers precious things that they love, like chocolates or a mug with their favorite Disney character. Speaking on behalf of Indian Kids living in the US or any other country that is not connected to Asia in any form, it’s vigorous to learn or experience what our ancestors, grandparents, even our own parents did to appreciate their teachers. Teachers are held in high esteem in the Hindu culture and as Indians we want to acknowledge that by celebrating how they have gotten us to our goals.

On Sunday May 5th 2024, HSS(Hindu SwayamSevak Sangh) celebrated ‘Guru Vandana’ (in Sanskrit) or ‘Reference for Teachers’ translated back to English.

The event was attended by 80 IPSD Administrators/Faculty Members, including Clayton Mohammad (Aurora City Chiefs Communication And Equity Officer). Each grade level had put up some sort of activity connecting to our Hindu roots to teach our teachers. By way of illustration the elementary schools kids put on a skit of the importance of a ‘guru’ (teacher) in life, while the Middle Schoolers presented ancient Hindu values and beliefs, like the Bhagavad Gita* or Ayurveda*. The High schoolers ended the ceremony with dances for the teachers to follow along with.

Guru Vandana is a sensational event where we get to show our teachers who we actually are outside of school. It’s a good opportunity to show off as an Indian living in the US, what values we are carrying with us. The teachers were breath taken by us.

I was part of this experience and with Covid and moving cities I had missed a couple of Guru Vandanas. So this was my 4th Guru Vandana, and each year I am super excited to see what we planned for teachers, even if that means waking up at 7:30:AM on a Saturday for a last minute practice. Best of all you are working so hard with your friends and great mentors to put on a show of who you are really. So, you aren’t just some “Indian”. You are an Indian, who cares. Who loves. Who respects. And Who Shows Their True Colors.

*Bhagavad Gita~Indian Sanskrit Scripture. Similar to Bible

*Ayurveda~Ancient Indian Medicine