By Radhika Suda

Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA Inc. (HSS) concluded its inaugural event for its year-long observance of Swami Vivekananda’s 150th birth anniversary on January 12, 2013. HSS held inaugural events at over 100 locations nationwide attended by over 6,000 participants and guests.

The inaugural event marked Swami Vivekananda’s actual birthday on January 12, 1863. The Georgia Vibhag, chapter of HSS held the event at 7 different locations, Hindu Temple, Shakti Mandir, Global Mall, Art of living center in Roswell, Ivy League Academy in Cumming, IACA temple in Smyrna and in Alpharetta near wills park. The event included cultural performances, yoga demonstrations, and other activities. Speakers in these various places were Shri Pranab Lahiri of Vedanta Society Atlanta; Shri Ravi Ponangi, Editor in chief of India Tribune; Ms. Mona Joshi from Art of Living Center, The speeches on Swami Vivekananda by these learned guess mesmerized the whole audience. 



Among chief Guest were Shri Ian Boccio of Bhakti Messenger group of Atlanta, Shri Ian Boccio, spoke very inspiring words on Swami ji and his influence in American Lives and the eastern and western lives were connected and he was feeling blessed for being a part of such celebrations and felt that programs like this will bring the American Yoga practitioners and Indian together for bigger roles in future.

Various organizations that participated were Hindu temple Of Atlanta, Vedic Temple of Atlanta, Vedas USA inc, Vedanta Society Atlanta, Art of living, VHPA,

At Hindu Temple of Atlanta, the highlight for the day was Karanam Arjun, a young kid’s appearance as Swami Vivekananda and his speech.



Among other events the Ladies wing of HSS celebrated Swamiji’s 150 birth anniversary along with Haldi Kumkum on Makar Sankranti in very traditional way. Mrs. Sneha Mehta and Mrs. Anita Houde, gave very inspirational speech to all the women folks there on Dharma & Sankranti.

HSS will conduct other events in 2013 as part of its observance of Swami Vivekananda’s 150th birth anniversary. These will include the Dharma Bee, a nationwide quiz contest for children; programs for high school and college students, such as a traveling exhibit on Swami Vivekananda’s life visiting major university campuses and “Vacation with Vivekananda” excursions to locations where Swami Vivekananda visited during his travels in the United States; and a culminating “Dharma and Yoga Fest,” scheduled simultaneously on a regional basis to commemorate Swami Vivekananda’s groundbreaking address at the World’s Parliament of Religions in Chicago on September 11, 1893.


HSS conducts a structured values education program through its 150 chapters nationwide to develop strong character and teamwork and leadership skills and to organize a dynamic and flourishing Hindu-American community. For more information, visit www.hssus.org.