1

2

Dharma and Yoga Fest program (Page 15)

SV150 Launch program (Page 6) Dharma Bee contest for kids (Page 10)

Vivekananda Express field trips for university students (Page 13)

3

Swami Vivekananda 150th Birth Anniversary Celebrations

in the United States of America

2013

Published by

Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, USA Inc.

www.hssus.org

4

Preface 5

SV150 Launch 6

Poster Exhibition 9

Dharma Bee 10

Vivekananda on Campus 13

Dharma and Yoga Fest 15

Other Organizations 18

About Swami Vivekananda Swami Vivekananda, born Narendranath Datta

on January 12, 1863, was the first cultural am-

bassador of Hindu Dharma to the Western

world. Originally from Kolkata in India, Swami

ji was the foremost disciple of Saint

Ramkrishna Paramhansa.

In a short but eloquent speech at the World

Parliament of Religions in Chicago on Septem-

ber 11, 1893, Swami ji spoke on the universal,

pluralistic essence of Hindu philosophy. The response was unparalleled.

The first five words of Swami jis speech, Sisters and brothers of America,

evoked a two-minute standing ovation from the thousands of listeners. In

the months that followed, Swami ji traveled across America and Europe,

speaking about Hinduism, yoga, and Vedanta. Everywhere he traveled,

throngs of listeners gathered.

In his short lifespan of only 39 years, Swami ji accomplished a remarkable

amount . He founded the Vedanta Society and Ramkrishna Mission for

social service work. He continues to inspire millions of people to this day.

CONTENTS

The moment I have realized

God sitting in the temple of

every human body, the

moment I stand in reverence

before every human being

and see God in himthat

moment I am free from

bondage, everything that

binds vanishes, and I am free.

- Swami Vivekananda

5

PREFACEPREFACEPREFACE

The Year of Swami Vivekananda

Namaste!

It is with immense pleasure that I offer this booklet detail-

ing activities that we as the Hindu community organized

across the USA to commemorate Swami Vivekanandas

150th birth anniversary. To enjoy and pursue selfless acts

is a divine gift. As Sangh swayamsevaks / sevikas we have

been blessed with the opportunity to live a life based on

the noble ideals of Dharma and Sewa selfless service for

society. For Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh to celebrate the

birth anniversary of this great seer is like celebrating our

own ideals and vision.

Our true success lies in the fact that these activities attracted thousands of

families and community organizations, and impressed the entire American

society. More than that, we were fortunate to work with many like-minded

individuals and organizations that actively participated in SV150 events; we

worked hard shoulder-to-shoulder and together achieved our goal. On behalf

of HSS, I express my deep gratitude to all those who rejuvenated Swami jis

inspiring message.

The following pages of this booklet illustrate SV150 events held from January

to October 2013. It captures in words and pictures the nationwide success sto-

ries of our very unique childrens competition Dharma Bee, poster exhibition

on Swami ji, campus activities by Hindu YUVA, culminating events of Dharma

and Yoga Fest, and more.

HSS has always strived to bring the Hindu community together and develop

dedicated, active, and selfless volunteers for society. It is the true treasure of

our organization that we are blessed with countless volunteers and support-

ers. With the active participation of the volunteers as well as blessings of many

well-wishers, we have just turned one memorable page in the history of HSS.

What can be a greater honour to an organization that is going to celebrate its

25th Anniversary in the coming year!

Brotherly yours,

Ved P. Nanda

Sanghachalak (President), Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA

6

THE SV150 LAUNCHTHE SV150 LAUNCHTHE SV150 LAUNCH

On January 12, 2013 - what would have

been Swami Vivekanandas 150th birth-

day - Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh com-

menced its year-long celebration of

Swami jis Birth Anniversary. To kick off

the celebrations, HSS held Launch pro-

grams at 110 locations attended by over

7,600 people nationwide. The inaugural

events included cultural performances by

children, yoga demonstrations, guest

speakers, and an opportunity for all par-

ticipants to take a sankalp, or a pledge to

imbibe in their own lives some aspects of Swami jis message. The Launch pro-

grams also featured the premier of a 20-minute documentary produced by

HSS on the life and teachings of Swami ji. Additionally, on the inaugural day,

HSS opened up registrations for its first-ever Dharma Bee, a nationwide quiz

contest for children.

Naperville, IL

U.S. Representative Bill Foster of

Illinois 11th district joined the

Launch program in Naperville. While

appreciating the vision and leader-

ship of HSS, he encouraged the at-

tendees to follow Swami jis mes-

sage of universal peace and har-

mony.

Morrisville, NC

Over 100 people attended the

Launch program in Morrisville, in-

cluding Morrisville Mayor Jackie

Holcombe and local council members.

SV 150 Launch in numbers:

110 programs nationwide

7,600 people participated

Representatives from 265 or-

ganizations attended.

In 5 places, the number of par-

ticipants exceeded 200.

Local government officials at-

tended the launch in 9 places.

January 12, 2013: It All Begins

7

On January 12, 2013, HSS held SV150 launch programs at 110 locations na-

tionwide, spanning 30 states.

Parsippany, NJ

The Parsippany Launch program was

attended by 130 people. Activities

included collective Surya Namaskar,

a talk on Swami jis life on how to

put his vision into action, and a cos-

tume competition in which children

dressed up as Swami Vivekananda,

Sister Nivedita, Sharada Mata, and

other historical figures. The Chief

Guest of the program was Parsip-

pany Township Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr.

Vancouver, Canada

In Vancouver, over 150 people participated in the Launch program. As part of

the program, children and youth prepared posters on different aspects of

Swami jis life and message, including his childhood, introduction to

Ramkrishna Paramhansa, trip to America, founding of Ramkrishna Mission,

and contributions to the world.

SV150 launch attendees perusing posters

on Swami ji created by shakha children.

8

Rochester, MN

The SV150 Launch program held at the Hindu Samaj Temple in Rochester in-

cluded a yoga workshop and presentation on the life of Swami Vivekananda.

The event was considered so unique and creative by the local community that

it was covered in the news media by the local ABC news channel.

Shrewsbury, MA

A total of 135 people attended the SV150 Launch program in Shrewsbury. Ac-

tivities included energetic team-building games, Surya Namaskar, and dis-

courses on the contribution of Dharma and Yoga towards establishing univer-

sal peace. The children put together a cultural program for all the attendees;

performances included skits on Swami Vivekananda, bhajans, and musical per-

formances.

Portland, OR

Eighty people of all age groups attended the SV150 Launch program in Port-

land. Activities included yoga, games, and story-telling, as well as a skit on

Swami jis life performed by the children. The occasion was blessed by the

presence of Swami Shantarupananda, from the Vedanta Society of Portland,

who was the chief guest of the program.

One of the most important features of the launch program was

the sankalp, where all participants took a personal pledge to

imbibe some aspect of Swami ji s message into their own lives.

Some examples of the pledges people took include:

I will read the Bhagavad Gita over the course of this year.

I will do yoga every morning.

I will spend one day every month doing community service.

I will visit all the places Swami ji visited in my neighborhood.

I will tell one inspiring pauranic story to my kids at bedtime

every day.

SV 150 Sankalp: The Pledge

9

POSTER EXHIBITIONPOSTER EXHIBITIONPOSTER EXHIBITION

Swami Vivekananda is Coming to Town

HSS prepared a 24-poster mobile ex-

hibition on Swami Vivekananda titled,

The Trailblazer of Yoga and Plural-

ism. The posters use images and text

to beautifully illustrate various aspects

of Swami jis childhood, adult life, and

spiritual message to the world.

The exhibition which was displayed at

universities, public libraries, temples,

parks, community events, and other

public places around the country was

a great success. The exhibition was

also displayed at the Dharma and

Yoga Fest, a large-scale program that

took place in 30 cities of USA, in fall of

2013. (See page 14.)

Tens of thousands of people pe-

rused the exhibition over the

course of the past year. The exhi-

bition succeeded in bringing the

life and message of Vivekananda

to the masses.

In addition to designing the post-

ers, HSS also published a book

comprising all the exhibition

posters in a coffee table book

format. The exhibition book was

presented by local HSS leaders to

notable public figures as a token

of mutual friendship and support

on behalf of the entire Hindu

community.

10

DHARMA BEEDHARMA BEEDHARMA BEE

3,306 Children Participate in National Contest

HSS organized a nation-

wide quiz contest called

Dharma Bee: Sri Krishna-

Vivekananda Challenge to

encourage children to

learn about Hindu culture

in a fun way. Dharma Bee

tested childrens knowl-

edge of the life and teach-

ings of Sri Krishna as well as

Swami Vivekananda. Across

the country, 3,306 children from 629 cities participated in this contest. Partici-

pants were of all ages - from kindergarten to eighth grade.

Dharma Bee was launched on January 12, 2013 - Swami jis birth anniversary -

and activities continued through June. Children were organized into four

groups according to their age, and each age group went through three levels

of competition. First was locally in their own towns; next 1,100 contestants

were selected to go on to the regional level; and finally the 135 regional win-

ners got together in June for the national finals in Chicago. Prizes totaling

$50,000 were distributed to winners at all levels.

Sample Dharma Bee Questions The Dharma Bee exam questions became progressively tougher as partici-

pants advanced through each level. The children truly took up the challenge,

and many parents commented that they themselves never learned as much

about Sri Krishna and Swami Vivekananda as their children did through

Dharma Bee. Some sample written exam questions include:

1. Who was the father of Swami Vivekananda?

2. Swami Vivekananda was born during which festival?

3. When Narendranath studied at Presidency College, who was the principal

of that college?

ANSWERS: 1. Vishwanath Dutt, 2. Makar Sankranti, 3. W.W. Hastie

Dharma Bee participants after the Level 1 exam. The

Level 1 exam took place in 156 cities nationwide.

11

The unique part of Dharma Bee contest was that it included much more than

traditional written questions. Children also had the opportunity to present po-

ems, design posters, write stories, deliver speeches, and create drawings about

Swami Vivekananda. The Level 2 exam also involved a sewa or community ser-

vice aspect, through which 1,100 children volunteered over 5,000 service hours

for 400 non-profit organizations and causes. The idea was to inculcate Swami

jis sewa manobhav (sense of service and compassion) into the childrens lives.

Those participants who were selected for the national finals also visited a

Hindu ashram in their area and personally met a Swami to gain a deeper un-

derstanding of Hindu Dharma.

To help the children prepare well, HSS offered a plethora of study material ,

including collections of stories, video clips, workbooks, and sample tests. Addi-

tionally many local HSS chapters organized story sessions and study groups to

To supplement their academic learn-

ing about Swami Vivekananda and

Sri Krishna, Dharma Bee participants

volunteered for community service

activities. 1,100 children spent a total

of 5,000 hours working for 400 dif-

ferent projects around the country.

The goal was for children to put

Swami Vivekanandas ideals of

sewa and karma yoga to practice

in real life.

12

give participants an oppor-

tunity to learn together.

Tele-classes became an-

other popular way of

teaching kids, particularly

for those children who

lived far away from local

HSS chapters.

On June 15-16, 2013, the

regional winners in each

age group came together

in Chicago for the Dharma

Bee finals. A total of 135 children and their families participated in the week-

ends festivities. The final exam components included a speech contest, written

exam, poster presentation, and team activity. All the finalists also visited the

Art Institute of Chicago where Swami Vivekananda delivered his historical

speech on September 11, 1893. Swami Ishatmananda of the Vedanta Society

and the first Hindu congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard spoke at the prize distribu-

tion ceremony. On that occasion, 45 children from Chicagos shakhas per-

formed a mesmerizing one-hour play on the life of Swami ji.

Overall, Dharma Bee was a

rousing success. It not only

helped in building childrens

intellectual knowledge about

Dharma, but also inspired

them to practice the teachings

of Swami ji and Sri Krishna in

their own lives. Children, par-

ents, and organizers all had

tremendous feedback about

Dharma Bee and are looking

forward to the next such con-

test.

My daughter learned a lot by

participating in Dharma Bee.

She wanted to visit Parliament of World Religions at Chicago regardless she was

selected in finale or not, said Bhuvanesh, father of one of the participants.

Dharma Bee finalists in front of Swami jis statue at

the Lemont Temple in Chicago.

The chief guests at the final prize distribution cere-

mony included Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard and

Swami Ishatmananda of the Vedanta Society.

13

VIVEKANANDA ON CAMPUSVIVEKANANDA ON CAMPUSVIVEKANANDA ON CAMPUS

Young Hindus Inspired by Vivekananda

Swami Vivekanandas message is of particular significance for young peo-

ple. His birthday is celebrated as National Youth Day in India. Swami ji

himself was quite young and accomplished a lot in his short life. His bold

and daring personality, adventurous sprit, infinite energy and enthusiasm

appeal tremendously to youth. Accordingly, high school and university stu-

dents participated enthusiastically in SV150 activities. Youth activities in-

cluded events on campus, camps, retreats, and field trips to places in USA

associated with Swami Vivekananda.

Vivekananda Express

A group of young Hindu Americans in Silicon Valley decided to mark

Swami jis 150th birth anniversary by tracing Swami jis steps in America.

The first stop of Vivekananda Express was the First Unitarian Church of

Oakland, California. Here, Swami ji had delivered a famous speech in the

1800s that brought many residents of Berkeley in contact with his message

and led to the establishment of the Vedanta Society there.

As part of Vivekananda Express, a group of 100 students and young pro-

fessionals experienced this historical place first-hand ; they were shown the

wooden chair where Swami ji sat as he waited for his turn to speak and the

podium where he delivered his speeches. The group also participated in

hiking, team games, and group discussions on Swami jis message of

Dharma and Yoga. The students went on to visit other places in San Fran-

cisco, Oakland, and Alameda that Swami ji had visited.

14

VISTARAK YOJANA Inspired by Swami Vivekanandas fierce resolve and dedication to his goal,

several students and young grads decided to devote a portion of their lives as

vistaraks or full-time volunteers for the Hindu cause.

Eleven high school and college students spent a few weeks of their sum-

mer vacations volunteering full-time for HSS. They traveled to different

cities and organized Hindu Heritage Camps, exhibitions, and other events

to raise awareness about Hindu Dharma.

Two college graduates and young professionals decided to devote at least

one full year of their lives to the Hindu cause. They are volunteering full-

time for HSS, helping to strengthen local chapters and organize other

events to promote Hindu Dharma.

Hindu Dharma Awareness Events

Hindu YUVA and other Hindu student

organizations arranged SV150 com-

memoration events in various universi-

ties. At Montana State University, for ex-

ample, students organized an event on

campus where they presented a video on

Swami jis life, followed by a group dis-

cussion. Students distributed Swami jis

books and t-shirts to all participants. The

university also arranged the Trailblazer

of Yoga and Pluralism exhibition which

was appreciated by students, faculty

members, and visitors.

Regional Youth Retreats

Weekend youth retreats were held at three places around the country to bring

young, socially active Hindus together. Activities at these retreats included

team-building games, yoga workshops, leadership workshops, discourses and

discussions on Swami jis message, and presentations on Hindu Dharma. Re-

treats were held in Southern California (with 44 youth from five different

states), Atlanta (with 17 students from six universities), and New Jersey (with

25 students from seven universities).

"Swami Vivekananda was indeed

one of the foremost cultural

ambassadors of Hinduism and

India to America and his message

naturally connects with the youth.

This is what makes him an icon for

the Indian American youngsters."

- Sairam Thyagarajan,

HSS youth volunteer

15

DHARMA AND YOGA FESTDHARMA AND YOGA FESTDHARMA AND YOGA FEST

Culmination of the Year of Vivekananda

The SV150 celebrations concluded with grand Dharma and Yoga Fest (DYF)

programs, held in 26 cities, to commemorate Swami jis groundbreaking ad-

dress at the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago on September 11, 1893.

The event featured activities along four tracks

- Jnana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Karma Yoga, and

Raja Yoga. Influential speakers at the event

included Puttige Mutt Swamiji H.H. Shri

Sugunendra Teerth (who spoke in Sanskrit as

the Chief Guest at the New Jersey DYF), Yoga

Rishi Swami Baba Ramdev, and Dr. David

Frawley. A unique aspect of this program was

active involvement from Hindus of non-Indian

origin. HSS reached out to yoga studios, ve-

gan restaurants, kirtan groups, Buddhist tem-

ples, etc. for their participation; DYF truly suc-

ceeded in bringing together Dharma followers

of all backgrounds.

Houston, TX

The Houston DYF program attracted nearly 1,000 participants from 66 com-

munity organizations. Activities included: a panel discussion for adults, a

speech contest for middle and high school students, melodious bhajans,

Bhagavad Gita recital by devotees from 23 different temples / spiritual organi-

zations, a panel discussion on social service, Pranayam and Ayurveda work-

shops. The grand finale consisted of a mesmerizing play on Swami jis life per-

formed by children of Greater Houston and a keynote speech by Shri Harish

Parvathaneni, Consul General of India.

San Francisco Bay Area, CA

San Francisco Bay Area hosted DYF programs in Santa Clara and Pleasanton,

attracting a total of 15,000 people. In addition to yoga and meditation work-

shops, devotional singing performances, and discourses on Jnana Yoga, DYF

featured a Hindu Theme Park, where children enjoyed a Hindu character

parade and played games such as Feed Krishnas Cow and Help Hanuman

Yoga Rishi Swami Ramdev and Sri

Suguneendra Teertha Swami of

Udupi Sri Puthige Matha, along

with HSS President Ved Nanda at

the New Jersey DYF.

16

find Sita. The Bay Area

program also included an

appealing Krishna Leela by

250 children and energetic

performances by hip hop

bhajan artists Jai Uttal and MC

Yogi.

Finally, Vivaah (wedding per

Vedic tradition sanctified by

fire) was one of the most

unique features of the program, as singer MC Yogi renewed his wedding vows

according to Hindu tradition.

Bloomington, IL

The Bloomington DYF brought together 2,500 Dharma-minded people from

all over Illinois. Activities included a grand Ganesha procession, presentation

on Ayurveda, book exhibition, and energetic bhajan performances. Several

public officials attended the program as special guests, including Illinois State

Senator Jason Barickman, the Mayor of Bloomington Tarr Renner, and the

Mayor Pro Tem of Normal Sonja Reece.

White Plains, NY

More than 1,000 people from Queens, New York City, Westchester County,,

Long Island, and Connecticut came together for the DYF program in New York.

The event featured meditation workshops, classical Indian dance

demonstrations, and a costume competition for children. Officials from the

City of White Plains graced the occasion.

Los Angeles, CA

A team of 150 volunteers worked together to organize the Los Angeles DYF,

which was attended by over 3,000 people. The activities included a rangoli

competition, havan (fire ceremony), and speeches by university professors and

other eminent scholars. Children enjoyed an exciting Hindu Theme Park,

which featured fun-filled games along a Hindu cultural theme.

Orlando, FL

Over 600 people gathered for the Orlando DYF program to pay tribute to

Swami ji. The program began with a step-by-step guided Ganesh Puja

performed by 150 children. Attendees later participated in panel discussions

on Swami jis relevance in the 21st century, bhajan performances, and

Thousands of people throng at the San Fran-

cisco Bay Area DYF.

17

guided meditation workshops. Shata Ben-Avri, owner of Yoga Central, said

about the program, Its wonderful to be part of this festival and what it

represents - yoga in its many classical forms.

Atlanta, GA

Over 600 people attended the DYF program in Atlanta. The event started off

with a guided Ganesh Puja performed by children. Other activities included

discourses by eminent speakers from various spiritual organizations, soul-

stirring bhajans, and a panel discussion on Karma Yoga. The program

concluded with a creative dance-drama - Sri Krishna Leela - performed by 90

children and adults.

Seattle, WA

Over 1,000 people from 30 community organizations participated in Seattle

DYF. Activities included a Sri Krishna Puja performed by children, on-site sewa

projects in which attendees helped package food parcels for homeless

shelters, and discourses by eminent speakers including Chinna Jeer Swamiji

and Philip Goldberg (author of American Veda). Bellevue Mayor Conrad Lee,

48th District Representative Cyrus Habib, and Bellevue City Council Candidate

Vandana Slatter also attended the event.

Denver, CO

The Denver DYF attracted a crowd of 800 people, including participants from

30 community organizations. Krishna Leela was one of the highlights of the

cultural fest. Other activities included kirtans by seven organizations, spiritual

discourses, meditation / yoga workshops, a blood donation drive, and carnival

games for children. Among the distinguished guests were State Representative

Janak Joshi and Director from Congressman Ed Perlmutters office, Suzette

Davis.

Phoenix, AZ

Over 2,500 people

attended the Phoenix

DYF. Activities included

a kirtan concert by the

Mayapuris, havan by

Gayatri Parivar, and a

tihar song by the

Bhutanese Hindu

community. Bhakti Sangeet at the Atlanta DYF.

18

In addition to HSS, a number of other Hindu organizations conducted many

programs to celebrate Swami Vivekanandas 150th Birth Anniversary.

Sewa International USA

Sewa International organized a laser light show on Swami Vivekanandas life

for the dual purpose of bringing awareness about Swami ji and raising funds

to support education, healthcare, and disaster relief projects around the world.

The shows, which were presented by renowned laser performer Manick Sorcar,

took place in 12 cities of USA.

Samskrita Bharati

Samskrita Bharati conducted various programs in USA and Canada as part of

Vivekananda Abhiyaanam 150. The initiative included a series of 150 Sam-

skrita-related activities, including spoken Samskrita workshops, family retreats,

tele-lectures on Vivekananda and Samskritam, and Samskrita skits for children.

The activities were inspired by Swami jis emphasis on learning Samskrita as an

important way to preserve our scriptures and spiritual knowledge.

Vishwa Hindu Parishad, America

VHPAs celebrations of the 150th birth anniversary year concluded with a

grand two-day event, World Without Borders, in Chicago. The event was at-

tended by many eminent speakers and scholars, including Yoga Rishi Swami

Ramdev, Swami Chidananda Saraswati, Dr. Subramaniam Swamy, Stephen

Knapp, Jeffrey Armstrong, and Dr. Rajiv Malhotra among others.

Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation

Swami ji had said, If the poor child cannot go to education, then education

must go to the child. Working since 25 years, Ekal today is running about

52,000 schools in tribal villages in India, supporting nearly 1.5 million children

in the most remote, under privileged parts of the country. In 2013, Ekal

launched a whirlwind series of 40 fundraising concerts to raise money for its

village-development initiatives and contribute to Swami jis vision of an edu-

cated Bharat. Swami jis poster exhibition was displayed at Ekal fundraiser

events this year.

CELEBRATING SV150 NATIONWIDECELEBRATING SV150 NATIONWIDECELEBRATING SV150 NATIONWIDE

Vivekananda Programs by other Organizations

19

Ammachi Tulsi Gabbard Swami

Chidananda

Blessings for SV150 Dozens of saints, temples, Congress representatives, community leaders, and

Hindu organizations supported Hindu Swayamsevak Sanghs SV150 initiative.

It is my pleasure to

congratulate HSS and its

members, on the

occasion of the 150th

anniversary of the birth

of Swami Vivekananda.We could all

benefit from the teachings of Swami

Vivekananda when it

comes to self-confidence

and seva (selfless

service).

- Aaron Schock

(U.S Representative

Illinois 18th district)

I am happy to learn that

in America youre all

celebrating 150 years of

Swami Vivekananda.

- Pujya Sri Sri

Ravishankar (Art of Living)

I commend your vision

and leadership.

Best wishes as you

celebrate

t h i s

important

milestone

and for

continued

success in

the future.

- Jim Gerlach

(U.S. Representative,

Pennsylvanias 6th

district)

I appeal to all the Hindu Temples and

Dharma Associations of North America

to be a part of this initiative of HSS.

- Swami Dayananda Saraswati

(Arsha Vidya Gurukulam)

I am pleased to see efforts of spreading

universal message of Swami

Vivekananda through programs like

Dharma Bee Contest, Dharma and Yoga

Fest, and programs for the youth.

- Swami Shantananda (Chinmaya Mission)

20