The Irvine Shakha of the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) celebrated Guru Vandana (Teacher Appreciation Day) on Sunday, May 2, 2010. The event was a huge success with over a dozen teachers attending the event and the total attendee list crossing the three digit mark, beating everyone's expectations. The event was inaugurated by Swami Bhajanananda Saraswati , of Kali Mandir, lighting a lamp while chanting sacred verses from Hindu scriptures. The lighting of the lamp symbolized removal of the darkness of ignorance by the light of knowledge. This ceremony was followed by a presentation from Gnanashanmugam Elumalai ji, a HSS Karyakarta, on the importance of the Guru. He explained that the word “Guru” is made up of “Gu” – darkness or ignorance – and “Ru” – the remover. Hence, the Guru is someone who removes the ignorance and replaces it with knowledge. (Learn more @ http://www.hindueducation.org (http://www.hindueducation.org))

At the vast, quiet residence of Kiddie Keep Well Campground in Edison, NJ, one who was passing by could not fail to notice the vibrant, harmonious sound of ghosh that filled the air, as the third annual Ghosh Varg was held from Saturday, April 17, 2010 to Sunday April 18, 2010. Swayamsevaks and sevikas from all over the Northeast Sambhag assembled on the Friday night preceding the varg and partook in fun-filled khel and caught up with many whom they had not seen for a long time. (Video of Final Demostration (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4WQDpbcWK0))