hindu swayamsevak sangh australia - hss aus

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HSS Sydney News Leer | Issue 7 1 HINDU SWAYAMSEVAK SANGH AUSTRALIA ABN : 84735237721 Issue 7 , 2019 Sydney News Letter About HSS Australia Hindu Dharma and the culture practiced by the Hindu community makes a significant contribution for the benefit of humanity. HSS Australia works to develop unity and harmony in the Hindu community to effectively promote these salient features to build a strong Australian-Hindu community IN THIS ISSUE Boudhik Varga Yuva Temple Run Hills Bhag Sankranti Utsav Southwest Bhag Sankranti Utsav Veer Savarkar Shaka Sahal News from Perth Message from SanghachAlak Aatmeeya swayamsevaks and sevikAs, praNAm ! Firstly, I wish you all the very best wishes for the new hindu year chaitra shukla prapadA of shree vikaari naama samvatsara, which starts for us all on Saturday April 6 th , 2019. Relavely counted with a bhaarateeya historic perspecve, it is the start of the 5120 th year of kaliyuga and the 2076 th year of vikrama samvat. VarSha-prapadA is a most auspicious fesval day of celebraon for all hindus across the world and especially so for all swayamsevaks/sevikAs too around the world. It is only on this day that we pay our respects to the founder of the sangh, param-poojya shree keshav baLirAm heDgewAr popularly and lovingly known as Doctorji. Just be- fore utsav celebraons in shAkhA this day, we respecully offer Adya sarsanghchAlak praNAm. We acknowledge our debt of gratude towards this great son of bhArat. We usher in yet another year, full of hope for beer things to happen in the new year. In bhArat it is the advent of spring where the bounful mother earth bedecks herself in a riot of floral colour. Here in Australia though, it is winter for us, but we know that when winter arrives, spring cannot be far away! As we look forward and resolve to create a beer year for us all yet again, with renewed zeal and vigour, it is also a me of introspecon and retrospecon which we call simhAvalokan. While we all work selflessly in various tasks as kAryakartAs, we achieve some successes, but we also have some other experiences. It is these other not -so-sweet experiences that we must learn our greatest lessons from. We must guard our resolve from slipping when things do not go as planned or the going seems tough. Speaking with a sweet tone regardless of anything that happens is a key aspect of every kAryakartA. However, if we do come across some bier words from any- one, we must be strong enough not to let that shake our resolve. We are aſter all, human and we realize that to err is human’. At such mes, instead of doing the easy thing which is walking away and quing, do the right thing, which is, stand our ground in the face of adversies and strengthen our resolve to carry on trudging the thorny path of philanthropy that we have chosen, because the new year promises that success is ours one day and it is assured. We must be inthe system to cleanthe system! Continued.. Upcoming Events Abhyas Varga in May Boudhik Varga in June

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Page 1: HINDU SWAYAMSEVAK SANGH AUSTRALIA - HSS Aus

HSS Sydney News Letter | Issue 7 1

HINDU SWAYAMSEVAK SANGH

AUSTRALIA ABN : 84735237721

Issue 7 , 2019 Sydney News Letter

About HSS Australia

Hindu Dharma and the culture practiced by the Hindu community makes a significant contribution for the benefit of humanity. HSS Australia works to develop unity and harmony in the Hindu community to effectively promote these salient features to build a strong Australian-Hindu community

IN THIS ISSUE

Boudhik Varga

Yuva Temple Run

Hills Bhag Sankranti Utsav

Southwest Bhag Sankranti Utsav

Veer Savarkar Shaka Sahal

News from Perth

Message from SanghachAlak

Aatmeeya swayamsevaks and sevikAs, praNAm !

Firstly, I wish you all the very best wishes for the new hindu year chaitra shukla pratipadA of shree vikaari naama

samvatsara, which starts for us all on Saturday April 6th, 2019. Relatively counted with a bhaarateeya historic

perspective, it is the start of the 5120th year of kaliyuga and the 2076th year of vikrama samvat.

VarSha-pratipadA is a most auspicious festival day of celebration for all hindus across the world and especially so

for all swayamsevaks/sevikAs too around the world. It is only on this day that we pay our respects to the founder

of the sangh, param-poojya shree keshav baLirAm heDgewAr popularly and lovingly known as Doctorji. Just be-

fore utsav celebrations in shAkhA this day, we respectfully offer Adya sarsanghchAlak praNAm. We acknowledge

our debt of gratitude towards this great son of bhArat.

We usher in yet another year, full of hope for better things to happen in the new year. In bhArat it is the advent

of spring where the bountiful mother earth bedecks herself in a riot of floral colour. Here in Australia though, it

is winter for us, but we know that when winter arrives, spring cannot be far away!

As we look forward and resolve to create a better year for us all yet again, with renewed zeal and vigour, it is

also a time of introspection and retrospection which we call simhAvalokan. While we all work selflessly in various

tasks as kAryakartAs, we achieve some successes, but we also have some other experiences. It is these other not

-so-sweet experiences that we must learn our greatest lessons from. We must guard our resolve from slipping

when things do not go as planned or the going seems tough. Speaking with a sweet tone regardless of anything

that happens is a key aspect of every kAryakartA. However, if we do come across some bitter words from any-

one, we must be strong enough not to let that shake our resolve. We are after all, human and we realize that ‘to

err is human’. At such times, instead of doing the easy thing which is walking away and quitting, do the right

thing, which is, stand our ground in the face of adversities and strengthen our resolve to carry on trudging the

thorny path of philanthropy that we have chosen, because the new year promises that success is ours one day

and it is assured. We must be ‘in’ the system to ‘clean’ the system! Continued..

Upcoming Events

Abhyas Varga in May

Boudhik Varga in June

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HSS Sydney News Letter | Issue 7 2

We must keep our faith strong and become the catalyst to enrich the experience by our behavior in thought,

speech and action. It may seem difficult, but it is surely possible. We must keep our faith strong and become the

catalyst to enrich the experience by our behavior in thought, speech and action. It may seem difficult, but it is

surely possible. Excuses like, I am busy with work or studies, I don’t have time, I don’t have the inclination, I can-

not feel the magic, I need a break etc. are all valid from one’s own stand point and perspective. No one can dis-

pute that. However, the truth is that ‘time is a stretchable concept’ to the one with a stronger will! We must

remember that those who won and overcame the toughest of hurdles were the ones who persevered, held on

to their hope that goodness will one day prevail, and they will play their part sincerely. We all remember our

mantra ‘truth alone prevails’, Satyameva jayate! Those who stopped the onward march never reached the goal.

How must shree rAma have felt on the morning of his coronation day when he was told that he had to give up

everything of his princely possessions and aspirations and proceed to the forests for 14 years? How must

yudhiShThira have felt when he, the crowned emperor, who had just performed the ashwamedha yagna, had to

give up all his kingly possessions and proceed to the forest for a period of 12 years with his brothers and wife?

Did they lose their resolve and give up? Do any one of us have such a hardship? Surely not! Let us make a prom-

ise today that we will re-read the rAmAyaNa and mahAbhArata to take inspiration from the deeds of rAma and

dharmarAja. Let us discuss and debate these issues in shAkhA during bauddhik time to become aatma-bali. Let us

make our bodies vajra-anga-bali by playing hard during shAkhA khel and shareerik time!

Let us all reflect again on this varSha-pratipadA day and together strengthen our resolve to remain steadfast in

the face of adverse conditions and emerge victorious to celebrate our victories again and again on vijaya

dashami day year after year!

ever lovingly and humbly yours, inspired daily by you beautiful souls,

ek akinchan kAryakartA,

nihAl agar,

sanghachAlak, Sydney mahAnagar, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh.

subhAshitA

अल्पानामपि वसू्तनाां सांहपि: कार्यसापिका | िॄणैर्गयणत्वमािनै्नर् बध्यने्त मत्तदन्तन्तन: ||

alpAnAmapi vastoonAm samhatiH kAryasAdhikA |

tRuNairguNatvamApannair badhyante mattadantinaH ||

Meaning of subhAshitA

Even small-small (insignificant) things, when put together, can do a great work. Just as, a rope made up of hay

strands can control a powerful elephant.

छोटी­ छोटी वस्तगएँ एकत्र करने से बडे काम भी हो सकिे हैं। जैसे घास से बनार्ी डोरी से मत्त हाथी बाांिा जा सकिा है।

The subhashitA highlights that in Sangh a swayamsvak/sevika’s smallest contribution/help is never consider

as insignificant. It also means a sevak/sevika should never shy away from making the smallest contribution.

And such contribution from each individual collectively, has the ability to move mountains. Unity is power.

सांघटन में शक्ती है ।

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HSS Sydney News Letter | Issue 7 3

The first topic 'Being Different', was presented by Ankita Ji, an

active Yuva Swayamsevika. Through her captivating presenta-

tion and very engaging talk, she explained the uneasiness that

we Bharatiyas, who are now living in a different country, feel

at school or at the workplace. Through her talk, she led us to a

term - ‘Difference anxiety’, which means uneasiness caused by

the perception of being different. She discussed the reasons

why we have this feeling and argued that there is nothing

wrong with being different. As an interesting topic progressed,

she concluded that we should not only accept who we are

unapologetically, but there are ample reasons to be proud of

our difference. The bouddhik was interactive as it touched

both the young and the old.

Shruti Ji, another very active Yuva Swayamsevika presented

the second bauddhik ‘Why Sanskrit?’. Shruti Ji, in her cheerful

and easygoing talk, took the audience on a journey of Sanskrit

language and unfolded many unknown aspects of the

language. The audience was captivated by her talk and they

received a lot of knowledge through this bauddhik. In her

informative session, Shruti Ji described the meaning of

‘Sanskrit’, which is 'samyak kruten' that is – ‘perfectly done’.

She also explained that the beauty of this language is that the

meaning of any Sanskrit word is within the word itself and

shared an interesting fact that Sanskrit has 250+ words for

rainfall. She enlightened the audience with a very interesting

fact that sound created in the human mouth is the foundation

element of the scientifically perfected Sanskrit syllables,

progressing into Bhaashaa (language). She also highlighted

that 14 universities across Germany offer Sanskrit as an offi-

cial graduation course and how Sanskrit is becoming popular

once again in the world. With this wonderful talk, the audi-

ence was compelled to give serious thought to learn this beau-

tiful and powerful language that is Sanskrit.

Baudhik Varga March 2019

On 16th March 2019, Sydney Mahanagar conducted the first Bauddhik Varg in this year. A Bauddhik Varg is a

quarterly event, where swayamsevaks or sevikas deliver Bauddhiks in front of an audience from the Mahana-

gar. The primary objective of a Bauddhik Varg is to give a platform and opportunity to the potential Vaktas

(speakers) for developing their oratory skills and expressing a viewpoint on a variety of relevant, interesting,

and difficult subjects. The Varg leads the audience on the path of knowledge that is less traversed and gives

them food for thought. The Bauddhik Varg started on time with Dhwajaaropan, followed by recitation of the

Saanghik Geet and Subhaashita.

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HSS Sydney News Letter | Issue 7 4

The Varg also included three power talks of three minutes each. These power talks were expansions of various

lines from the Sanghik Geet - ‘Mantra Chota Reet Nayee’, which is regularly sang at all Shakhas across Sydney

Mahanagar. The first power talk by Suhas ji was based on the line – ‘Niyamit shaakhaa jaate jaate anushaasan

phir aataa hai’. He shared his experience about how going to Shakha regularly inculcated discipline in him, im-

proved his time-management skills, and developed his interpersonal communication. The next power talk by

Sampath Ji highlighted the line – ‘Sukh-dukh me hum saathrahe, parivaar rahe har samparkit’. He emphasized on

the importance of Sampark (communication) and explained why it is important to remain ‘Samparkit’ or in touch

with the Shakha families, in their thick and thin. The final power talk was by Bhoomika Ji, in which she narrated a

beautiful story to explain how a small act of selfless service fills people with joy and why it is necessary to build a

strong and healthy society. Her talk beautifully explained the line – ‘Jagat niraamay karane hetu sevaa-vrat hum

apanaaye ’.

To conclude the Varg, Sujay Ji, Sydney Mahanagar Bauddhik Pramukh, highlighted the importance of conducting

bauddhik activities in Shakhas on a regular basis and not limiting the practice only to Bauddhik Varg. Baal

Swayamsevak, Ameya Ji, confidently led the audience though the Praarthanaa at the end.

During the 2.5 hours of the Bauddhik Varga, the audience was completely immersed in interesting topics and

thoroughly engaged in interaction and questions and answers. Interesting discussions took place during the

snacks break along with refreshing snacks, tea, and coffee. The interactions extended even after the Bauddhik

Varg concluded, thus proving that time is never enough when the brain is charged with such thought-provoking

and informative topics. Sydney Mahanagar looks forward to more such Bauddhik Vargas in the future.

The third and final bauddhik was presented by Kaushik Ji. He

talked about a difficult topic – ‘Guerilla Tactics by Shivaji Maha-

raj’. Words fall short to explain the intelligence and might of

Shivaji Maharaj, especially because of difficult times when he

came to power and became the Chhatrapati (monarch) of the

Maratha realm. In his talk, Kaushik Ji explained what ‘Guerilla

warfare’ is. By referring to various battle stories, he explained

how Shivaji Maharaj used Guerilla tactics to overcome mightier

enemies. Kaushik Ji explained various techniques of Guerilla

warfare – such as ‘surprise attacks’ (Battle of Bahadurgad fort),

‘use of geography and perception management’ (Battle of

Pratapgad fort – Afzal Khan), ‘use of disguise as a de-

coy’ (escape from Panhalgad fort - Siddi Johar). Though most of

these stories are well-known to many, Kaushik Ji cleverly ex-

plained and emphasized the context of well crafted Guerilla

Warfare around it.

Upcoming Hindu Festivals

Akshaya Tritiya : 7th May Raksha Bandhan : 15th August

Puri Rath Yatra : 4th July Krishna Janmashtami : 24th August

Guru Purnima : 16th July Ganesh Chaturthi : 2nd September

Nag Panchami : 5th August Onam : 17th September

Varalakshmi Vrat : 9th August Mahalaya Amavasya: 28th September

Page 5: HINDU SWAYAMSEVAK SANGH AUSTRALIA - HSS Aus

HSS Sydney News Letter | Issue 7 5

HSS Yuva Temple Run 2019

On 16th and 17th of February 2019, a vibrant group of 15

YUVA utilized their time for Seva (voluntary service) work.

This enthusiastic group drove up to the New Gokula farm in

Cessnock to provide any form of help they could offer to this

self-sustaining farm, which is run by Sri Krishna devotees.

Spending two fruitful days there, the YUVAs not only lent a

helping hand but also learned skills that they will remember

and cherish forever.

The YUVA team arrived there at mid-day and got straight

into work of cleaning an old, dusty warehouse. Afterward,

the devotees taught them how to create a completely or-

ganic and natural compost system from the utilized food

scraps, hay, and cow dung – all ingredients that were readi-

ly available on the farm. This was not only an enriching and

learning experience but also a fun activity wherein they fed

the many gorgeous bulls that were kept nearby the hay-

stacks.

All the YUVAs enjoyed the nutritious food, which was sur-

prisingly flavourful, mostly due to the natural and organic

ingredients used to prepare it. After eating, was the time

for some exercise. The group then played a fun round of

kho-kho, which then became quite competitive.

The mood was then shifted as the group was invited for the evening Kirtan (singing of devotional songs). The

dancing and singing, followed by an in-depth dissertation of the Bhagavad Gita, gave the YUVAs a fresh per-

spective of the Hindu culture and religion. This was a thoroughly inspiring experience for the team.

Overall, the ‘Temple Run’, as the YUVA called it, was an activity that brought to light not only the cultural and

religious aspects of Seva but also the fun involved in doing selfless service. The group dedicated their time to

help the New Gokula farm as much as they could and also made the entire process fun, just by being around

each other.

Page 6: HINDU SWAYAMSEVAK SANGH AUSTRALIA - HSS Aus

HSS Sydney News Letter | Issue 7 6

Veer Savarkar Shakha Sahal

On 19th January 2019, Veer Savarkar Shakha had Sahal (picnic)

to Bobbin Head and West Head lookout in Ku-ring-gai Chase

National Park. Situated on Cowan Creek in the west of Ku-ring-

gai Chase National Park, Bobbin Head is surrounded by beautiful

views of the mountains, a lovely, scenic picnic area and calm

and peaceful waters of the creek.

Amidst beautiful nature, Bobbin Head offers excellent facilities

such as picnic area, playgrounds, covered picnic spots. With a

variety of hiking trails and boating options, Bobbin Head is a

perfect place for bush-walking, paddle boating, motor boating,

kayaking, and fishing.

The swayamsevaks and sevikas were lucky to have excellent

weather on that day. With the harsh sun deciding to stay behind

the clouds, cool breeze flowed in. Making the best this oppor-

tunity, around 50 members from the Shakha attended the sahal.

Very enthusiastic participation was received from the Baal,

Yuva, and Tarun gana, the youngest member being 4 months

and eldest members close to 70 years young.

The Shakha members all reached the spot at a scheduled time.

Starting our day with a light, energetic breakfast, the

swayamsevaks and sevikas went ahead for a ritual of paddle

boating, followed by a lazy stroll along the marina, and playing

in the picnic area. At the beautiful picnic area, everyone soaked

in the beauty of nature. This surely kicked up the hunger pangs

in all. Everyone had a lovely lunch served by our esteemed

‘Matru Shakti’. Delicious, homemade food was served amidst

great camaraderie and fun.

Afternoons were well spent with a few members playing cricket

(kids and adults together) and few undertook the little board-

walks to explore more of the national park surroundings. A re-

freshing round of tea and desert restored the energy and enthu-

siasm for the rest of the evening. The swayamsevaks and sevikas

then gathered to have our regular Shakha routines and did

Prarthana.

From there, a few families had to leave for other commitments.

The rest of them visited the nearby West Head lookout, which

boasts to have some of the best lookouts in Sydney.

There is a large sandstone viewing area,

where one can absorb the sounds of the

birds in the trees and the waves of the sea.

At this beautiful location, few members

went down to the beach, while the rest of

them chose to enjoy the great views from

the lookout point. After that, everyone de-

parted to go back home.

All in all, such camaraderie, fun, excellent

participation from each of our beloved

Shakha members, and great management

of the proceedings were a feat in itself.

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HSS Sydney News Letter | Issue 7 7

Over the past year, a fairly new, Bhag-level structure of

Sydney Mahanagar Shakha Utsavs has been successful

at bringing people together and forging closer connec-

tions between families and friends of multiple, nearby

Shakhas. Starting off 2019 with our Bhag-level Makar

Sankranti Utsav continued the achievement of this great

goal and showed great commitment of our Hindu com-

munity as families, old and new, came to celebrate.

Saturday, 3rd February 2019, Quakers Hill Park was

graced with a hot blazing sun and a Sankhya of over 100

Karyakartas, Swayamsevaks, and Sevikas, as families

from Arjun, Veer Savarkar, Rani Lakshmibai, and Dhruv

(Balagokulam) Shakhas came together to celebrate Mak-

ar Sankranti.

After starting the Shakha with warm-ups, the group was

divided among Baal, Kishor, Tarun, and Mahila ganas for

Khel. The Karyakartas did a great job in leading age-

appropriate games for each of the ganas and the

Swayamsevaks and Sevikas showed great commitment

in beating the heat by persevering through the games.

The boudhik sessions for each of the ganas were con-

ducted in shade. The boudhik vaktas shared the history

and importance of the Makar Sankranti celebration. Our

wonderful speakers prepared carefully to consider the

age of their audience and delivered the key ideas in an

interesting way, including personal anecdotes, to bridge

the gap between our reality and the theory. All at-

tendees learned about the physical transitions of the sun

and pondered the representation of this transition as a

time of reflection and change, to become better versions

of ourselves.

Makara Sankranti Utsav

2019 Hills Bhag

The attendees showed a keen interest in the top-

ic by asking questions to clarify their understand-

ing, a memorable example being, “What signifi-

cance does this Utsav have to us in Australia?

The change of the seasons is the complete oppo-

site over here, and while there is a spiritual as-

pect of this Utsav, there are also many other oc-

casions where spiritual aspects are celebrated”.

The response from some of our elders recognized

that it is time for us to reflect and change, but

also that HSS is a worldwide organization and

there is a set system of Utsavs that we all share

in common and celebrate together. This was

great food for thought and perhaps we will have

more answers to this question for Makar

Sankranti Utsav 2020. As the Shakha was con-

cluding, Arunji Mistry, Karyawaha of Arjun

Shakha, thanked all those that came and every-

one who assisted throughout the planning and

execution of the Utsav. He also invited everyone

to participate in kite flying and have refresh-

ments prepared by our lovely Mahila gana. Then,

Mananeeya Ramyavaranji, Karyawaha, HSS Aus-

tralia enlightened the audience on the im-

portance of discipline and leading by example.

He emphasized on showing others to behave cor-

rectly, rather than just expecting good behavior

from them. 2019 has had an excellent start, as

our Bhag-level Makar Sankranti Utsav brought

together Hindu families across the Hills area for

enhancement of their hearts and minds.

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HSS Sydney News Letter | Issue 7 8

On Saturday, 3rd February 2019, Lighthorse Park, Liverpool

was graced with over 64 Karyakartas, Swayamsevaks, and

Sevikas, as families from Madhav, Eklavya, Prestons, and

Hurstville Shakhas came together to celebrate Makar

Sankranti.

Excellent boudhik sessions for each of the ganas were con-

ducted by our boudhik vaktas, who shared the history and

importance of the Makar Sankranti celebration and narrat-

ed a brainstorming Bodh Katha to our baal gana. This was

followed by a beautiful Geet by the Mahila gana and recita-

tion of the Subashita. Our wonderful speakers prepared

carefully to consider the age of their audience and delivered

the key ideas in an interesting way, including personal anec-

dotes, to bridge the gap between our reality and the theory.

All attendees learned about the physical transitions of the

sun and pondered the representation of this transition as a

time of reflection and change, to become better versions of

ourselves.

As the Shakha was concluding, Satishji Yadav, Karyawaha of

Eklavya Shakha, welcomed and thanked all those who came

and everyone who assisted throughout the planning and

execution of the Utsav. He also invited everyone to partici-

pate in kite flying and have refreshments prepared by our

lovely Mahila gana. Then, Mananeeya Manjuji, Karyawaha,

HSS Sydney enlightened the audience on the importance of

Sankranthi Utsav. For refreshments after the Utsav, Pongal,

Sakrai Pongal, Yellu Bella, fruits, and ice pops were served

alongside juices and water.

Makara Sankranti Utsav

2019 South West Bhag

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HSS Sydney News Letter | Issue 7 9

News from Perth Perth Sevika Varg

On 3rd March 2019, the Perth Sevika Varg started off with about 30 Sevikas from 6 Shakhas across Perth join-

ing the Varg. Sevikas who regularly attend Shakha and are involved in a certain team within the Perth Mahana-

gar attended the Varg. The day started at 8.30am with the recitation of Eesh Chintan, Amrut Vachan and Sub-

hashit, followed by the morning Sharirik session which included Yoga, Surya Namaskar, Gana Samata, and Ni-

yuddha.

The next session began with the singing of the inspiring Sanghik Geet ‘Chalo Sevika, Chalo Sevika’, which set

the right mood for the occasion for which the Sevikas were assembled. Then, there was a well-tailored presen-

tation on Sangh-Sangathan, Sanskaar, Sewa. The presentation beautifully emphasized the importance and the

relevance of these values and described the role of a Sevika in it. This was followed by a solid Charcha about

the qualities of a Sevika and how she can establish Sangathan, Sanskaars and Sewa Bhav in Shakha and socie-

ty. Teams identified their negative and positive traits. Later, they identified how one can enhance and improve

themselves with positive qualities and apply them for the greater good of the self, family, and society. After a

thought-provoking and insightful Charcha activity, the morning session concluded with a yummy lunch of mung

dal, rice, and naan. The Sevikas, very thoughtfully, demonstrated environment-friendliness by using reusable

porcelain plates instead of disposable plastic plates. Lunchtime gave an opportunity to the Sevikas to mingle

and bond with each other and get to know each other better. This was then followed by a very relaxing session

of Yoga Nidra, which was sure to put some of them to deep sleep.

The afternoon session began with a scenario-based

Karyashala, where the groups were handed a scenario

each from the lives of very powerful women personali-

ties such as Sudha Murthy, Vandaneeya Mausiji,

Sindutai Sapkal, Neerja Bhanot, Kiran Bedi, and Kal-

pana Chawla. The teams then presented the scenario

by acting it out to emphasize the power that women

have held society in the past, still hold in the present,

and will continue to hold in future times. Then, it was

time for a very interesting team building activity. Each

team was given a very limited recycled resource to

build a house with a particular theme. Teams could

buy more resources from the recycle shop with the

limited money they were given. All Sevikas thoroughly

enjoyed the activity by keeping the fun and team spir-

it components quite high. The teams came up with

very different and workable house designs. The teams

were judged based on the extraordinary house design,

steadiness of the model, resources used, and team

involvement. This session concluded with some more

chit chat with tea, coffee, and fruits.

In the session that followed, more outdoor activities were conducted. It was time for afternoon Shakha, which

included Maha Khel, where each station had a major Khel to be completed in a limited time. Everyone enjoyed

games such as Kho Kho, Indu, Dodge Ball, Chal Didi Sab Acha. However, the two games - Wink Murderer and

Cabbage Patch - were the highlight of the session, where Sevikas showed their strengths and humor. This was

followed by Aarti, Sanghik Geet, and a debate session. The debates included very interesting topics about Hin-

duism such as ‘Hindu dharma can offer many solutions to today’s world problems’ and ‘Hindu Dharma does

have gender discrimination’. The debate topics brought about various discussion points that were very interest-

ing and relevant in today’s world.

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HSS Sydney News Letter | Issue 7 10

For the Samarop, Madhaviji, a senior Sevika from Bharat with a Sangh Ayu of 40 years, enlightened the Sevikas

with a very inspirational and motivational Baudhik. She explained how each of us can make a difference, even

with minimal effort. She shared some stories about HSS Sevikas across Bharat and other countries who have

taken a step towards improving this society. Madhaviji also addressed some experiences of her own from Bha-

rat and Australia about how Sevikas can make small changes in the society we live in. In essence, she empha-

sized that no matter where we go, a Sevika is a 24x7 Karyakarta, with Seva Bhav, Atmiyata being the key.

After Samarop, delicious pav bhaji was served for dinner, which was one of the highlights of the event. Last but

not least, there were porcelain plates for dinner and Sevikas washed them after use. Again the use of disposa-

ble products was minimal and the Sevikas demonstrated a step taken towards conserving the environment.

Towards the end of the day, the Sevikas completed a feedback form with their views about the Varg. They

shared many positive things about the day. Some other constructive feedback included suggestions for having a

longer Varg, including more Sharirik activities, and reserving more time for discussions and bonding.

Overall, it was a jam-packed event with endless activities. As things were getting wrapped up, there were a lot

of hugs and bye-byes. It was hard to believe that 12 hours flew by so quickly. Everyone bonded so well and

made memories which will surely be cherished in the hearts and minds of everyone!

bodhkathA

Choose your words carefully

Once upon a time, an old man spread rumours that his neighbour was a thief. As a result, the young man

was arrested. Days later the young man was proven innocent. After being released, the man felt humiliated

as he walked to his home. He sued the old man for wrongly Accusing him.

In court, the old man told the Judge, “They were just comments, didn’t Harm anyone..” The judge, before

passing sentence on the case, told the old man, “Write All the things you said about him on a piece of pa-

per. Cut them up and On the way home, throw the pieces of paper out. Tomorrow, come back to Hear the

sentence”.

The next day, the judge told the old man, “Before receiving the Sentence, you will have to go out and gath-

er all the pieces of paper That you threw out yesterday”. The old man said, “I can’t do that! The wind must

have spreads them and I won’t Know where to find them”.

The judge then replied, “The same way, simple comments may destroy the honour of a man to such an ex-

tent that one is not able to fix it. The old man realized his mistake and asked for forgiveness”.

Morale/Bodh

Do not blame anyone without knowing the fact or a truth. Your words may ruin someone’s reputation

without any fault of theirs.

Page 11: HINDU SWAYAMSEVAK SANGH AUSTRALIA - HSS Aus

HSS Sydney News Letter | Issue 7 11

Shakhas in Sydney

Sydney, Hills Bhag

Karyavaha

Suhas Rane

(0432 243 036)

Sydney, South Western Bhag

Karyavaha

Sampath Govindarajan

(0418 457 954)

Sydney, Western Bhag

Karyavaha

Virendra Rawat

(0401 539 955)

Veersavarkar Shaaka

Saturday 4:15pm - 5:30pm

Civic park,

Targo Rd, Girraween

Contact: Raghuram Karnam

0416 607 669

Hurstville Shaaka

Sunday 8am - 9am

Troy Park,

Corner of Donald St and Low St

Contact: Bhupat Shah

0406 182 565

Abhimanyu Shaaka

Saturday 3.30pm – 4.30pm

Fritzgerald Park, Strathfield Library, Ab-

botsford Rd

Contact: Ramani Dokka

0438 778 844

Rani Lakshmi Bai Shaaka

SUNDAY 8:30am - 9:45am

Gooden Reserve,

Gooden Dr,

Entry via Kanili Ave

Contact: Priya Mudlapur

0426 509 599

Madhav Shaaka

Sunday 8am – 9.15am

Riverpark Drive, Liverpool

Contact: Lakshmi Narayan Reddy

0419 162 773

Epping Shaaka

Sunday 5.00 pm – 6.00 pm

Boronia Ave,

Epping NSW 2121

Contact: Naveen Dixit

0412 094 099

Arjun Shaaka

Saturday 4.00pm – 5.00pm

Quakers Hill Park, Walker St,

Quakers Hill

Contact: Arun Mistry

0410 346 804

Prestons Shaaka

Sunday 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Macleod Park, Ulladulla Dr,

Prestons

Contact: Kiran Sampath

0421 937 525

Keshav Shaaka

Sunday 8.00am - 9:15am

Jublie Park, Jublie Lane,

Harris Park

Contact: Amit Patel

0433 894 020

Balagokulam (Dhruv) Shaaka

Sunday 2.00pm- 3:30pm

5 Artillery Cres, Seven Hills

Contact: Lakshmi Chintakindi

0432 666 194

Ekalavya Shaaka

Saturday 4pm - 5pm

100 Australis Ave,

Holsworthy

Contact: Satish Yadav

0411 355 020

Vivekananda Shaaka

Saturday 4pm - 5pm

Lytton St Park next to

Wentworthville gardens

Contact: Shekar Arora

0411 404 519

Balagokulam Shaaka

Sunday 10.00 am – 11.30 am

Level 1, 9 Ayers Grove, Mt Druitt

Contact: Lakshmi Chintakindi

0432 666 194

Shivaji Shaaka

Sunday 8.30am – 9.30am

Reid Ave, Westmead

Contact: Vaishnavi Ramyavaran

0425 173 834

Sydney Mahanagar Karyavaha – Manjunath Venkatesh (0425 239 332)

Page 12: HINDU SWAYAMSEVAK SANGH AUSTRALIA - HSS Aus

HSS Sydney News Letter | Issue 7 12

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