Hindu Heritage Foundation and Parmarth Niketan Commend Students

Hindu Heritage Foundation and Parmarth Niketan Commend Students Remembering and Deepening their Cultural Roots

The Hindu Heritage Foundation (HHF) and Parmarth Niketan hosted a gathering of students from the Banares Hindu University and members from Vishwa Hindu Parishad to celebrate Hindu heritage and culture. The enlivening event began with Sanskrit prayers and chanting, imbibing the Kumbh Mela with the richness of the Hindu way of life. The union of the rivers at the sacred Sangam are reflected in the multigenerational coming-together of those living abroad and those studying the rich heritage of India here in India.

Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, President of Parmarth Niketan, and Dr Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji, Secretary General of Global Interfaith WASH Alliance and President of the Divine Shakti Foundation, welcomed everyone to the Parmarth Niketan, Ganga Action Parivar, Green Kumbh camp. They were joined by Swami Vigyananandji, Prashant Haltalkarji and Sanjeev Sawhneyji from Vishwa Hindu Parishad; Swami Jyotirmayananda; Acharya Devendraji, and other dignified guests.

The students were from 15 countries and are learning Hindi and studying Indian culture at Banares Hindu University in Varanasi. They came to Kumbh Mela after attending a Pravasi Bharatiya Divas event. While at the camp, the students engaged in yoga, celebrated Havan, dipped in the Sangam, and engaged in Satsang and inspiring talks.

Pujya Swamiji said: “Let us take this holiday and make into a holy day. There are so many people touched and transformed by India, by the principles and teachings of India. The mantras of the ancient rishis and saints tell a consistent message of “not what for me, but what through me”. As you take your culture, your history, your heritage, abroad and across the world, you become a blessing on all beings. The Kumbh becomes an experience beyond the sangam, beyond a selfie, to one of the Self – and being a gift to the world.”

Sadhvi Bhagawatiji said: “Hindi is not just a language; Hindi is an important doorway to the Indian culture. Language is a way into understanding and integration, providing an experience that moves beyond language. How do we become doorways to the Self, to the Truth that is so ingrained in the culture, nature, and history of India? Through understanding and connection. Let your enthusiasm and energy be the river that takes your culture back to your countries, spreading the message of ‘we are one’.”

Hindu Heritage Foundation (HHF) expressed gratitude and excitement to bring students from different programs and nations together for the experience of Kumbh Mela. “HHF appreciates the time and inspiration of Pujya Swamiji and Sadhvi Bhagawatiji, as they share their message and stories in a way that makes the Hindu culture and teaching less dogmatic and more essential to way of life.” The students are able to delve deep into their native traditions and HHF plans to bring another delegation to the Kumbh in February 2019 from the Kendriya Hindi Sansthan, led by Swami Vigyananandji of Vishwa Hindu Parishad.

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