HSS volunteers celebrate Earth Day with Adopt-A-Highway

Hindus have a deep reverence for Mother Earth, and is often referred to as "Bhumi Devi" and worshipped as Divine Mother Earth. In Hindu philosophy, the Earth is seen as a living entity with a divine consciousness, and is revered as a Goddess in her own right. Hindus believe that the Earth is the source of all life and provides sustenance for all living beings.

One of the key principles of Hinduism is the concept of "Ahimsa," which means compassion and respect for all living beings. This principle is extended to the environment and the Earth, and Hindus believe that it is their duty to protect and preserve the Earth for future generations.

In addition, Hindus practice sustainability in their daily lives by conserving resources, reducing waste, recycling, utilizing bio-degradable materials and living in harmony with nature. For example, they often practice composting, use organic and natural products, practice a vegetarian diet and avoid practices that harm the environment. Overall, Hindus view the Earth as a sacred and divine entity that must be treated with respect and reverence, and they strive to live in harmony with the natural world.

With these firm beliefs as their foundation, Hindu volunteers of the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA marked the occasion of Earth Day by organizing the Adopt-A-Highway program on April 29 to clean up the four-mile stretch of 75th Street between Route 59 and Naperville-Plainfield Road. Volunteers which included teens and kids, spent the day cleaning up the side of the road and collected plastic wastes and other wastes.

Adopt-A-Highway is a voluntary program arranged by DuPage County to encourage the public to take ownership of cleaning up the highways.

The Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA is a volunteer-based social, educational, and cultural nonprofit that aims to coordinate the Hindu American community to practice, preserve, and advance ideals and values of Hindu Dharma.