Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh receives an overwhelmingly positive response at the Parliament of World Religions

Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA (HSS) had a resounding success at the Parliament of World Religions (PoWR) held in Chicago from Aug. 14-18. The organization's active participation in the event reflected its commitment to interfaith dialogue, cultural exchange and the promotion of universal values.

It's wonderful to hear that HSS shared information about its mission and annual report during the five-day event. The event's highlight seems to have been the "Darshana: A Glimpse into Hindu Civilization" exhibition. Here's a breakdown of what happened:

• Mission and Annual Report: HSS took the opportunity during the five-day event to communicate its mission and share its annual report. This likely included discussing the organization's goals, activities and achievements over the past year.

• Darshana Exhibition: The "Darshana: A Glimpse into Hindu Civilization" exhibition was a central focus of the booth. This exhibition showcased aspects of Hindu culture, philosophy and civilization. Exhibitions like this are often designed to educate and familiarize visitors about a particular culture or heritage.

• Diverse Audience: One of the notable aspects of this event was the diverse audience it attracted. People from various faiths, including Paganism, Sikhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Jainism, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, and Baha'i, attended the HSS booth. This diverse attendance reflects an open and inclusive approach to sharing Hindu culture and fostering interfaith dialogue.

• Positive Feedback: Attendees from different faith backgrounds offered positive feedback. It indicates that the HSS exhibition successfully achieved its goal of creating an environment where people from diverse backgrounds could engage with and appreciate Hindu culture. Meaningful conversations likely took place, leading to mutual respect and understanding.

• Interfaith Collaboration: The event, notably the HSS booth (exhibition), was a hub for interaction and collaboration among representatives of different faiths. This type of interfaith engagement can be instrumental in promoting tolerance, respect, and peaceful coexistence among various religious communities.

One of the most successful initiatives of HSS at the Parliament of World Religions was the introduction of Raksha Bandhan as "Universal Oneness Day." The attendees, who eagerly participated in the event, met this innovative idea with great enthusiasm. They tied rakhis, a traditional wristband symbolizing protection and unity. Delegates expressed their excitement and support for recognizing and celebrating universal interconnectedness.

"We are delighted with the overwhelmingly positive response to the Darshana exhibition received at the Parliament of World Religions. It was heartening to witness representatives of various faiths engage in meaningful conversations and explore collaboration possibilities," said Dr. Bharti Raizda of the HSS Chicago Chapter. "The introduction of 'Universal Oneness Day' through our Raksha Bandhan celebration was a testament to our shared values of unity and mutual respect."

HSS successfully initiated conversations, built bridges, and promoted greater understanding in line with the Hindu values of acceptance despite variances. This was in spirit with the famous address by the first Hindu at the PoWR, Swami Vivekananda, 130 years ago.

HSS will continue to impact the world positively.