HINDU HERITAGE DAY 2010

Youth Paving the Hindu Future

Kavita Katti

Bacche man ke sachee

Sare jag ki aankh ke tare.

Yeh woh nanhe phool hain joh

Hindu dharma ko aage badhaye.

The Annual Hindu Heritage Day (HHD) will be held on Saturday, May 22, 2010, from 3pm to 8pm at Marlboro Middle School (25 Union St.) in Marlboro, MA. The focus of this day is on youth as the theme for this event is “Youth Paving the Hindu Future.” Also, Year 2010 has been declared as the “Year of the Youth,” by the United Nations General Assembly.  The intent of HHD is towards advancing the full and effective participation of youth in all aspects of society.

 The first wave of Hindu immigrants to the USA arrived in the 1970s, the “baby-boomers,” raised their own children, the “Gen-Xers.”  The Hindu American youth of Generation X has now come of age to raise their families. Three generations of Indians now live in America. Coupled with the steady wave of immigrants from India, this makes for a mix of Hindus with diverse needs in the Hindu American community.

The first generation of Hindu Americans has been firmly rooted in the Hindu culture bringing the traditions and concept of service from home. They have enjoyed the best of both worlds: a firm rooting in their identity as well as an opportunity to explore the new ideas of the West from the secure foundation of a rich heritage.

The second generation of Heritage children has grown up straddling the two cultures. Their exposure to Hindu culture and heritage has been mixed due to a variety of reasons. They are at varying degrees of risk of assimilating in the famed “melting pot” of America possibly losing their roots and identity altogether. It is a two-way loss, one for the second generation and their children, and the other as a whole for America. The irony is that the melting pot that is America cannot exist without the richness and diversity of the cultures each individual brings to that melting pot. If we allow our distinct culture to blend into homogeneity then the second and third generation Hindu Americans would lose their vital economic, social, educational, mental, and spiritual advantage that has been the cause of success of the first generation Hindu Americans. In turn, America loses the collective vitality of an important segment of its population as the welfare of the community depends on the welfare and stability of the individuals within the community. The richness and diversity that Hindu culture provides can only be maintained if the Hindu youth pave the way for it.

The cultural program specifically designed for HHD gives our multi-talented youth a platform to showcase their talents. In past, the auditorium has been filled to capacity, with adoring parents, grandparents, teachers and friends alike.

HHD will continue the successful tradition of a mela atmosphere complete with  two exhibits: One on the Bhakti movement in India and the other on the contribution of Hindu Dharma to mankind. A nominal entrance fee of $2 covers all activities being held through the day. There are going to be an assortment of non-profit organizations and cultural schools present to give out information, along with vendors of goods and services with different products geared to cater to Indian taste. Organized by Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America, a total of 40 organizations plan to participate in this year’s mela. At this time, a limited supply of booths remains available for more information on reserving a booth; please contact Mr. Kaushik Patel (508-789-3548).

In keeping with the theme of Paving the Hindu Future, there will be an area dedicated to youth and youth activities which will highlight some of the initiatives and programs that are not only conducted for the youth, but that the youth have started and run.  These booths will include groups like the Coalition of Hindu Youth, local Bal Vihars, youth camps, and will highlight youth activities such as the recent Youth Conference.  Think young, think fun, and think energized and ready to pave the future.

Besides the various exhibits there are a number of entertaining activities being held for all ages. The popular mehndi application will have dedicated space for the full duration of the program. Children can engage in face painting, kite flying, various contest booths, picture coloring etc. A live DJ will entertain the Mela participants in the Hallway. Children’s movies will be shown in the Cafeteria. Food for the event is being catered by MIinerva restaurant that will provide snacks of various kinds and dinner at a nominal rate specially negotiated for this event. Snacks will include: Samosa; Bhelpuri; Chole-bhature; Idli; Vada; along with Chai; Lassi; soft drinks; and Bottled Water. An informative and enlightening exhibition on Hindu Dharma that has traveled around the country will be on display. An exhibit devoted to giving brief life histories of Hindu sants will have educational content for all specially youth. .

A cultural variety performance begins at 4:00 pm in the main auditorium choreographed by different dance and music studios and performed by their talented students. This  three hour program has  two special entertaining skit along with classic and folk dances representing various regions of India. The day will conclude with this variety program. If you or your organization would like to participate in any way in this inclusive mela, contact  Sanjay Kaul at: sanjaykaul@hotmail.com

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VHP of America is a national organization which has among its objectives to unite Hindus by instilling in them devotion to the Hindu way of life, to cultivate self-respect and respect for all people, and to establish contacts with Hindus all over the world. For more information please visit http://www.vhp-america.org/

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