We are Hindus – Say it Loudly and Proudly

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Reflections on the SSV 2014 by Acharya Krishan Kant Attri

It was so exciting when I was asked by one of our UK Sangh Pracharak  to come and participate as a Sarvadhikari (head) in the 2014 SSV (Sangh Shiksha Varg) which was due to take place near Luton. I had heard so much about Shakhas that are held in the UK and all around the world but due to my commitments and busy schedule in the Armed Forces I never had any opportunity to participate previously. This time however I was able to; coincidently my son Rishi had just finished his exams and I wanted him to also take part in SSV to learn some Hindu educational and cultural values. With high curiosity we both went to the camp.

Namaste !
I had no problems meeting new people but I was a bit concerned about Rishi as it was a completely new environment for him.  I wanted him to enjoy, make friends and learn more about Hinduism. We arrived at the SSV venue ( a school in Harpenden, near Luton) late evening on Friday and met few known friends and many shikshaks (trainers). On Saturday after breakfast the shiksharthis( trainees) began to arrive. There was no doubt that many shiksharthis  knew each other, may be from previous years or from their own active shakhas. It was nice to hear the Hindu greetings from all shiksharthis saying “Namaste” to everyone regardless of their ages.
 
After registration the shiksharthis were divided into groups (gana) ; Rishi went along with his group to his room and believe me, I hardly spoke to him during the camp after that, as he mixed so well with his peers.

It was a big relief for me as I could now concentrate on my own learning and observations of this camp.

Ganesh Pooja
The Sangh Shiksha Varg began with a vibrant Ganesh Pooja done by one of the Shikshaks who explained the importance of it. I was given the privilege to sit with Varg Karyawaha (secretary). It was a humbling experience witnessing our young UK born Shikshak performing the pooja. After a brief introduction and warm welcome by Varg karyawaha, it was lunch time.

All the new shiksharthis were made to feel very welcome by each Shikshak that they never felt as if it was their first time attending the SSV. It was remarkable witnessing the enthusiasm shown by Shikshaks from a wide range of professional backgrounds who had dedicated their invaluable 9 days to teach these shiksharthis.

The first experience for us and all the Shiksharthis was the cold shower before 6am (as the shower wasn’t functioning), perhaps testing all of us in our strength (it went on for few days). Even so no one complained as everyone was rushing to get ready for Chai, Ish Chintan and shakha.

Electrifying Performance
The Bookshop of Hindu Sahitya Kendra  seemed to very popular amongst the Shikshartis with many  buying books to suit their needs, whether it would be to learn more Hindi or to expand their knowledge on Hinduism.

The Exams went very smoothly with the shiksharthis paying full attention to their workbooks and trying to memorize their geets and prarthanas, to try and get the highest score possible. The performances at the cultural night (last day) were simply electrifying, with a wide range of talents being shown from dhol players to funny impersonations of the Shikshaks and shiksharthis.

Yada Kinchit Gyoham Gaja Iva Madandaha SamaBhavam

Tadaa sarvagyosmi itibhavadava liptam mama manah

Yada Kinchit Kinchit Budha Jana Sakaashaat Avagatam

Tadaa moorkhosmiti Jwara Iva Mado May Vyapa Gataha

When I acquired a little knowledge, I became very proud/ egoistic, like an elephant. When little by little I started to be in the company of learned people, then my ego disappeared like after taking the medicine the fever disappears from the body.

Full of Enthusiasm
With the help and support by previous shiksharthis the new-comers found it easy to adapt to the new atmosphere. From Ish Chintan in the morning to Ratri Karyakram every single member was so excited and looking forward to the next activity with full enthusiasm.At the end of each day we could clearly see the efforts made by all shiksharthis; they were quickly tanned in the sun with no complaints! As we all became more familiarized with the daily timetable, discipline and the purpose of the Varga, the shiksharthis became increasingly enthusiastic to take the most and give their best.The morning and evening shakhas were very spirited, with a wide range of fun and enjoyable activities for the shiksharthis to participate in.

Bauddhik sessions were listened to with full ears with the shiksharthis keen to learn more about inspirational figures and their Hindu Dharma.  They would ask very interesting questions to their shikshaks. Workshops, geet singing and Ghosh (band) sessions taught a lot to all the participants.

On Friday, along with other senior members I was asked to be a judge for the geet competition in the Ratri karyakram. All of the ganas had been practicing their chosen geet for the whole week. It surely paid off as everyone participated enthusiastically  in the competition. Shiksharthis were also able to sing and learn the meaning of the geet.

Sweet Memories
On the last day it was time for 'deekshant' (graduation). A touching bauddhik was given by Shri Chandra Kantji who works tirelessly through out the whole year for Sangh work. Everyone started realizing that the time to depart had come, with all of the Shiksharthis reflecting on the sweet memories that they have made with their new friends and bidding farewell to them. It was so upsetting seeing some children crying. They were going to miss the SSV and for whole year it will not be possible to have such activity again. The last group photo session was quite memorable.  The performance by swayamsevaks and sevikas in the Samarop function was superb and greatly appreciated by the parents and guests.  

Proud of our Shikshaks
On many occasions witnessing how our UK shikshaks are guiding their young fellow brothers brought tears to my eyes. I felt so proud that over the years SSV has created so many dedicated Shikshaks who can lead, guide and carry forward the great message taught by the Hindu Dharma to humanity, on how to lead a spiritual life, how to be a proud Hindu, how to be a good law abiding citizen of the country, and how we can lead our life to noble salvation.

Finally I feel so happy and grateful that I was given a chance to attend this SSV and pray that I continue to be a part of this wonderful organisation as drop in ocean in whatever way. My humble Pranams and salutes to Guruji, and all our dedicated volunteers of SSV.

While writing all the above, the words of our Varg Geet are still vibrating in my ears:

Galat mat kadam uthao soch kara chalo vichaar kara chalo
Raah ki museebatom ko paara kara chalo paar kar chalo.
Ham pe jimmedaariyaan hain ……
Vishwa Dharma ki Jai!