Protecting the Samaj and Society
In its effort to promote Indian culture and foster better societal relations, the Hindus for Selfless Service – Guyana (Hindu Swyamsevak Sangh – HSS) recently hosted a simple Raksha Bandhan ceremony at the Leonora Synthetic Track, West Coast Demerara.
Tying Rakhis has long been a tradition of HSS, much like anywhere else in the world – but with a difference. Traditionally, Rakhis are tied on the wrists of a brother or ‘protector’ by a sister or someone considered to be a sister, and the former swears to protect the latter. However, the Sanghachalak of HSS explained the organisation’s wider perspective.
For HSS members (Syamsevaks and Sevikas), it is a little different. They have a duty to protect not only sisters, or relatives, but their community (Samaj) and country as well – a duty to protect Dharma. And this leads directly back to the core of HSS’ “Service to Humanity”. The Sanghachalak illustrated it this way: “It’s as if we are all in a boat, which we all have a duty to protect. Should someone bore a hole in the boat, we would all perish.” The responsibility to protect therefore lies with each of us, equally.
Present at Raksha Bandhan ceremony was Assistant Superintendent of Police, Ramesh Singh. The Police have a similar motto to HSS: “To Serve and Protect”. Asst. Supt Singh took the opportunity to advise the youths present at the event to stay on the straight and narrow, even though it is easy to be swayed into wrongdoings. While not using the term, he was advising the youths to stay on the path of Dharma.
To symbolise its duty to our nation and Dharma, the HSS’ Bhagwa Dhwaj (flag) and National Flag of Guyana were hoisted and both tied with Rakhis by the Sanghachalak, Asst. Supt Singh and Ms. Sandy Basdeo of the New India Assurance Co. This was followed by tying of Rakhis on all present, while ShrimatiLoveena Ji of the Nirvana Humanitarian Foundation sung Raksha Badhan Bhajans.
The Hindu Sywamsevak Sangh continues with its mandate to preserve Dharma, foster better social relations, instil discipline, promote culture and preserve traditions through these programmes, regular Shaka sessions and addressing issues of concern of the nation.
Raksha Badhan was celebrated on Monday, August 7 with the hope that the significance of the Rakhi extends from brothers and sisters to husbands and wives, teachers and students, neighbours and all citizens of Guyana alike.
