The Wilton Chapter of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) hosted its annual Teacher’s Appreciation Event at Comstock Community Center, bringing together educators from Wilton and surrounding towns.
Each year in May, HSS celebrates Teacher Appreciation Day, called Guruvandana. The day is an expression of love, gratitude and reverence towards teachers. In Sanskrit, Guru means “teacher, spiritual master and mentor,” while Vandana means “salutations to the teacher.” The event focuses on expressing gratitude to teachers for contributing to the community by imparting knowledge to and instilling moral values in the next generation.
More than 40 teachers and guests, along with their families, joined the event. The chief guest hosted by HSS was Wilton resident Steve Hudspeth. Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling joined the event and spoke about teaching being a noble profession and the valuable role teachers play in society. Other guests attending the event included Temple B’nai Chaim Cantor Harriet Dunkerley, Wilton Public Schools Superintendent Kevin Smith and Wilton Board of Education Member Pamela Ely.
The event started with the lighting of the oil lamp, symbolizing the wisdom that teachers bring into our lives. Teachers then participated in lighthearted icebreakers and games to help build camaraderie. There were vibrant photo booths, Henna stations, and traditional clothing displays for guests to enjoy and try on.
This was followed by a story showcasing the vital role of teachers in Hindu culture and a short skit derived from the Mahabharata, an important Hindu epic, performed by young children. The program also featured musical instrument recitals and singing performances by students of all ages.
The highlight of the event was the Teacher Felicitation Ceremony. One by one, each teacher was invited to the stage alongside the student who had nominated them. The student applied a tilak (a mark of vermilion) on the teacher’s forehead, then bowed before the teacher to bestow blessings and best wishes.
During the teacher reflection segment toward the end of the program, many teachers expressed their gratitude and appreciation. The event provided them an opportunity to connect with other educators from different school districts and with the local Hindu community.
Guests were also treated to traditional homemade Indian food at the end of the event.
Each year, HSS hosts this celebratory event to appreciate community teachers who play such a critical role in the success of children. Organizers thanked the teachers, esteemed guests and attendees for making the event a memorable one.