Program started with Ganesh Vandana (Prayers to Lord Ganesha) followed
by Saraswati Vandana. After which there was a power point presentation
about this festival. There was Group Song (Samuhik Geet) by Swaranjali
(our Musical Group) singing glories of Goddesses and about universal
peace and harmony. And then Guru introduction and felicitation by
kids.
There were 15 teachers from different school districts and one
principal. Kids offered prayers (guru vandana), gifts and words of
praise to their teachers. There was 15 minutes power point
presentation about "Saraswati Puja". Teachers from different schools
and backgrounds had overwhelming experience of the culture and values
which revere teachers.
Some of the teachers' comments.
Roxanne Wolff
-Program was wonderful
-Really Liked dancing and Singing.
-It was very nice how students introduced their teachers.
-Lots of Great information
Darlene Thrasher
-I appreciated this opportunity to know more about Hindu Culture,
What wonderful values you are instilling in your children - the desire
to learn, respect for others, kindness, self-confidence, sharing with
others, to name just a few. I enjoyed the dances and chants performed
by the children. There is much which American culture can learn from
Indian Culture
Iman Elrefaie
-I was happy to attend this celebration on Sunday Feb 13. It was
very good chance to know what other culture traditions and
celebrations. It was very good to know that in your culture, you do
respect the teachers and the person who is teaching you anything if it
was in regular school or language school or study school. I know that
the teacher is always big role model to the student, so it is really
good to have some special relation between both of them. Again thank
you so much for the invitation.
Megan Tarten
-Thank you so much for inviting me and for making all of us feel so
appreciated and celeberated.
Susan Harter
-I was able to come to your program last year and have used your
posters in the classroom. Thank you for the books today (The Bhagwad
Gita)
Katie Angarano
-I really enjoyed my experience of learning today. I sit with
thoughts and feelings that have not yet become words to express. Thank
you for your open hearts and minds. Namaste
The gifts to the teachers were
- Book. Title "Why do we ..". which explains in simple language, our
customs and traditions. why do we put bindi (dot) on our forehead, why
do we touch our elder's feet, why do we take our shoes out when we
enter the house etc.
- Gist of Bhagvat Gita (Small booklets)
- Balagokulam Children's Magazine.
- Ganesha Ji's idol and Ganesha Symbolism. Each teacher was explained
about lord Ganesha and the significance of the different parts and his
vehicle mouse.
- Booklet of Vedic Mathematics.
The program ended with Indian sweets and snacks.
We had wonderful experience conducting Saraswati Puja (Guru puja). It
was great opportunity for kids and their parents to show the
appreciation and respect we have for teachers, who are heart of our
efforts to make this world a better place. Even Karyakartas called
their old teachers. Lot of Kids said they want to call more teachers
next time.
Sunnyvale shakha karyakarini
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