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HEF hosts Guru Vandana in Chicago - Lake County |
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HEF Lake County, a small but mighty group celebrated Guru Vandana in a big way on May 15th. Fourteen children extended the invitation to their Gurus with ten total guests being honored at the event. The families started coming in at 10:00 to set up for the event. The plans were set in motion. We had some families arranging tables, chairs and sound system; some setting up for the delicious luncheon that awaited us at the conclusion of the event; and others helped set up the exhibition. 
We worked together as a family to make our guests feel welcomed. We were ready to greet our guests promptly as they came in. We took great pride in showcasing our exhibition that Praksh Ji so kindly brought for us and shortly afterwards we started our program. Sarika Ji introduced the chief guest, Superintendent of School District 76 in Mundelein; Dr. Roger Prosise conducted the lighting of the lamp ceremony, she also explained the role of Hindu Education Foundation (HEF). Veeena ji was the Master of Ceremony and introduced the various items we had planned for the day. Veena Ji asked all the children to recite few shlokas as she explained the meaning. Next, Rajendra ji lead the students in a game demonstration; The Namaste game and the very interactive currency game that involves math and team work. Mrs. Mrs. Diane Wilson (Dev Desai’s teacher) said, “A wonderful opportunity for us to learn your culture and for you to show us your culture.” Kruti ji assisted the children as they spoke from their heart about the teachers they were honoring. Mrs. Rebecca Staszak (Nirinjan Kulkarni’s teacher) said, “I was very impressed with all the performances. It was nice for you to share your culture with me.” All the students did an amazing job by coming prepared to present in front of our guest. Each student honored there Guru’s with a memento and a rose. The mementos were very nice and appropriate and the children presented them very proudly. Veena Ji then asked our chief guest, Dr. Prosise to share his thoughts. In his speech, Dr. Prosise mentioned the import role that teachers, administrators and parents play in a student life. Dr. Prosise said, “Teachers and administrators help kids succeed in school and in life but parents are the key.” He added, “The size of a house in not important what’s taking place inside the house is important.” Dr. Prosise address to the families was very fitting. It does take a village; parents and gurus play a huge role but today was about recognizing teachers. We asked if any of our guests wanted to share any thoughts. Ms. Sabrina Hurley (Educator invited by Avni Patel) spoke as her eyes filled with tears of joy. Ms. Hurley mentioned, “With all the funding issues we are facing at the University of Illinois Extension and the Sate of IL, it has been a rough ride but being here today to be honored like this has given me a new life and a reason to continue on. Thank you for this honor”. At the conclusion of the teacher’s reflection, Yash Ji summed up the event by defining the importance of “guru” in ones life and tying in the dance performance by Avni Patel to the “Jai Ho” song. The song was specially chosen for this occasion because of the audience familiarity of the song. Dr.Mani ji has done very good program efforts, we missed her at the event! We ended the day with a delicious pot-luck meal. Everyone enjoyed delicious food prepared by our sevikas. Meena ji, Sarika ji, Parul ji, Miki ji, Mani ji, Kruti ji, Sonali ji, and Savita ji. Rajendra ji. Prakash Ji summed up the program very well. “It was very good. Fantastic and very well organized.” Thanks to Nirmesh ji and Rajendra ji for sharing wonderful memorable picturesji, Miki ji, Mani ji, Kruti ji, Sonali ji, and Savita ji. Rajendra ji. Prakash Ji summed up the program very well. “It was very good. Fantastic and very well organized.” Thanks to Nirmesh ji and Rajendra ji for sharing wonderful memorable pictures. |
