By POOJA GARG
For The Reporter
On Aug. 20, members of the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS USA) Carmel chapter and Sewa International celebrated Universal Oneness Day, or Rakshabandhan (pronounced RUK-shah-BUN-dhun) with the Carmel City Council members and their staff.
Rakshabandhan is an important Hindu tradition in celebration of brotherhood and sisterhood. Sisters tie a sacred red thread on the right wrist of brothers as a symbol of protection against any adversity.
This tradition has now grown to include all those who safeguard us. Police, fire, EMS personnel and civic authorities have been honored on Universal Oneness Day each year.
City Councilors Adam Aasen, Jeff Worrell, Timothy Hannon and Nelson Miles, Community Relations & Economic Development Officer Nancy Heck, and City Council staff attended the event.
HSS and Sewa International members talked about the numerous service initiatives they have taken to alleviate some of the stressors due to the COVID pandemic. More than 315,000 pounds of fresh produce was distributed at various locations around Indiana to about 10,000 families in an effort to alleviate hunger.
Sewa Diwali, also organized a food collection drive during the Hindu festival of Diwali (November, 2020). They collected thousands of pounds of food, to restock depleted food pantries in Hamilton County.
Let’s spread oneness and kindness everywhere in Hamilton County and beyond.