By: Dr Avi Verma

The Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) Chicago chapter celebrated its annual Vijaya Dashami Utsav with great enthusiasm at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire. The event brought together more than 400 volunteers of all age groups from various branches across Naperville, Aurora, Downtown Chicago, Buffalo Grove, Bartlett, and Schaumburg, highlighting unity, discipline, and commitment to Dharma.

The celebration featured an array of performances including Niyuddha (self-defense demonstrations), Yog Chap (synchronized movements using the jingling tool Lezim), dumbbell drills, Vyayaam Yog (a sequence of yoga postures), and Ghosh (band performances). Each segment emphasized the organization’s focus on physical fitness, teamwork, and spiritual growth.

Participants were also briefed on ongoing Sewa Diwali food drive initiatives in their respective regions, reinforcing the organization’s dedication to service and community welfare.

Distinguished guests included Shri Himanshu Seth, trustee of Harisumiran Temple; Dr. Siddhesh Shevade, National Executive Director (Karyavah) of HSS; and Shri Devesh Pandit, president of the Buffalo Grove chapter.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Himanshu ji Seth spoke about the importance of preserving cultural values through collective service, while Dr. Shevade commended local shakhas for advancing HSS’s mission of Seva (service) and Sanskar (values) across North America.

The event concluded with all participants taking a pledge to continue serving society with renewed commitment, unity, and devotion to the principles of Dharma.