What is Guru Vandana? – Guruvandana

To honor the teaching community, for their exemplary service in educating the students, the first full week of the month ‘May’ is considered as the Teacher Appreciation Week in the USA and the first Tuesday of the same week is the National Teacher Day. Hindus have been emphasizing the importance of the teacher, i.e, ‘Guru’ from time immemorial and hence been recognizing their contributions at every opportunity.

We do want to make sure that our children understand the Hindu value of honoring their teachers and recognizing the contributions that they make in their lives. We also want to make sure that they recognize this day in and day out—not just on one day a year. Although, we live in a diverse society today, there are things that all of us have in common. This day brings people together, to honor the student-teacher relationship, and to celebrate those who are responsible for the growth of our children.

Q. What is Guru Vandana?
A. Guru, in Sanskrit, means Teacher, Spiritual master, and a Mentor. Vandana means salutations. Guru Vandana means salutations to the teacher. That is to say, it is an expression of love, gratitude, and reverence towards the teacher. This program provides a platform for students to acknowledge the role played by their teachers, in shaping their lives and honor them.

Q. Who can participate in Guru Vandana?
A. It is open to everyone. Anyone interested in expressing their reverence and gratitude towards their teacher is welcome!

Q. Why would a teacher participate in Guru Vandana?
A. To revisit the time-honored tradition (“Guru-Shishya parampara”) of the noble role played by the Teacher (“Guru”) in shaping the life of a Student (“Shishya”) and to get a first-hand look at one of the ancient culture and its modern living styles.

Q. Why would a student participate in Guru Vandana?
A. To, learn and appreciate the tradition of expressing their love and gratitude towards their Teacher (“Guru”).

Q. Why should parents encourage their children to participate?
A. It is a great opportunity to rekindle, re-emphasize, inculcate and re-establish the noble and subtle values of Sanatana Dharma (“Indian – Hindu Culture”) into their family fold. It is a chance to make their kids, born and brought up here in the USA, aware of the rich and vibrant Hindu culture. It will also develop a sense of appreciation in kids, for the age-old values rooted in Hindu Culture, relevant in any time and setting.

Q. What are children required to do during the program?
A. The children/students present a memento or a souvenir as a mark of respect to their respective teachers.

Q. Who invites the teacher?
A. Children invite personally along with email or a personal invitation from parents.