Draft:Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA

Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) USA is a voluntary, non-profit, social and cultural organization. Sangh, as the organization is popularly known, aims to organize the Hindu community in order to preserve, practice and promote Hindu ideals and values. HSS conducts structured programs of regular athletic and academic activities to develop strong character and leadership skills in its members, emphasizing values such as self-discipline, self-confidence and a spirit of selfless service (sewa) for humanity. The Mission of the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA, Inc. is: * to give primacy to Humanitarian and Spiritual values of life; * to create and promote a better understanding and more friendly relationship between people of diverse faiths and backgrounds and through people to people contact.

About
HSS USA was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in 1989. According to their 2023 Annual Report, HSS has 234 centers from 171 cities in 36 states.

HSS USA is an autonomous and independent organization having no legal or financial relationship with any other organization. HSS USA shares platforms with many social, cultural, religious and spiritual Hindu and non-Hindu organizations across the world that work for the all-round advancement of Hindus and the community at large and have been working for the upliftment of the poor and underprivileged. HSS USA engages with many Hindu organizations in the USA and internationally including Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, (RSS), which have helped rejuvenate the society and take Hindu civilization forward.

Work:
HSS, as a nationwide organization, offers values-based education programs for people of all ages through its centers. It also engages in service activities and community outreach projects.

Its educational programs are based on Dharma, which teaches to cultivate discipline, self-confidence, teamwork, and the spirit of selfless service. HSS service activities and outreach projects are focused on developing a sense of civic duty, responsibility, and volunteerism. HSS USA aims to inspire pride in Hindu heritage among its members and to increase the awareness and appreciation of Hindu traditions and civilization by the wider community in the United States.

Health for Humanity Yogathon/Surya Namaskar Yajna (SNY)
Surya Namaskar is a yogic practice done in reverence to the sun. Research shows several physiological and psychological benefits from Surya Namaskar when practiced regularly. They are performed as a series of 10 physical postures, flowing in a graceful, continuous sequence. HSS organizes a Surya Namaskar Yogathon every year to promote its benefits among all Americans aspiring for a fit body and balanced mind.

Since 2007, every year, HSS has organized a Health for Humanity Yogathon also known as Surya Namaskar Yajna during the last two weeks of January. Since its inception, 43 states have actively participated in the Yogathon through Yoga centers, community organizations, schools, and colleges, and also as individuals regardless of their faith and belief. These participants have performed over four million Surya Namaskars over the past several years. HSS incorporates diversity and inclusion through this activity in communities nationwide while promoting public health and well-being equitably.

Acknowledging this, community leaders and elected officials across the nation have also appreciated this initiative and encouraged their residents to participate in the Health for Humanity Yogathon. The Yogathon has received numerous proclamations from American mayors, governors, US Congressmen, and US Senators. It is widely covered by the print and digital media as well by TV channels across the US. It also found recognition in the Congressional records in 2017. The "Let's Move" initiative by the then First Lady Michelle Obama declared HSS as a partner in 2012 in recognition of the Yogathon.

Universal Oneness Day - Raksha Bandhan:
Raksha Bandhan is a popular and traditionally Hindu annual rite or ceremony. On this occasion, appreciating the public service, HSS volunteers visit their local first responders, elected officials and other community leaders and tie a thread, "Rakhi", around their wrist and share sweets. Volunteers also offer their support when required to these officials to help the local community.

Sewa or Service:
It is an age-old belief in Hindu philosophy that "Service to Humanity is Service to Divinity." It is in this spirit that HSS volunteers across the nation routinely participate in social service or sewa work in their surrounding community, township, and more. Examples of routine sewa activities include adopt-a-highway, donation drives for clothing, laptops, and other educational supplies, supporting the needy during natural calamities such as hurricanes, and more.

COVID Sewa:
During COVID-19 pandemic, 2049 HSS volunteers coordinated sewa activities. They collaborated with 426 organizations in 27 states serving over 45,000 families in 198 Cities.

HSS volunteers also offered "Vaccination Sewa" in their communities. The core concept was to ensure equitable access to vaccination and that everyone stays safe and healthy. HSS volunteers reached out to communities, brought awareness on COVID-19 related vaccination, and helped the vaccination centers to make the regional vaccination program successful.