Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh’s Interfaith Initiatives at Parliament of World Religions Were a Resounding Success

Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA (HSS) had a resounding success at the Parliament of World Religions (PoWR) held in Chicago from August 14 to 18, 2023. The organization’s active participation in the event reflected its commitment to interfaith dialogue, cultural exchange, and the promotion of universal values.

We volunteered at the HSS booth at the Parliament of World Religions and were responsible for setting up the booth, answering questions about Hinduism, and promoting the Darshana Hindu Civilization exhibition. We were surprised to learn how much we had in common with people from different faiths. We all shared a common desire for peace, understanding, and compassion and shared a commitment to making a difference in the world. We enjoyed talking to people about Hinduism and sharing our own knowledge and experiences. 

At the HSS booth, we created a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. Also, we enjoyed learning about other people’s faiths and cultures and were impressed by the diversity of the audience at the Parliament of World Religions. People from all over the world came together to learn about each other’s faiths and cultures. This was a powerful reminder of the importance of interfaith dialogue and understanding.

The event’s highlight seems to have been the “Darshana: A Glimpse into Hindu Civilization” exhibition. Here’s a breakdown of what happened;

Mission and Annual Report: HSS took the opportunity during the five-day event to communicate its mission and share its annual report. This likely included discussing the organization’s goals, activities, and achievements over the past year.

Darshana Exhibition: The “Darshana: A Glimpse into Hindu Civilization” exhibition was a central focus of the booth. This exhibition showcased aspects of Hindu culture, philosophy, and civilization. Exhibitions like this are often designed to educate and familiarize visitors about a particular culture or heritage.

Diverse Audience: One of the notable aspects of this event was the diverse audience it attracted. People from various faiths, including Paganism, Sikhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Jainism, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, and Baha’i, attended the HSS booth. This diverse attendance reflects an open and inclusive approach to sharing Hindu culture and fostering interfaith dialogue.

Positive Feedback: Attendees from different faith backgrounds offered positive feedback. It indicates that the HSS exhibition successfully achieved its goal of creating an environment where people from diverse backgrounds could engage with and appreciate Hindu culture. Meaningful conversations likely took place, leading to mutual respect and understanding.

Interfaith Collaboration: The event, notably the HSS booth(exhibition), was a hub for interaction and collaboration among representatives of different faiths. This type of interfaith engagement can be instrumental in promoting tolerance, respect, and peaceful coexistence among various religious communities.

One of the most successful initiatives of HSS at the Parliament of World Religions was the introduction of Raksha Bandhan as “Universal Oneness Day.” Attendees eagerly participated in the event, tying rakhis, a traditional wristband symbolizing protection and unity. Delegates expressed their excitement and support for recognizing and celebrating universal interconnectedness. On the fifth day of the event, some of the most appreciated and admired Darshana posters were redisplayed, including Namaste, Sewa, Education, Pursuits, and Hindu Symbols. Delegates who had previously visited the HSS booth returned to learn more about Hindu culture and philosophy. 

The success of HSS’s initiatives at the Parliament of World Religions is a testament to its commitment to interfaith dialogue and understanding. Delegates who have attended multiple Parliament of World Religions events also expressed their appreciation for the HSS booth. They have found the booth to be informative, engaging, and thought-provoking. The HSS booth has also been praised for its welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. HSS is a respected non-profit organization that significantly impacts the community through its volunteerism and service. 

“We are delighted with the overwhelmingly positive response to the Darshana exhibition received at the Parliament of World Religions. It was heartening to witness representatives of various faiths engage in meaningful conversations and explore collaboration possibilities,” said Dr. Bharti Raizda of the HSS Chicago Chapter. “The introduction of ‘Universal Oneness Day’ through our Raksha Bandhan celebration was a testament to our shared values of unity and mutual respect.” 

HSS successfully initiated conversations, built bridges, and promoted greater understanding in line with the Hindu values of acceptance despite variances. This was in spirit with the famous address by the first Hindu at the PoWR, Swami Vivekananda, a hundred thirty years ago. Several updates from this year’s event participation are available at www.facebook.com/hsschicagodowntown.

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Devashri Khadke is a Washington, D.C.-based tech policy analyst, interested in viewing global issues from an Indian perspective. She has a keen interest in history and non-fiction. Kiran Gajendra is a Chicago-based network and security engineer interested in learning about world history, especially from the Indic lens. He is an avid comic reader, and a yoga practitioner.