HSS Kalam Shakha - Philadelphia City

11/10/2025

Celebrating Diwali Through Sewa – Philadelphia Sewa Diwali Food Drive 2025

For the past several years, the local Philadelphia chapter of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) has been celebrating Diwali in a meaningful way — by sharing the joy of the festival through food distribution to our neighbors in need.

This year, in partnership with Eddie’s House and various Indic and Dharmic organizations, HSS distributed around 3,500 pounds of food to the residents of West Philadelphia. Along with several community organizations, numerous individuals also came forward to contribute generously to the Sewa Diwali Food Drive.

We are grateful to the following organizations who joined hands with HSS in this noble cause:
1. Eddie’s House
2. Bharatiya Temple
3. Philadelphia Marathi Mandal
4. Gajanan Maharaj America Devotees Parivaar
5. Aamhi Marathi
6. The Harmonium Institute Gurukul
7. RiverWest Condominium
8. PMM Marathi Shala
9. Media Hindi Pathashala

We also extend our sincere thanks to the 18th District Philadelphia Police Department for their support and cooperation.

Great things happen when communities unite with a shared purpose — helping humanity, which in turn is service to divinity.

We look forward to strengthening this partnership in the years ahead and continuing to celebrate Diwali through compassion, service, and togetherness.

Wishing everyone a joyous Diwali and a wonderful holiday season!

10/22/2025

12/24/2024

Last Sunday, Prasanna Ji and Ojas Ji from HSS ShriRam Shakha graciously hosted the Kalam Shakha family at their home for a wonderful get-together. It was a joyous occasion filled with fun and great memories, as we had the opportunity to connect with families from other Shakhas as well.🙏

12/24/2024

Namaste Everyone,🙏

Recently, Nikita Ji presented a very insightful Baudhik on ‘*Chakras and Their Relation to Health*’ in our Shakha. The session was deeply enlightening, as it beautifully connected the ancient wisdom of chakras with modern understanding of health and well-being.

Looking forward to more such enriching discussions in our Shakha!

Dhanyavad
HSS Kalam Shakha

12/19/2024

HSS Kalam Shakha - *Gurudakshina Utsav* - December 15th, 2024

Namaste everyone,

Our Gurudakshina Utsav took place on December 15th with a total sankhya of 38. It was a memorable and insightful event as we were fortunate to have an Utsav Baudhik by Ketan Ji (Karyawah of HSS SriRam Shakha). His words left everyone inspired and thoughtful.

We were also delighted by the presence of our Vibhag Sampark Pramukh Jatin Patel Ji, whose surprise visit added to the spirit of the Utsav. 😊

The Bala (kids) had their own baudhik focused on the significance of our Bhagwa Dhwaj, which was both engaging and educational for them.

The event concluded with delicious Prasad that everyone enjoyed.

Here are few pictures from the Utsav:

Dhanyavad,
Kalam Shakha Toli.

12/01/2024

Namaste all,

Recently, PECO invited HSS Kalam Shakha to be one of its selected Community Partners at their annual Diwali celebration. PECO IS Pennsylvania’s largest electric and natural gas energy company, and a leader in advancing smart energy.

Representing HSS, Prashant Ji and Sachin Ji attended the event, where they highlighted the HSS role in fostering societal unity and its various Seva initiatives. These included the Back-to-School Donation Drive, SEWA Diwali Food Donation Drive, Raksha Bandhan with the Philadelphia Police, support in the ISKCON’s Annual Rathyatra, and support during the FEMA Vaccination Drive in 2020.

On behalf of HSS, we also presented a copy HSS annual report and copy of Darshana book to PECO officials. Darshana book offers a vibrant overview of Hindu concepts and practices, providing an opportunity to learn about one of the world’s oldest and most enduring civilizations.

During the event, we engaged with other community partners to explore opportunities for collaboration and connected with PECO’s Asian American Resource Group (AARG). They appreciated HSS’s efforts and extended their best wishes for the SEWA Diwali yearly food Donation Drive.

HSS Kalam Shakha remains committed to serving the community and strengthening bonds through meaningful initiatives.

Dhanyavad
HSS Kalam Shakha - Philadelphia

12/01/2024

Namaste All,

We are delighted to share that last week one of the largest food distributions (SEWA Diwali) events took place in the heart of Philadelphia, marking a truly meaningful way to celebrate Diwali. This celebration extended beyond our families, embracing and uplifting the community in which we live.

Our inspiration comes from the timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 17, Verse 20):

दातव्यमिति यद्दानं दीयतेऽनुपकारिणे देशे काले च पात्रे च तद्दानं सात्त्विकं स्मृतम्*
dātavyam iti yad dānaṁ dīyate ‘nupakāriṇe
deśhe kāle cha pātre cha tad dānaṁ sāttvikaṁ smṛitam

Meaning:Charity given to a deserving person, solely because it is the right thing to do—without expecting anything in return, and at the proper time and place—is considered to be in the mode of goodness.

With this spirit, the Swayamsevaks of HSS (Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh) Kalam Shakha distributed approximately 2,500 pounds of food to the West Philadelphia community. This event was held at 5901 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA

We sincerely thank the 18th District Philadelphia Police Department* for their partnership in this noble cause, and we are grateful to Eddie’s House for their logistical support and outreaching effort.

Our heartfelt appreciation goes to:
• Gajanan Maharaj America Devotees Parivar
• Philadelphia Marathi Mandal*
• RiverWest Condominium (2101 Chestnut Street) residents
• All individuals who volunteered and donated food
• Trader Joe’s for their generous donation of grocery bags
• All other neighboring HSS Shakha for their volunteering efforts and food donation.

This event exemplifies the true spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ —the belief that the ‘whole world is one family’. By fostering unity and bridging differences of race, color, and gender, we celebrate the diversity that makes Philadelphia a unique and vibrant community. This event underscores the power of Hindu Unity that can help alleviate the suffering of the less fortunate ones.

Best regards,
HSS Kalam Shakha Team
Philadelphia

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCo4hmAxH6J/?igsh=MTl5bnJlMGk5c3ZoZA==

08/25/2024

Namaste everyone,

August 23, 2024 -
The HSS (Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh) Kalam Shakha in Philadelphia participated in the block party event organized by the 18th District of the Philadelphia Police Department. This event provided us with the opportunity to engage in community SEWA by donating school supplies to local community members. You can see the HSS logo featured in the event flyer.

Last year, we celebrated Rakshabandhan (Universal Oneness Day) with the police officers, and this year, we further strengthened our relationship by joining them in community service. A heartfelt thank you to the Kalam Shakha Toli members for their generous contributions. We will be reaching out soon with details about the upcoming SEWA Diwali food donation drive.

संघे शक्ती कलियुगे। 🙏

02/16/2024

Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) has been honored with the proclamation for the 2024 Surya Namaskar Yogathon by the Mayor's Office in Philadelphia.

12/08/2023

Happy Hanukkah to my all Jewish friends and family! May your candles burn bright this season.

Many call this festival as Jewish Deepavali. 😊

10/21/2023

Thank You Philadelphia Police ❤️🙏

10/21/2023

Thank you Philadelphia Police!!!