HSS volunteers in several cities around the country helped organize and participate in vigils held in solidarity with the victims of the dastardly terror attack in Pahalgam, India. These vigils commemorated the 26 lost lives and called for justice and an end to senseless violence. In the Atlanta area, the Hindu community of Georgia’s rally saw participants waving Indian and American flags, holding placards denouncing terrorism, and chanting slogans such as “No to Terror, Yes to Peace.” In San Jose, California, about 350 people and civic officials gathered at the City Hall, holding placards with messages such as “In memory of the Kashmir victims gone but never forgotten” and “We stand for peace”. In Michigan, over 500 people gathered in solidarity, along with Senator Shri Thanedar, community leaders, Kashmiri associations, and members of the Jewish community. HSS’ full statement condemning the attack and demanding action to root out terror can be read here: HSS USA’s statement

In the Portland area, youth from the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, the Oregon Jewish Community Youth Foundation, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints came together to serve their community as part of Global Youth Service Day. The youth participated in service activities, including making sandwiches for the homeless, creating cards for the elderly, and knitting blankets for local community shelters and animal shelters. Through these activities, the youth made new friends and learned about each other’s cultures and faith traditions.

In the Indianapolis area, HSS volunteer Susmita ji participated in a panel of the Carmel Interfaith Alliance on the “Role of Women in Hinduism and Judaism” along with Rise Friedman. Both the women panelists spoke eloquently on the traditional and evolving roles of women in their respective faiths and took several questions from the audience. The event ended with peace invocations from both faiths.

In North Phoenix, HSS volunteers visited the Chabad Jewish Center to learn about Jewish history and traditions. Jake from the Israeli-American Coalition for Action gave an overview of Jewish history. The rabbi provided insights into rich Jewish culture and traditions. The HSS balas (children) took active interest in the discussion and asked several questions.

Volunteers of the HSS Peoria, IL chapter organized the 5th Annual Book Fair at Trewyn School, an underserved area. The volunteers raised funds from the Hindu community and friends, purchased books, and offered them to 375 students from kindergarten through 8th grade at deeply discounted prices, ranging from $0.25 to $5. The goal of this unique book fair was to spark a love for reading, provide children with the experience of visiting a bookstore filled with exciting new titles, and ensure that every child could afford at least one book of their choice.

As part of the OM Hindu Community Center's Pran Pratishtha in North Billerica, MA, HSS volunteers partnered with other community organizations to arrange parking, provide shuttle services, manage traffic, welcome and register guests, decorate, cook, and serve meals, and assist with pooja.

Over 65 volunteers of Gajanan Shakha and Kartikeya Shakha in Cincinnati, OH gathered early in the morning to serve fluids at a water station in the Flying Pig Marathon 2025. For 1.5 hours, the team served approximately 12,000 cups to a constant stream of runners, whose smiles and gratitude energized the volunteers.

The Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) of Buffalo Grove demonstrated its commitment to community service, or sewa, by organizing a successful highway cleanup. Nineteen volunteers, including families and youth, tidied a 1.5-mile stretch of Aptakisic Road, a section the organization adopted over a decade ago. (Read more)