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In 2003, the Florida House of Representatives designated February as Hindu Heritage Month to honor the Hindu residents of the state that add to its diversity and help better the state by promoting their cultures and traditions, spreading knowledge and culture. The month was selected more due to the fact that many Hindus worship Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, wisdom, and learning, in February.

The Hindu culture is both diverse and rich as Hinduism dates back to the Indus Valley over 4,000 years ago, making it the oldest religion in the world. Hindu Heritage Month gives people an opportunity to learn about and appreciate the Hindu culture. The South Florida Hindu Temple in Southwest Ranches in conjunction with other organizations holds events for the public to learn about myths and misconceptions about the Hindu culture, but also to experience the rich culture. However, temples are not the only place to learn about Hindu heritage, as there are programs, classes, and monuments everywhere.

In Davie, you can find Mahatma Gandhi Square, which features a seven-foot tall bronze statue of the man who helped gain India’s independence. Not only is he known for helping with independence, but Hindus focus more on how he accomplished the goal through nonviolence. Hindus practice ahimsa, non-violence, which Gandhi exemplified in a time of great conflict and struggle.

Throughout South Florida, many cultural programs can be found as well. Bharatnatyam, the oldest classical dance in India, serves as a way for many Hindus to express their devotion to god and to tell
stories of their culture through a beautiful dance form. Kathak
dances originated in North India and are known for their storytelling through rhythmic foot movements. There are many traditional music and dance programs that are offered to the public through the Broward arts council that offer a way to learn about this rich aspect of Hindu heritage.

Besides giving the community a chance to learn about another religion and culture, Hindu Heritage Month is an opportunity for Hindus to celebrate and appreciate their heritage in a society that is continuing to move away from traditions as popular culture grows in influence. February gives Hindus a chance to strengthen their ties to their heritage and culture. Fully immersing themselves in Hindu traditions and celebrations may help them come to accept themselves and their lifestyle. Normally February holds activities like cultural programs, day of service activities, and a time for reflection and learning. I hope that everyone uses this month to learn and appreciate the lives of others and themselves as this diversity is what makes society better for everyone, giving all the opportunity to learn about the world and everyone that inhabits it.

The formation of the United States of America began with an idea. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was signed. The problem with implementing ideas is that humans are flawed. Even the best among us are not perfect, and therefore we can only hope to work towards perfection. The founders knew this. They knew they had written a document that contradicted the owning of slaves. Fourteen prominent founding fathers owned slaves, seven did not. As a group, however, they believed that the liberty and independence of the United States was the larger goal at the time.

The Constitution was signed September 17, 1787. “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, to ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.” In Order to form a more perfect Union, the Founders were admitting that they, and this country, were not perfect. A great deal of work still needed to be done.

The Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 freed many slaves, but it wasn’t until the Thirteenth Amendment, adopted December 18, 1865, that slavery and involuntary servitude were abolished (except as a punishment for a crime). Ever so slowly, steps continued to be taken towards the idea that is the foundation of this country, equality. Initially introduced to Congress in 1878, a (white) women’s suffrage amendment was officially adopted on August 26, 1920. This was the Nineteenth Amendment to the Constitution.

In August 1892, one of the original Pledges of Allegiance was composed by Francis Bellamy: “I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” “…He had initially also considered using the words equality and fraternity, but decided against it, knowing that the state superintendents of education on his committee were against equality for women and African Americans.” Per Dr. John Baer in his book, The Pledge of Allegiance: A Short History.

June 22, 1942 saw the Pledge changed to “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” “Under God” was added on June 14, 1954.

The Civil Rights Act was enacted on July 2, 1964. As Americans we must work together to continue to bring the founders’ idea to fruition. All are created equal, with liberty and justice for all. As human beings we may never achieve perfection, but as Americans our ambition is to always keep working to “create a more perfect Union”.

On this Independence Day, let us truly reflect on the history of this country we love. Let us think about the things we are able to do, no matter how small, to make things better, and to continue working towards the original foundational idea of equality. Let us listen and open our hearts with love to our fellow Americans who don’t look like us, love like us, or worship like us.

We MUST do these things “not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because the challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win…” President John F. Kennedy, Sept. 12, 1962.

By Sheryl Dunn, Publisher

Tag: independence

Hindu Heritage Month

Still pursuing a ‘perfect union’