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Students Celebrate Teachers as Guru Vandana Gains Popularity in Houston
The event featured cultural performances, student presentations and tributes recognizing the role teachers play in shaping young minds
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Juhi Varma - Tue, 09, Jun 2026
- 02:50 EDT
- 22
One of the largest celebrations of its kind in the region, the event highlighted the tradition's growing acceptance and popularity while serving as an example of cultural exchange and community integration. / Courtesy photo
The Houston area is home to one of the nation's largest and most prosperous Desi communities, and each year, students celebrate that heritage by honoring their teachers through Guru Vandana ceremonies.
Rooted in the Hindu tradition of expressing gratitude and respect for educators, these events have grown increasingly popular across the region. Many teachers and principals are now familiar with the tradition and look forward to participating, with some school administrators even reaching out to local Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh chapters to help coordinate the celebrations.
This year, students hosted a series of Guru Vandana, or "respect for the teacher," ceremonies honoring educators from four Houston-area school districts. HSS holds events across the region ahead of Teacher Appreciation Week every May. The ceremonies have become an annual tradition, bringing together students, parents and educators to celebrate the vital role teachers play in shaping young lives.
"It's my fourth time being at this event, first time we hosted it here at the British International School," said Principal Barrie Scrymgeour. "But again, every time, I love the fact that everyone comes together to celebrate teachers. It's a fantastic profession, and it's great to see the recognition for the teachers who work so hard for their students."
Students from Lamar CISD, Katy ISD, Cy-Fair ISD and Houston ISD invited their teachers, tutors and academic mentors to attend a Guru Vandana ceremony at the British International School of Houston. The event was one of the largest Guru Vandana gatherings in the region, reflecting both the growing popularity of the tradition and the successful blending of cultural heritage with mainstream American school life.
"They do cultural rituals at the beginning and announce their gratitude. This is my third year at one of these," said Ashley Mills, an art teacher at Katy ISD's Tays Junior High.
"One of my students invited me. She is in my geometry class," said Phu Ngo, a math teacher at Tompkins High School. "It's nice to be invited and appreciated."
The event featured cultural performances, student presentations and tributes recognizing the role teachers play in shaping young minds. The goal was both to express gratitude toward educators and to share aspects of Hindu cultural heritage, said Murali Vadaga, one of the main organizers.
"My student, when he brought it up to me, I had already seen an email, so I kind of knew a little bit," said Leanet Silva Cruz, a teacher at James E. Taylor High School. "But he also explained to me how the whole event is about valuing gurus because, in their culture, the guru is somebody that is the 'most high.' And I just thought it was really sweet, and I said, 'Of course I will be there.'"
The auditorium was filled with teachers wearing red vermilion tikkas and flower garlands after being honored by their students.
"I really enjoy the tradition and the symbolism of it. I thought it was really powerful," said Ethan Crowell, principal of Jordan Ranch High School. "This is a fantastic event. Really enjoyed it. We have a lot of students. It's a big school. But I had some students come to me personally and invite me. And funny enough, I'd already RSVP'd to come because it was an event I wanted to come to. I brought my wife and daughter so that they can also have the experience too."
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