The largest volunteer-led non-profit Hindi language school in the US Midwest region, HindiUSA Saint Louis recently celebrated its fifth anniversary by organising programmes focussed on patriotism at the Mahatma Gandhi Center in Saint Louis, Missouri.
The event commenced with a dance dedicated to Lord Ganesha, followed by an opening note from the school coordinators, Dr Anshu Jain and Mayank Jain. About 300 people attended the event and enjoyed performances by over 90 students, centered around Hindi songs with India as the theme.
The event had presentations titled ‘Story of Hindi,’ which traced the evolution of the Hindi language over thousands of years, and ‘Anekta mei Ekta’ (Unity in diversity).
A performance suffused with patriotism depicted the emotional story of Bharat Mata (Motherland India) where Mahatma Gandhi unites Indians and helps them achieve freedom from British rule.
Special guests that included Betsy Cohen, the executive director of the Saint Mosaic Project, Indian outreach consultant Sneha Chembayil Rajan from Saint Louis Mosaic Project, Merrell Hansen and Gary Budoor, members of the Chesterfield City Council encouraged students to maintain their connection to their Indian roots, learn the Hindi language, engage in community service and strive for the Seal of Biliteracy.
