Guru Vandana Guidelines 2021

• It’s e-Guru Vandana again this year.

• Consider hosting Guru Vandana with a smaller group of teachers (preferably for teachers from a single school district depending upon the number of teachers on the invitee list). This way teachers will get more focused attention in the e-Guru Vandana format and we will be able to host more Guru Vandana programs.

• Consider using the break-out sessions for honoring the teachers if there are a large number of teachers attending the program.

• Less logistic constraints this year due to the virtual Guru Vandana

• Plan to host for a shorter duration (~1 hour)

• Keep the cultural performance short and meaningful for the teachers

• Avoid duplication of the cultural performances

• It is a good idea to give mementos to the teachers which they can use in their classroom

• Use the pre-recorded video for cultural performance. Avoid doing live cultural performances during the event.

• Make sure that everyone on the call is okay with recording the Guru Vandana program. Inform everyone of the intent of recording the entire Guru Vandana event.

• Invite the school district leadership (for example, Superintendent)

• Consider inviting school teacher family

• Do not forget to invite a prior-year school teacher as well to keep the connection going

• Extend the invitation to the teacher of the year nominees (current school year) and the winner (previous school year) from the local school district. 

• Please keep the primary focus of the Guru Vandana on honoring the teachers and educators if inviting the local elected public officials (Mayor, Congressman, etc.).

• Keep the focus of the Guru Vandana presentation on the importance of Guru-Shisya tradition. This is NOT a time for Hinduism 101 session for the teachers

• Mention the Hindu Dharma or Hindu Culture Workshop provided by HSS-HEF by using the 2-minute introduction video link as part of the Guru Vandana presentation