Bharat is a nation with a strong and ancient spiritual backbone. Chinmaya Mission, set up by Swami Chinmayananda, has been playing a crucial role in modern times in keeping this tradition alive. What started as series of nationwide lectures to spread the timeless message of Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita, has over the decades grown into a humongous organization spanning numerous spiritual, cultural, social, educational and environmental endeavours across the country and abroad.
On 13 July 2024, Chinmaya Mission celebrated the 60th anniversary of its apex body, CCMT (Central Chinmaya Mission Trust), established on 10 July 1964. The event was held at the beautifully decorated Saraswati Nilayam hall in the serene Sandeepany Sadhanalaya Ashram in Powai, Mumbai, as a day to express gratitude to the Master, and to all those who had served the organisation over the years gone by.
The occasion was blessed with the presence of Swami Tejomayananda (former Global Head) and Swami Swaroopananda (present Global Head), who offered flowers at the altars of Lord Ganesha, Devi Saraswati and Swami Chinmayananda. Dr Manisha Khemlani, CEO of CCMT, set the tone for the celebration with her warm and welcoming address. It was time to honour and thank the trustees, ex-employees, current employees and vendors, who had served Chinmaya Mission for a period of more than 20 years. Many had arrived with their family members, and the hall was brimming with joy as each group was invited on stage and felicitated.
The felicitations were followed by inspiring addresses by Swami Tejomayananda and Swami Swaroopananda. Their encouraging and loving words filled everyone’s hearts with even more determination to take the vision forward. Swami Tejomayananda then, in his own inimitable and kind way, released the sixth and final e-book in a series by Smt. Anjali Singh titled, “On Higher Flights with Swami Chinmayananda”.
The morning session ended with the moving words of Manisha Khemlani’s vote of thanks, making all feel truly blessed for being part of the landmark celebration of a very special journey.
After a sumptuous and sattvik lunch, the stage was set for an afternoon of fun-filled and joyful indoor games, activities and garba! The infectious energy of the volunteers got the Chinmaya family members going and there was much excitement and laughter in the air. As a befitting finale to the day, the group settled down to listen to the stirring words of the song “Hamare Gurudev”, reinforcing each one’s commitment to seva and dedication.
