The grand spiritual event, Chinmaya Sankaram 2024, which honoured the legacies of Shri Adi Sankaracharya and Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda, was organized from 8 May to 12 May 2024, by Chinmaya Seva Trust Kerala (CSTK), with support from CCMT. Read the detailed report below.
The Ratha Yatra was flagged off on 4 May 2024 by the esteemed West Bengal Governor, Dr. C.V. Ananda Bose, at the Chinmaya International Foundation (CIF) – the ancient maternal birth home of Shri Adi Sankaracharya in Veliyanad, Ernakulam.
During the prelude event, Governor Dr. C.V. Ananda Bose handed the flag to Chief Coordinator Brahmachari Sudheer Chaitanya, in the presence of Swami Viviktananda (Regional Head of Chinmaya Mission Kerala), the Trustees of CSTK and other dignitaries and devotees. In his address, the Governor fondly reminisced about Swami Chinmayananda, enriching the atmosphere with his heartfelt words.
Day 1 Highlights – 8 May 2024
With the break of dawn on 8 May, the 108th Jayanti day of Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda began with the auspicious Ganapati Homa performed by Swami Sharadananda at the Ernakulathappan Ground. The auspicious ceremony, conducted in the presence of Swami Viviktananda and numerous devotees.
Later in the evening, the Ratha carrying the Nitya Jyoti from CIF was ceremoniously welcomed at the Chinmaya Sankaram venue, following its tour across the Ernakulam district. The Nitya Jyoti was reverently received and used to kindle the lamp at the venue in a sacred ceremony by Swamins and Brahmacharins present.
Swami Sharadananda then performed Guru Paduka Puja, invoking the blessings and guidance of the revered Gurus – Shri Adi Sankaracharya and Swami Chinmayananda.
The inaugural ceremony of Chinmaya Sankaram 2024 began with a sacred Poornakumbha offering to Swami Swaroopananda, the Global Head of Chinmaya Mission. The event was graced by the presence of distinguished personalities, including Shri Adv. P.S. Sreedharan Pillai (Honourable Governor of Goa), Swami Viviktanada, Shri A. Gopalakrishnan (General Convenor, Chinmaya Sankaram), Shri R. Suresh Mohan (Chief Sevak of Chinmaya Seva Trust) and Dr. Leela Ramamurthy (Trustee of CMECT G.C and President of the Vidyalaya Board of Management).
Shri A. Gopalakrishnan delivered a warm welcome address, setting the tone for the event. Swami Viviktanada then provided a brief introduction to Chinmaya Sankaram.
Swami Swaroopananda, in his benedictory speech, eloquently remembered the vision and mission of Pujya Gurudev, invoking his teachings and legacy. Shri Adv. P.S. Sreedharan Pillai, the Honourable Governor of Goa, expressed his pride in witnessing Kerala’s emphasis on spirituality, highlighting the eternal values of Sanatana Dharma and acknowledging the profound contributions of Shri Adi Sankara and Swami Chinmayananda.
Shri R. Suresh Mohan shared poignant insights into the life and vision of Swami Chinmayananda, inspiring all present with his words.
Day 2 – Highlights – 9 May 2024
The day began with the reverberating chants of the Gayatri Homa inside the auditorium, invoking the blessings of the divine.
In his enlightening address on ‘Sankara – The Spiritual General,’ Swami Mitrananda urged the audience to think of Shri Adi Sankaracharya as not just a divine incarnation but as an inspired human being, for only then we can truly appreciate his achievements and be inspired to live to our true potential. His insightful words resonated with the audience, encouraging a deeper understanding of both Adi Sankara’s and Swami Chinmayananda’s contributions.
The Sannyasi Sammelan and Yati Puja that followed, brought together 108 Sannyasins from various sampradayas to Ernakulathappan ground. Grihasta yajamans reverently offered padapuja to these Sannyasins, representing the Guru Parampara. Swami Saradananda led the ceremony, guiding the yajamans in the sacred offerings, accompanied by Vedic chants and the heartfelt gratitude of all present.
Esteemed spiritual leaders, including Swami Chidananda Puri from Kolathur Advaita Ashram, Swami Purnamrtananda Puri from Amritanandamayi Math, Swami Saradananda from Sivagiri Math, Swami Nandatmajananda from Ramakrishna Mission, Swami Hari Brahmendrananda from Uttarkashi, and Swami Pranjanananda Tirtha Padar from Vazhur Teerthapadashram, participated in the Sannyasi Sammelan, enriching the atmosphere with their wisdom and presence.
In the afternoon, over 3000 devotees participated in the samashti parayanam of the Soundaryalahari stotra, led by Pujya Shri Shri Shankara Bharati Swami. Prior to the chanting, he spoke about the beauty of the Soundarya Lahari stotra and praised the work of Chinmaya Mission, highlighting the relevance of Swami Chinmayananda’s teachings in the modern era.
Swami Swaroopananda delivered a profound lecture on ‘Sambhavami Yuge Yuge,’ enthralling all with his words of wisdom and spiritual insight.
The day’s events were further adorned by cultural performances from the talented students of Chinmaya College Tripunithura, Chinmaya Mission College Kannur, and Chinmaya Art and Science College Kannur, adding a vibrant and celebratory touch to the spiritual gathering.
Day 3 – Highlights – 10 May 2024
The day began on an auspicious note with a Samashti Guruparampara Puja guided by Swami Sharadananda.
Swami Swaroopananda’s talk was insightful and inspiring. In his first talk, he delved into the Bhagavad Gita, highlighting the importance of dharma as the essence of existence. He emphasised that understanding one’s dharma is crucial for finding true happiness and avoiding the pitfalls of adharma.
In the second session, he elaborated on the life and teachings of Shri Adi Sankaracharya, emphasising the transformative power of studying Vedanta.
The third session saw him sharing his personal journey of discovering the Bhagavad Gita and his admiration for Swami Chinmayananda. He underscored the need to question beliefs, lamenting the loss of the spirit of sharing and the diminishing value of dharma in modern lives.
In the final session, he emphasised the importance of understanding one’s own karma and acting with divinity in every action. He reminisced about the fond memories shared with Swami Chinmayananda, highlighting the impact of their interactions on his spiritual journey.
Shri Dattatreya Hosabale, the General Secretary of RSS, delivered an exceptional talk on Swami Chinmayananda, highlighting his role as a Spiritual Revolutionary. In his speech, Shri Hosabale emphasised Swami Chinmayananda’s tireless service and profound metaphysical influence. He underscored that the birth anniversary of such luminaries is not merely a celebration but a perpetual source of joy and inspiration. Shri Hosabale also noted the central government’s efforts to actualize Swami Chinmayananda’s visions in the country, particularly in education, as evidenced by the National Education Policy. He highlighted the significant achievement of realizing Swami Chinmayananda’s dream of building a Rama temple in Ayodhya, a milestone accomplished in the revered leader’s 108th year.
Prof. Ajay Kapoor, the Vice Chancellor of Chinmaya Vishwa Vidyapeeth (CVV), and the panel of experts representing the University, made a special presentation. He explained that the goal of CVV is to help students lead a happy life in all aspects, including their body, mind and intellect. CVV empowers students through a global benchmark curriculum, international exposure, and global education.
Dr. T. Asokan, Registrar and Dean–Academics, spoke about the University’s achievements, such as digital compliance and NEP regulations. Dr. Sudheer Babu Yarlagadda, the Provost, revealed that CVV is soon to have an Oceanographic branch, making it the third education institute to get Oceanography. He discussed industry tie-ups and opportunities available at CVV.
Dr. Sunitha Grandhee highlighted the importance of the Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS). Jayalakshmi Nanda, Director-Admissions, provided a brief about various campus and programmes, mission, and vision of CVV. The presentation was enriching and gave a detailed outlook about CVV.
Dr. R. Balasubramaniam, the full time Member-HR of the Capacity Building Commission of the Government of India, reminisced how as a child he would reluctantly attend Bala Vihar looking forward to the delicious prasad at the end. He reflected on how the seeds sown in those early years eventually bear fruit in later life.
Highlighting the fact that our nation has finally awakened to the transformative resource the Bhagavad Gita, he gave insights into the initiative ‘Mission Karmayogi’ – the National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building. This programme, which was successfully implemented in Gujarat by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, is now being implemented nationally. Through it, the government intends implementing the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita to train ‘karmacharis’ to inculcate the true spirit of service to become effective ‘karmayogis’.
Swami Viviktananda delivered a heartfelt address, expressing profound gratitude to all who contributed to the grand event. He extended his thanks to the trustees, various committees, staff, teachers, students, Swamins, Brahmacharins, devotees and attendees, for their dedicated service and participation.
Day 4 – Highlights – 11 May 2024
The fourth day of Chinmaya Sankaram 2024 commenced with a serene gathering of devotees, offering heartfelt prayers through the recitation of auspicious stotras such as Totakashtakam, Gurustotram, Tapovanashatakam and Gurupadukastotram, as a mark of reverence to the Guruparampara, at the venue.
Following this, the devotees joined in a Nagar Sankeertan procession led by Swami Abhayananda, resonating with the vibrant chants of “Om Namah Shivaya.” The procession, filled with joy and devotion, made its way to the Ernakulathappan Shiva Temple, where the air was filled with the divine vibrations of the chants. Inside the temple compound, the atmosphere was serene as the devotees continued their chants, immersing themselves in the divine presence. The procession concluded with a peaceful darshan inside the temple.
Adv. Shri J Sai Deepak, an Indian Supreme Court lawyer, author and public speaker, was enthusiastically welcomed by the audience at Chinmaya Sankaram 2024. His presentation on the ‘Challenges of Dharma’ was exceptional, emphasizing the need for various Hindu organizations to establish a system that ensures quality education to impart the sanctity of Sanatana Dharma to future generations.
He emphasised that today’s youth are the torchbearers of Sanatana Dharma, underscoring the crucial role of parents in guiding and nurturing students from a young age. He also stressed that a holistic education must include learning about one’s own culture, as it is integral to one’s overall development.
Group Captain Prashant B. Nair, an esteemed alumnus of Palakkad Pallavur Chinmaya Vidyalaya, received a heartfelt welcome at Chinmaya Sankaram 2024. As the team leader of India’s prestigious space travel project, Gaganyaan, his presence was particularly honoured. Accompanied by his wife, the renowned actress Lena, he was graciously felicitated by Pujya Guruji Swami Tejomayananda. Addressing the youth of Group Captain Prashant B. Nair shared profound insights from his life, highlighting the impact of Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda’s teachings through personal anecdotes and examples. He also emphasized the significant role every citizen plays in serving and working for the betterment of the country.
The summer showers brought a refreshing respite from the heat, enhancing the atmosphere for the devotees gathered for the Sampoorna Bhagavad Gita Parayanam, which was attended by over 3000 participants. Prior to the event, a special edition of the Bhagavad Gita in Malayalam, released to commemorate the 108th Jayanti of Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda, was distributed for free at various locations across Kerala and at the venue of Chinmaya Sankaram.
The chanting commenced with the auspicious Gita Dhyanam and was led by senior Swamins and Brahmacharins of Chinmaya Mission. The session concluded with the uplifting Bhagavad Gita Aarti, conducted by Brahmachari Sudheer Chaitanya.
Adding to the spiritual ambience, the students of Chinmaya Vishwa Vidyapeeth (CVV) presented an outstanding musical theatre performance titled ‘Chaturanga – The Game of Life,’ which was based on Indian Knowledge Traditions. The students’ exceptional performance perfectly synchronized with the script, music, and choreography, effectively delivered the essential message of Vedanta.
In the session that followed, Pujya Guruji Swami Tejomayananda captivated the audience with his eloquent words, offering a touching vāk-pujā to ‘Gurudev and Gita’. He highlighted the deep and inseparable connection between Swami Chinmayananda and the Bhagavad Gita, observing how the two had become synonymous over the years. He elaborated on Swami Chinmayananda’s profound engagement with the Gita — not only did he study and contemplate its teachings himself, he taught the Gita, wrote commentary on the entire text such that everyone could relate to it in a language they understood. During his talks Gurudev made sure that people had the Gita book in their hands and encouraged them to chant its verses. He lived the Gita’s teachings in every way, thereby earning a place in Bhagavan’s heart. Swami Tejomayananda urged everyone to emulate this approach in their lives too, striving to please both God and Guru and ever ensuring the connection with ‘2G’— God and Guru.
Day 5 – Highlights – 12 May 2024
The concluding day of Chinmaya Sankaram 2024 coincided with the sacred Adi Sankara Jayanti, celebrated at his ancient maternal birthplace in the Melpazhur Mana at Veliyanadu, Ernakulam. Swami Sharadananda led the beautiful pooja offerings and Rudrabhishekam in the sacred room where Shri Adi Shankara was born. Delegates who had participated in the event at Ernakulathappan ground traveled to Veliyanad to witness the ceremony, offer their prayers and seek blessings at the sanctum.
Later in the day, devotees made their way to the new campus of Chinmaya Vishwa Vidyapeeth, which was inaugurated the previous day.
The participants from across Bharat and the globe who had especially travelled to Ernakulam, Kerala, to witness the five day event, felt overwhelmed seeing the scale of arrangements and eagerly looked forward to all the events. Students and teachers from Chinmaya Vidyalayas and Chinmaya Colleges across Kerala and also the Chinmaya Vishwa Vidyapeeth (CVV) were encouraged to participate in the event. A special team of volunteers from various parts of Kerala along with staff and teachers from the various Chinmaya Vidyalayas and CVV took up seva at various stalls including the registration, transportation and help-desk, the kitchen, food serving counters and many other areas to ensure the smooth running of the entire event.
The venue was specially structured to accommodate the entire audience in a grand well decorated auditorium, fitted with LED display screens at intervals, and air conditioning to beat the heat. The rest of the venue provided open ground spaces arranged with outdoor seating and a separate pandal for food counters. Meticulous planning was done for food arrangements with a variety of dishes served on all days, catering to crowds of 2500-3000 people daily.
There was also a grand pandal for exhibition stalls featuring various wings of the Mission, Chinmaya Publications, CORD, Chinmaya Upahar, CIF, CVV, CIRS, Chinmaya Vijaya, and a few sponsors. A display of various photographs depicting the life of Pujya Gurudev was specially arranged in a section of the Pandal.
