A group of seekers spent a weekend at Chinmaya Amarnath Ashram in Pittsburgh from 26 to 28 April 2024. The retreat was themed ‘The Joy of Change’. The theme of the retreat revolved around the sacredness of relationships, particularly focusing on vivaha, the journey of marriage, and its profound impact on personal growth and spiritual upliftment. Participants, representing various stages of relationships, embarked on a journey of self-discovery and relationship enrichment.

The retreat also featured a Bala Vihar component, where children engaged in art and storytelling activities on Lord Hanuman. This was led by a group of graduating Seekers to Facilitators, a programme intended to train seekers in becoming confident facilitators of Sanatana Dharma, with a focus around the next generation of students.

The retreat provided a nurturing environment for individuals to explore and deepen their understanding of relationships. Discourses rooted in the ancient wisdom of the Narada Bhakti Sutra shed light on the essence of love, devotion and mutual respect within partnerships. Retreaters were guided to cultivate 12 virtues essential for fostering strong and harmonious relationships, empowering them to become better partners.

Each day at the retreat was a blend of introspective practices and meaningful actions. Friday evening started off with an introductory discourse and discussion groups. Saturday morning commenced with a  revitalizing yoga session, promoting physical well-being and inner harmony. The afternoon was dedicated to seva activities, including tree planting and community clean-up efforts, fostering a sense of interconnectedness and service. Saturday evening was adorned with soulful bhajans in the serene surroundings of the Amarnath shrine creating moments of spiritual connection and reflection. On Sunday, retreaters were encouraged to share their learnings with each other. The retreat culminated with participants leaving with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper commitment to nurturing their relationships.

Chinmaya Mission Lathikata organized a Youth Camp for the teenagers with 130 participants, on the topic ‘Satyameva Jayate’ based on the story of legend child Nachiketa on 6 May 2024 at Chinmaya Seva Project, Lathikata.

Inaugurating the Camp, Swami Kevalananda spoke on the Camp Theme ‘Satyameva Jayate’ and expounded critically on the different important aspects of Nachiketa’s life. He was about 5 years old when he set the noble goal to find out what is the ultimate Truth of Life. Moving on, Swami Kevalananda told the youngsters “It is your intensity of desire that transforms your life from ordinary to extraordinary like Nachiketa, the inspired child of ancient India who discovered the greatest truth of life.”

Swamini Rishipriyananda told the campers, “When you move with truthfulness and love in your heart, nothing becomes impossible and you achieve more than you expected.”

The Camp witnessed many other varieties of activities that were interesting, educating and highly enjoyable, like a Yoga session for fitness of health taught by Swamini Rishipriyananda and Yoga teachers of Chinmaya Vidyalaya; an interesting and informative Quiz & Essay Competition conducted on the Camp Theme and the Life of Param Pujya Gurudev; the campers also participated in intellectual Games and the absorbing Cultural Programmes by the participants.

The Camp came to an end with the sharing of camp impressions, distributing of prizes and Swastipatha.

Devotees from Chinmaya Mission Centres of Nairobi, Mombasa and Kampala connected virtually to celebrate the 108th Jayanti of Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda, as one East Africa family.

The new campus of Chinmaya Vishwa Vidyapeeth (CVV) Deemed University was inaugurated on 12 May 2024. The new complex, called Lalita Vidya Pratishthanam, includes the Chellaram academic block, boys’ and girls’ hostels, which were inaugurated by the global Head of Chinmaya Mission and the Chancellor of CVV, Swami Swaroopananda, in the presence of the Founding Chancellor of CVV, Swami Tejomayananda, and Chinmaya Mission Kerala Head Swami Viviktananda, coinciding with the birthday of Shri Adi Shankaracharya.

The auspicious occasion witnessed the presence of eminent personalities. Managing Trustee of CVV, Dr. AppaRao Mukkamala, welcomed the gathering, and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Ajay Kapoor expressed the vote of thanks.

Swami Swaroopananda said that Swami Chinmayananda’s vision and dream will become a reality. He connected the inaugural function with the consecration ceremony of Shri Ram Mandir at Ayodhya in January. Swami Chinmayananda’s 108th birthday falls exactly 108 days after the consecration ceremony, and during that time, we are blessed to inaugurate our new campus.

During the function, the donors of CVV were recognized, and it was an auspicious moment for everyone associated with this long-cherished dream. Swami Swaroopananda emphasized that we should always be proud of our Indian roots and our rich cultural heritage. Through CVV, we aim to pass on our age-old culture along with contemporary science, and the vision of Swami Chinmayananda is thereby being fulfilled through CVV.

Before the inauguration, Swami Saradananda from Chinmaya International Foundation performed Shri Ganesh and Saraswati Puja, as well as Guru Paduka Puja. Distinguished individuals who have contributed to Chinmaya Mission for the establishment of CVV graced the occasion. Piravom MLA Anoop Jacob, President of the Pambakkuda Gram Panchayat and Thirumaradi Grama Panchayat, and many more dignitaries witnessed the occasion. Noteworthy dignitaries from CVV such as Dean Academics and Registrar In-Charge Prof. T. Ashokan, Provost Prof. Sudheer Babu Yarlagadda, Executive Secretary of Trust N.M. Sundar, and Trustees participated in the inauguration ceremony.

The 80-acre campus at Onakkoor is a milestone in the journey of Chinmaya Mission. This state-of-the-art campus will offer a wide range of courses, including Bachelor of Technology programmes, MBA, and many more. Equipped with modern laboratories, classrooms, and libraries, the campus promises to provide students with unparalleled facilities to pursue their academic and extracurricular interests. In addition to academic pursuits, the institution aims to nurture students’ talents in various fields including arts and sports, providing them with ample opportunities for holistic development.

The inauguration of the new academic complex marks a significant step towards realizing this vision. Moreover, the institution is committed to sustainability and environmental conservation. Plans are underway to implement eco-friendly practices such as water purification plants and the preservation of natural water bodies to ensure a greener campus. Additionally, the construction of buildings will adhere to eco-conscious principles, integrating seamlessly with the surrounding environment.

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.

Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda’s 108th Jayanti was celebrated with great joy at Chinmaya Degree College, Haridwar, on 8 May 2024. The celebrations started with the lighting of the lamp, garlanding and floral tribute to Gurudev by the Chief Guest, Mr. Anil Kapoor (Former Director, HR, B.H.E.L.), Chairman – Col. Rakesh Sachdeva, Sadhana Sachdeva, Principal of the College – Dr. Alok Agarwal and Director Self Finance Scheme – Dr.Vaishno Das Sharma.

The programme was organized by the students of the college. They worked wholeheartedly for almost a week to ensure the event is a big success. The programme’s main ceremony was Shri Guru Paduka Puja. The college students beautifully chanted the 108 names of Pujya Gurudev. Aarti was done and it was followed by a cultural programme. Short plays were presented by the students about the great saints of India (Sant Tukaram, Sant Kabir Das and the great Upanishadic thinker Gargi). The plays were captivating and excellently dramatised. The joyous celebrations were meaningful and reflective. The whole event was choreographed to honour the life and legacy of Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda.

As attendees gathered to pay homage to Gurudev’s vision, wisdom and profound spiritual insights, the atmosphere was filled with reverence and gratitude for the transformative impact Gurudev had on countless lives. The biography of Pujya Gurudev was narrated by Chhavi Bhatia (student of B.Sc, Maths) in which she brought to the fore that throughout his lifetime, he devoted his whole life propagating the timeless teachings of Vedanta, advocating self-discovery, inner transformation, and the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. Pujya Gurudev’s legacy lives on through the hearts and minds of those who continue to be inspired by his teachings.

The Chief guest Mr. Anil Kapoor, paid reverential tribute to Gurudev’s foresight, knowledge and unwavering commitment toward spiritual upliftment and the hope that the deep influence of revered Gurudev will always remain in humankind. The Principal Dr. Alok Agarwal expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all those who participated in and contributed to make the event a great success. He also said that Pujya Gurudev’s teachings will continue to illuminate our path and inspire us to live with wisdom, compassion and selflessness.

The Chairman, Col Rakesh Sachdeva (Veteran – Indian Army) reminiscing about Gurudev, recounted the objects of the Chinmaya Education Movement and urged everyone to rededicate themselves to follow the motto SERVICE BEFORE SELF and perform their Duties with absolute integrity and devotion.

The event was concluded with the Chinmaya Mission Pledge and National Anthem.

Chinmaya Mission Trichy celebrated the 108th Chinmaya Jayanti by doing 108 Paduka Pujas in different houses, including short talks about Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda. 108 pujas were completed in April and these are continuing on popular demand!

Chinmaya Mission Trichy also screened “On A Quest ” the biopic on the life of Swami Chinmayananda, for the students on 25 March 2024 at National College. Members of Chinmaya Yuva Kendra (CHYK) prepared questions for an online quiz which was conducted after the movie. Cash awards were given to the top three scorers. The response and feedback of the students was good.

To further mark the milestone, a summer camp was conducted from 15 April to 17 April 2024, combining Shri Ramanavami and the 108th Chinmaya Jayanti. The camp, titled “Vande Ramam Vande Gurum” was conducted at Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Trichy. The 3-day programme was from 9.30 am to 3.30 pm. 144 students attended. On the 3rd day all the students did Gurudev Paduka Puja. Their chanting of “Om Shri Chinmaya Satgurve Namah” vibrated across the whole venue. “On A Quest “was also screened for the summer camp students and a quiz was conducted on it, in which the children participated enthusiastically.