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.
