Chinmaya Saraswati was honored to host the first retreat of its kind on the weekend of 25 to 27 October 2024, paving the path to attaining fullest potential in serving Mother Earth.

The Chinmaya and “Loving Earth” teams orchestrated the weekend successfully, achieving the intended goal of completely negating plastic and paper product use and team building as there were ongoing clean ups by all. An achievement indeed, as there will be no looking back!

Sanatana Dharma was echoed by our eloquent Gurus. The teachings of Shrimad Bhagavad Gita’s Chapter 11, taught by Shri Vivek Gupta, aptly exemplified the connection of the earth to one’s family, society and Divinity. The Durga Suktam and its application to today was conveyed beautifully by Dr. Shashikala Dwarakanath.

The Chinmaya Yuva Kendra members were inspired by relatable discussions by Shri Suman Rajupet, and unstructured play outdoors for the younger ones fostered light bulb moments of inventions, Shark Tank versions, like water powered cars and bamboo based paper.

The organizers mindfully ensured enjoyment for all; a soccer match, a bonfire, a nail biting trivia game of Scattergories connecting Vedanta to nature. The next day was packed; a tour of Common Ground, a unique combination of high school and an urban farm providing environmental education.

At the much awaited highlight, the Earth Fair, a children-led SoaperHero team taught about making home-made laundry detergent. Another team showed various composting methods, and the utility of worms as fertilizers. Thought provoking myth busters left one to ponder; if fossil fuels are being utilized for recycling plants, perhaps more effort is needed to repurpose? Are paper straws truly less harmful than plastic ones? And the thrill of a plant swap would tickle any phytophile!