Date : 30 Dec 2024

Chinmaya Yuva Kendra, Kerala, organised an alumni meet on 28-29 December 2024, bringing together 70 alumni from the Chinmaya Yuva Kendra (CHYK) community, the youth wing of Chinmaya Mission. The event took place under the esteemed presence of Swami Viviktananda, Regional Head of Chinmaya Mission Kerala, and Swami Anukoolananda, National Director of All India Chinmaya Yuva Kendra.

The programme commenced with a sacred invocation, followed by the Chinmaya Ashtottara Archana, invoking the divine blessings for the success of the meet. Brahmachari Sudheer Chaitanya, State Coordinator of CHYK Kerala, extended a warm welcome to all participants, setting the tone for the gathering.

Swami Viviktananda delivered the introductory address, where he emphasized the significance of CHYK alumni reconnecting with the Mission and recommitting to the ideals of Swami Chinmayananda, particularly in light of the 50th anniversary of Chinmaya Yuva Kendra. He highlighted the importance of alumni as pillars in supporting the Chinmaya Mission’s ongoing work and growth, urging everyone to express their gratitude to the Guru through active participation in the Mission’s initiatives.

The meet featured an emotional experience-sharing session where senior alumni took the stage to share their life-changing experiences with Chinmaya Mission and Swami Chinmayananda. Their stories, filled with deep reverence and personal transformation, resonated with the audience and served as a reminder of the lasting impact that the teachings continue to have on individuals.

Swami Abhayananda, former CHYK State Coordinator, provided an insightful overview of the ongoing activities of Chinmaya Mission Kerala. He presented a detailed picture of the Mission’s current work, highlighting the impact and outreach of various programmes, as well as the role of CHYK in these initiatives.

Swami Anukoolananda then addressed the gathering about the plans for the 50th anniversary of Chinmaya Yuva Kendra. His address focused on upcoming events and initiatives that would celebrate this significant milestone. He encouraged alumni to actively engage in these plans, contributing their time, energy, and ideas to ensure the success of the celebration and furthering the Mission’s goals.

In an engaging session, Brahmachari Anand Chaitanya spoke about the various activities and initiatives of Chinmaya Mission at large. His talk offered a deeper understanding of the Mission’s global impact and the vital role played by alumni in continuing the work of Swami Chinmayananda.

The participants engaged in a group discussion aimed at brainstorming new ideas for the future of Chinmaya Yuvakendra and ways to enhance alumni involvement. The conversation was rich with innovative suggestions that could further strengthen the bond between the alumni and Chinmaya Mission.

The evening culminated in a spiritually uplifting session of bhajans and arati, where all present united in prayer and devotion, celebrating the timeless teachings. The bhajans filled the air with divine energy, creating an atmosphere of peace and camaraderie.

The event was graced by several Swamins and Brahmacharins of Chinmaya Mission Kerala, including: Swami Gabeeranada, Swami Viswananda, Swami Tattvananda, Swami Samhithananda, Brahmachari Akhilesh Chaitanya, Brahmacharini Taarini Chaitanya, Brahmacharini Bhakti Chaitanya, Brahmacharini Disha Chaitanya, Brahmachari Nikhil and Brahmachari Sudheesh. Their presence added to the sanctity and depth of the gathering.

The Chinmaya Sangamam was an inspiring and heartening reunion for the alumni of Chinmaya Yuva Kendra, Kerala. The Meet allowed alumni to reconnect with each other and the Mission, sharing experiences, reflecting on the journey, and re-committing to the noble cause of spreading the teachings of Swami Chinmayananda.

With the 50th anniversary of CHYK on the horizon, the Meet served as a reminder of the enduring legacy and ongoing importance of Chinmaya Mission in shaping lives and communities. The event concluded on a note of gratitude, with participants feeling renewed in their commitment to the Mission and eager to contribute to its future endeavors.