Around 50 children participated in a programme teaching Humility from Valmiki Ramayana, at Kendughati Village, Lathikata, Odisha
Activities Conducted:
· Talk on how to negotiate, based on Valmiki Ramayana
· Local folk dance by village children
· Various competitions organised, like quiz, games, drawing
· Prize and prasad distribution
90 children participated in the Veer Hanuman camp at Lathikata, which included a talk on the life of Veer Hanuman by Swami Kevalananda, practicing Yoga for daily life under the guidance of Swamini Rishipriyananda, games and local folk dance.
In Bhagavad Gītā it is said:
yadā yadā hi dharmasya glānirbhavati bhārata |
abhyuthānam adharmasya tadātmānaṁ sṛjāmyaham ||
(=Whenever there is a decline of dharma and an ascent of adharma, I manifest Myself.)
In the initial years of the 20th century, India was going through a painful phase. It was a time when the successive foreign rules had made the Indians forget their own glorious culture. The new generation educated only in English was cut off from the wisdom of their ancestors preserved in Sanskrit. Hindu religion had been reduced to innumerable complicated meaningless elaborate superstitious rituals that made no sense either to the participants or the performers. Many got converted to other religions unable to find strength or solace in their own religion. The practice of untouchability was rampant everywhere. The scriptural knowledge in all its purity was restricted only to some remote ashrams. But these ashrams were inaccessible to the common man, leaving him struggling with the daily challenges of life without a direction.
Indeed an avatar was needed to revive Hinduism… An avatar was needed to redefine the rituals and reinterpret the scriptures for the changing society – a society facing problems and challenges unheard of ever before … An avatar was needed to reform the English-educated masses – coated-suited-booted ignorant but arrogant ones – who were blindly aping the materialistic West… An avatar was needed to remind the Indians of their glorious past, of their rich tradition, of their rich cultural heritage, and thus bring back their lost self-respect, lost due to centuries of foreign rule…
An avatar was needed to bring back the glory of the most ancient religion to its pristine purity. That avatar was Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda.
Here is Gurudev’s beautiful narration by Pritish Nandy while he did an interview with Gurudev in 1980:
“Swami Chinmayananda, 64, is Hinduism’s answer to the countless young men and women who have strayed away over the years, disgusted with the meaningless rituals and tired theology of the world’s oldest living faith. A distinguished scholar, an ardent teacher and a compulsive world-trotter, the Swami is held today as one of the few serious and credible missionaries that Hinduism must offer. His missions are all over the world; so are his devotees and students. And they are growing at a rate which will soon, perhaps, make Swami Chinmayananda, numero uno in the glittering pantheon of gurus, rishis, bhagavans, and babas who hold sway over India’s millions and many abroad.
“In many ways, this is the best way that could have happened to Hinduism. For, the Swami is no quack-healer or fast-buck merchant. He offers no miracles to lure the gullible. He makes no predictions, reads no fortunes and sings paeans to no politician. He makes no claim to being a God, except for argument’s sake; nor does he offer you, for a fee, the quick root to nirvana. He simply teaches. He is best known for his interpretation of Gītā and almost every day of the year, somewhere or other, in Bonn or Bangkok, Bombay or Baltimore, he has class on…”
In Sanskrit, ‘Gu’ – means darkness of ignorance; and ‘ru’ – means the remover.
Hence ‘Guru’ is the one who removes the darkness of ignorance from the minds of his disciples.
In spirituality, ignorance is compared with darkness, and knowledge is compared with light. Just as the suffering of a person wandering in darkness comes to an end with light, so too, our sufferings in life come to an end when the Guru brings in the right knowledge – the knowledge of the Self.
Right knowledge is the most important thing in life. Because everything in our life – our thoughts, desires, goals, actions, aspirations, planning… – everything depends only on one thing – our understanding of life. If this understanding is faulty, then our entire life is wasted in the pursuit of illusory things, beings and situations of the world.
Hence the Lord says in the Gītā: na hi jñānena sadṛśaṁ pavitramiha vidyate – Arjuna, there is nothing more purifying than right knowledge.
Pujya Gurudev made this knowledge simple and easily available through Jnana Yajnas. An organization named Chinmaya Mission was formed so that this knowledge was made available for little children through Balavihar classes, for youngsters through Yuva Kendra classes, for women through Devi Group classes, and for elders through Study classes.
Thus Pujya Gurudev gave us a beautiful platform where we could learn, practice and spread the highest wisdom of the ancient scriptures.
Our humble prostrations with gratitude to Pujya Gurudev on this auspicious occasion 108th birth anniversary for showing us the path and inspiring us to walk the path.
O M T A T S A T
Chinmaya Mission Ahmedabad organized a Jnana Yajna on “Rama Doota Hanuman” from 18 April to 22 April 2024, by Brahmacharini Anupama Chaitanya. Brni. Various inspiring incidents from Valmiki Ramayana & Tulsi Ramayana were covered, as well as an explanation of how a bhakta can serve the Lord and ultimately become one with HIM. The talks were held in the Paramdham Ashram lawns and were well received by the audience. The programme was concluded with a Hanuman Puja on 23 April for Hanuman Jayanti and chanting of Sunderkand in the evening.
Under the guidance of Swami Avyayananda, Chinmaya Mission Gurugram celebrated Chaitra Navratri (Vasant Navratri) in a grand manner with religious fervour and devotion from 9 April to 17 April 2024.
The activities during the period included worshipping and chanting Durga Kavach and Arati on all the nine days in the Centre’s temple.
The hall on the third floor was set for the daily Parayana from Tulsi Ramayana with the help of a team of musicians and singers. The altar was majestically decorated with magnificent jewellery, flowers and the beautiful attire of Bhagavan.
The highlight of the festivity was when Bala Vihar children dressed up as Shri Rama and Mata Sita. They sang Rama Bhajans and also performed Arati.
These nine devotional days brought peace, bliss and filled the hearts of all devotees with true yajna spirit, with all working with the feeling of oneness to bring maximum happiness.
On 17 April “Rama Janma” was celebrated with Puja, Kirtan, Bhajan, followed by Bhandara. The new year was also welcomed with a prayerful beginning.
The nine days reinforced existing relationships and also created new bonds amongst devotees, enabling them to walk on the spiritual journey ahead together!
We are overjoyed to share Chinmaya Mission’s latest achievements in the Tata Mumbai Marathon 2024, for which we were recognised at the Philanthropy Awards Night held on5 April 2024.
With blessings of the Guruparampara and under the guidance of Swami Swaroopananda, we received the following awards, which garnered attention in the print media as well:
– Chinmaya Mission secured the second-highest fundraising position overall, competing among 268+ NGOs at the Tata Mumbai Marathon 2024.
– We secured the top spot in education fundraising, reflecting our dedication to supporting Chinmaya Vishwa Vidyapeeth and Chinmays Vidyalayas in rural regions.
– Two of CCMT’s fundraisers Dr. Manisha Khemlani and Darshini Bhatt were honoured as Change Legends for their exceptional fundraising efforts.
– The funds raised through Dr. Manisha Khemlani’s Crowdfunding page set a new record, marking the highest amount ever raised in the history of the Tata Mumbai Marathon.
– Fundraising efforts of many other members of Chinmaya Mission were recognised.
We express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported Chinmaya Mission in this incredible journey towards making a meaningful difference in society.
A one-day camp attended by 70 children was organized at a tribal village called Matkamjharan (in the Lathikata block of Sundergarh District in Odisha), on 21 April 2024. The theme was “Dhruva, the Inspired Child of Ancient India”.
An update on Chinmaya Mission Mumbai’s grand cumulative Japa Yajna as on 20 April at 6 AM IST:
Om Shree Chinmaya Sadgurave Namaha
ॐ श्री चिन्मय सदगुरवे नमः
Together the target has been crossed and the group has achieved a cumulative count of 212916 Japa Malas (x108) since the start of the Yajna.
Those participating – please continue to chant and share your Japa Mala count until the end of the Anushthan on 8 May 2024.
You can still register for the Yajna.
Link for registration:
bit.ly/chinmayajapa
The 15th Year Thiruvilakku Puja with Vishnu Sahasranama Archana on the auspicious occasion of the Tamil New Year was organized by Chinmaya Mission Hosur for the welfare of all. Puja was done in two batches – morning and evening.
Shri Madeshwaranji – Chinmaya Mission President – welcomed the devotees. Shri Padmanabhan – Chinmaya Mission Secretary – shared the activities of Chinmaya Mission Hosur.
The divine event started with Vigneshwara Puja. Lord Mahavishnu was invoked in the lamp which was lit by Smt. Jayanthi Madeswaran and Smt. Aruna Veeraraghavan. Shri Kiran shared the guidelines of the Puja. Vishnu Sahasranama chanting was led by Selvi Bhavana, Selvi Mahalakshmi, Smt. Deepa,and Smt. Uma.
Devotees performed Archana individually for Bhagavan by chanting “Shri Omkara Mahavishnavay Namaha”.
Swami Shashvatananda graced the occasion and shared the following:
1. There are four types of devotees
2. Bhagavan by His compassion gives aartha, arthaarthi and jignasu devotees equal status with jnani being the best devotee who knows Bhagavan in His true nature.
3. We should also grow from aartha, arthaarthi devotees to jignasu devotee and by His grace we will get a Guru so we may become a Jnani devotee.
4. The purpose of temples are not restricted to ritual alone but should culminate in Satsang.
5. Satsang should start when one is in the womb itself like Bhakta Prahlada.
6. One who prevents us from attending Satsang is Asura Hiranyakashipu – which is our enemy – which is our own mind.
After Maha Arati, Mahaprasadam was served for all.
Around 120 devotees participated in the Thiruvilakku Puja.
The much-awaited annual sports meet URJA 2024 of Chinmaya Vishwa Vidyapeeth, was kicked off on 18 March 2024 with an electrifying opening ceremony that set the stage for two weeks of exhilarating competition and camaraderie. Organized by CVV’s Department of Physical Education and Sports, this annual event aims to promote physical fitness, mental agility, and social cohesion among our student body. Prof. Ramesh Pattni, Professor Emeritus from the School of Philosophy, Psychology, and Scientific Heritage declared URJA 2024 open.
The students were divided into four houses: Agni, Vayu, Jal, and Prithvi. Over two weeks, they participated in a wide array of sports and games, including throwball, volleyball, cricket, football, table tennis, chess, badminton, tug of war, and athletics. The events were held alternately, providing students with diverse opportunities to showcase their talents and sportsmanship. The athletic meet, which concluded the festivities, witnessed students from both our Onakoor and Warriam Road facilities competing passionately.
The matches took place at the magnificent Olympus Arena in Thammanam. The atmosphere was electric as the teams battled it out for the coveted trophy.
After two weeks of intense competition, Prithvi emerged as the champions with a total of 78 points, showcasing exceptional talent and teamwork. Jal secured the second position with 69 points, followed by Vayu with 53 points and Agni with 41 points.
Recognizing the importance of promoting holistic well-being, games and recreational activities were organized for the faculty and staff too at the Warriam Road campus on 3 April 2024. The enthusiastic participation of faculty and staff added to the vibrant atmosphere of URJA 2024, fostering a sense of community and inclusivity. From the classic and exhilarating Tug of War to the agility and precision-required badminton matches, everyone participated enthusiastically and there were amazing skills on display.
The grand finale was held on 6 April 2024 at Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Tripunithura. Everyone came together to celebrate the achievements of the participants and honour their dedication and sportsmanship. Dr. Sudheer Babu Yarlagadda (Provost, CVV) gave the felicitation speech. Dr. Sunitha Grandhee (Dean, Lifelong Learning and Wellness, CVV), and Leela Ramamurthy (Trustee, CMECT GC and President, Vidyalaya Board of Management) were also present.
With over 150 students actively participating in various events, URJA 2024 exemplified the spirit of sportsmanship, cohesion, and team spirit. The involvement of students was commendable, reflecting their dedication and enthusiasm towards physical activity and healthy competition.
