As they stood in the vast expanse of Sundarangan in Chinmaya Vibhooti and saluted the soaring Chinmaya Yuva Kendra (CHYK) flag on the bright morning of 28 May 2025, the 750-strong crowd from 22 states across Bharat could have hardly expected the tumultuous roar of events, memories and learnings that were to transform them in the four days to come. All they knew was that they were here with a single, crystal-clear purpose – to Be There for Harnessing Youth Potential.

Things got off to a speedy start – literally. The campers raced down the paved slopes leading from the Pranav Ganesh Mandir and right into the inauguration – but before that – the Annashree. After the first taste of the sumptuous food that would become an everyday delight, the gates of Sudharma auditorium opened wide for the inauguration.

Swami Anukoolananda, the National Convener of AICHYK, set the precedent with an iron message: “Break the limits, not the rules.” Then came Swami Swaroopananda, the Global Head of the Chinmaya Mission and Chairman of the All India Chinmaya Yuva Kendra, who delivered an endearing and powerfully poignant lecture on ‘Storm to Perform’, drawing from the timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita to remind the campers of their latent potential – ever infinite, yet waiting to be discovered. The classes would become a staple in the mornings, and they became a camp favourite in no time. From stories of Stripey and the Pillar of Caterpillars to readings of love letters, the audience roared in laughter as he seamlessly wove together ancient wisdom and his signature humour. Five shlokas of the Gita – the portion for the camp – became practically engraved in their minds as they chanted it day in and day out, revelling in its higher meaning.

Group activities were up next. The campers found themselves pulled away from the comfort of their friend zones and thrown into unfamiliar waters, with every face as alien as the next. Named after the regiments of the Indian Army, the groups found themselves bellowing their war cries at the top of their lungs before they even knew each others’ names. These groups, once only a little more than a band of strangers, would evolve over the camp to become a close-knit community united by the Yuva Kendra cause. From exhilarating games to quiet reflection sessions, from animated discussions to friendly banter, these groups became central to learning and growth at Be There, powered by their own energy and an enthusiastic cohort of mentors.

But perhaps the most exciting part of the camp was kept for the afternoon sessions – the guest lectures. From a retired Major in the Indian Army to the Lead Strength & Conditioning Coach of the Indian cricket team, these men and women from all parts of Bharat brought unparalleled expertise right to the campers. There were not one, but two Padma Shri awardees! Retd. Major Madhan Kumar led the charge, painting the unbridled success of Operation Sindoor with cold facts and colder punchlines. That fire of patriotism was carried forward by Swami Mitrananda, National Advisor to AICHYK. He opened the audience’s eyes to the 2.5 war – the war within Bharat’s borders, a war that they were all part of – the war of narratives. Then they got to hear from an integral part behind Bharat’s defence development – Dr. Prahlada Ramarao, the director of the Defense Research and Defence Laboratory and the man behind the Akash defense systems, the Agni and BrahMos missiles.

Dr Archna Prasad and Dr Uma Shankar, two giants in the field of education, threw light on the inner workings of the NEP, and the power of education as a tool to harness youth potential. Then came several beacons of that very potential from within the Yuva Kendra itself – Soham Desai (Lead S&C Coach of the Indian cricket team), Rohini Manohar (founder of the Chennai Yoga Studio), Prasad Deole (Founder-Director of Z-BAC) and Madan Mohan (CEO, Deneb & Pollux). Sharing their heartfelt personal journeys and their struggles to the top, they served as a relatable, reachable inspiration to the audience. Closing this wondrous line of speakers was Dr. Radhakrishnan Pillai, the foremost authority on Chanakya in the modern times.

Presentations on the CORD Fellowship, the Youth Empowerment Program, the DIY Challenge and the Chinmaya Vishwa Vidyapeeth (CVV) offered avenues and opportunities to harness and channelise each one’s youth potential. Watching Gurudev, Swami Chinmayananda’s biopic, “On A Quest”, experiencing the Chinmaya Jeevan Darshan (the exhibition on Swami Chinmayananda’s life and vision) and traversing the paths of the Swanubhooti Vatika (the Self-realization Park at Chinmaya Vibhooti) provided unique experiences to each participant.

As evening descended, bhajans echoed across the auditorium walls as campers got off their seats and on to the aisles to revel in divine melodies. The twin mega-shows, Surya 108 by CHYK Kadapa and Chandra 108 by CHYK Chennai, displaying meticulous practice and brilliant execution, hammered the CHYK standards loud and clear.

The 3rd evening brought with it cultural presentations – a set of real eye-poppers. From the CVV contingent’s spectacular metaphorical dance on Operation Sindoor to the CIRS choir’s soulful renditions on the third night, these presentations brought life and a new flavour to the convention, one that the audience was sure not to forget. The dances of Draupadi and Krishna and the folk presentations by CHYK Noida brought thunderous applause among the audience. Following that was the procession of Pujya Gurudev’s Padukas with the entire crowd of campers dancing and revelling in the procession to the tune of the famous Maharashtrian Dhol Tasha, to the campfire.

Even before we could realise it, the valedictory had arrived. With an inspiring message, “this is only the beginning,” and hopeful goodbyes, the participants carrying the spirit of the Chinmaya Yuva Kendra in their hearts, left back to the various nooks and corners of Bharat that they came from – forever changed by their experiences, and with memories for a lifetime.

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May this season bring learning, laughter and light into your homes.

Chinmaya Yuva Kendra, Noida, guided by Swami Chidrupananda, successfully hosted a powerful Train-the-Trainer workshop on 20 April 2025, as a key step towards the launch of जीवेम शरदः शतम् – May We Live 100 Autumns”, a Drug Awareness Program for Youth.

The session was conducted by renowned psychiatrist Dr. Dharav Shah and was honoured by the presence of Shri N. Mrinal, IPS, Northern Region Head of the Narcotics Control Bureau, who served as the Chief Guest.

Chinmaya Yuva Kendra members from Noida, Delhi and Ghaziabad came together for this transformative initiative, which aimed to equip trainers and volunteers with the knowledge and tools to spread awareness about drug and alcohol addiction across college campuses.

With insightful guidance, practical frameworks and collective enthusiasm, the participants left empowered and ready to take this mission forward to make a meaningful and lasting impact.

Chinmaya Vibhooti, Kolwan, recently organised a Marathi camp on the 4th Dashak of Dasbodh, with talks by Swami Advaitananda (Chinmaya Mission Nashik).

The deeply insightful spiritual camp was a beautiful blend of meditation, devotion, wisdom and practical application of timeless teachings.

Each day began with meditation, creating the perfect foundation for spiritual learning. This was followed by soulful bhajans and engaging satsangs. Swami Advaitananda beautifully explained the essence of Navavidha Bhakti (the nine forms of devotion) as described in the text. His explanation, including practical ways to apply devotion in everyday life, was not only clear and simple but also very inspiring, helping participants truly grasp the meaning and importance of each form of devotion.

To encourage active participation, the 70 attendees were divided into nine groups, each named after one of the nine forms of devotion. These groups engaged in discussions based on the teachings of the day. This helped everyone internalise the wisdom and share their understanding in their own words.

An enjoyable quiz further enriched the experience, focusing on saints, devotees and devotional hymns. Chinmaya Vibhooti sevaks also presented a short play based on the life of Samarth Ramdas, bringing his teachings to life in a vibrant and memorable way.

Chinmaya Gurudham in Gurugram recently witnessed a transformative Jnana Yajna conducted from 11 to 15 April 2025, by Swami Swatmananda, on the topic “Shakti aur Safalta,” based on the book Leap to Liberty by Swami Swaroopananda.
Through thought-provoking and practical discourses, he illuminated how inner strength, clarity of purpose, and devotion lead to lasting success. The sessions drew large audiences, deeply engaged by his impactful guidance.

A special highlight was the Hanuman Jayanti celebration on 12 April at the Bankey Bihari Mandir, where devotees chanted 27 rounds of the Hanuman Chalisa in a deeply devotional atmosphere.

The Youth workshop on 13 April, themed “GPS – Growth, Purpose, and Swadharma,” offered youth valuable tools for self-discovery and meaningful living.

An outreach session at Sucheta School on 15 April inspired students to cultivate discipline and responsibility. The Yajna left everyone with renewed inspiration to live with strength, clarity and devotion.

Established in 2021, Mentorship Sanga—an initiative of Chinmaya Mission Niagara—has united over 300 seekers across 100+ cities to support one another in living a life rooted in Sanatana Dharma. Through thoughtful mentor-mentee pairings and monthly Wellness Workshops, the programme offers space to explore sensitive topics in accordance with Vedantic principles.

After five years of connecting virtually, this inspiring community gathered in person for the first annual Mentorship Sanga Retreat in March 2025 with the gracious support of Chinmaya Mission Cleveland. True to its values, Mentorship Sanga focused the retreat on Facing Stigmas and Rising Above Them, welcoming seekers in their teens to their 60s.

As shared by Shri Vivek Gupta of Chinmaya Niagara, “The feelings evoked from this retreat felt similar to that of a Yatra.” Truly, seekers were transported to and held in a nurturing environment through the grace of Devi Gayatri to share insights around three themes: Exploring Identity, Understanding Mental Health, and Redefining Success. These sessions invited deep introspection into personal narratives and values. Participants explored understandings of mental health in comparison with mental illness, discussing how communities can dismantle stigma with compassion and support. Seekers also reflected on the ways they judge themselves and explored how to live beyond externally defined standards of achievement.

A highlight of the retreat was a powerful trust fall activity—an act of collective vulnerability every participant embraced. The sense of unity and mutual upliftment was unforgettable.

Under the guidance of Chinmaya Seva Trust Kerala, a Bala Vihar Sevak Training Camp was successfully conducted at Alappuzha from 29 to 31 March 2025. The camp was a vibrant and energetic three-day event filled with positivity, learning and coordination.

Inauguration Ceremony

The camp was inaugurated by Swami Viviktananda, who graced the occasion by lighting the ceremonial lamp. His presence set a deeply inspiring tone for the entire programme.

Sessions and Activities

A series of enriching sessions were conducted by esteemed speakers including Swami Abhayananda, Brahmachari Sudheer Chaitanya, Chikkoos Sivan, Shaji and Brahmachari Nikhil and Brahmachari Sudhees, the State Coordinator of Bala Vihar in Kerala, who was the main organiser of the Camp.

These sessions were interactive and enlightening, instilling motivation and a sense of service among the participants. Various games and coordination activities further enhanced the team spirit and engagement.

New games, stories, activities and bhajans were introduced. 113 participants from all the districts of Kerala were part of this Camp.

Accommodation and Hospitality

The stay and food arrangements were exceptional, providing comfort and nourishment to all attendees. The hospitality extended by the organizers ensured a pleasant and conducive environment for learning and self-development.

Conclusion

The three-day BV Sevak Training Camp was a grand success, leaving participants enriched with knowledge, positivity, and a renewed sense of commitment. The energy and enthusiasm displayed throughout the event were remarkable, making it a memorable experience for all involved. And the sevaks took a Sankalpa of having 500 Bala Vihars by next year.

Swamini Gurupriyananda, a devoted disciple of Swami Chinmayananda, peacefully took final refuge at His Lotus Feet in Delhi, at 12.33 AM India time on 29 March 2025 at the age of 96 years.

Amma met Swami Chinmayananda in the mid 1980s, as Smt. Sita Juneja. She felt like she was beholding Bhagavan Shri Krishna, her Ishta Devata, before her. Very quickly, she transformed into an indefatigable, indomitable, dedicated sevika whose purpose in life was service to her Guru and His Mission.

As an interior designer, she was involved in decorating the temple and kutia for special occasions at Sidhbari, as well as other projects in Delhi. When the Chinmaya Centre of World Understanding was being made, she raised funds, chose the architect and personally supervised every aspect of construction.

On 3 August 2003, Amma received Sannyasa Deeksha from Swami Tejomayananda and became Swamini Gurupriyananda. With even greater zeal, she worked on Chinmaya Chetna, the multimedia experiential gallery on the life and work of Swami Chinmayananda. She also launched the well loved Bhakti Pravah series of concerts, organised fairs and exhibitions of Indians arts and crafts, gave an impetus to grassroot activities and distributed Chinmaya Mission publications far and wide.

With her warmth and guidance, Chinmaya Ranjan in Delhi has been an active Centre for classes and various other programmes. Thanks to her vision and extraordinary energy, she has created a large body of Chinmaya devotees and an enthusiastic band of sevaks and sevikas, bringing Swami Chinmayananda to the hearts of numerous people who did not know him directly.

Her immense contribution to Chinmaya Mission, which she offered with great devotion, will continue to inspire.

Respectful and loving homage to Swamini Gurupriyananda Amma.

Swami Swaroopananda recently visited Dubai for a transformative Jnana Yajna (series of talks), leaving a lasting impact on all who attended. One of the highlights was his insightful Chinmaya Yuva Kendra workshop for young adults, where he encouraged them to embrace the art of loving as a gateway to self-discovery.

He also led over 300 Bala Vihar children aboard the legendary QE2 for a special screening of the movie Wonder, exploring the film through the lens of the Bhagavad Gita and teaching valuable life lessons on kindness, empathy and inner strength.

A special Shishu programme for toddlers saw the little ones being taken on a thrilling Hanuman adventure, where they immersed themselves in the enchanting stories of Lord Hanuman. With his special animated style, Swami Swaroopananda beautifully brought the tales to life, planting the seeds of devotion in young hearts.

The thought-provoking workshop on relationships for adults was a profound exploration of harmony, offering practical advice on building stronger, more loving connections.

Swami Swaroopananda also addressed aspirants seeking personal excellence on how to align one’s inner self with the external world of wealth and abundance. His talk on Wealth and Spirituality was an eye-opener, revealing the divine possibility of creating a life that aligns with both spiritual growth and material abundance.

The talk on Sant Kabirdas left the Dubai audience in awe, as he brought to life the great saint’s profound wisdom on love, devotion and the eternal nature of the soul. The poetry and music-filled session became a soul-stirring celebration of divine love, awakening all to the higher truths of life and the unity of all beings.

Kohinoor International School and Kohinoor Blossoms have adopted the Chinmaya Vision Program and are now Chinmaya Vision Schools, imparting holistic education encompassing integrated development, Indian culture, patriotism and a universal outlook.

Admissions are now open for the academic year 2025-2026.