It was a perfect close to 2025 and an equally grand beginning to 2026 with the launch of the 75th year of the Chinmaya Movement, the Chinmaya Amrit Mahotsav. The momentous occasion took place at Chinmaya Vibhooti, the Vision Centre of Chinmaya Mission.

On 31 December 2025, Swami Swaroopananda, Global Head of Chinmaya Mission, formally launched a series of programmes and initiatives for 2026 and beyond, much to the delight of the 600+ people present. After the auspicious blowing of conches announced a heartfelt welcome of Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananada's Padukas, Vastra (clothes) and statue, Archana and Arati were offered. The audience then experienced the deep inspiration of Swami Swaroopananda's words about the Master, while outlining the highlights of the year as well as releasing two books for wide circulation; one on "Gita Panchamrit" and one on "Insights into Hanuman Chalisa".

The Chinmaya Amrit Yatra was described by Swami Anukoolananda, the leader of a team of youth Yatris, whom he introduced one by one. He outlined the plan for the 295 days on the road for the 35,000 km pilgrimage across Bharat, carrying the timeless message of the Bhagavad Gita and the living legacy of Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda. The audience also got a video glimpse into the Amrit Sandesh Vahini which holds various artefacts of the Master, each one representing His vision and work.

The launch programme also included a "Gita Panchamrit" dance by children from around the world, and the global release of the Chinmaya75 anthem song, composed by Swami Tejomayananda and rendered by the Chinmaya Naada Bindu team.

The next segment had everyone awestruck, with videos made by Shri Mani Shankar, including the first AI-generated short film on the life and times of Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda, powerfully portraying His message and Mission through soulful music and a Hindi narrative by Swami Swaroopananda, with English subtitles. The next video feature was an AI-curated "Gita Panchamrit" discourse in English by none other than Pujya Gurudev Himself, of which the audience was earlier treated to one-minute glimpses of versions in Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Tamil and Telugu.

The Chinmaya Mission Pledge was recited by all, followed by a sprinkle of Ganga Jal at the hands of Swami Swaroopananda, so all could feel blessed by the touch of "Chinmaya Amrit".

After Mahaprasad, devotional fervour reached a peak with all assembling at Chinmaya Vibhooti's Sundaraangan, to send off the Chinmaya Amrit Yatra. To witness Pujya Gurudev's Padukas and Vastra being carried in a procession on a red carpet, to the rhythm of dhol-tasha, with showers of flower petals and the waving of hundreds of orange flags, was a treat for all hearts and a vision that won't be forgotten by anyone who attended. The Yatris took their places in the convoy, which was lovingly flagged off by Swami Swaroopananda, and off they were on their way to the Madrasi Ganapathi temple at Rasta Peth in Pune, where the first ever Jnana Yajna (series of talks) began on 31 December 1951.

A wonderful day spent by the Chinmaya Family where each one was immersed in deep Guru Bhakti while witnessing the very special programmes.

The year-long global celebrations include signature events that bring communities together, such as Samashti Hanuman Chalisa Havan and Samashti Gita Chanting across Centres worldwide, culminating in a Grand Sammelan in October at Bharat Mandapam, Delhi.

Visit https://chinmaya75.org/amrit to be a part of this grand legacy and get more information on the upcoming events in your city.