Chinmaya Awareness Day

On June 7, a Chinmaya Awareness Program was held at Rameshwaram. This event provided an overview of Chinmaya Mission's vision, activities and community impact. Details of the upcoming Hanuman Chalisa Haven event on Sept 5 were also shared with the audience. The event also served as a means for Chinmaya Mission to connect with other Indian organizations in the area.

The event began at 9:15 am with refreshments and mixer, giving attendees a chance to get acquainted and socialize. After a welcome speech, five guest speakers representing Indian organizations in the area were given an opportunity to present their activities. Representatives from Irvine Mandir, Sahara, Hindu University of America, Silicon Andhra Manabadi (Los Angeles Chapter) and Sai Center, Tustin addressed the audience in turn. The underlying theme of all the presentations was the similarity and connection between the operating principles of these organizations and the goals of Chinmaya Mission. The ideals of seva (service), upholding Indian culture and giving a voice to the Indian American community were emphasized by all the organizations.

The guest speakers were thanked for their efforts to enrich the lives of the Indian American community. A set of videos highlighting the history, educational initiatives and global impact of CMLA was then presented. The finale was a video, created by Chinmaya Mission with the help of AI, that delivered a message from Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda himself. Gurudev highlighted 5 essential verses from the Bhagavat Gita and explained their significance in a brilliant, thundering and moving delivery.

Swami Ishwarananda then addressed the audience. He traced how Gurudev began from humble beginnings, with 25 paise in his pocket, and started a movement, a mission, that in 75 years has spread to numerous countries in the world and has 300+ centers. He then explained that seva is the thread that connects all the organizations present together. He contrasted how a servant, who works for renumeration, is different from a sevak, who works out of love, gratitude and devotion. In this 75th year anniversary, it is fitting that so many organizations, serving so many different causes, are all connected by the concept of seva.

Babu Pillai, Chairman of CMLA's Executive Committee, then took to the podium to give details of the Hanuman Chalisa Havan, to be held on Sept 5. He also explained that CMLA stresses character building of the Bala Vihar students and how seva is incorporated into their activities.

A short video then highlighted how Bala Vihar instills values, builds cultural traditions and imparts spiritual education to our young students.

Finally, Velumani Balan- CMLA Board Member - presented a vote of thanks.