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A Joyful Vedantic Training
Hosted at Sandeepany Sadhanalya, Mumbai 'Vedanta Ramanam' camp for over 240 Swamins, Brahmacharins and Sevaks, assembled from different parts of the world. To conduct the camp, Guruji had chosen 15 topics of Vedantic significance - from the Shastra Grantha to Jivanmukti Ananda. Discourses, group discussions, presentations, prayers, and other activities kept the congregation in the realm of deep reflection, practice, and service.
A Mission embodying Peace
The Dr. Nagendra Singh International Peace Award was awarded to Chinmaya Mission on 24 November 2018, honoring its longstanding work in education, youth empowerment, and rural development. The award was conferred by Shri Venkaiah Naidu, Vice President of India, in a special ceremony hosted by Rastra Nirmaan and the International Goodwill Society of India (IGSI) at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. Swami Prakarshananda accepted the award on behalf of Chinmaya Mission in front of a select audience of 2000 dignitaries.
A Golden Fusion Concert
With 6000 voices chanting “Om” and energising the Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai, a unique concert on Lord Siva and the environment began on 19 October 2018. Called “Jhabhanga Da Dash,” it marked the first time that six Grammy artists from four countries joined hands to spread the universal message - Vasudhaiva Kutumabakam (the whole universe is one family). The concert was organised by Chinmaya Vidyalaya Chennai to commemorate a golden milestone of 50 years of the Chinmaya Education Movement.
Kerala Flood Relief Efforts
During the unprecedented Kerala floods in August 2018, Chinmaya Mission responded immediately. From parents and students of Chinmaya Vidyalayas to teachers and staff of CVV and CIF, the Mission joined hands in rescue. Raising donationns globally, Chinmaya Mission helped facilitate evacuations, provided medical aid, and distributed food and essential supplies to those in need.
The Largest Chinmaya Mission Temple
Chinmaya Sri Vidya Sri Lalitha PanchayatanaTemple, the largest temple to be built by Chinmaya Mission, was inaugurated on the sacred Sankara Jayanti, 20 April 2018. Guruji consecrated the shrine in a large gathering of devotees and acharyas. The 90-foot tall temple with a nine-foot-tall idol of Sri Lalitha Devi as the presiding deity is majestically constructed on a three-acre land on the Tirupati-Kadapa Highway, Andhra Pradesh. The temple architecture blends ancient Chola, Pallava, and Vijayanagara styles.
Leadership Succession
After serving as its global head for 23 years, on 19 January 2017, at the Tapovan Auditorium of Sandeepany Sadhanalaya, Mumbai, Guruji Swami Tejomayananda formally handed over the leadership of Chinmaya Mission to Swami Swaroopananda. Guruji expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all during the ceremony. Affirming “Ever in His Service, Ever at His Feet,” he concluded, “This is not a farewell; this is a thanksgiving.”
Pioneering Holistic Higher Education
Conceptualised during Gurudev's birth centenary year in 2016, Chinmaya Vishwa Vidhyapeeth (CVV) gained its status as a deemed-to-be university in the 'de novo' category on 16 January 2017. CVV is a deemed university dedicated to Sanskrit and Indian Knowledge Traditions, including Performing Arts, established under the de novo category to preserve cultural heritage, with campuses at Chinmaya International Foundation (CIF) in Veliyanad, Kerala, and Chinmaya Naada Bindu (CNB) in Kolwan, Maharashtra.
Padma Bhushan Award for Guruji
On 12 April 2016, Guruji Swami Tejomayananda was awarded the prestigious Padma Bhushan for "distinguished service of a high order" in spiritual and educational work. Guruji received this third highest civilian award from then President Pranab Mukherjee at a Civil Investiture Ceremony in the Durbar Hall of Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi. With his characteristic humility and devotion, he dedicated the award to Gurudev and Chinmaya Mission.
Birth Centenary Celebrations
The Chinmaya Birth Centenary Celebrations (CBCC) had a sacred, inspiring momentous start on 6 May 2015 in Ernakulam, Kerala. The Chinmaya Jyoti lit by Guruji was placed in the Chinmaya Sandesh Vahini (CSV), a special van that travelled across India carrying Gurudev’s Padukas along with an inspiring exhibition of His vision and mission. On 8 May 2015, the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, released special commemorative ₹100 and ₹10 coins featuring the image of Gurudev.
An Inspirational Biopic
To commemorate Gurudev’s birth centenary, the biopic "On a Quest" had its global premiere in Chennai, India, on 15 December 2014. The much-acclaimed film, depicts the life and spiritual transformation of Swami Chinmayananda. Produced by Chinmaya Creations, the film is directed by Chinmaya Vidyalaya alumnus R. S. Prasanna, with guidance and screenplay by Swami Mitrananda.