CHICAGO: Living up to its theme, “Living in Harmony”, the Annual Fundraising Banquet for Chinmaya Mission Chicago harmoniously blended inspirational thoughts, spirited fundraising, sumptuous food, and artistic performances during a fundraising event at Waterford Banquet in Elmhurst on November 9.
The goal was to raise funds to support activities of the two Chinmaya Mission centers in the Chicagoland-Badri Center in Willowbrook and Yamunotri Center in Grayslake. With over seven hundred people in attendance and more than two hundred thousand dollars raised, the event was deemed a huge success
Swamis and guests Swami Prakashananda, Swami Sharanananda, Acharya Jetindra Nayar, Acharya Swapna Nayar, Acharya Shanker Pillai and Shri Dhiren Khatri (serving Chinmaya Mission Chicago after completing the two-year Vedanta Course in Mumbai) were received with the traditional purna-kumbha welcome ceremony. This was followed by lighting of the lamp in front of Swami Chinmayananda’s portrait, invoking his blessings.
Swami Sharanananda gave the inaugural welcome with his usual humor and charm. He mentioned that the highest form of charity, which is much above providing food or donating money, is the gift of knowledge. He said that Chinmaya Mission helps individuals understand their true nature. Once a person realizes his/her divine nature, actions follow accordingly.
Swami Prakashananda brought out the importance of harmony in this world by emphasizing that even though evil cannot be removed from the world, humanity can neutralize its effect by teaching people the values that can counter it.
It is organizations like Chinmaya Mission that enable humanity to reverse its decline by imparting the right values.
Acharya Shanker Pillai outlined the goals, activities, expansion plans, and the need for funds to continue meeting the growing needs of the community. He elaborated on the proposed idea of building well-planned retirement homes adjacent to the Badri Center, to support the physical and spiritual needs of senior citizens.
The entertainment for the evening was an enchanting mix of dances and music presented by children from the Bala Vihar that is an integral part of Chinmaya Mission started by Swami Chinmayananda to instill good values right from childhood. In his own words, “Children are not vessels to be filled, but lamps to be lit.”
Chinmaya Yuva Kendra (College students and young professionals) members-popularly referred to as CHYKs-captured the audience with their energetic presentation on the various avenues available to college students and young professionals to serve and grow spiritually.
The event ended with the chanting of Bhagavad Gita Chapter XV, followed by a delicious meal. A complementary souvenir book with inspiring articles, information about classes offered at Chinmaya Mission Chicago, class pictures, and advertisements from local supporting companies was given to each family as a token of appreciation for attending the banquet.
Chinmaya Mission was founded in the 1950s by the devotees of a great Vedantic scholar, Swami Chinmayananda. It has over 400 centers worldwide. Its purpose as stated in the words of Swami Chinmayananda is, “To provide to individuals from any background the wisdom of Vedanta and the practical means for spiritual growth and happiness, enabling them to become positive contributors to society.” The current worldwide head of Chinmaya Mission is Swami Tejomayananda. For over 37 years, Chinmaya Mission has been serving Chicagoland.
Asian Media USA
