Suresh Bodiwala
CHICAGO: The Annual Fundraising Banquet for Chinmaya Mission Chicago (CMC) was held at Waterford Banquet and Conference Center in Elmhurst, a Chicago suburb on December 1 to raise funds for the existing and upcoming projects offered by the three Chinmaya Mission centers in the Chicago area—Badri Center in Willowbrook, Yamunotri Center in Grayslake and Gangotri Center in downtown Chicago Grand avenue.
With over 700 people in attendance and more than two hundred thousand dollars raised, the event turned out to be a grand success. Over five hundred thousand dollars were pledged toward interest free loans.
The evening began with welcoming guests, invited dignitaries and supporters including special guest and speaker Acharya Shri Gaurang Nanavaty, head of the Chinmaya Mission Houston center.
Chinmaya Mission Chicago’s Swami Sharanananda gave his blessings. Jetindra Nayar,Swapna Nayar, Dhiren Khatri also graced the occasion. Shanker Pillai, president of Chinmaya Mission Chicago outlined the goals, activities, expansion plans and the need for funds to continue in meeting the growing needs of the community. Dr Ashok Dholakia, vice-president of CMC, elaborated on the existing Badri building complex expansion plan which is currently in the final planning/bidding stage and is expected to be completed within two years.
Shanker Pillai elaborated on the building of well-planned retirement/senior homes adjacent to the Badri Center to support the physical and spiritual needs of senior citizens. This unique ‘no cost’ concept is designed so as not to incur costs to the occupants other than living and maintenance. One, two and three bedroom units ranging in cost of $150,00 to $300,000 based on the unit selected, to be refunded to the occupant or family member upon change of occupancy. The anticipated timeline is two years for the completion of this project.
The entertainment for the evening was provided by the musical group Eclipse Nirvana which specializes in devotional music. High school youth provided service throughout the evening by babysitting children of banquet attendees and helping with collecting donation envelopes.
The event came to a conclusion with the chanting of Bhagavad Gita chapter XV, followed by a delicious meal served by India House restaurant. Arun Mehrotra, secretary of CMC proposed a vote of thanks. A complementary souvenir book featuring inspiring articles, information about classes offered at Chinmaya Mission Chicago, class pictures, and advertisements from local supporting companies was given to each family
For over 39 years, Chinmaya Mission has been serving the Chicagoland area by conducting weekly Bala Vihar classes and adult study groups, summer youth camps, and spiritual retreats. Bala Vihar is an integral part of Chinmaya Mission and was started by Swami Chinmayananda to instill good values right from childhood and inspire kids to live a nobler life. In his own words, “Children are not vessels to be filled, but lamps to be lit.”
For more information call Shanker Pillai (630-886-6442) for Badri center in Willowbrook, Mrs. Rajul Bhalala (847-302-2383) for details regarding Yamunotri Center Grayslake or Nitish Kanabar (347-829-9099) for Chicago City Center- Gangotri, Chicago IL
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