Chinmaya Mission raises $200,000 for expanding activities

CHICAGO: An Illinois based no profit body, Chinmaya Mission’s Badri and Yamunotri Centers together held their annual fundraising gala on Sunday, November 4 at Waterford Banquet Hall in Elmhurst, a northwest Chicago suburb.
Over 700 guests, Mission supporters and members, attended the event helping he mission to raise more than $200,000. Swami Sharanananda and Swami Ishwaranand of Chinmaya Mission Los Angeles addressed the gathering. Another highlight was a remarkable cultural performance from students of Bala Vihar. The theme of this year’s banquet was “Gratitude is the Attitude’.
The evening commenced with a traditional PurnaKumbha, Invocation, Gurustotram chanting welcome for the Acharyas. After the traditional lamp lighting ceremony Swami Sharanananda of Chicago addressed the meet stressing the importance “giving” and serving. Swami Chinmayananda and Swami Tejomayananda, Head of Chinmaya Mission Worldwide, were remembered with awe and respect due to them for bringing this organization to its present level. Swami Sharanananda then introduced Swami Ishwarananda, Resident Acharya of Chinmaya Mission, Los Angeles, CA.
In his address, Swamiji stressed the importance of gratitude in our lives. He indicated how the attitude changes the mind provided we see the world with a positive and grateful attitude, He applauded the dedicated volunteers who are doing yeomen service by contributing their personal time to teach the younger generation of kids the values of life.

In his annual report, Chinmaya Mission Chicago, President, Shanker Pillai said that Chinmaya Mission of Chicago was looking into expanding their services for the senior population of Chicago. A plan is afoot to develop a senior citizens center in the recently acquired adjacent property in Willowbrook, IL. In addition, the natural disaster relief and blood drives are a focal point in the upcoming months.
Ashok Bhatia, Executive board member of Yamunotri center gave a short presentation on CORD (Chinmaya Organization for Rural Development), the mission’s unique Seva project in India which provides empowerment to women, operates Balwadis for young children, conducts Bala Vihar programs, fights social injustice, runs support groups for young men, and health care services for the needy in several states of India.
Cultural presentations in the form of dance and bhajans were interspersed throughout the evening. Chinmaya Mission is dedicated to educating children, adults and families, fostering self-development through right understanding of religious principles and practice of value-based living.

Asian Media USA