34th AICHYK Conference

The CIRS campus provided a warm and welcoming atmosphere for the 34th AICHYK (All India Chinmaya Yuva Kendra) Conference, with over 125 participants, including 33 Swamins and Brahmacharins, as well as enthusiastic youth from 61 centres across Bharat. The attendees were eager to connect, exchange ideas and immerse themselves in Pujya Gurudev’s teachings, and left with an inspiration to bring positive change at their centres.Pujya Swami Swaroopananda, the Global head of Chinmaya Mission and Chairman of AICHYK, was welcomed with the traditional Purna Kumbha, followed by the hoisting of the dhvaja bearing the CHYK emblem. In his address, Pujya Swamiji reflected on his own journey, highlighting the enduring principle that defines the spirit of Yuva Kendra - 'once a Chyk, always a Chyk'. He fondly recalled the profound words of Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda, who emphasised the infinite potential within each individual, stating, ‘If infinite is your nature, then infinite is your potential. Therefore, there are no heights that you cannot scale.’.This conference held special significance as it coincided with the 108th Jayanti year of Pujya Gurudev. Additionally, the upcoming years mark significant milestones, with 2025 commemorating the 50th year of CHYK and 2026 celebrating the 75th year of Chinmaya Movement. Some of the important sessions were as follows:.Presentations on major programs/activities in 2023-24: CHYK Chennai, Kadapa, Brahmapur, Goa, Mumbai, Noida, CORD Sidhabari and others shared insights on the impact of CHYK projects and activities conducted in the last year.Vision Sharing sessions on Chinmaya Yuva Kendra:○ Pujya Gurudev’s Talk – Youth Alone Can: An eye opener for all on the clarity with which Gurudev envisioned CHYK for the youth of Bharat. Gurudev’s words left a great impact and participants could be seen discussing and mulling over those thoughts even post the session.○ Presentation on ‘CHYK Vision & Mission’ and ‘Envisioning CHYK for the next 20 years: Challenges and Opportunities’ were facilitated by Swami Turiyananda, Br. Ananda Chaitanya, Br. Sudheer Chaitanya, Br. Vighnesh Chaitanya and Br. Ved Chaitanya.A special discussion in relation to the above was held for two separate groups comprising Swamins and Brahmacharins and the other comprising Chyks and representatives..Youth Empowerment Program (YEP-14): Swami Anukoolananda spoke about the visionary programme that began in 2003. With thirteen successful batches of YEP completed, around 450+ empowered Yuvaveers continue to support the grass-root activities and projects across Bharat. Swamiji emphasised the impact of the programme and how it is imperative that CM centres support YEP-14 by sending potential participants, hosting Yuvaveers during their training and funding the course.Chyk 50 years – RRR-7: This is the nation building project to be implemented in the 50th year of Chyk across Bharat. Yuvaveer Radha Narayan spoke on the visionary initiative by Swami Mitrananda of compiling History books that were published as a set of three, titled Radiant, Resilient and Resurgent Bharat for class 6, 7 and 8.Swami Anukoolananda elaborated on the set of competitions and their structure that is being planned for implementation in 2025 sharing insights into possible numbers to be reached and teams to be built. Based on the inputs given all participants sat in their respective State groups and discussed the possible preparatory guidelines and plan of execution. .Swami Anukoolananda presented insights on CHYK Personal Transformation Programs that should be implemented by all CHYK Centres. Topics covered included: Daily Sadhana for Transformation, 52 Challenges for 52 weeks, Sadhana Camps for Youthand so on.Drug Demand Reduction program for awareness and action planning was a critical requirements in today’s age and time and outreach initiatives need to be conducted for youth and school groups. Swami Anukoolananda conducted this presentation for the Conference participants.Outreach initiatives were emphasised in a special session covering CHYK Alumni meet, CHYK Transformation Circle, Social Media Outreach and Collaboration. This waspresented by Br. Sanatan Chaitanya with the team from Chinmaya Vishwavidyapeeth and Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Jamshedpur, Bokaro and Kannur.Groups pertaining to states brainstormed on the planning of targets, Sevak building, outreach initiatives to be implemented in each centre and State for 2024-25. .Each day began with a sadhana session emphasising the importance of being consistent in our sadhana. Japa Sadhana of Rama Nama, chanting the Guru Stotram and Gurudev’s 108 Namavali and Dhyana were the three sadhanas that were focussed on, led by Swami Sughoshananda, Swami Atmaviddananda, Swami Vijayananda, Brni. Anupama Chaitanya and Br. Narayan Chaitanya. Evening sessions with Arati and Bhajans invoked devotion in all. Besides these, everyone was enthralled with lucid Satsang sessions on ‘Mantras for Success Geeta Speaks’ by Brni. Maitreyi Chaitanya, Brni. Anupama Chaitanya and Brni. Usha Chaitanya and ‘Gurudev Mahima’ by Swami Vijayananda, Br. Vighnesh Chaitanya and Br. Ved Chaitanya.The highlight was a special Q&A session with Pujya Swami Swaroopananda where participants freely asked their doubts about life situations and Swamiji patiently answered each one. A night walk challenge added spice to the entire conference, helping participants face their fears and overcome them. The conference provided a platform for attendees to engage in meaningful discussions, workshops, and activities, empowering them to embody Pujya Gurudev’s teachings and make a positive impact in society.The conference concluded ceremoniously with offering of gratitude unto the Guruparampara, taking the Chinmaya pledge and lowering of the CHYK-dhvaja. Participants left with renewed zeal and determination to uphold the values of the Yuva Kendra and continue their journey of self-discovery and service at the highest altar.

34th AICHYK Conference

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