Be There: CHYK National Youth Convention 2025

As they stood in the vast expanse of Sundarangan in Chinmaya Vibhooti, saluting the soaring Chinmaya Yuva Kendra flag on the bright morning of 28 May 2025, the 750-strong crowd from 22 states across Bharat could have hardly expected the tumultuous roar of events, memories and learnings that were to transform them in the four days to come. All they knew was that they were here with a single, crystal-clear purpose—to Be There for Harnessing Youth Potential. Things got off to a speedy start, literally, as the campers raced down the paved slopes from the Pranav Ganesh Mandir and right into Sudharma auditorium for the inauguration.Swami Anukoolananda, the National Convener of All India Chinmaya Yuva Kendra (AICHYK), set the precedent with an iron message, ‘Break the limits, not the rules.’ Pujya Swami Swaroopananda, the Global Head of the Chinmaya Mission and Chairman of AICHYK delivered an endearing yet powerfully poignant lecture on ‘Storm to Perform’, drawing from the timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita to remind the campers of their latent potential—ever infinite, yet waiting to be discovered. Pujya Swamiji’s classes were a staple in the mornings, and they became a camp favourite in no time. From stories of Stripey and the Pillar of Caterpillars to readings of love letters, the audience roared in laughter as he seamlessly wove together ancient wisdom and his signature humour. Five shlokas of the Gita—the syllabus for the camp—became practically engraved in their minds as they chanted it day in and day out, revelling in its higher meaning..Next, the campers found themselves pulled away from the comfort of their friend zones and thrown into unfamiliar waters, with every face as alien as the next. Named after the regiments of the Indian Army, the groups found themselves bellowing their war cries before they even knew each other’s names. These groups, once only a band of strangers, evolved over the camp to become a close-knit community united by the CHYK cause. From exhilarating games to quiet reflection sessions, from heated discussions to friendly banter, these groups became central to learning and growth powered by their own energy and an enthusiastic cohort of mentors.The most exciting part of the camp was in the afternoons—guest lectures. From a retired Major in the Indian Army to the Lead Strength & Conditioning Coach of the Indian Cricket Team, these speakers from all parts of Bharat brought unparalleled expertise right to the campers. There were two Padma Shri awardees too! Major Madhan Kumar led the charge, painting the unbridled success of Operation Sindoor with cold facts and colder punchlines. The fire of patriotism was carried forward by Pujya Swami Mitrananda, National Advisor to AICHYK. Swamiji opened the audience’s eyes to the 2.5 war—the war within Bharat’s borders, a war that they were all part of—the war of narratives. Then they got to hear from Dr. Prahalada Ramarao, the director of the Defence Research and Defence Laboratory and the man behind the Akash defence systems, the Agni and BrahMos missiles..Dr Archna Prasad and Dr Uma Shankar, two giants in the field of education, threw light on the inner workings of the NEP, and the power of education as a tool to harness youth potential. Then came several beacons of that very potential from within the Yuva Kendra itself—Sri Soham Desai (Lead S&C Coach of the Indian Cricket Team), Smt. Rohini Manohar (founder of the Chennai Yoga Studio), Sri Prasad Deole (Founder-Director of Z-BAC) and Sri Madan Mohan (CEO, Deneb & Pollux). Sharing their heartfelt personal journeys and struggles to the top, they served as relatable and reachable inspiration to the audience. Closing this wondrous line of speakers was Dr. Radhakrishnan Pillar, the foremost authority on Chanakya in modern times. Presentations on the CORD Fellowship, the Youth Empowerment Programme, the DIY Challenge and the Chinmaya Vishwa Vidyapeeth Deemed to be University, offered avenues and opportunities to harness and channelise each one’s potential. Watching Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda’s biopic, ‘On A Quest’, experiencing the Chinmaya Jeevan Darshan, the exhibition on Swami Chinmayananda’s vision and traversing the paths of the Swanubhuti Vatika, the Self-realisation Park at Chinmaya Vibhooti provided unique experiences to each participant.As evening descended, bhajans echoed across the auditorium walls as campers got off their seats and onto the aisles to revel in divine melodies. The twin mega-shows, Surya 108 by CHYK Kadapa and Chandra 108 by CHYK Chennai displaying meticulous practice and brilliant execution, hammered the CHYK standards loud and clear, into every youngster in the audience.The third evening brought a new flavour to the convention, one that the audience was sure not to forget—the CVV contingent’s spectacular metaphorical dance on Operation Sindoor to the CIRS choir’s soulful renditions, the dances of Draupadi and Krishna and the folk presentations by CHYK Noida. Following that was the procession of Pujya Gurudev’s padukas with everyone dancing and revelling in the procession to the tune of the Maharashtrian Dhol Tasha.Even before we could realise it, the valedictory had arrived. With an inspiring message, ‘This is only the beginning’ and hopeful goodbyes, the participants left carrying the spirit of CHYK in their hearts, forever changed by their experiences, and with memories of a lifetime.

Be There: CHYK National Youth Convention 2025

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