Taking the Big Step…

Most youth wish that they could do something big, something meaningful and something significant. Many wish it. Some dream it. Only a rare few truly dare to take the big step. A few daring youths take up the Youth Empowerment Programme, run by the Chinmaya Yuva Kendra (CHYK). They train in leadership and take to the field to learn, serve and grow as leaders, creating significant impact. These young leaders take a big step by dedicating one year of their lives to answer their inner calling. They are called ‘Yuva Veers’. New and Newer BeginningsOn 15th September this year, two cohorts of bright Yuva Veers completed different phases of their year-long transformation programme. The 14th batch of 23 Yuva Veers graduated, impacting thousands of youngsters across Bharat. On the other hand, the 15th batch of 28 Yuva Veers completed their training and entered their service during this 50th year of CHYK. They will continue into 2026, serving during the 75th year of Chinmaya Mission’s inception.This twin valedictory event was conducted at Chinmaya Gardens, Coimbatore. Swami Viviktananda, Head of Chinmaya Mission, Kerala and Swami Mitrananda, the visionary behind the YEP programme and National Advisor, AICHYK, were the Chief Guests. The day’s proceedings began with the ceremonial hoisting of the CHYK flag, the Poornakumbha welcome for the Sannyasis, and then the lighting of the lamp..Inspiring BenedictionsPujya Guruji Swami Tejomayananda’s benedictions arrived through a letter: ‘The very fact that there have been 15 batches of this course shows the need and relevance of such a course for one’s personal growth and for national prosperity as well. I especially appreciate the leadership of Swami Mitrananda, Swami Swatmananda and Swami Anukoolananda. Thanks to all other teachers who have also played a great role in conducting these courses.’Pujya Swami Swaroopananda, Global head of Chinmaya Mission, sent a video message of best wishes to both batches, inspiring them with his words, ‘All your teachers have given their best to you. Now, go out and give the best of yourself to the world. One who serves will earn glory.’Messages from the masters were interspersed with impact reports, training reports, reflections from Yuva Veers and cultural performances. The YEP Impact Report – 14th Batch:23 youngsters were posted across 12 centres in India.Their impact…● Over 5500 students were impacted through Value Education sessions throughout the year● Over 500 children in weekly Balvihar classes throughout the year● Over 400 youth through CHYK classes throughout the year● Over 7000 students through camps, seminars, workshops, treks and travel● Immense outreach to youth through social media videos and posts● A book, ‘Dinacharya’ was published by the Yuva Veers at Chennai Chinmaya Mission● Organised the first-ever National CHYK Alumni Meet● Organised a 4-day National Youth Convention for over 750 youth● Revived or strengthened CHYK groups in the centres.The Training Report – 15th Batch: 29 youngsters came from Bharat, Nepal and the U.S.● Self-discovery through Vedantic study of Tattva Bodha, Bhaja Govindam, Sadhana panchakam, Hanuman Chalisa, the Bhagavad Geeta and ‘I Love You Letters’● Workshops on developing self-confidence, creative-confidence, emotional healing & emotional resilience, self-defence, etc.● Outdoor Learning through adventure, travel, overcoming fear, etc.● Skill training in public speaking, theatre, presentations, debates, workshops, classroom teaching, movie-based learning, conducting Balvihar and CHYK classes, teamwork, leadership, digital design, creating social media content and many more. Creative Expressions & Transformative Reflections:Cultural programmes followed with the talent pool of Yuva Veers from both batches, presenting music, dance, short skits and video compilations of their YEP experiences and valuable learnings. There was also an ‘office’ style mockumentary that stood out, blending humour alongside giving us a fresh new perspective on our own culture.Words and tears of gratitude poured forth from the Yuva Veers of the 14th batch, for all the opportunities to learn, serve and grow. Yuva Veers of YEP15 shared the expansion that they experienced during training and their excitement in looking forward to the opportunity to serve..The Baton PassesThe Yuva Veers of both batches lined up as the traditional YEP lamp was ceremoniously passed on by the 14th batch to the 15th. The responsibility for keeping up the legacy was passed on to YEP15.The postings for the new Yuva Veers were revealed: 8 Yuva Veers, of which 3 are girls, were exclusively dedicated to the Amrit Yatra, a convoy of one bus and three cars that will travel 35000 kms across Bharat, carrying the message of the Bhagavad Gita to over 10 lakh youngsters. One of these cars will be an all-women car. The 20 other Yuva Veers have been posted at 12 centres across 8 states in India. They will serve the cause of youth empowerment for nation-building and cultural revival. Cheers and gasps punctuated the announcements of the postings. Words of Wisdom – Valedictory Messages:The benedictory messages flowed from Swami Viviktananda, Regional head of Chinmaya Mission, Kerala. Swamiji asked youngsters to be Selfish and selfless. Selfish with a capital ‘S’ representing our higher Self, which we should follow. At the same time, we should be selfless, with the small ‘s’ representing our ego personality. Hence, surrender your ego personality and align it with the higher Self within, said Swamiji. Swami Mitrananda warned the Yuva Veers that they should not look for appreciation for their work: ‘The work itself must give joy. The reward of good work is more work. Chinmaya Mission has gloriously served for these 75 years. It is the Yuva Veers who should serve responsibly, bring joy, cheer and upliftment to the youth of our nation.’ The End and The Beginning:The programme concluded with Pujya Gurudev’s aarti, the recitation of the Chinmaya Mission pledge and the National Anthem. The event had ended, but for the new YEP batch, this was just the beginning of taking the big step.

Taking the Big Step…

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