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CIHS – Centre for Integrated and Holistic Studies > Hinduism
Education Hindus International
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Sunshine in Human lives!

Chinmaya Mission’s contribution to spiritual awakening, emancipation, selfless service and compassionate development in 75 years stands out! Editorial Team, Chinmaya Mission, New Delhi As Chinmaya Mission rings in seventy-five years of dedicated service and spiritual awakening, it stands as living testament to timeless ideals and eternal wisdom of Hinduism. What began in 1951 with Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda has grown into a global movement with over 350 centres uniting seekers through knowledge, devotion and selfless service. Hinduism in trying times Hinduism rests on divinity that pervades all existence.  The mission’s goal is to work towards inner transformation in human beings, to realize the infinite self within. This vision naturally extends to how we see the world around us: not as divided by boundaries or differences but as one big, interconnected family, Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. Swami Chinmayananda’s mission was to rekindle this living faith, encapsulated in the Mission’s guiding statement: “To provide individuals, from any background, the wisdom of Vedanta and the practical means for spiritual growth and happiness, thereby enabling them to become positive contributors to society.” Through his dynamic Jnana Yajnas in English, he unfolded Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita for modern minds, making Vedanta accessible to all. This revival of scriptural learning became renaissance of Hinduism. Pujya Gurudev reintroduced Guru – parampara – sacred lineage of teacher and student relationship in pursuit of truth. Grooming Teachers The mission’s spiritual training is centered on Sandeepany Sadhanalayas that conduct two-year residential Vedanta Courses in English, Hindi and other languages. Here, young brahmacharins – celibate scholars live the life of seekers – studying scriptures, meditation and serve in the Guru’s presence. These Sandeepanys ensure that flame of Sanatana Dharma, righteous living based on values, continue to guide and inspire generations. Education Illuminates In Hinduism, vidya (education) is illumination, not information. To turn education into a journey of awakening, Pujya Gurudev founded Chinmaya Vidyalayas. Over 80 such schools blend academic excellence with value-based education. Among them, Chinmaya International Residential School (CIRS) in Coimbatore has earned global recognition for seamlessly integrating academic rigour with holistic education rooted in Indian culture. Carrying forward this vision is Chinmaya Vishwa Vidyapeetha (Chinmaya University) that bridges India’s spiritual heritage with contemporary scholarship. Its programmes in Vedanta, Sanskrit, psychology and Indian Knowledge Systems train scholars who live and share Hinduism’s wisdom in modern life. Chinmaya International Foundation (CIF) set up at Adi Sankara’s maternal home in Kerala integrates ancient and modern, preserving scriptural knowledge through research, publication and online learning. Nurturing at each stage True to Sanatana Dharma’s inclusiveness, Chinmaya Mission nurtures individuals from every age group through programmes that transform learning into living. From Shishu Vihars that introduce toddlers to love and prayer, Bala Vihars that cultivate value-based living in children to Chinmaya Yuva Kendra (CHYK) and Yuva Veers that empower youth to live Vedanta dynamically. The mission believes that each stage of life is guided towards outer excellence and inner growth. Adults and seniors find spiritual enrichment through Study Groups, Swaranjali and Vanaprastha Sansthans while Bhagavad Gita chanting competitions and spiritual camps connect seekers across generations and continents. Swara to Ishwara In Hinduism, art is not merely entertainment, but sadhana. Reflecting this, Chinmaya Naada Bindu, the mission’s performing-arts academy at Chinmaya Vibhooti near Pune, celebrates Naada Brahman, the divine as sound. Through classical music, dance and theatre, artists turn creativity into worship and beauty into devotion. Leadership & Legacy After Swami Chinmayananda attained Mahasamadhi in 1993, his immediate successor, Pujya Guruji Swami Tejomayananda carried forward the mission. Under his leadership, the mission expanded its educational, cultural and humanitarian wings while deepening its spiritual foundation. A scholar, poet, singer and devotee, Pujya Guruji is cherished for moving bhajans, discourses on Ramcharitmanas and Shrimad Bhagavatam. Today, under guidance of Pujya Swami Swaroopananda, the mission is embracing new media and learning platforms, carrying Gurudev’s teachings into a rapidly changing world. His popular “Make It Happen” course empowers youngsters to discover purpose, self-discipline and inner strength. Knowledge, Devotion & Service Chinmaya Mission exemplifies Hinduism in action, where Jnana (knowledge), Bhakti (devotion) and Karma (service) come together in harmony. Through CORD (Chinmaya Organization for Rural Development) and numerous community projects, the mission empowers rural families, women and children, translating Vedanta into compassionate living. Landmark Event The Mission will hold a landmark event commemorating its 75th anniversary with tagline, “Dilli गाओ Jai Hanuman,” an offering of devotion through collective Hanuman Chalisa Chanting at Yashobhoomi, Dwarka, Delhi, on January 11, 2026. Light That Shines As Chinmaya Mission marks seventy-five luminous years, its story is not measured by number of centres built but by hearts that were illumined, minds awakened and lives uplifted. Flames kindled by Swami Chinmayananda burn brighter than ever before – a flame of knowledge, love and service. It glows radiantly at homes, in hearts, classrooms and temples through songs and silent meditation – ever guided by the Mission’s motto: “To give maximum happiness to maximum number for maximum time.” As it embarks on onward journey, the mission continues to resound with eternal prayer: “Tamaso ma jyotir gamaya – Lead us from darkness to light.”

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Disinformation Hindus Human Rights Misinformation
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Smear And Non-Stop Campaign Against Sanatan Dharma!

Do political upstarts understand sanatan dharma and idea of Bharat? Or, their smear campaign is designed to push for linguistic subversion? Vinod Kumar Shukla Diversity, dialogue, disagreement and harmonious co-existence have been eternal values of Bharat and its Sanatan way of life. But, disrespect, threats and abuses is what they have been getting all long. Sanatan have always been subjected to onslaught in the past by those active with anti-Sanatan and anti-India narrative ecosystem in the contemporary times. Apparently, those resorting to abuses against Sanatan, Hindutva and Bharat have actually run out of arguments to put forth their views with logic, reasoning and rationale. Hence, they seem to have unleashed a smear and non-stop campaign against Sanatan, Hindutva and Bharat. This eco-system of anti-sanatan include constituents of the political alliance that they bracket themselves to be I.N.D.I.A. Also, attempts have been made to cause artificial divide between north and south. These elements however appear to be puppets in the hands of dismantling Bharat brigade active within and outside the country. Balkanisation of Bharat is a global project that some organisations within the country are also part of. Stirring regional and linguistic sentiments, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader and former Union minister A Raja claimed that India is not a nation but a subcontinent where states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Odisha have their unique identity. He has threatened that these states will secede. His party colleague Udayanidhi Stalin, son of Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin forcefully argues to eradicate Sanatan dharma and likens it to Dengue, Malaria and AIDS. Udayanidhi Stalin seems to have enlisted support of yet another disrupter in Priyank Kharge, Karnataka minister and son of Congress President Mallikarjuna Kharge. Even senior Kharge spoke against Sanatan on an earlier occasion A Raja likened the ‘Sanatana Dharma’ to HIV and leprosy. DMK Member of Parliament DNV Senthilkumar S contemptuously said in Parliament, “The power of this BJP is only winning elections mainly in the heartland states of Hindi, what we generally call the ‘Gaumutra’ states.” Rahul Gandhi too spoke the same language when he described Bharat as a Union of States which means it is not a nation. He made valiant efforts to differentiate Hindutva and Hinduism. This is contrary to Justice J S Verma’s ruling that described Hindutva as a way of life. Communists that have largely become irrelevant in Bharat and elsewhere seem to be seeking to re-establish their relevance by peddling India as a state with multiple nationalities. Interestingly, parties with Sanatan abusers found some traction in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu or West Bengal having 84.00 per cent, 87.58 per cent and 71 per cent Hindu population by inciting regional and linguistic subversion. When Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi talked of decolonising Indian minds, he’s well aware of the narrative fed for ages that replaced ‘Varna’ with ‘Caste’ introduced by Portuguese. English education system that drove Indians from their Sanatani ethos to certainly an alien knowledge system if one hesitates to call it superficial as India respect every knowledge system. Fortunately, people of Bharat have begun to reclaim their civilisational and cultural glory. Though India that came into being on January 26, 1950 as a political entity, its civilisational predecessor, Bharat existed for millennia. Bharat intrinsically celebrates diversity since ages in the geographical entity and has been identified as Sanatan from civilizational point of view. Vishnu Puran aptly described Bharat as: उत्तरं यत् समुद्रस्य हिमाद्रेश्चैव दक्षिणम् । वर्षं तद् भारतं नाम भारती यत्र सन्ततिः ।। It means, “The country that lies north of the Ocean & south of the Himalaya is called Bhārat and there dwell the descendants of Bharat.” Apart from trashing Bharat periodically, Lord Ram is targeted by a few leaders to hog headlines or seek relevance. DMK leader Raja said that his party was not concerned if they were dubbed as “enemies of Ram”. C Rajgopalachari (Rajaji) in preface to his book ‘Ramayana Retold’ wrote, “In presenting this English version (of Ramayana) to a wider circle of readers spread all over the world, I think I am presenting to them the people of Bharat just as they are, with all their virtues and their faults. Our classics really embody our national character in all its aspects and it is well the world sees us as we really are, apart from what we wish to become.” And, most Sanatan scriptures in East, West, South and North India are written in Sanskrit which for them is a language of the divine. Languages evolve over a period and henceTamil, Kannadiga, Malyalam and Telugu etc evolved in southern states while Hindi or Hindavi became prevalent in northern states with more Arabic and Persian effect due to Islamic invasion. Trinamool Congress leaders in West Bengal brand themselves as Shakti worshipers that have nothing to with Lord Ram. Why do political minions forget that Ram Krishna Paramhans in West Bengal was initially named Gadadhar Chattopadhyay. Gadadhar was in reverence to Lord Hanuman. So, nothing could be more ignorant than to say that Ram only belongs to North India. ‘Dravid’ in Sanskrit obliquely means ‘the land with water on three sides’ – a peninsula referring to peninsular Indians as Dravidians and not a race by any stretch of imagination or definition. Adi Shankaracharya was called Dravida Sishu who travelled length and breadth of Bharat to set up ‘Maths’ in four corners of the country in Sringeri of Karnataka, Jyotir Math in Garhwal, Kalika Math in Dwarka and Govardhan Math in Puri. But, political lightweights of today fail to appreciate Bharat’s essence. While addressing a public gathering at Thiruvananthapuram in February 2021, Wayanad Member of Parliament, Rahul Gandhi said, “For the first 15 years, I was an MP in the North. I had got used to a different type of politics. For me, coming to Kerala was very refreshing as suddenly I found that people are interested in issues and not just superficially but going into detail in issues.” Minister in Karnataka government Priyank Kharge was quoted as saying

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Hindus Opinion Policy
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Sanatan Dharma embraces unity, truth & non-violence

RSS chief calls for sinking differences, fostering unity among Hindus, reach out to people across to play a meaningful role in world affairs   Rohan Giri Hindu centric Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat’s address at ‘World Hindu Congress 2023’ in Bangkok resonates with a message of hope and connectivity in a world grappling with unprecedented challenges. Bhagwat dwelt at length into historical experiments undertaken across millennia for happiness and peace. His emphasis on potential role of Bharat (India) as guiding force for the world offers a compelling perspective on the nation’s cultural and philosophical heritage. The third World Hindu Congress (WHC) three-day jamboree themed “Jayasya Aayatnam Dharmah” (Dharma, the Abode of Victory) made a historic decision to renounce the term ‘Hinduism’. Global Hindu leaders that converged at the Congress argued that it reflected oppressiveness and discrimination. Instead, Hindutva and Hindu-ness were embraced to characterize the eternal Dharmic way of life. WHC’s declaration emphasized that Hindutva was a more accurate term encompassing full spectrum of Hindu identity. At the same time, Hindu Dharma was chosen for its unbounded essence, signifying all that is Sanatan or Eternal. Limitations of Hinduism prompted this shift, suffixed with ‘ism,’ a term associated with oppressive and discriminatory attitudes. The declaration asserted that Hindutva, meaning Hindu-ness was not complicated and criticized its portrayal as anti-thesis of Hindu Dharma by some academicians and intellectuals. WHC condemned attacks on Hindu Dharma, calling for global unity to overcome bigotry and emerge victorious against those engaging in such criticism. RSS Chief Dr. Mohan Bhagwat fervently called upon Hindus worldwide to forge connections and unite with global community. Stressing the significance of outreach, he emphasized, “We must reach out and connect with every Hindu. As a cohesive Hindu community, we will connect with individuals worldwide. With a growing number of Hindus forming connections, the process of global connectivity has already commenced.” Bhagwat recounted World Muslim Council secretary general who acknowledged Bharat’s crucial role in fostering global harmony. The emphasis on connecting hearts through service emerged as a central theme, reflecting Bharat’s tradition of selfless service. ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, one world – one family principle, was central to Bhagwat’s discourse. He pointed to shared responsibility of Hindu society to connect with the global community. Bhagwat argued that Bharat’s duty was to foster harmony worldwide. He contended that this duty propelled Hindu society’s existence, emphasizing the common starting point and shared goals among Sanatan traditions. On the quadrennial conference theme, “Jayasya Aayatnam Dharmah,” he said, ‘Jaya’ provided insight into its profound meaning, transcending mere conquests and victories over others. Illuminating this concept, he brought distinction between destructive ‘Rakshas Vijaya’ (demonic victory) and self-centred ‘Dhan Vijaya.’ (materialistic victory) on one side and Dharma Vijaya, on the other. Focal point becomes ‘Dharma Vijaya’ – a victory firmly rooted in righteousness and guided by the principles of Dharma. This nuanced perspective challenges prevailing narratives of aggression and domination, aligning Hindu aspirations with a higher moral purpose. The address acknowledged stumbling state of the contemporary world, having experimented with ideologies and religions for over two millennia yet finding no lasting satisfaction. Eyes have now turned to Bharat with hope, recognizing the potential for a path beyond material prosperity, a path rooted in Dharma. Articulating on destructive forces – anger, hatred, lust, foul speech, envy, and ego – as impediments to unity, Bhagwat underscored the importance of overcoming these negative emotions. The call for coming together to break societal and organizational barriers resonates as a clarion call for united harmonious global society. He argued that in a world fixated on material pursuits, Bharat’s national task was “not a materialistic victory.” He challenged the prevailing narrative of dominance for material happiness, asserting that the essence of Bharat’s contribution lies in a dharmic approach—a commitment to uplift everyone. He has argued that the material world has to be taken to the spiritual level; this is the key to achieving true satisfaction and global unity. As the world looks towards Bharat with hope, Hindu society duty was clearly to embody and propagate principles of Dharma, fostering a global perspective rooted in unity, truth, and non-violence. World Hindu Congress stood as a beacon, guiding the way towards a world where diverse cultures merge in the spirit of Dharmic Vijaya, RSS chief said. (Author is manager – operations at New Delhi based non-partisan think tank, Centre for Integrated and Holistic Studies)

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Disinformation Hindus Misinformation
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‘Sanatan Dharma is a Way of Life’

Where are the limits to this culture of ‘Aham Brahmasmi’, exhilarating mode of realised, liberated being Oopalee Operajita Rahul Gandhi’s recent article on Hinduism/Sanatan Dharma (“Satyam Shivam Sundaram”, Indian Express, October 1) is, tragically, largely based on fear. In the first paragraph alone he uses “fear” and “frightening” multiple times. Why would anyone want to spend their lives recoiling in fear? A sense of overriding fear destroys everything else. The piece is obviously aimed at a certain enclave and by being circumlocutory and agenda driven and hence, Gandhi loses sight of the central tenet of his own essay. As a little girl in Rishi Valley School, the first — and most important — lesson I received from our founder J Krishnamurti’s teaching, was the importance of freedom from fear. I recall the very moment he spoke to us, in our small auditorium, about fearing the idea of a snake more than the snake itself. I was seven: It was a transformational moment in my life. Shashi Tharoor sends this article up on Twitter / X, gushing about its ocean imagery as if it is something novel, whereas, the ocean and water are dominant metaphors in ancient dharmic texts. The Taittiriya Upanishad, for example, describes the relation of five koshas (sheaths, in humankind) to water. The “Aquatic Absolute” (inspired by Vedanta), runs much later through Rabindranath Tagore’s writings as well. Tharoor also says on Twitter / X that there’s “nothing new to say in Hinduism” — a surprising statement, especially emanating from him — which is both meshuga and lacking in veracity. I read from the Upanishads, the Vedas, the Valmiki Ramayana, and the Puranas, almost each day — and the limitless wealth in them is as vast as the universe. It is ironic that Rahul Gandhi comes up with this article when he has been conspicuously silent these many weeks, as his party’s coalition partners have mutilated the Sanatan Dharma, without remotely understanding it. Mum has been his deafening word. Some duplicitous leaders have ferociously attacked the Sanatan Dharma, both in India and, reprehensibly, on foreign shores, on many occasions, for the sake of appeasement — the hypocrisy is galling, but predictable. What’s driving Gandhi’s current janeudhari agenda? And would it be conflated with the forthcoming state elections? Sanatan Dharma is certainly a culture, an unbroken civilisational reality, and richly felt experience; because a culture is a way of life, a cultivation of the treasured self, and larger than any set of religious prescriptions. For millennia, this dharma has valorised the knowledge of the self (the atman), which the great sage Yajnavalkya views as identical to Brahman, or consciousness. We don’t swim in the oceans and, concomitantly, fear sinking — we swim to merge with the ocean, let our spirits sing, and set ourselves free. Rivers are, as individual souls (atman), merging into the supreme soul of the ocean of the immortal Brahman, (Mundaka Upanishad 3.2.8). Brahman has also been defined as “the creative principle which lies within the whole universe”. What’s to fear in that? And where are the limits to this culture — this exhilarating mode of realised, liberated Being (Aham Brahmasmi)? Nobody owns the Sanatan Dharma; but it has an ancient history, astounding intellectual rigour and richness, and a land of origin. It repeatedly alludes to the many, equally valid, paths to the Truth. But, kudos and gratitude to those who use their goodness and understanding to prevent it from being mauled by frequent, feral attacks from troglodytes. I recall a passage from an Upanishad: Tatha vidvan namah-rupad vimuktaha/Parat-param purusham upaiti divyam [The knower of Brahman casts aside all names and forms, and attains to the Supreme Being (Energy)], which is above all conceivable divinities in the cosmos. Thus, the Supreme Being becomes our whole. (Author has been a distinguished fellow at Carnegie Mellon University since 1990. She is a global advisor on public policy, communication, and international relations. This write up first appeared in The Indian Express)

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Hindus Leadership World
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Swami Vivekananda: An eternal youth icon

Born on Pausha Krishna Saptami in 1919 (January 12, 1863 C.E. ), Narendranath Dutta, famously known as Swami Vivekananda, was raised in an Indian Bengali middle class family. Renowned around the world for introducing and serving as India’s  advocate for Bharatiya (Indian) wisdom and ideals in the West. It is strongly believed that Swami ji’s philosophy and the values he upheld throughout his life, continue to serve as the fundamental source of inspiration for Indian youth. India so recognises and remembers the great philosopher and spiritual thinker by designating January 12 of each year as its “National Youth Day.” India is one of the youngest countries in the world, with more than 65% of the population under 35 and more than 50% under 25. The teachings of Swami Vivekanand continue to inspire this energetic and vibrant segment of the population and have had a profound impact on thousands of young people’s lives. Swami Vivekanand transcended caste and creed emphasising the idea of universal brotherhood. His words accurately capture the profound impact his ideas have had on young people. A symbol of India youth’s never-ending vitality and their unrelenting search for the truth. He attained a divinity early in life as a result of his spiritual pursuits and rooting in ideas and ideals about simple living and elevation of the self. Swami ji was one of the most well-known spiritual figures, educators, and professors of Vedantic wisdom with a fresh outlook. He was a pupil of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and revered for his unflinching bravery and inspiring words to the young. Coming from a family of scholars, including Swami Vivekananda’s grandfather Durgacharan Dutta, who studied Sanskrit and Persian, and his father Vishwanath Dutta, who practiced as a lawyer at the Calcutta High Court. Vivekananda has been drawn to spirituality and religious thought at an early age. At the home of his neighbour in 1881, he first met his spiritual mentor Shri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. From his master, Vivekananda gained a profound understanding of the Sanatan spiritual traditions and started to recognise the possibilities for spreading these teachings to people all over the world. Vivekananda started his journey throughout India after Paramahamsa passed away in 1886, spreading his guru’s teachings and advocating for a “practical Vedanta,” which emphasised the use of spiritual concepts in daily life. Additionally, he started to form his own ideas about the faith, the self, and the cosmos. In his historic address to the World’s Parliament of Religions in 1893 in the United States, Vivekananda introduced Sanatan Dharma to the America and urged religious tolerance and an end to fanaticism. His speech since then, is one of the most famous in the world. An exceptional educator Vivekanand demystified Bharatiya ideals and values in both America and Europe thanks to a series of renowned speeches and talks. In his teachings, Vivekananda highlighted the value of self-realisation and the possibility of spiritual enlightenment for everyone. He also underlined the necessity of social and economic reform as well as the significance of charitable work. He held that all religions were different roads leading to the same ultimate goal and that true spirituality could be discovered through the practise of selfless service.  Swami Vivekananda played a significant role in inspiring young people by placing a strong emphasis on education and personal development. He held that a healthy and vibrant society can only be built via education, which is the key to releasing a person’s full potential. Young people were urged by him to take charge of their education and pursue greatness in all facets of their lives. Swami Vivekananda felt that people could control their own destiny and could do great things provided they were prepared to put in the necessary effort and push through any challenges in their path. He urged young people to establish high ideals for themselves and to toil diligently toward achieving them, even in the face of adversity. According to Swami ji, serving others and improving the overall state of the world is the true goal of life. He exhorted young people to engage in volunteer work and employ their skills and abilities to benefit others. Swami Vivekananda so captures the essence of young India.

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