SAMANVAYA- 3RD APRIL 2016
Below is the brief of the Samanvaya held on 3rd April 2016 at Chinmaya Prerna.
It was attended by
1. Sw. Swatmananda
2. Swni. Samarpitananda
3. Brni. Nidhi Chaitanya
4. Br. Ved Chaitanya
5. Br. Yukt Chaitanya
6. Shri. R. Nandkishore
7. Shri. Parindra Kadakia
8. Shri. Mukulbhai Patel
And 103 members from all the zones.
The meeting began with an invocation by Smt. Pratima Rao.
Welcome address - Shri. Mukulbhai Patel
· Zones to concentrate on Grass root activities and focus on their expansion including Corporate Seminars and Geeta chanting.
· Brni. Girija Chaitanya who took Sanyas diksha from Guruji on Mahashivratri and was given the name of Swamini Samarpitananda was felicitated by Shri. Parindra Kadakia.
· Shri. Bharatbhai Shah presented a token to Br. Yuktji on his birthday.
· Shri. R. Nandkishore and Dr. Abha Shroff were introduced as the new trustees.
· Chembur-Ghatkopar zone has been renamed Chinmaya Narayan Zone by Pujya Guruji, in memory of Shri. Narain Bhatia.
Ice breaking Session
· Conducted by Shri. Parindra Kadakia got all members to know each other.
Sw. Swatmananda’s Address
· The main point of the Samanvaya is to bring together all the zones to share their plans for 2016-17 and to set forth further objectives.
· Focus to be on revival of Hindu Culture. Swamiji shared Pujya Gurudev’s letter written in 1958. This is to be done by sharing the knowledge with those who are unaware of our glory as it is being done through the TITI workshops in Municipal schools. This focus is to be kept in mind while planning all future programmes and events.
· As an update on the sankalpa taken at Chinmaya Ananda Utsav:
1.A brief update on Chinmaya Pradeep was given.
2.Pujya Gurudev’s talks are still being aired on TV on Shankara and Bhakti Sagar channels.
3.New centers need focus. Chinmaya Priyam to have a larger center near the sea.
4.A new PR/Publicity team is being created.
· Chinmaya Ananda Utsav will be telecast on Shankara TV from 4th April in in 6 episodes of 30-minute segments. Emails to be sent to all zones for zonal circulation.
· Geetathon was successfully conducted with 500 sessions held. Sagar Zone has re started Geetathon, which will be held in April – May and again in October for a month each.
· Chinmaya Memorial lectures are being held regularly.
· The Corporate workshops, which were started and culminated in the ITIT Conclave in December 2015, did not result in the in-roads that were targeted to achieve. More work is required in this area.
· Pujya Guruji’s camp to be held in May for Balavihar children and parents from Mumbai and Navi Mumbai only.
· The TITI goal of 1008 workshops was achieved by 19th December 2015 and since then many more have been conducted.
· Though Chinmaya Ananda Utsav and the Chinmaya Jyoti Yatra were very successful and we have offered UNTO HIM OUR BEST, we should NOT rest. We need to continue to give Maximum Happiness to Maximum people for Maximum time.
Future programmes
· 8th May – motivate all members in the zones to do Pujya Gurudev’s Vigraha Abhishek, volunteer and attend in large numbers. The success of the day would be if the Ashram were absolutely packed.
· 2016 has been declared the Year of the CHYK. Each zone to give focus and thrust for its growth. Every zone to have a dynamic group of at least 50 youngsters.
· Modular classes are being worked on which are structured and time bound.
· The Corporate team to also make modules like TITI with a PowerPoint, activities, exercises, evaluations etc. Members can be trained to conduct these modules in the corporate world. Chinmaya Mission needs to have a better corporate presence as it helps in garnering funds and inspiring younger people to join the mission.
· The Balavihar syllabus is being revamped in South Mumbai to incorporate other topics to sustain attention and interest of the children. Plans are there to use some technological engagement also for the children.
· There are 6 Acharyas in the Mumbai and Navi Mumbai areas, who are available to help the zones in any way they can. Specific emphasis to be given to the Jayam and Bhakti zones.
· The Zonal Report form to be filled in and mailed to the Secretary every month. This helps the Executive Committee to know what activities have been done in the zone and the classes being held, based on this, what assistance can be given to the zone. Also the data from the form is collated and sent to CCMT accordingly a sum is allocated to the center. This monthly reporting was started by Pujya Gurudev. This form along with the minutes and the reports of events in the zone is to be emailed to [email protected] every month. Form to be sent to all zones.
· The Mananam series of books and Yours Forever, being published for the Centenary year have to be promoted and sold by all zones.
Pujya Gurudev’s video on the Symbolism and the importance of a Paduka Puja was screened.
Chinmaya Sadhana Utsav -8th May 2016 - Br. Ved Chaitanya
· Details of Pujya Gurudev’s Vigraha Abhishek and the various sadhanas that will be conducted at Sandeepany Sadhanalaya were elaborated.
· For the Abhishek, a special category for children has been made. All Balavihar children to be motivated to perform the Abhishek.
· For the Sadhana Mela, there will be sadhanas based on Naam, Roop, Guna, Kriya, Leela, Sambandha, Sham and Swarup. These sadhanas will be held at various places at the Ashram. Everyone is encouraged to perform the Abhishek and do all the sadhanas.
· For the Guna, Leela and Sambandha Sadhana, members can share their experiences with Gurudev by speaking for not more than 4 minutes. Zones to send in the names latest by 30th April to Shri. Parinbhai Kadakia.
· For the Kriya Sadhana Sevikas will be telling stories under 5 trees of the Ashram. The stories will be based on Gurudev and his parables. Sevikas to volunteer for this. Zones to send in names of Sevikas to Smt. Archana Chhatre on 9969878185/27723222 and [email protected]
· There will also be stalls for games based on quotes of Gurudev from Golden Sayings and Ageless Guru. Puzzles and quizzes on Ageless Guru.
· Those volunteering can do their sadhana on 7th May night.
· The success of the programme will be judged by the number of people who come to the Ashram.
· Zones to arrange bus service to and from the Ashram to facilitate members to attend the programme.
· Valet parking will be available, as no vehicles will be permitted inside the Ashram. There will a special service for senior citizens and those unable to walk.
· Volunteers will be required in large numbers. Names to be given to Br. Ved ji.
· Publicity to be done on social media as well as print ads.
· Old devotees to be contact personally over the phone.
Geeta Fest - Br. Ved Chaitanya
· Mumbai has the highest number of participants.
· This year the Fest includes not only chanting competitions, but also article writing, elocution, quiz, Geeta Tweets and Video making as well. This year the Fest is open to elders as well as children.
· This year the Chapter for the Fest is Chapter 16, which has 24 verses.
· The grouping is based on the standard the child is in and not the age.
· The all Mumbai level finals will be held on 11th December 2016.
· Every zone to appoint a Zonal Coordinator for the Geeta Fest.
· A proper database of the participants is to be maintained.
· Details of the Geeta Fest PowerPoint to be circulated to the Zones.
Swamiji announced that Shri. Amit Vora is helping the Mission with data entry for the database. Zones can send the information to Ms. Reshma who will coordinate with Shri. Vora and get the data entered.
Designing of Standardized courses based on selected books - Brni. Nidhiji.
· There is a demand for shorter, time bound and structured courses for study.
· The courses are being based on selected texts of Pujya Gurudev, which will help people to connect with Pujya Gurudev.
· The content will be a combination of videos, activities and the text content.
· As of now 6 levels have been created and though are independent of each other should be done sequentially to gain maximum clarity.
· Each level is for a different duration with a maximum of 20 sessions.
· They can be done on a weekly basis or continuously.
· The texts covered so far are: Logic of Spirituality, I love You, Sadhana Panchakam, Self Unfoldment and Ageless Guru, Bhaja Govindam and a module on Karma Yoga.
· The target will be new and existing people in the active age group of 25-55 years.
· Sevaks will be trained to conduct these courses and will follow the trainer’s manual.
YEP 10
· This year the YEP course comes under the Chinmaya Vidyapeeth and will follow a semester pattern.
· In the first semester the Yuvaveers will study at Chinmaya Vibhooti and then serve in urban areas followed by an evaluation. In the second semester they will study and then serve in a rural area and again appear for an evaluation. After this period they will be posted at a center for their service.
· Last date for applications is 31st May.
· Funds are required for this course. Members are requested to spread the awareness and raise funds. Funds can come from Corporates through CSR as this is for education.
· At the end of the course the participants get at Post Graduate Diploma in Youth Empowerment – PGD YEP
· Zones are requested to promote the YEP course.
Chinmaya Pradeep - Sw. Swatmananda
· A detailed update through a Power Point presentation was given.
· Inauguration will take place in May
· Funds are still required which will go towards the maintenance of the project. Funds collected from the 8th May programme will also go towards Chinmaya Pradeep.
· A person with a background of museum curating, basic knowledge of computers and an administrator to manage the project is required. In addition someone for PR management is also needed along with some helpers.
CHYK Plans for 2016-17 - Aravind Raghavan & Vaidehee Chhatre
· Currently only 70 Chyks and Pre Chyks are attending classes.
· As this is the year of Chyk focus will be on generating more Chyks through Influx: Camps, MY Sessions, and TITI sessions.
· They will be sustained through regular Study classes, Module based classes, TITI circle, Festival Celebrations and cultural events, Movie Workshops.
· Youngsters will be targetted and kept informed through Social Media: FB Page, Whatsapp groups, New and improved Chyk Website, Chyk Videos, regular updates in Chinmaya Sandesh.
· Zonal Chyk strength to be increased through coordination with Zonal Committees with each Zonal Committee having a Chyk representative. Each Zone to have 50 active Chyks by the year end.
· Revamping Chyk Class Patterns (Life Studios, module based classes)
· Coordinating with colleges (NMIMS, DJ Sanghvi)
· The Chyk calendar was shared with all.
TITI update - Ms. Jahnvee Joshi
· Completed the target of 1008 workshops in December 2015 and as of date have completed 1130.
· New trainers have been trained in the Chinmaya Narayan Zone and another batch of trainers will be trained from the Chinmaya Priyam zone.
· Train the Trainers for the Police Training Center at Marol, Andheri concluded with 48 police staff being trained who came from 25 different districts of Maharashtra and included constable, seniors and even a commando.
· Emotional and Patriotic were the 2 modules conducted with mocks and a session in public speaking.
· All the Power Points, books, videos, activities and test papers were translated into Marathi by various committed TITI trainers.
· They will take the TITI message to various PTC across Maharashtra.
Pujya Guruji’s Balavihar Camp - Brni. Nidhi ji
· Camp to be held from 12th to 15th May.
· As of date only 68 registrations have come in whereas the target is 700.
· Zones are requested to push for registrations,
· Students from our orphanage in Andhra Pradesh will also be attending the camp. Sponsors are required.
· Contacts are sought for those companies that manufacture children’s things like pens, pencils, crayons etc. so that they may be approached to sponsor the items.
· Volunteers too are required as a lot of work is involved for children’s camps.
Shishu Vihar Update - Smt. Roma Sanghavi
· Introduced 5 years ago, Shishu Vihar is running successfully in Asia Pacific, Australia, USA, UK and Dubai.
· Mother/Guardian have to accompany the child to the class.
· Curriculum developed by Swni. Supriyananda.
· First training workshop was conducted in May 2012 in Chinmaya Sagar and the first class started in South Mumbai in December 2013.
· The first Sevika training workshop took place in Chinmaya Sagar in February 2015 since then 4 training workshops and since then 4 training workshops have been conducted in Mumbai and 1 in Delhi.
·Currently there are 12 classes being conducted all over Mumbai by 9 Sevikas, 3 classes in Kolkata and 2 in Delhi.
· The classes start with Om chanting and opening prayers followed by songs and Bhajans, story telling, an activity, aarti and Prasad and closing prayers.
· Training workshops will continue.
· A non residential camp is being planned in the second half of the year
· Festival celebrations have started with some nursery schools in south Mumbai and hope to tap other nursery schools all over Mumbai.
Mumbai Acharyas’ interaction with Zones - Shri. Parindra Kadakia
· In order to strengthen Chinmaya Mission Mumbai better it was suggested that all the zones invite the 6 Acharyas for talks and yagnas.
· They know the city and the mindset of the people better and this will help people connect with the Mission.
· The issue of logistics of travelling and staying will be eliminated.
· Our Acharyas speak varied languages and can tap a wider language population.
Swami Swatmananda: Hindi, English and Gujarati
Swamini Krishnapriyananda: Hindi and Gujarati
Brni. Nidhi ji: Hindi, English and Gujarati
Br. Ved ji: Hindi, English and Marathi
Br. Yukt ji: Hindi, English and Konkani
· It was emphatically clarified that this was just a suggestion and there was no insistence to follow this suggestion.
Samanvaya concluded with the Pledge and Shanti Path.
SAMANVAYA ACTION POINTS
To All Zonal Presidents & Secretaries
8th May at Powai Ashram
· Those who wish to recount their experiences with Gurudev, to please send in the names latest by 30th April to Shri. Parinbhai Kadakia.
· Those Sevikas who wish to volunteer for story telling under the trees please send names to Smt. Archana Chhatre on 9969878185/27723222 and [email protected].
· Volunteers will be required in large numbers. Names to be given to Br. Ved ji.
Geeta Fest
· Every zone to appoint a Zonal Coordinator for the Geeta Fest to easier coordination.
YEP10
· Zones are requested to promote the YEP course.
CHYK
· Zonal Chyk strength to be increased through coordination with Zonal Committees with each Zonal Committee having a Chyk representative. Each Zone to have 50 active Chyks by the year end
Balavihar Camp in May
· Contacts are sought for those companies that manufacture children’s things like pens, pencils, crayons etc. so that they may be approached to sponsor the items. If you have any contacts please forward them to Brni. Nidhiji.
CM Secretary
· Emails for promoting CAU telecast details to be sent to all zones for zonal circulation. Emails sent on 5th April.
· Zonal Form to be sent to all zones. Under process.
· Details of the Geeta Fest PowerPoint to be circulated to the Zones. Emails with the PowerPoint have been sent on 8th April to all Zonal Presidents and Secretaries with a request to forward to their zonal members.
