On February 14th, with hearts full of devotion and love for Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda, the Chinmaya family in Portland gathered to celebrate the 75th year of Chinmaya Mission at Chinmaya Haridwar, Chinmaya Mission Portland. Marking this milestone during Valentine’s Day made the occasion even more special—as an offering of love and gratitude to the Guru who transformed countless lives through Vedanta.
The celebration was filled with music, devotion, and joy. The Chinmaya Mission Portland Swaranjali children presented a heartfelt series of bhajans in honor of the Amrit Mahotsav. They began with a soulful invocation to Pujya Gurudev through “Guru Hamaare Man Mandir Mein”, setting a serene and devotional tone. This was followed by an uplifting Amrit Mahotsav song that beautifully captured the spirit of celebration.
The young performers concluded their presentation with great enthusiasm through the Chinmaya Bala Vihar song, leaving the audience inspired and energized. The children were lovingly guided and accompanied by their dedicated Swaranjali teachers, Prathibha and Shubhashree, whose efforts continue to nurture devotion and cultural values in the next generation.
Following a shared lunch, the community gathered to watch On a Quest, a moving biographical film depicting the life and spiritual journey of Gurudev. The film served as a powerful reminder of his vision, dedication, and tireless work in spreading the knowledge of Vedanta across the world.
The celebrations did not end there. As part of the ongoing Amrit Mahotsav observances, Chinmaya Mission Portland was blessed with the visit of Shubhani Chaitanya from Chinmaya Mission New York in March. During her visit, she conducted enlightening sessions on Gita Panchamrit, offering deep insights into the significance of the five selected verses chosen by Pujya Swami Swaroopanandaji and Pujya Guruji Swami Tejomayananda. These sessions enriched the community’s understanding and strengthened their connection to the Bhagavad Gita’s timeless wisdom.
Looking ahead, the Portland Chinmaya family eagerly anticipates the upcoming visit of Swami Ishwarananda in May, during which a Hanuman Chalisa Havan is planned. Such opportunities to come together in satsang and seva continue to deepen the community’s spiritual journey.
Chinmaya Mission Portland stands as a vibrant and growing spiritual community dedicated to preserving and sharing the teachings of Vedanta. Through Bala Vihar classes, study groups, cultural programs, social services and satsangs, the Mission plays a vital role in nurturing values, devotion, and knowledge among families and seekers in the region.
As we continue to celebrate this historic 75th year, we feel immensely blessed and grateful for Pujya Gurudev’s vision that brought Chinmaya Mission into our lives—guiding, enriching, and inspiring us every step of the way.
