Graduation Ceremony at Chinmaya Mission Houston

By Shalini Konde
HOUSTON: June 8, a beautiful morning of joy, hope and goodwill, heralded the 2014 graduation day of Chinmaya Mission Bala Vihar. The 27 children from class of 2014 congregated early in Smrti Hall with their families and friends and the day began with photo sessions for the graduating class arrayed in bright colors.
The graduation ceremony commenced in an auspicious manner in Sri Saumyakasi Sivalaya with the priest Sri Ganeshji conducting a puja for the well-being of the youngsters ready to make the big transition in their lives from High school to diverse paths of higher education. As the children led by the Acharyas, returned from the temple, the Smrti Hall echoed with the beautiful melody of “Bhumi Mangalam” sung by Smt. Jamuna Murali and Sri Chirantan Vaidya. This song is an invocation for peace in earth, water, fire, and air, the sun, moon, and planet, in all living beings, in body, mind and heart. The assembled gathering prayed for harmony and peace in everyone and everywhere. The Chinmaya Orchestra continued the beautiful strains with Guru bhajanas.
On entering the Chinmaya Smrti foyer, the students placed flowers at the lotus feet of Pujya Gurudev, Swami Chinmayananda, before entering the Smrti Hall. Many parents in the assembled audience watched misty-eyed as the students took their place in the Hall and the Pujya Acharyas were seated. This was the big day to honor the culmination of hard work and dedication that point to bright future prospects. But above all, for the Bala Vihar class of 2014, this was a day of deep gratitude and recognition of the strong spiritual education received in Bala Vihar. For over 13 years this was made possible with the blessings of Pujya Gurudev, the love and guidance of Acharyas at the Mission and the commitment of Bala Vihar teachers.
In the words of Pujya Gurudev – “Success or achievement is not the final goal.  It is the ‘spirit’ in which you act that puts the seal of beauty upon your life.” To encourage the children with words of wisdom from the ancient vedic scriptures, Pujya Acharya Sri Gaurang Nanavaty gave a befitting discourse based on Taittiriya Upanisad wherein the preceptor gives clear instructions to the aspirants on character building and imparts to them rules of right conduct and right living.
The students were then treated to a message from a Chinmaya Bala Vihar alumnus Tarak Makecha. His words of encouragement and advice were well received by parents and students alike.
Following this, the Acharyas of the Mission ascended the stage for the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. The next section of the graduation ceremony was the presentation of the graduates. Siblings of graduating class did the honors of introducing the class of 2014 and each graduate offered a lamp to Pujya Gurudev and received an award of recognition from the Acharyas Smt Darshana Nanavaty and Sri Gaurang Nanavaty.
Signifying the completion of Bala Vihar education and as a mark of their deep gratitude for spiritual education received, the students offered Guru Daksina to the Acharyas. As the students lined up in their array of resplendent traditional clothing in front of the audience, the beautiful ceremony drew to a close in Smrti Hall with the resonance of ‘Abhinandanam’ – hearty congratulations to the aspirants.
For further information on Chinmaya Mission Houston and its activities visit www.chinmayahouston.org or call Jay Deshmukh at 832 541 0059 or Bharati Sutaria at 281-933-0233