Unto Padma Bhushan Swami Tejomayananda, Our Best

By Padmashree Rao

HOUSTON: With a brilliance of Knowledge most endearing to all, with the depth of Devotion the evokes faith in the maximum, and with an untiring spirit of selfless Work that inspires the Chinmaya Mission worldwide, Pujya Guruji Swami Tejomayananda is himself an award beyond compare.

So, the joyful news that Pujya Guruji Swami Tejomayananda, the global head of Chinmaya Mission has been conferred the Padma Bhushan in the field of Spiritualism is a happy confirmation of a long-recgnized truth. The Padma Bhushan is one of the most prestigious civilian national awards in India, which recognizes the recipient’s distinguished service to the nation.

The timing of this award for dear Guruji is indeed very special – 2016 being the Birth Centenary year of Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda, it is an opportune time for both a brilliant disciple and a great mission to be celebrated and honored. Truly, the coinage, “Unto Him Our Best” to mark the Chinmaya Centenary has been recognized. Chinmaya Mission worldwide has been energized since 1993, both in head and heart, by Swami Tejomayananda, to live up to its motto “To give maximum happiness to maximum people for maximum time.”

And, Pujya Guruji has empowered the glorious vision of Vedanta in the fields of education, rural development, healthcare, youth empowerment, and promotion of cultural and spiritual values to people of all ages and backgrounds.

Mere statistics or a biographical profile cannot define a great Guru like Swami Tejomayananda who touches every seeker worldwide with his effortless simplicity of manner, incredible depth of knowledge, and the irresistible charm of his devotional singing. Often, an award highlights worldly achievements of an individual; however, when Padma Bhushan adorns Puyja Guruji, an entire spiritual mission is elevated. It is no secret that dear Guruji functions not just as a head of an expansive organization, but with a heart dedicated to the Lotus Feet of his ageless Master Swami Chinmayananda. On the occasion, accepting the great honor bestowed, Swami Tejomayananda’s message below reaffirms his humility which is his great hallmark. He writes:

Dear All,Hari Om!
I thank the Government of India for bestowing on me the honour of Padma Bhushan.

In all humility I dedicate this Padma Bhushan award to my beloved mother, respected father, revered Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda, and the most worshipful God with whose grace and blessings alone this prestigious national recognition has been conferred on me.

I thank all my well-wishers who have been sending messages of congratulations to me with great love and regard.

With Prem & Om,

Swami Tejomayananda

It is an honor and blessing to be led with such dedication. The Acaryas and family members of Chinmaya Mission Houston offer our deepest love and regards along with our prayers for the highest Grace to bless Pujya Guruji Swami Tejomayananda. Hari Om!

For more information about Chinmaya Mission Houston, please visit www.chinmayahouston.org or contact Bharati Sutaria at 281-933-0233 or Jay Deshmukh 832-541-0059.