His vision and mission

There are four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody.
They are bosom friends.
An important project came up and Swamiji asked Everybody to do it efficiently.
Everybody was sure Somebody will do it.
Anybody could have done it but nobody did it.
Somebody got angry about that because it was Everybody’s job.
Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realised that Everybody would not do it.
It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done.
This is one of the interesting quotes from Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda.. The very name Swami Chinmayananda brings before our mind a towering, outstanding and dynamic personality with a flowing beard, a roaring voice and wearing gold-rimmed spectacles.
Born on 8 May, 1916 in an affluent family and being the eldest son of an eminent Judge, Shri Balakrishna Menon graduated from Madras University in Science and Political Science. He completed post graduation in Literature and Law from the Lucknow University. He was a regular feature writer for the National Herald. At this time he joined the freedom movement and was imprisoned, where he fell seriously ill and, hence, was transferred to a hospital. During this period, this young skeptic read some articles written by Swami Shivananda as a result of which his whole outlook towards life changed and transformed into a blossoming spiritual life.
He was initiated into Sanyas and was given the name Swami Chinmayananda by Swami Shivananda of Rishikesh. Subsequently, he went to Uttarkashi for higher studies in Vedanta under the guidance of Swami Tapovan Maharaj. After some years of study he plunged into the whirlpool of activities to uplift humanity by spreading our ancient culture in a modern way. In a period spanning over four decades, he conducted over 511 Geeta Gnana Yagnas and several International Camps and imparted thousands of lectures to students, business executives, millionaires, etc. to overcome the practical difficulties in their studies, businesses, etc. Thus, he kindled renaissance and regeneration amongst the Hindus of all walks of life. His brilliant discourses on the Bhagavad Geeta interspersed with wit, similes, anecdotes and humour were a treat to hear and remember for long. The Geeta was His breath of life and he conducted Yagnas with a missionary zeal. He inspired thousands of people and showed them the path of virtue and honesty to tackle their problems with courage and fearlessness.
He was a globetrotting Sanyasi and India’s unofficial flying ambassador spreading the profound Vedantic Philosophy. He started Balavihars, Yuva Kendras, and Study Groups all over the globe and also wrote treatises on the Geeta, the Upanishads and many other Vedantic texts. Swami Chinmayananda and Chinmaya Mission have now become household names throughout India and abroad.
It was five years ago, on 3rd of August 1993 that Pujya Gurudev attained Mahasamadhi after 42 years of tireless service to the mankind. This, indeed, broke the hearts of those who were blessed to listen to Him, see Him, touch Him and share some precious moments with Him. However, His words ” Whenever you need Me, just close your eyes and think of Me, I will be there.” kindled a new hope and solace in every devotee’s heart.
Let us make a resolve on this sacred occasion of Pujya Gurudev’s Birthday that we will always remember His vision and work hard to realise the same. We will not get trapped in passive, mechanical rituals alone.
Let us study, realise and spread the glory of the Self-knowledge.
May His grace and blessings flow through us to the world around us.