Global Head of Chinmaya Mission Worldwide inaugurates re-opening of UK centre, ‘Chinmaya Kirti’ in North London

Chinmaya Mission UK celebrated the re-opening of its newly renovated UK Centre, ‘Chinmaya Kirti’ in Hendon, North London on Sunday April 10th 2022.

The organisation’s Global Head, His Holiness Swami Swaroopananda unveiled the plaque, surrounded by resident Acharya (spiritual teacher) Brahmacharini Shripriya Chaitanya, delighted devotees of all ages and invited guests including Dr Matthew Offord, MP for Hendon and Deputy Mayor of Barnet, Councillor Saira Don.

The inauguration of the centre began with a Ganesha Sthapana Puja, typically conducted to mark an auspicious beginning for any new undertaking in the Hindu tradition. It was followed by a Ram Navami Puja, as the re-opening took place on the auspicious day on which the birth of Lord Rama (Rama Navami) is celebrated by Hindus globally.

Swami Swaroopananda then warmly addressed the crowd from a new, modern hall that seats 250 people outlining the vision for the centre that will continue to serve as an inspiring space for regular satsang (company of noble teachers), classes in English on the Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads and other Vedantic texts as well as classes for children and teens, Sanskrit and devotional music.

The ‘Chinmaya Kirti’ renovation project was launched in 2020 by the Chinmaya Mission UK Trust. It is based on a vision to update the centre, giving future generations a spiritual place and space to learn, serve and grow to become positive contributors to society. It is an offering of gratitude to Swami Chinmayananda who has become a global icon and inspiration to many.

The project is a complete transformation of CMUK’s main centre in Hendon, North London. A centre that has been the heart of the organisation’s work for the past 17 years, where its activities and members have grown and flourished under the teachings of Swami Chinmayananda. It includes the addition of another floor, an all-purpose hall, theatre space and classrooms.

The newly renovated centre will enable CMUK to expand its classes and activities for all age groups but also accommodate resident teacher Brahmacharini Shripriya Chaitanya and visiting Swamis and create links with universities through the Chinmaya Academy launched in 2021.

The £2.5 million renovation project, which started on Hanuman Jayanti 2021 was completed in under 12 months.

Chinmaya Mission was established in India in 1953 by devotees of the world-renowned Vedanta teacher, His Holiness Swami Chinmayananda.

Current Global Head Swami Swaroopananda is Chancellor of Chinmaya Vishwa Vidyapeeth, a revolutionary new university in India that combines the best of East and West and is Chair of Chinmaya International Residential School (CIRS), which under his leadership, is ranked as the No. 1 and No. 2 co-ed boarding school in Tamil Nadu and all of India, respectively.

Under Swami Swaroopananda’s guidance, Chinmaya Mission has continued mushrooming across the globe and stands today with over 300 centres worldwide.

‘Chinmaya Kirti’ is located at 2 Egerton Gardens, Hendon, NW4 4BA where regular Vedanta classes, children’s classes, festival celebrations and events take place.

To donate to the renovation project go to:
www.chinmayauk.or/chinmaya-kirit-renovation-appeal/

Press Release also published in Gujarat Samachar 23rd April 2022. Click here to read.