Prayagraj: On the auspicious morning of Thursday, Maharshi Patanjali Vidya Mandir became a proud part of the historic ‘Amrit Yatra’ of Chinmaya Mission, commemorating ‘Amrit Mahotsav’—the completion of 75 glorious years of the organisation dedicated to disseminating the timeless wisdom of India’s spiritual and Vedantic traditions through knowledge, service and self-transformation.
Founded in the year 1951, by Swami Chinmayananda Saraswati, the Chinmaya Mission focuses on inner transformation through the wisdom of Vedanta. Its vision emphasizes self-discovery and universal harmony, while its mission delivers practical spiritual tools to help people from all backgrounds become positive contributors to society. Under the able leadership and guidance of Pujya Swami Mitranandji & Abhedananda Ji, the landmark 35,000-km Amrit Yatra carrying the sacred Paduka and Bust of Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda Saraswati Ji reached Prayagraj on 13 August 2026.
Maharshi Patanjali Vidya Mandir enthusiastically participated in the two-day celebration of Amrit Mahotsav held on 13 and 14 August. The students of MPVM extended a warm and reverential welcome to the Swamis, Yuva Veers and devotees accompanying the Amrit Vahini, carrying the revered Bust and holy Padukas of Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda Ji. The students in their yellow and saffron attire welcomed the Vahini with the sacred sounds of conches and amidst the Shloka chanting, holding placards, flags, Kalash and showering of flower petals. The phenomenal sight of the welcome brought together spirituality, cultural heritage and the vision of nation-building in the vibrant celebration.
On the 13th, the ceremony continued with a grand cultural evening at AMA Hall, Prayagraj, in the benign presence of Pujya Swami Mitranand Ji, Swami Abhedanand Ji, Brahmachari Sudheer Chaitanya Ji, Brahmacharini Tarini Chaitanya Ji, Brahmacharini Shashwati Ji, Yuva Veers, devotees, eminent members of the city, members of the management, Principals, teachers, parents and students of MPGS. The students of Maharshi Patanjali Vidya Mandir hosted a soulful and spiritually enriching Cultural Evening, “Amritanjali,” at 5:00 p.m. The programme celebrated the timeless wisdom of Indian culture and the profound teachings of the Bhagavad Gita propounded by pujya gurudev Swami Chinmayanand Ji.
The programme commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Pujya Swami Mitranand Ji and Swami Abhedanand ji with the sacred chanting and Ganesh Stuti, invoking divine blessings and creating an auspicious and serene ambience. This was followed by the Welcome Address by Dr. Krishna Gupta, President of Chinmaya Naveen Sevashram Nyaas Prayagraj, Vice President of Chinmaya Mission Prayagraj and Secretary of Maharshi Patanjali Group of Schools who extended a warm welcome to the revered Swami Mitranand Ji and Swami Abhedanand Ji, other distinguished guests, dignitaries, devotees and other eminent people of the city. She addressed the gathering with warmth, reverence and heartfelt appreciation, highlighting the significance of the Amrit Mahotsav and the enduring legacy of Chinmaya Mission and the precious teachings of Gurudev Chinmayanand Ji that unfolds the profound principles of Vedanta in a scientific, logical and practical manner, making timeless spiritual knowledge accessible to the masses in a simple language.
The cultural presentations began with “Panch Ratnam – Five Gems of Geeta,” which presented the profound teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. The next presentation was an English chorus song, “Anthem of the Sacred Journey” of Chinmaya Mission. Adding devotion and grace to the occasion, the students presented “The Divine Dance – Madhurashtakam,” portraying the beauty of devotion towards Lord Krishna through an enchanting dance performance. Another highlight of the evening was a short skit, “From Atheist to Acharya – Awakening to Self.” The performance portrayed a transformative journey of Swami Chinmayanand Ji from an atheist to a spiritual figure and his dedication towards nation building. It portrayed a vivid picture of Swami Chinmayaband ji’s different phases of life; his entire journey of self-discovery from Question to Quest.
To express a heartfelt gratitude, the Treasurer of MPGS, Shri Ravindra Gupta offered a garland to pujya Swami Mitranand Ji. The programme was further enriched by the inspiring address delivered by revered Swami Mitranand Ji on the theme “O Traveller, Yatri, Charaiveti”Where he beautifully explained that life is a continuous journey filled with challenges, experiences and opportunities for growth. A true traveller does not allow failures, difficulties or temporary setbacks to halt his progress. Instead, every experience becomes a stepping stone towards self-discovery and greater wisdom. He unfolded many inspiring episodes of pujya Gurudev’s life that reflect how Gurudev could convey any complex idea or notion in simplest way of understanding. His insightful words of enlightenment offered the audience valuable spiritual guidance and highlighted the importance of wisdom and self-awareness.
With great reverence, the Director of Maharshi Patanjali Group of Schools Shri Yashovardhan Gupta offered garland to Swami Abhedanand Ji. Thereafter through an eloquent address, Pujya Swami Abhedananda Ji also delivered an inspiring and insightful address on “Swami Chinmayananda – The Man, Master and the Mission”, offering the audience a deeper understanding of the extraordinary personality, vision and contribution of Pujya Swami Chinmayananda Ji. He portrayed him as a dynamic, compassionate and fearless personality who was deeply committed to the upliftment of the society. As ‘The Master’, he emerged as a profound teacher of Vedanta who made India’s timeless spiritual wisdom accessible and meaningful to the modern generation and his ‘Mission’ reflected his lifelong commitment to spreading the message of knowledge, service and self-transformation. He also highlighted how Swami Chinmayananda Ji’s vision transcended geographical and cultural boundaries, inspiring people across the world to discover the deeper purpose of life and live with greater awareness and responsibility.
The programme concluded with an Expression of Gratitude by Brahmacharini Shashwati Ji from Chinmaya Mission Prayagraj, who expressed heartfelt thanks to Swami Mitranand Ji, Swami Abhadanand Ji for their guidance, Dr Krishna Gupta, other distinguished guests, teachers, students and everyone who contributed to the successful organisation of the event.
The “Amritanjali” Cultural Evening proved to be a beautiful confluence of devotion, knowledge, music, dance and Indian cultural heritage. The programme left the audience spiritually enriched and inspired, while reaffirming the timeless relevance of India’s profound spiritual traditions.
