CMDFW Graduation 2010
May 2010
Congratulations to all of the graduates of Chinmaya Mission! The inspiring CMDFW graduation ceremony was held on Saturdat May 15 at CMDFW West, and on Sunday May 16th 2010 at Chinmaya Saaket. All the graduates seemed eager to embark upon a new and higher educational journey.
Each and every one of them has been blessed with an education in Hindu traditions and values in a disciplined, methodical and enjoyable manner. It was apparent that all of them cherished what they had learned through their speeches. Their respectful conduct towards their gurus, acharyas and their parents is the first indication that Chinmaya Mission has indeed had a positive influence on them.
The confidence, ease and poise that they displayed while giving their speeches was very impressive. They all seemed so sure of themselves and were very aware of their own talents as well of the talents of their friends. They playfully teased one another yet held each other’s special qualities in high regard.
Another delightful surprise was that many of them chose disciplines that are different from the norm. It is their confidence in their ability to excel that allows them to pursue avenues that people of our region don’t generally consider. Such self-assurance comes from a balanced mind and inner strength. This balance is another fruit of the combined efforts of the students, teachers, acharyas and the invaluable teaching of Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda. They will easily tackle whatever difficulties they face in life as stated in the book Self -Unfoldment “What we meet in life is Destiny; How we meet what we meet is self effort.” The graduates are equipped to meet their destinies head on.
One of the greatest benefits of being part of Chinmaya Mission for all the Balavihar students is that they will never feel culturally displaced. Being a second or third generation Indian is not easy when there is a vast difference in the expectations at home and the world outside. Chinmaya mission then becomes their spiritual and cultural family from which they can discover their roots, yet maintain their individuality. It is the one constant in their lives that gives them direction when they stand at crossroads. The Balavihar students are less likely to fall prey to an identity crisis because they belong. They belong to the Chinmaya Parivar (family) no matter where they go in the world.
In the end when all of the graduates stood on stage in their elegant Indian attire, shimmering with the smiles of their accomplishments and the dreams of exciting times that await them, one couldn’t help but notice the tears in their parents’ eyes. You may not know any of the graduates personally, but many people in the audience had difficulty holding back their tears. It was as though every parent looked forward to the day to see their children on stage at their graduation ceremonies. And then like all the mothers of the Balavihar graduates, we will let our tears of pride flow joyfully.
