Gita for Yuva

On the auspicious day of Guru Poornima on 21st July 2024, Chinmaya Yuva Kendra, Chennai, organised a talk on ‘Gita for Yuva’ at Tapovan Hall, Chinmaya Heritage Centre, Chennai. Dr. Mohan Bhagwat, the Sarsanghchalak of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, was the keynote speaker.In 2025, the Chinmaya Yuva Kendra will complete 25 years. To commemorate that, Chinmaya Yuva Kendra has taken up the mammoth task of organising ‘Gita for Yuva’ talks in every district of Bharat. This programme was flagged off with this session.The audience of 800 comprised of school students, youth from different walks of life and youth from various organisations such as the Vivekananda Kendra, RSS, Amritanandamayi Ashram, Art of Living, Vishwa Hindu Parishad, and Tamil Nadu Young Thinkers Forum. The youngsters received valuable leadership insights from the Gita, which were highly relatable to daily life.In his talk, Dr. Bhagwat emphasised the importance of facing problems head-on rather than running away. He said that criticism, defamation, or failure should be met with strength, drawing parallels to Arjuna’s predicament in the Gita, wherein Shri Krishna advises him to overcome his weakness and face his challenges with a strong heart. The session also covered various teachings from the Gita, such as ‘Samatvam Yoga Uchyate’ (equanimity is yoga) and ‘Yogaha Karmasu Kaushalam’ (skill in action is yoga). He stressed living to contribute to higher values, loving our people and guiding them in the right direction, embracing the principles of ‘Live and Let Live—Vasudhaiva’ Kutumbakam and ‘Do Your Best and Leave the Rest’..Dr. Bhagwat concluded by highlighting the importance of ‘swadhyaya’ (self-study) and ‘abhyasanam’ (practice), describing them as forms of spiritual tapas (austerity) that purify the mind and thoughts. He stressed the need for pure intentions and maintaining ‘samatvam’ (balance) in life. By adopting the prescriptions of the Gita and acting upon them, one can achieve significant life changes. He noted that while retired individuals may find it challenging to act upon the Gita's teachings, young people have the potential to transform their lives and the world by doing so.Overall, the session was a profound experience, leaving the young audience inspired and motivated to integrate the teachings of the Gita into their daily lives and decision-making processes.Prior to the talk, Dr. Bhagwat addressed the Hindu Yuva Milan comprising youth representatives from various Hindu spiritual organisations. The Hindu Yuva Milan representatives presented a list of crucial topics that youth across the country need to have clarity on, such as Wonders of Bharatiya Mathematics, The Partition of India: An Alternate Perspective, Stories of Valor from Param Vir Chakra Recipients, Youth in Bharat: Responsibilities, Rights, and Duties; Bridging the Rural-Urban Gap in Bharat; Elements of Good Governance; The Long Term Consequences of Freebies; Awareness of Drug Issues in India and Their Impact; All Religions Are Not the Same: Understanding and Protecting Cultural Diversity; Functioning of Social Media Algorithms; Distinguishing Hero Worship: Glamour vs. Substance and so on.