BY VEENA RAO
Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji addressed a packed gathering of over 700 people at the Global Mall’s Impact Conference Center on May 29th. The event was organized by priest Seshavataram Puranam and other members of Prajna, as part of Swamiji’s Atlanta events.
Prajna is a series of classes focused on teaching Indian traditions and heritage conducted in and around Atlanta for the benefit of children and adults under the guidance of Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji.
Over 80 students of the Atlanta Prajna institutes presented cultural programs before the Swamiji’s address. The effort was appreciated by Swamiji, who said the kids, “performed extraordinarily, and chanted the mantras and shlokas flawlessly.”
Swamiji’s address was soaked in humility and often laced with humor.
“What we teach children determines how they become,” he said. “If we teach morality, spirituality and patriotism, that is what they learn. Children are the citizens of tomorrow. We need to teach them to promote peace, and be responsible for the country.”
Speaking about the purpose of religion, Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji said: “We want to be away from religion. Many religious people are not concerned about the country or nature. The purpose of religion is not fanaticism. What we need is a tender, loving heart that allows love to flow out, and the desire to work for society.”
“Draw energy from God, energize yourself and use it for the betterment of society,” he added.
Swamiji said wealth and knowledge ought to be not just enjoyed, but also shared with others. “Only then do you add value to your life,” he said.
“We don’t want to live quarrelling or dominating each other. We want a society where people live in unity, peace and morality,” he continued.
“Respect your parents, teachers and your country,” was his advise to the students of Prajna.
Swamiji also talked at length about the Jeeyar Educational Trust, USA’s Volunteering Together for Seva (VTSeva.org) wing. The Jeeyar Educational Trust (JET), a non-profit spiritual organization started by Swamiji in 1995 has various chapters in the USA including New Jersey, California, Houston, DC, Boston, Phoenix, Texas, Illinois and Atlanta.
VT Seva has chosen several areas of work, he said. Educating blind children (A blind school has been started towards fulfilling this goal.) Giving moral education to the children of rural folk through yoga and meditation. Keeping the earth free of plastic. And women’s health care, which includes cancer outreach programs.
“We invite volunteers to join the movement,” said Swamiji. “We need your moral support to create awareness in these areas. I suggest that you spend a little time to serve the community in these four areas when you visit India.”
Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji was all praise for the efforts of priest Seshavataram Puranam, who, he said not only feeds people through his “Amma Kitchen” restaurant, but also provides food to young minds at the Prajna centers. He also thanked all other volunteers of JET Atlanta for their services.
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