Graduation ceremonies of Foundation and Advanced Vedanta Courses (Chinmaya International Foundation, Ernakulam) were conducted by Swami Swatmananda. It was attended by over a hundred people. Foundation Vedanta Course (FVC) commenced on 16th February 2019. Classes were conducted on Saturday mornings at Chinmaya Priyam. 42 students registered for the course. 18 students did the 24 assessments and successfully completed the course. Advanced Vedanta Course (AVC) commenced on 8th February 2019. Classes were conducted on Friday evenings at Seminar Hall, Mithibai College; the last class was held on 17th January 2020. 103 students had registered. 60 students completed the 24 assessments and successfully cleared the exams. There were many participants who had enrolled for both these courses simultaneously and it was extremely creditable on their part to not only complete the courses successfully, but also do so with full fervour, excelling in both.
Purnakumbham was presented to Swamiji by the toppers of both the courses, namely Ms. Amrita Jaisingh and Ms. Asha Gandhi. A welcome address was given by Smt. Meghana Patel, zonal president. A small program of poetry compositions and recitations, bhajans, a skit and the sharing of students’ experiences on the courses then took place. Some FVC and AVC students presented an entertaining skit, depicting the challenges, predicaments and stressful situations in a family comprising three generations and the interaction between all the members. Through the medium of this role play, the three fundamental values of Satyam, Ahimsa and Brahmacharya were depicted very well. The audience thoroughly enjoyed the humour in the skit. Swamiji addressed the audience and showed a short, inspiring video of Pujya Gurudev. Paduka puja was performed. 108 names of Pujya Gurudev were chanted, followed by chanting of Guru Stotram and Pujya Gurudev’s aarti. FVC and AVC results were announced. Students who had successfully completed all assessments received their certificates from Swamiji.
