A Unique “Harikatha” Event at CMB

The harikatha organized at Chinmaya Mission, Andover,  as part of Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda’s 108th Jayanthi celebrations was a mesmerizing and emotionally charged event, brilliantly led by the talented Smt. Veena Mohan. With a professional background as a speech pathologist and over 30 years of experience as a consultant in the United States, Veena Ji brought a unique blend of theatrical training in Bharatanatyam, Carnatic music, and drama to her storytelling.

From the outset, the audience was captivated by the soulful invocation “Omkara Naad Roop” sung by Smt. Vanishree Deepak. Her melodious voice set the tone for the evening, inviting everyone to join in an enthralling rendition paying homage to Swami Chinmayananda. The accompaniment of Kannan Raghavan on the tabla and Jeevan Kulkarni on the harmonium added a rich, rhythmic depth to the performance, enhancing the overall experience.

The narrative took the audience on a journey through Swamiji’s life, starting from his birth as baby Balan.Veena Ji’s expressive bhava (emotions) and hand movements beautifully depicted a mother’s adoration and care, even while seated. Her ability to seamlessly switch between languages—English, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam—was impressive and ensured that the story resonated with everyone in the audience.

Particularly noteworthy was the playful portrayal of Balan’s love for Krishna Bhajana. The bhajan “Krishna, Krishna Man Mohana” was delightfully rendered by Vanishree Ji, with Veena Ji adding playful gestures and expressions that brought the scene to life. The humorous depiction of young Balan’s decision to focus on Lord Shiva during pooja was a charming representation of a child’s thought process.

As the story progressed to Balan’s involvement in India’s freedom struggle, the energy in the room surged with the patriotic song “Door Hato, Door Hato Duniyawalon, Yeh Hindustan Hamara Hai.” The audience clapped in rhythm, creating an electrifying atmosphere. Veena Ji’s portrayal of Balan as a dynamic and controversial journalist was compelling, showcasing his powerful oratory skills.

One of the most emotionally stirring moments was Balan’s encounter with Swami Ramana Maharshi. Veena Ji’s expression of the profound connection between them through mere eye contact was so intense that it moved many in the audience to tears. The portrayal of Gurudev’s ’s interpretation of “impossible” as “I am Possible” before his first talk was inspirational, and the formation of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and the establishment of Sandeepani Vidyalaya were depicted with religious fervor through the song “Dharm Ke Hein Rakshak.”

The profound relationship between Swami Chinmayananda and Swami Tejomayananda was beautifully expressed through the song “Duniya Chale Na Ram Ke Bina,” likening it to Hanuman’s devotion to Lord Rama. The depiction of Swamiji’s heart attack on July 26th, 1993, and his final journey towards samadhi was deeply emotional, leaving every eye in the audience moist.

Adding to the charm of the evening were four talented young artists who are our own Bala Vihar students, bringing their youthful energy and enthusiasm to the stage - Shrilakshmi Nekkaremoole, Shrinath Anandakumar, Rakshita Rajesh and Nishad Iyer,  as well as our very own Dr. Laxmi Ramesh who accompanied the main performers. Their participation added a delightful touch to the harikatha, making it a truly multi-generational celebration.

In conclusion, Veena Mohan’s harikatha was a masterful blend of emotion, humor, and passion, richly supported by the melodious voices of Smt. Vanishree Deepak, the rhythmic percussion of Kannan Raghavan on tabla, and the harmonious tunes of Jeevan Kulkarni on harmonium. The inclusion of the young artists added a vibrant dimension, making the performance a memorable tribute to Pujya Swami Chinmayananda. It was an evening that left the audience feeling spiritually uplifted and profoundly connected to the life and teachings of Gurudev.

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