In 2025, we celebrate 40 years of Gurudev’s Vision for uplifting Rural India, which is what we know as CORD or Chinmaya Organization for Rural Development. Every year, April for Chinmaya Gurukul, is our dedication to this vision, when we come together as a community and do a walkathon to raise money towards CORD.CORD started as a organization to improve women’s health and empower them in villages. Some of the initiatives they have are related to Micro Banking and Self Help Groups, Literacy Drives, Social Justice and Informal Legal Assistance and many such initiatives. This year our CORD Walkathon was set for April 19th at Cauley Creek Park.
The preparations for our walkathon start as early as December . There is a lot of ground work that needs to happen . Teams are formed, locations scouted and secured, Sponsorship , publicity and many such small and big tasks. As we got closer, everyone got busy with registration . As the numbers climbed and our wonderful sponsors again stood by us, we looked to the weather gods. As usual they were benevolent and blessed us with a beautiful sunny day .
All the supplies for food, tent and many other related stuff have to be brought to the park. This means a lot of logistics needs to be worked out prior to the walkathon day . At 7:00 am volunteers gathered at the pavilion and started the preparation . Tents were setup including tent for Sponsors, for Food and Altar setup was done as well .
Beautiful maroon t-shirt designed by our volunteers Preethi Ananth and team, with the silhouette of a woman carrying a pot on her head , encircled by the words, ‘Lace Up , Empower Lives’ were arranged as per the sizes, ready for distribution by the registration teams at the entrance.
People started gathering up from 8:30 onwards. At 8:45, was an energetic dance routine headed by Himani which got us all on our feet . By the end of it, we were all raring to go . After a prayer from Sushma Aunty and Siva Uncle , we were off.
Runners led the way, followed by groups of people . This was their time to catch up with each other, away from their busy lives. Little kids ran ahead followed by parents trying to catch them. Some enjoyed the walk in solitude conversing with a Higher Reality .Some walked with man’s best friends , cute dogs who got petted by eager little hands. Whether you were with someone or without , everyone wore a smile and greeted each other with a ‘Hari Om’ as they passed each other , a moment to acknowledge the divinity in all of us. Water stations were setup along to ensure everyone stayed hydrated as the sun ascended.
Back in the pavilion, the food team was busy, having set out bagels with tubs of cream cheese, muffins , cookies , energy bars and bananas which were enjoyed by all . A small ceremony was done to thank the sponsors and acknowledge their contribution which makes a big difference. After this small groups of people stayed around to start the process of cleaning up . Around 11, everything was cleaned up and we were all ready to head home, happy and content.
One of the highlights of this walkathon was the presence of an 81 year old Aunty, Usha Shrikanthan, from Bengaluru who was an ardent devotee of Gurudev and was actively involved in starting many centers in Bengaluru. She was accompanied by her son and Daughter in Law . Her smiling face , enthusiastic to share the details of her spiritual journey after having completed the walk, was proof of Gurudev’s continued presence in her life. We have shared her video here .
Of the total Funds raised $16889, a portion will go to CORD USA and United Way of Gerogia. We had 350 participants and 11 sponsors- 4 Title, 4 Gold and 4 Silver.
A venture like this cannot be successfully completed without a Yagna Bhava in everyone , starting with the leads . In them and in all the volunteers we see Gurudev smiling .
