Come travel India and Volunteer at one of Mission's social projects with other CHYKS this summer!

CHYK Exposure Trip

The CHYK Exposure Trip is a 6 week summer program designed for Chinmaya Yuva Kendra. The trip aims to give individuals the opportunity to learn about Chinmaya Mission activities in Northern India in a safe environment with like-minded individuals. The group will have the opportunity to visit Chinmaya Mission centers in India, various tourist sites, as well as work with a social project of the Mission called Chinmaya Organization for Rural Development. Here, the group will spend a month at a beautiful ashram in the foothills of the Himalaya Mountains and expose themselves to social issues facing the rural poor while also having the opportunity for self-development. The group will then continue their journey to some of India 's most sacred areas. We are seeking open-minded individuals who have an interest in sustainable rural development as well as exploring the majesty of India.



Chinmaya Organization for Rural Development (CORD): CORD is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the capacities of those living in poverty-stricken areas of India through sustainable programs driven by community members themselves. The organization serves marginalized people through various programs including women's forums, youth forums, balvihars, income generating activities, microlending, natural resource management, rehabilitation, adult literacy, sanitation, primary healthcare services, and legal cell services. I encourage you to check out http://cordusa.com/Default .aspx to learn more about the organization.



Tentative Schedule for Summer 2008:

May 31: Arrive in Delhi
June 1-2: Travel in Delhi (Lodhi Gardens, Bahai House of Worship, Akshardam)
June 3: Travel by night bus to Dharamshala
June 4: Arrive in Dharamshala/Sidhbari
June 4-July 1: CORD/Ashram
July 2: Leave for Amritsar
July 3: Amritsar
July 4: Leave for Uttarkasi
July 5: Arrive in Uttarkasi
July 6: Uttarkasi
July 7: Depart for Mini-Yatra (which may include Haridwar, Rishikesh,Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamanotri) with Bramachari Girishji from California
July 13: Depart for Delhi
July 14: Arrive in Delhi
July 15: Depart for USA


We encourage you to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity. If you are interested please email Pooja Merai at pmerai3@gmail.com for an application. Applications are due by February 7th via e-mail. If you have any questions or concerns don't hesitate to contact pmerai3@gmail.com


Pranams!