A monk, boxing and an uncanny story.

It all began with a walk through the village. . .

Sometimes a new program doesn’t begin in a meeting room. It begins with a simple observation.

As Ugadi had just passed and summer was approaching, Swamiji was walking through the village lanes during one of his visits. Schools would soon close for the holidays, and children would have long days ahead of them.

The playgrounds were quiet.

Summer is the best time to make them learn life skills as well as enjoy the fun. The brain storming sessions by Chinmaya Mission gave rise to many new ideas.

Sports and the arts have an incredible ability to transform young lives. They teach lessons that cannot always be learnt from books alone, discipline, teamwork, courage, perseverance, and self-belief.

For children in cities, summer often brings many opportunities. There are sports academies, coaching centres, and specialised camps to choose from. Rural children are just as capable, but opportunities rarely come their way. And like children everywhere, they too are increasingly drawn to mobile phones and other gadgets.

Swamiji often reminds us that Chinmaya Mission’s work is not limited to classrooms. Our goal is to help children become fearless, self-confident, capable of protecting themselves, and always ready to help someone in need.

That vision naturally led to one question.

Could we bring a meaningful sports program to the children instead of expecting the children to find one?

Many ideas were discussed. Eventually, one sport stood out.

BOXING..

It is a sport that demands discipline, builds physical fitness, develops mental strength, and teaches self-control. It encourages confidence without aggression and resilience without fear. For girls especially, learning self-defence can change the way they see themselves and the world around them.

The decision was made.

To help rural children discover their own potential, to build confidence and discipline, and one day see local champions emerge, not only in sport, but in life itself.

Now came the next challenge, finding someone who shared the same vision and would be willing to train rural children with patience, dedication, and heart. . . Let’s try. . .

Our hope is simple.

To help rural children discover their own potential, to build confidence and discipline, and one day see local champions emerge, not only in sport, but in life itself.

Would you say, this is too ambitious. . ?

The villages are quite far from the city for someone to travel everyday. We were doing it but someone new. . . One visit is different but everyday for four or 5 weeks at the minimum. Sympathy, Confidence and a Commitment. . Where would we find this. .? Whoooo. . .?

Signing off for now. . .

Captain Ganesh

PS: Swamiji here refers to Pujya Swami Raghuveeranandaji Maharaj