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15 RELIGION July 25, 2025 www.desitalkchicago.com – that’s all you need to know Thousands Unite for Gita Utsav 2025 in Texas, Celebrating 10 Years of the Global Bhagavad Gita Memorization Movement This is the largest ever event in the United States dedicated to celebrating the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. T he SGS Gt Foundation, in collabo- ration with Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple, Frisco, and Yoga Sangeeta, hosted the Sampoorna Parayana of the Srimad Bhagavad Gt on July 12, 2025, at the CUTX Event Center in Allen, Texas, as part of the Gt Utsav 2025 celebra- tions. His Holiness Sri Ganapathy Sachchi- dananda Swamiji, founding pontiff of Avadhoota Datta Peetham, Mysore, India, affectionately known as Sri Swamiji, envisioned the “Gt Mahyajña program to empower children, youth & adults with the life transforming teachings from the Bhagavad Gt. His vision gave birth to the SGS Gita Foundation to conduct Gt Mahyajña program.” A day prior, on July 11, as part of the Gita Utsav, Sri Swamiji blessed his devo- tees with “Srinivasa Raga Sagara” a Music for Meditation and Healing Concert. The special concert featured special guest Pad- ma Vibhushan Dr. L. Subramaniam and Sri Swamiji’s Celestial Message Troupe, creating an immersive meditative experi- ence for attendees. Proceeds from the concert benefited the SGS Vagdevi Centre, a globally respected institution that em- powers individuals with hearing impair- ments and communication disorders through early intervention and inclusive education, according to the organizers. In addition, Bhagavata Saptaha, a week-long discourse on the divine Srimad Bhaga- vad Gita in Telugu was conducted by Sri Swamiji. The Gt Utsav 2025 marked a historic milestone as the largest Bhagavad Gt- centered gathering in U.S. history. More than 500 memorizers and 500 fluent read- ers from the 2025 graduating batch of the Gt Mah Yajña program joined thousands of alumni to recite the Gt in unison, filling the auditorium with spiritual energy and devotion. This year also commemorates the 10th anniversary of the Gt Mah Yajña program, envisioned in 2015 by Sri Swamiji. What began with a handful of memorizers has now grown into a global movement: over 7,000 have memorized the Gt in full, and more than 10,000 are fluent readers world- wide. The organizers explained that par- ticipants typically memorize the entire Bhagavad Gt in just 10 months. Among those who completed the program, around 3,000 memorizers are under 10 years old, and about 2,000 are working professionals who balanced their careers with intense Gt study. The initiative spans 14+ countries, supported by 500 trained volunteer teachers. In the United States alone, there are 30 teaching centers and 250 volunteers. The youngest 2025 gradu- ate was just 3 years old, and the oldest, 85 years old. Texas Governor Greg Abbott, in a congratulatory message, recognized the cultural and spiritual significance of the event, noted, “From the Gulf Coast to the High Plains, many Hindu Texans live out their faith each day. Hinduism is also marked by a vibrant culture that inspires people from all backgrounds,” adding “As you gather to honor your faith traditions through meditation, memorization and recitation, I join our fellow Texans in cel- ebrating our diverse culture and reflecting upon the values we share.” During the program, Sri Swamiji addressed the audience, emphasizing the momentous nature of the occasion. “Today marks a significant milestone for students, the audience, and the larger Sanatani community. This is the tenth year since we witnessed the first Sam- purna Bhagavad Gita Parayana. In this decade, this has become a truly global movement with over 17,000 students.” He acknowledged the dedication of participants from all age groups who de- voted themselves to learning the Bhaga- vad Gt, calling it the greatest treasure of “Sanatana Dharma.” Reflecting on the recitation, Sri Swamiji shared, “I witnessed Sri Krishna glowing in every face. The Bhagavad Gita guides us on our journey of self-realization, distinguishing true, eternal happiness from fleeting, momen- tary pleasure.” He conveyed that, with the blessings of Sri Krishna, Lord Dattatreya, and Gt Mt, the lives of these students were now enriched with bliss, joy, and prosperity. He praised the unwavering commitment of volunteers, Maha Yajña families, and the Gita Utsav event team, whose service reflected the teachings of the Gt. Looking ahead, Sri Swamiji shared an ambitious vision. “Soon, we shall ex- pand this into an event, Laksha Gala Gita Parayana, a gathering of 100,000 people chanting the Bhagavad Gita together in one single place.” To support this, the SGS Gita Foundation will begin training 100,000 students worldwide. He explained that chanting the full Gt carries the spiritual merit of a Vajapeya Yajna, benefiting not only the chanters but even those who listen. “By repeating the sacred words of the Lord and absorbing His teachings, ev- eryone present became like Arjuna… the Lord Himself comes to guide,” Sri Swamiji said, reinforcing the timeless relevance of spiritual education. In a moment of light-hearted reflection, Sri Swamiji remarked on Dallas’s spiritual resonance. He imagined a time during Pangea when perhaps, “Lord Krishna once walked these lands as a cowboy, speaking Texan, wearing a hat, and riding a horse.” “It feels miraculous that on this distant continent, devotees could chant the Bhagavad Gita together—even when pronunciation seemed challenging. Yet, by Datta’s grace, the children recited flaw- lessly,” Sri Swamiji added. “Lord Krishna, ever playing his divine flute, showered his blessings; and the gentle rain outside was like angels offering flowers…” Sri Swamiji recognized the contribu- tions of teachers, food service teams, cleaning staff, and managers, comparing their precise coordination to a perfectly designed film set. Distributing certificates and medals to graduates, he said. “You have given your word to Swamiji; this made Swamiji feel deeply happy and proud.” He also urged all those present includ- ing graduates, alumni, and devotees to chant at least one chapter of the Gt daily, a request to which the entire hall responded with collective affirmation. He offered a loving message to young memorizers, en- couraging them to listen to their parents, study well, and limit screen time, while enjoying their childhood responsibly. He extended special gratitude to Gt Coordinator Srikanth Challa and the teaching staff for their unwavering com- mitment. Sri Swamiji also mentioned about the Golden Jubilee of his first U.S. visit in 1976, which will be celebrated in 2026. He encouraged all to participate and explore his life’s teachings and history for deeper spiritual connection. Referring to Frisco Agraharam as “Little India” and comparing Dallas to Tirupati, Sri Swamiji also acknowledged the region’s rising spiritual prominence. With over 100 Ashramas and temples established globally, Sri Swamiji contin- ues to be celebrated for his healing music concerts, over 350 performed at presti- gious venues around the world, and for his contributions to Datta Kriya Yoga and meditation music. -(Used under special arrangement with SAH) By T.Vishnudatta Jayaraman, South Asian Herald PHOTOS:Avadhoota Datta Peetham Thousands of Sri Swamiji’s devotees from around the world gathered during the Sampoorna Parayana of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita on July 12, 2025, at the CUTX Event Center in Allen, Texas.