What is Mentorship Sanga?
Since January 2021, the Mentorship Sanga, has connected over 300 seekers across 100+ cities in North America, India, the UK and more. Mentors and mentees speak biweekly over the course of the year through phone calls or video chats to build meaningful bonds that rest on a robust spiritual foundation.
As part of the program, seekers attend monthly workshops led by Chinmaya Setukaris on a range of relevant topics such as loneliness, neurodiversity, climate change, and so much more. These popular workshops create valuable spaces to discuss highly relevant topics that pose real challenges to the youth of today.
Please note: The information and direction provided in this Sanga are for education and reflection purposes only and are not to be used as a substitute for treatment and advice from a licensed and qualified professional.
As we get close to concluding another meaningful year in Mentorship Sanga, stay tuned for information about registering for our 2026 cohort!
Mentorship
Connecting mentors and mentees together in deep and authentic friendships to navigate life’s ups and downs from the perspective of being seekers
Sanga
Fostering a CommUnity as a safe, supportive space where you can share openly and be fully embraced for who you are
Workshops
Engaging in monthly Wellness Workshops that highlight Facilitators from our CommUnity and beyond, sharing thoughtful ways they integrate self-development practices into their daily lives
Mentorship Sanga Retreat 2026
Hari Aum! Registration is NOW OPEN for our Second Annual Mentorship Sanga Retreat — August 14–16 at LG!
We are thrilled to welcome seekers of all ages and backgrounds (there will be Balavihar Programming for kids under 15 so bring the whole fam!) for a weekend of reflection, connection, and growth — guided by Shri Vivek and three inspiring facilitators from across our community.
Priya Amaresh is a dedicated sevika of Chinmaya Mission with deep roots across multiple centers and communities. Currently the Hindu chaplain at Duke University and a graduate of the Chaplaincy Course through CIF, Priyaji brings wisdom, warmth, and lived experience to her teaching. Additionally, she is a yoga asana instructor and a passionate advocate for environmental stewardship. She lives in Raleigh, NC with her husband, 3 kids and dog Shyam.
Nishi Singhal is a shining member of the Chinmaya Mission Niagara community whose commitment to inner joy is both her calling and her craft. With a background in public health and integrative wellness, Nishi is a certified yoga teacher, published children’s book author, and founder of a non-profit dedicated to exploring joy from within — a true embodiment of purposeful living. Nishi lives in Houston, Texas with her husband and daughter Meera.
Hrishue Mahalaha is one of Chinmaya Mission Cleveland’s most enthusiastic and longstanding sevaks, known for his dynamic energy and creative spirit that has enlivened Retreats and Workshops for years. Drawing from his educational background in psychology, business management, and his role as a Chief Economic Advisor, Hrishue offers a unique and grounding perspective on living a values-driven life in today’s world. Hrishue lives in Cleveland with his wife, 3 kids and dog, Kushi.
Together, we will explore meaningful ways to cultivate Sadhana (Self-Discipline), Seva (Service), and Satsang (Community) — the pillars of a life well-lived — in an increasingly fast-paced world.
⚠️ Spots are limited — don’t wait!
Want to learn about what last year’s Retreat was like – have a look below!
FIRST ANNUAL RETREAT: Facing Stigmas and Rising Above Them
by Team Mentorship Sanga
Established in 2021, Mentorship Sanga—an initiative of Chinmaya Mission Niagara—has united over 300 seekers across 100+ cities to support one another in living a life rooted in Sanatana Dharma. Through curated mentor-mentee pairings and monthly Wellness Workshops, the program offers space to explore sensitive topics in accordance with Vedantic principles.
After five years of connecting virtually, this inspiring community gathered in person for the first annual Mentorship Sanga Retreat in March 2025 with the gracious support of Chinmaya Mission Cleveland. True to its values, Mentorship Sanga focused the retreat on Facing Stigmas and Rising Above Them, welcoming seekers in their teens to their 60s.
As shared by Acharya Vivek Gupta of Chinmaya Niagara, “The feelings evoked from this retreat felt similar to that of a Yatra.” Truly, seekers were transported to and held in a nurturing environment through the grace of Devi Gayatri to share insights around three themes: Exploring Identity, Understanding Mental Health, and Redefining Success. These sessions invited deep introspection into personal narratives and values. Participants explored understandings of mental health vis a vis mental illness, discussing how communities can dismantle stigma with compassion and support. Seekers also reflected on the ways they judge themselves and explored how to live beyond externally defined standards of achievement
A highlight of the retreat was a powerful trust fall activity—an act of collective vulnerability every participant embraced. The sense of unity and mutual upliftment was unforgettable.
We look forward to the next Mentorship Sanga Retreat in 2026. Stay tuned!
Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
If your question is not listed below, please email chinmayamentorship@gmail.com and one of our team members will be happy to assist.
PROGRAM
If I was a mentor/mentee last year do I need to re-register?
Yes! All mentors/mentees must submit a new registration.
Do I need to attend orientation if I did so last year?
Yes! Each year we evolve the program so please make sure to join.
Are there specific requirements to be a part of this program?
Yes, they are as follows: 1) Mentors and Mentees are required to meet a minimum of 2 hrs/month 2) mentees under 18 require parental consent 3) Mentors are typically aged 29-45 while mentees are 15-28
How should I first get in touch with my mentor/mentee?
You will receive a welcome email introducing the mentee with their mentor. If you have not received that email, please check your spam folder, or email us at chinmayamentorship@gmail.com.
How often does a mentor meet with a mentee?
We recommend meeting 2x per month for a minimum of 30 mins, in addition to attending our monthly workshops.
How long does the program run for?
It is a 1 year cycle with a start in January and completion in December
What are the ages of mentors / mentees?
Mentors are aged 29-45 while mentees are 15-28
Will the monthly wellness workshops be recorded?
Yes, they will be recorded and available on our Chinmaya Niagara Youtube Channel. Navigate to the playlist titled “Seeking Wellness“
How do I join the WhatsApp group with all program participants?
Please email chinmayamentorship@gmail.com and one of our team members will be happy to share the invitation link.
MENTORS
Is a mentor like a counselor?
No. Mentors are not professional counsellors and can not provide medical advice. They are experienced seekers who can provide guidance rooted in Vedanta. We do have an Advisory Committee whose advice and guidance we will be seeking when necessary
What qualifications do I require to be a mentor?
No professional qualifications are required, but a spiritual and Vedantic background is valuable
What should we talk about?
The purpose of the interaction is to cultivate a meaningful and trusted friendship, as well as deep thinking regarding daily life as well as one’s self development. Prompts and activities will be shared regularly which can be used to help facilitate conversation. But most importantly, have fun!
How should I connect with my mentee?
Most seekers connect through ZOOM, or FaceTime/WhatsApp video call or phone call – the program is entirely remote, but you are welcome to meet in person should the opportunity arise.
What if I feel that my mentee is in need of expert advice that feels beyond my scope?
Our program is supported by a team of professional psychologists and physicians. Please email your pod leader or email us at chinmayamentorship@gmail.com so we can connect you to our advisors. All conversations will remain strictly confidential.
What should I do if I have a question during the program?
For general questions email us at chinmayamentorship@gmail.com
MENTEES
Will what I share with my mentor during our sessions be confidential?
All communication between mentors and mentees will be confidential. It is only when a mentor feels that a mentee is in need of professional advice that both Vivek ji and our advisory committee will be involved. This will only happen with the consent of the mentee (unless they are under the age of 18 in which case parents might be contacted in serious scenarios)
How should I connect with my mentor?
Most seekers connect through ZOOM, or FaceTime/WhatsApp video call or phone call – the program is entirely remote, but you are welcome to meet in person should the opportunity arise.
Are there any topics that are off limits?
Maintaining respect towards your mentor is key. Also understanding that this relationship is a sacred one. Feel free to ask this question directly to your mentor as well.
I am under 18 – what consent is needed?
You will be contacted by the team via email to obtain permission from your parent/guardian about your participation in the program