Vedantik Leadership Training 2.0
Vedantik Leadership Training (VLT), led by Shri Vivek, bridges philosophy and practice to cultivate future leaders. VLT is a year-long immersive training designed to shape insightful, resilient, and service-driven leaders in any field. This engaging program will empower leaders with
- Guidance and individualized coaching rooted in Vedanta
- Deep inspiration through the practice of leadership skills in an inclusive space
- Meaningful connections with experienced, dedicated leaders and peers
Shri Vivek and the speakers have garnered invaluable insights and skills from a diverse range of experiences, both within and beyond Chinmaya Mission. Our goal is to pass on these learnings, empowering aspiring leaders from all organizations and backgrounds.
Why VLT?
VLT is designed to provide aspiring leaders with the opportunities and guidance they need to unlock their potential and become the leaders their communities require. Many possess inherent leadership qualities, but often lack the clarity on how to channel it. Through exposure to seasoned leaders and hands-on practice, the training will cultivate:
- Clarity of Purpose: By connecting participants with leaders who have dedicated their lives to seva, they gain insights that help define their personal and professional goals.
- Confidence of Self: Through service-learning and guidance from mentors, trainees will develop the confidence to trust their abilities, becoming more assured in their decisions and leadership capabilities.
- Conviction in Relating: Regardless of the career choices of participants, the training helps them develop a deeper understanding of working with people and communities. It will strengthen their interpersonal skills and prepare them to collaborate effectively in any environment.
VLT will empower participants to discover their direction, build confidence, and strengthen their community and team development skills. Most critically, participants will build a lasting, supportive network that they can rely on for years to come in every aspect of their lives.
Timeline
OPEN HOUSE
APPLICATION OPENS
APPLICATION END DATE
APPLICATION DECISIONS
FIRST DAY OF CLASS
Eligibility and Selection
- Ages 20–45 (applicants outside this range are encouraged to apply and will be considered on a case-by-case basis).
- Commitment to attend weekly live sessions every Tuesday evening from 8:00 – 9:00PM EST with faculty, CommUnity leaders, and peers. Repeated absences may result in the withholding of training certification.
- Willingness to dedicate 2–3 hours per week to a service leadership project, applying and practicing leadership skills.
- The application requires a 60-second video describing what Vedantik Leadership means to you, the qualities a Vedantik leader embodies, and the leadership skills you wish to develop. Additionally, applicants must provide a personal reference.
- Vivek Ji and the VLT team will review applications and select candidates based on the sincerity and authenticity of their responses.
Service Leadership Project
The primary intention of the service leadership project is to provide an inclusive space for developing and practicing leadership skills. The VLT team will collaborate trainees to design impactful service leadership projects that align with the interests, strengths, and commUnity needs. Trainees will be assigned to commUnity leaders and teams who will mentor them in executing the project. The trainees will be responsible for ensuring progress, adhering to timelines, and maintaining their commitment to achieving the project’s objectives.
Credential
Participants who successfully complete VLT by attending training sessions and fulfilling the service leadership project will earn an EQ Certification, recognizing their ability to serve their communities and organizations more effectively and efficiently.
Absence Policy
VLT is designed to develop leadership competencies through active participation and hands-on practice. Additionally, many esteemed leaders have committed their time to sharing their expertise. Given this, missing training sessions or failing to meet service project expectations will be taken seriously and may impact certification eligibility.
Service Leadership Project:
- Participants are expected to implement and follow through on their service leadership project according to the collaboratively planned timelines and goals.
Are you ready to unlock & channel your leadership potential?
Our Guides
Shri Vivek Gupta
Shri Vivek Gupta, renowned for his spiritual teachings, inspires individuals to pursue lives filled with purpose and independent joy. Combining formal monastic training with life experience, he makes philosophy accessible across cultures. Dissatisfied despite worldly success, he embraced monkhood at Chinmaya Mission’s monastery in India under Swami Tejomayanandaji’s guidance. Vivekji shares his insights through courses, workshops, and retreats, reaching diverse audiences globally. As a Hindu chaplain, he’s spoken at prestigious institutions and authored two books, including “The Seeker’s Wordbook”. Through podcasts, YouTube, and social media, his teachings resonate worldwide. Currently guiding Chinmaya Mission Niagara Falls and Cleveland, Vivekji resides in Canada with his family, expanding his spiritual influence globally.
Shri Kritika Chaitanya
Brahmacharini Kritika Chaitanya was born in Toronto, Canada. After studying International Development Studies and Philosophy at the University of Toronto and engaging in much social work and volunteerism, she joined the 2nd Residential Vedanta Course at Chinmaya Mission Trinidad and Tobago Ashram in 2013. After a year and a half of studying the highest knowledge and Sanskrit under the guidance of Pujya Swami Prakashanandaji, she has committed herself to serving Chinmaya Mission. She is currently posted in Trinidad, conducting public satsangas and classes for adults, seniors and young females, and assisting with Ashram activities and enterprises.
Shri Shashikala Dwarkanath
Shri Shashikala Dwarkanath, the person behind Chinmaya Mission Boston, one of New England’s largest spiritual centers, has played a vital role in the lives of thousands of people in the area. She was bestowed the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017 by INDIA New England News, one of the nation’s largest print, online and video magazines covering the Indian and South Asian community.
She is an accomplished doctor, an excellent mother, a very supporting spouse, a community leader and more intensely seeking the very purpose of life. She is one of the most complete human beings in our community, inspiring hundreds and thousands of young and grown up adults with her calming presence. She currently leads our Devis in our CommUnity.
Shri Shankar Rajupet
Shankar Rajupet was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA. He was a senior pursuing an undergraduate degree in Economics, just trying to figure out his way through life when he was first introduced to the simple, yet most profound teaching of Vedanta. Shankar was told that there exists a permanent state of independent joy accessible to all. This one idea took hold of his mind and completely reshaped his priorities. In an effort to abide in this state of independent joy, he sought to gain clarity in understanding this Supreme Knowledge by studying in a Vedanta course. At an ashram in Trinidad and Tobago he studied the Hindu scriptures for two years under the guidance of Swami Prakashananda. After completing the course in November of 2018 he is now studying and teaching in the Pittsburgh area.
Shri Suman Rajupet
Suman, driven by his parents’ wish for his happiness and independence, pursued various societal avenues but remained unfulfilled. Seeking deeper meaning, he attended a Satsang in Pittsburgh, where he encountered Advaita Vedanta through Shri Vivek Gupta. Convinced of its potential, he enrolled in a two-year residential Vedanta course under Pujya Swami Prakashananda in Trinidad & Tobago. Returning in 2018, Suman works as an IT Manager in Providence, RI, while actively contributing to Chinmaya Mission Niagara and Cleveland. He travels extensively to share the profound message he embraced: perpetual, independent joy constitutes one’s essence.
Our Facilitators
Nina Bhattacharya
Shri Rama’s Virtue: Charitrena Yuktah (Noble Team Leadership)
Masterclass Topic: Recognizing team members’ strengths to be a more inclusive leader
Nina is a psychotherapist and educator who co-creates joyful, reflective spaces that amplify agency and authenticity. She approaches clinical practice through an abolitionist and intersectional feminist lens that honors community and cultural influence. Nina has taught at Harvard University and communities nationwide. Her commitment to collective liberation is grounded in Vedanta. Over the last decade, Nina’s co-creations are reflected in Chinmaya Mission Niagara’s young adult and philanthropy efforts, and Live Vedanta PodcastÂ
Learn more! https://radio-rani.com/bio/
Ursala Boehm
Shri Rama’s Virtue: Sarav Bhuteshu Hita (Sensitive)
Masterclass Topic: The importance of being a caring leader
Ursula Boehm is a water and wastewater treatment industry executive, advisor, and board director with more than two decades of experience in water technology, infrastructure, and industrial services. She has held executive leadership roles across Europe, Asia, and the United States, overseeing businesses with sales exceeding $1 billion. Ursula advises companies in the water and environmental services sector on leadership, strategy, growth, and innovation through her advisory firm and by serving on the boards of several companies in the industry. She is the co-owner of Aum Shanti Yoga LLC, where she enthusiastically shares the practice of yoga with individuals seeking meaningful change.
Learn more on LinkedIn
Sukadev(ji) Bretz
Shri Rama’s Virtue: Sarva Bhuteshu Hita (Sensitive)
Masterclass Topic: Adapting our leadership style to meet the needs of the community
Sukadevji Bretz is pioneer of the Yoga Movement in Germany and the
founder of the world’s largest ashram community – Yoga Vidya –
outside of Bharat. He is a spiritual leader for United Consciousness.
Sukadev ji’s work is rooted in the classical yoga traditions of Bharat
and grounded in the universal wisdom of Hindu Dharma. At the same
time, Yoga Vidya stands for openness: a spirituality that respects all
paths and welcomes people of every background, belief, and culture.
Learn more on LinkedIn
Ricky Chandarana
Shri Rama’s Virtue: Drdha Vratah (Disciplined)
Masterclass Topic: Equipping teams for disciplined and long-term decision making
Ricky Chandarana leads the Product Management team at Khan Academy, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing free, world-class education to anyone, anywhere. With a career spanning 25 years, Ricky has held diverse leadership roles across product management, organizational strategy, consulting, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
A dedicated sevak of Chinmaya Mission Niagara, Ricky has served actively with the Vichara Gurukula Crew for the past decade. In recent years, he has also been blessed to facilitate team retreats, helping guide strategic dialogue and collective decision-making.
He lives in Oakville, Canada, with his wife and their two lovely children.
Learn more on LinkedIn
Juie Deo
Shri Rama’s Virtue: Jitakrodha (Collected)
Masterclass Topic: Increasing community leadership
Juie is a mom and macro social worker who trains leaders in workforce programs. After studying biochemistry at the University of Michigan, Juie supported Teach for India and youth programs with Indicorps and Boys & Girls Clubs.
Juie thrives in facilitating self-discovery with others. Efforts and mentors from LeaderShape, Children at the Well, Chinmaya Mission, and Women & Public Policy Fellowship have helped them be an intentional leader.
Learn more on LinkedIn
Dr. Kshama Metre
Shri Rama’s Virtue: Dyutiman (Brilliant)
Masterclass Topic: Developing vision of selfless service with teams (yajna spirit)
Dr. Kshama Metre, MD (Pediatrics), from Maulana Azad Medical College, Delhi, has been the trustee and National Director of CORD since its inception in 2003. Dr. Metre joined the earlier predecessor of CORD, inspired by Swami Chinmayananda, in 1985 in Sidhbari. Over almost four decades, she has pioneered and led CORD’s comprehensive need-based rural development program. Dr. Metre is an eminent member of various committees and institutions working in the development sector. Dr. Metre is fondly called “Dr. Didi” by the many people associated with CORD.
Learn more on https://cordindia.in/the-team/
Narender Paul
Shri Rama’s Virtue: Dyutiman (Brilliant)
Masterclass Topic: Developing vision of selfless service with teams (yajna spirit)
Narender is a young and determined man living and serving rural India through CORD’s vision of comprehensive community-based and driven programs since 2002. He joined CORD as an occupational therapist but has acquired various post-graduate degrees in rural development, management, research, training, and development to meet the multi-disciplinary approach of CORD. Narender has worked tirelessly with Dr. Metre to scale and replicate CORD’s vision nationally and internationally. He has initiated and endorsed many innovative ideas and models for CORD’s growth.
Learn more on https://cordindia.in/the-team/
Neha Kale
Shri Rama’s Virtue: Drdah Vratah (Disciplined)
Masterclass Topic: Leading oneself effectively through effective time management
Neha launched Kale Consulting, partnering with mission-driven organizations to strengthen leadership and build thriving cultures that accelerate impact. Over 20 years, Neha has collaborated with diverse global organizations, from social enterprises to Fortune 100s, supporting leaders. Neha is a sevika for Chinmaya Mission across communities and has also served with CORD (Chinmaya Organization for Rural Development) in Bharat.
Learn more on LinkedIn
Bobby Mukkumala
Shri Rama’s Virtue: Jitakrodha (Collected)
Masterclass Topic: Navigating internal agitation and external politics/pressures effectively
Bobby Mukkamala, MD, a board-certified otolaryngologist—head and neck surgeon, was voted president-elect of the American Medical Association in June 2024. A graduate of the University of Michigan Medical School, he is in solo, private practice in Flint, Mich.
Learn more on LinkedIn
Vinay Mallikaarjun
Shri Rama’s Virtue: Deva Bibhyati (Powerful)
Masterclass Topic: Building a team culture of acceptance and adaptability
Vinay is a professional educator, having taught high school science for several years. He is currently an Ed.D Candidate in Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education at the University of Pennsylvania.
A lifelong Chinmaya Mission member, Vinay integrates educational best practices with the sacred science of Vedanta to create enriching classroom experiences. He has taught students of all ages in the CMWRC Balavihar and Summer Camp programs, and has also guided the creation of several Balavihar curricula.
Learn more on LinkedIn
Archana Srikanth
Shri Rama’s Virtue: Samarthah (Capable)
Masterclass Topic: Being an adaptive leader under pressure & how to not be limited by minority status in the workplace
Archana Srikanth is a highly effective executive with 20+ years of experience in aerospace, defense, and automotive fields. Currently at Lockheed Martin, she focuses on driving domestic and international growth by leading complex technical programs and developing winning strategies, including on high-profile projects like the Marine One Presidential Helicopter program and CH-53K. She is a results-driven leader known for her ability to build strong teams, execute hands-on, and serve as a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion.
Learn more on LinkedIn
Amit Tandon
Shri Rama’s Virtue: Kratjnah (Grateful)
Masterclass Topic: Navigating life’s ups and downs (e.g. layoff, health challenges) with gratitude
Amit is a business leader at Olin, a leading global chemical company. With over 25 years of experience, Amit has worked in various commercial roles spanning marketing, corporate strategy, M&A, sales, and business leadership. Amit has experience leading regional and global teams from diverse cultural backgrounds. Amit’s humility and ability to communicate and connect his life experiences with his leadership makes him accessible and approachable.
Learn more on LinkedIn
Contact Us
Got questions?
Email at VLT@chinmayaniagara.com for answers!