This is Part 3 of our four-part back-to-school series on Live Vedanta. In this episode, recent college graduate Raj Sureka engages in a heartfelt conversation with Shashiji, a longtime Chinmaya Mission sevika and Vedanta teacher. They explore how students can practically incorporate Vedantik principles into everyday academic life—from navigating social and extracurricular commitments to cultivating stillness and discipline amidst chaos. The discussion is filled with personal stories, grounded reflections, and actionable wisdom for young seekers striving to live with purpose and inner balance.

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 Chinmaya Niagara CommUnity.

Edited by Arul Mehta.
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