Chinmaya International Foundation – Beginnings

Sankaran Nambutiri, a modern-day descendent of Adi Sankara's maternal family, served as the custodian of Melpazhur Mana until, unable to maintain the vast property, he opted to release it into hands that would care for it with due reverence and tradition. With the blessings of Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda, Chinmaya Mission purchased the property in April 1990 and started functioning thereon, the Chinmaya International Foundation (CIF), an institute for Sanskrit and Indology research. CIF is also a cross-cultural forum for the exchange of knowledge. Chinmaya International Foundation stands as a bridge between East and West, past and present, science and spirituality, and pundit and public.

Academic Affiliation and Status

Chinmaya International Foundation is recognised by Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan, New Delhi, as a Shodha Sansthan (Centre for Sanskrit Research), as a Research Centre by the world's largest Open University – Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) and Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala. It is also recognized as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (SIRO) by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Government of India.

Programmes and Projects

Over the years, CIF has hosted a variety of programmes, including academic seminars and workshops, educational tours, contemplative retreats and spiritual camps. Some of these programmes have been undertaken under the aegis of the Shodha Sansthan (CIFSS). As a nucleus for the study and dissemination of the philosophical principles and values of India's cultural heritage, CIF has been actively engaged in multifarious academic projects, such as:

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