EP39 - Rebuilding Communities: 18 States and Counting with Kiran Chukkapalli

Our social persona and acceptance throughout our lives are often defined by how well we ‘fit in’ to society. Yet every society has those who reject social conventions - or in the eyes of some, social restrictions - in favour of absolute ‘freedom’. There are even those who defy all stereotypes, using their freedom to undertake spiritual sadhana (journeys) and engage in dedicated service to society. This episode of The Vichaar Manthan Podcast features Kiran Ji Chukkapalli, a living example of this apparent paradox.

From a young age, Kiran Ji chose and chased the path of discipline, and is today a yogi, a practitioner of traditional Bharatiya martial arts, and an athlete. In choosing to remain ‘detached’ from the ‘traditional’ path of education, work, and starting a household, he has expanded his ‘attachment’ to a larger cause, serving society through his work with underprivileged communities and refugees. He shares with us not only his personal journey but also his experiences from his solo ride across 18 states to raise awareness about the problems faced by these groups. In this conversation, we explore the motivation that drives his vision and work, his understanding of Dharma and how it applies to his goals, and ultimately ask: How does Dharma expand one’s sense of being and purpose?

Kiran Ji Chukkapalli is an avid social activist, a former entrepreneur, a brilliant athlete, an international speaker, and an accomplished Himalayan yoga practitioner and instructor. He founded Think Peace in 2010, a not-for-profit organisation that works for upholding the human rights of marginalised communities and improving the living conditions in refugee camps.

Think Peace: https://www.thinkpeace.in
Walden by Henry David Thoreau: Walden on Amazon

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The VM Podcast is a Vichaar Manthan project exploring modern-day issues through a Dharmic lens. Through in-depth interviews with some of the best thinkers of our time, the podcast explores how we can better understand dharma, and our lives, and recapture the ancient and classical ideals of sustainability, liberty and flourishing.

Tune in, for an earnest conversation! - Hosted by VM fellow Sumit Sharma, who you can email on podcast@vichaarmanthan.org

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