Guru Poornima was celebrated in Chicago in the Divine presence of His Holiness Bhagwan Sri Sri Sri Viswayogi Viswamjee Maharaj on Tuesday, July 7^th 2009.

The morning celebrations were  held at the Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago, Lemont, Illinois. Swamiji was received with Poornakumbam amidst vedic chanting by the priests. Dr. Rohini Udupa spiritual chairperson, Hindu Dharma  & Religion welcomed Sri Swamiji. Saamohika  Viswa Datta vratam was performed by devotees and Swamiji delivered his divine discourse and spoke about the role of Guru in shaping a persons life.

In the evening celebrations were held at the Northern Illinois University campus in Naperville, IL.  Cultural programs were presented by children from local music and dance schools.

Guru is embodiment of knowledge, as per Swamiji, and it is a tradition to honor intellectuals on this day. As a part of felicitation program Swamiji honored many doctors, engineers, social workers and intellectuals who are making a difference to the society. Some of these persons honored were present on the occasion and some others were honored in absence.

Some of the awardees who were present on the occasion :

Dr. Sri Ram Sonty & Dr. Sarada Poorna Sonty of SAPNA foundation,  Mr. Keith Jachim,  Hospice volunteer , Dr. Anil Bhogaraju, Oncologist,

Dr. Ganti Subrahmanyam

Dr. Radhika Kolli & Ravi Kolli

Dr. Raja Ravella & Mrs. Vijaya Ravella

Dr. Brahmamdam Jagannatha Rao

Dr. Ranga Rao Kota & Lakshmi Kota

Dr. Usha Mahisekar, Anesthesiologist,

Mr. Lakshman Rao, Editor, India Tribune

Madhu Babu Kavikondala, Microsoft Engineer

Veerendra Koya, Engineer

Mr. Chepuri Krishna Moorthy, Technologist

Mrs. Raj Durga.

Some of the intellectuals honored and were not present were:

Sri Goteti Srirama Rao, Dr. Tulasi D Polavarapu M.D of New York  and Dr. Asha K Pai , MD of Florida.

During the discourses Swamiji spoke about Universal Dharma and the need to adhere to it.  Swamiji also stressed about the dangers of perverted intelligence and the harm it could cause to the world. . Swamiji said that anything could be achieved by love and nothing could be achieved by domination. Swamiji  emphasized the need for uniting all the countries of the world, especially India & America . Swamiji declared the Divine Vision 2020 for Universal Integration & Peace and said that the world will be a very peaceful place by 2020. Swamiji said that with faith in Guru one should march forward  and the Guru will take care of the interests of the disciple.