CHICAGO CALLING

On September 27, 1893 at the closing session of the Parliament of World's Religions, Swami Vivekananda gave a resounding call to the world with these words:

"Help and not fight. Assimilation and not destruction. Harmony and Peace and not dissension."

This year, on the occasion of his 150th birth anniversary, the Vivekananda Vedanta Society of Chicago, welcomes you to join us in renewing that call and reflect on Swamiji's message. The series of programs that begin in September commemorating his birth anniversary will culminate in a three-day event with international monks and Vedanta devotees. Over 60 monastics from across the world will be attending, including the General Secretary of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission. It will be the largest congregation, outside India, of monks and nuns of the Ramakrishna Order. They will be joined by more than 1500 Vedanta devotees from around the world.

Invitation and Details

The historic event will span four days and will begin with an International Monks' Conference, followed by an International Vedanta Devotees' meet and will culminate in Chicago Calling — a two-day event to remember, reflect upon, and renew Swami Vivekanda's Call from Chicago.

The weekend programs (November 9 & 10) will be held at the Hilton Hotel (map) in Chicago. When Swami Vivekananda attended the Parliament of Religions, his hosts were the Lyons whose home was at the location where the Hilton now stands. The anniversary celebration will conclude with a tour of historic places in Chicago associated with Swami Vivekananda.

We invite you and your friends to join us for this historic event.

Program

Program	Venue	Date
International Meeting of Ramakrishna Mission Monastics	Ganges, Michigan	8th November 9:00 a.m. — 1:00 p.m.
Honoring the Monastics	Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago, Lemont, IL	8th November 5:30 p.m. — 8:30 p.m.
International Vedanta Devotees' Conference	Hilton Hotel, Chicago	9th November 9:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m.
Chicago Calling	Hilton Hotel, Chicago	10th November 9:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m.
Remembering Vivekananda	Tour of places associated with Swami Vivekananda	11th November 9:00 a.m. — 12:00 p.m.

Accommodations & Travel

We have negotiated discounted room rates at several hotels nearby. Visitors can avail of the rates by registering with them. Please be sure to mention the Vivekananda Vedanta Society group when reserving. Transportation to the program venue will be arranged for those staying at the reserved hotels.

Accommodations for Ganges Program

If you are attending the program at Ganges on the 8^th, please note that the Heritage Manor hotel is completely booked. You can view this guide to other hotels in and around Ganges. In addition, American Inn Suites in Douglas, MI (couple miles) away from the monastery is available November 7th as well. They have rooms with 2 queen size beds for $80. However, they will give it to Vivekananda Retreat for $70.

Registration

You can register for the event here. The cost of registration is $100 ($25 for students with a valid ID) and includes lunch on the 9^th and 10^th.

This page will be updated with more details as they become available.