Our Teachers

Brahmacharini Shubhani Chaitanya

Resident Teacher

Brahmacharini Shubhani Chaitanya currently serves as the resident teacher of Vedanta—a philosophy of personal growth, clarity, and inner freedom—for Chinmaya Mission New York. Her life and work are deeply inspired by the teachings of Swami Chinmayananda and the Advaita tradition.

After completing an intensive two-year Vedanta Course at Sandeepany Sadhanalaya in Mumbai, she was initiated as a Brahmacharini in 2016 and posted to the New York Mission. Through the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads and other spiritual texts, Shubhaniji brings a natural wisdom and compassion to her classes that touches the hearts of children, young professionals, families and seniors alike.

Aside from teaching, she continues to bring her creativity to special projects. She led a team in publishing The Woman Seeker, a book highlighting the inspiring journeys of women on the path to Enlightenment and also worked on Bhagavad Gita for Teenagers—an accessible and practical guide to the Bhagavad-gītā for youth today. She also serves as the East Coast coordinator for CHYK West (the Mission’s young adult wing).

Shri George Romney

Shri George Romney

Resident Teacher

Shri George is a practicing psychotherapist in New York City who has been leading Vedanta study groups since he met Guru Dev, Swami Chimayananda ji in 1990- 1991.

He has the unique ability of explaining the concepts of Vedanta through Chinmaya Mission’s prescribed texts. He creates and sustains interest in his students from multi-cultural backgrounds to pursue sincere study of Vedanta for their self-improvement.

Shri George Romney conducts various study groups in and around New York.

Shri Jatin Kapadia

Shri Jatin Kapadia

Resident Teacher

Dr. Jatin Kapadia is a pediatrician in Hempstead, New York and has been in practice for over four decades. A long time disciple of Acharya Krishna Moorthy, Dr. Kapadia has been conducting Vedanta study groups in various locations since past several years. He has also been giving talks at different temples on the Bhagavad Gita, Bhaja Govindam, Atma Bodha, and other topics such as ‘Effective Parenting through Vedanta.”

Sushri Lakshmi Kapadia

Sushri Lakshmi Kapadia

Resident Teacher

Sushri Lakshmi Kapadia is a retired physician. She has been an active member of the Chinmaya Mission for the last 25 years. Lakshmi ji is currently completing the 2 year Vedanta course in Trinidad. She will return to teach Bala Vihar and be a sevak for the Mission. 

Brahmachari B. Krishna Moorthy

Late Br. Krishna Moorthy

Founding Teacher

Brahmachari Krishna Moorthy, lovingly called “Swami in White” by Revered Gurudev and his students, was an accomplished scholar of Advaita Vedanta (the highest knowledge of the Hindu Scriptures). He always inspired his audiences by his lectures on religious & cultural topics and successfully held several responsible executive positions under the Chinmaya Mission umbrella since 1963.

An ace executive engineer by background, Krishna Moorthy ji, was a pleasant and dynamic personality. He was a powerful, inspirational speaker who delivered all philosophical and spiritual topics in a simple, logical, and often humorous manner.

Krishna Moorthi ji successfully conducted numerous lecture series, seminars, workshops and meditation sessions for all age groups. Students enjoyed his presentations on the various Indian philosophy books, such as Prakarana Granthas (introductory text books), The Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads. His devotional chanting was highly elevating.

Krishnamoorthi ji wrote many articles, drew several cartoons to communicate Vedanta to the masses. He was a regular and popular speaker on RBC radio addressing the listeners on religious, social and communal issues and problems.

He had represented Hinduism at the United Nations Interfaith Prayer meeting in 2004.

Krishna Moorthi ji conducted Vedanta classes at various locations. He also conducted private and public prayer and meditation services, and consuls on Indian rituals and pujas.

Krishna Moorthy ji was dedicated to serving the community. Our dear and respected Krishna Moorthy, passed away peacefully at 5.41 pm on Friday May 31st 2013, at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.