Guru Purnima Celebrated at Tirupathi

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Telugu Prant, Balaji Vibhag, Tirupati Branch, in association with Penubala College of Physiotherapy, organized a Guru Purnima celebration at the college on July 27, 2026. The programme witnessed the enthusiastic participation of 110 people.

The sacred occasion was graced by distinguished guests, including Sri C. H. Venkatesh Prasad Garu, Sri Surendra Reddy Garu, Sri Vijayaram Garu, and Smt. Parameswari Garu. Special honours were accorded to Shri Ritdev Babaji, Patanjali’s Central & South India Coordinator, who was felicitated along with Sri Somesh Bandla, Chairman of Sankalpa Hospital, in recognition of their dedication to expanding Yoga Sadhana and promoting Swadeshi products.

The programme featured inspiring addresses by the dignitaries. Sri Cherukuri Venkatesh Prasad Garu spoke on the profound significance of Guru Purnima in the light of the teachings of Swami Vivekananda. Smt. Parameswari Garu introduced the youth-centric mission and activities of Vivekananda Kendra, inspiring students to engage in nation-building activities. Smt. Penubala Chandra Shekar Garu encouraged the students to develop social awareness and connect with transformative organizations such as Vivekananda Kendra and Patanjali.

The programme concluded with the Shanti Mantra.

Guru Purnima Celebrated with Gita Sloka Recitation Competition at Nagole

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Telugu Prant, Hyderabad Vibhag, Nagole Branch, celebrated Guru Purnima with a Gita Sloka Recitation Competition at Snehapuri Colony on July 25, 2026, at 4:00 PM. The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation across age groups, with 10 children below 5 years, 12 children aged 6–10 years, 18 youth aged 10–16 years, and 6 judges taking part.

The programme commenced with three Omkars, followed by the Shanti Path, eleven Omkar chants, and Pushparchana by all participants. The event was presided over by Sri Arun Goud ji, Sah Vibhag Pramukh, along with the President and Secretary of the Snehapuri Colony Welfare Society. They welcomed and appreciated the initiatives undertaken by Vivekananda Kendra and the women’s wing of the colony.

Addressing the gathering, Sri Arun Goud ji spoke about the practical relevance of the Bhagavad Gita in family life. He highlighted how regular recitation of Gita slokas can help improve concentration among children and enable them to study more effectively. As part of the Amrit Parivar initiative, he encouraged parents to recite two slokas every day, enabling them to complete the entire Bhagavad Gita within a year. He also explained the vision of Amrit Yatra and encouraged families to plan and participate in Amrit Yatra 2027.

The programme received active support from Gita practitioners Kum. Prathusha Hari, Kum. Anjani Krishna, and Kum. Pallavi, along with parents and judges. The event concluded with the distribution of prizes and participation certificates to the participants, followed by the Shanti Mantra.

Surya Namaskar Yajna Marks 80th Independence Day at VK Hebbal

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Karnataka Prant, Kempegowda Vibhag, Hebbal Branch celebrated the 80th Independence Day on 15th August 2026 by organizing a spirited Surya Namaskar Yajna. Held from 6:00 AM to 7:30 AM at the VS Yoga Centre in Coffee Board Layout, the event brought together 43 enthusiastic participants in a hybrid format across both online and offline modes. 

The program commenced at 6:00 AM in an atmosphere filled with discipline, focus, and deep reverence for the motherland. Symbolizing eight decades of national freedom, the practitioners collectively completed 80 rounds of Surya Namaskar. Each cycle was performed as an offering of physical vitality, spiritual alignment, and gratitude toward the nation's rich heritage and the brave souls who fought for its sovereignty.

By seamlessly integrating hybrid participation, the event allowed local residents and remote practitioners to unite in a shared spiritual endeavor. The programme concluded at 7:30 AM with a soulful rendition of “Vande Mataram,” leaving every participant with a renewed sense of national pride, unity, and purpose.

Vinamra Shraddhanjali to Mananeeya Balakrishnan Ji - All India President of Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari.

With profound grief and a deep sense of loss, Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari, informs the passing away of Mananeeya Shri A. Balakrishnan Ji, All-India President of Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari.

Though he is no longer with us in his physical form, the ideals he lived by and the legacy he leaves behind will continue to guide us.

We offer our heartfelt Shraddhanjali at the feet of the Ishvara and pray for the eternal peace of his noble soul.

॥ Om Shantih Shantih Shanti: ॥

 

A LIFE OF SEVA AND SAMPARPAN

• Ma. Balakrishnanji was born on the 3rd May 1938 in the state of Keralam. After serving the Indian Air Force, he joined the Vivekananda Kendra as a member of the first batch of Jeevanvrati Karyakartas in 1973 responding to the clarion call of Ma. Eknathji for young men and women fired with the zeal of holiness to go to the length and breadth of Bharat to serve the people and awaken their dormant spirit.
  
• His first posting was as the Zonal Organizer of the North-East in 1974 and he continued there in various capacities including the Secretary of Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalayas in Arunachal Pradesh till 1981. 
• From the North-East to Kanyakumari, his contribution continued when he was given Dayitwa as the the General Secretary of Vivekananda Kendra in 1981.
• He was recognized by the Government of Arunachal Pradesh for his exemplary service with a State Award in the year 2014 for his pioneering work in education in the State.
• As the General Secretary (1981–2001) for two decades, then as Vice-President (2001–2020) and later as President of the Kendra (from 2020), he played a pivotal role in the growth and expansion of Kendra activities through branch centres and projects.
• His simple, disciplined and selfless life, his kindness and deep commitment to the Mission of the Kendra and unwavering dedication to Bharat Mata will remain an eternal inspiration for all.
  
  
  
  
  

 Swargeeya Balakrishnanji's final rites will be on Saturday, 29th August 2026 around 11.00 am at Kanyakumari.

Guru Purnima Celebration organized by VK Tirupati Vibhag at MGM High School

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Telugu Prant, Tirupati Vibhag, organized a Guru Purnima Celebration at MGM High School, Tirupati on the occasion of Maharshi Sri Vedavyasa Jayanthi on July 29, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Coordinated by Kum. Chinmayi Sai and Smt. Parameswari, the event brought together 140 students comprising 40 students from Class 3A, 50 from Class 6A, and 50 from Class 10A alongside teachers Ms. Lakshmi Devi and Ms. Maruthi Devi. 

Smt. Parameswari ji delivered the Keynote address on the cultural importance of celebrating traditional festivals and the timeless reverence owed to spiritual and academic guides. Tailored interactive sessions were conducted across the different age groups to deepen the students' understanding of the guru-shishya tradition.

For the younger learners in Classes 3 and 6, the inspiring story of Daumya Maharshi and his devoted disciple Aruni was narrated to illustrate the virtues of obedience, devotion, and following a teacher’s guidance. Meanwhile, a dedicated session for Class 10 students focused on the rich legacy of Sanatana Dharma, urging them to embrace their cultural roots, take pride in their heritage, and honor their gurus. 

The two-hour celebration served as an engaging and morally uplifting experience for all participants.