Sadhana Diwas Celebration and the concluding ceremony of the Science and Arts Exhibition at VKV Kanyakumari

The Sadhana Diwas Celebration and the concluding ceremony of the Science and Arts Exhibition were organized by Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu Prant), on 19th November 2025 at Swami Vivekananda Sabhagriham, Vivekanandapuram. A total of 1400 participants including students, teachers, and parents attended the programme.

Sadhana Diwas, observed annually on 19 November, commemorates the birth anniversary of Mananeeya Shri Eknathji Ranade, the founder of Vivekananda Kendra and the visionary behind the construction of the Vivekananda Rock Memorial. The programme began at 2:00 p.m. and Sri Charanjit of Class IX was the Master of Ceremony.

The event commenced with an invocation rendered by the students of Class VII, creating a serene and devotional ambiance. Kum. L. Samiksha of Class VII welcomed the Chief Guest, dignitaries, teachers, parents, and students, briefly highlighting the purpose of celebrating Sadhana. Sri Wiranjan of Class IX presented the significance of Sadhana Diwas, emphasizing its message of discipline, dedication, and self-improvement. This was followed by students’ presentations, where Kum. J. Sarva Rakshithasri, the winner of the music competition, presented a melodious song, and Kum. J. S. Mathu Varshini, the elocution competition winner, delivered a speech on the theme “Digital India.”

Dr. T. C. Mahesh, Principal of Vivekananda College, Agasteeswaram, delivered the Chief Guest’s Address, speaking on the ideals of Sadhana Diwas and its relevance in daily life. He referred to the disciplined lifestyles of leaders such as Jayaprakash Narayan and Nanaji Deshmukh and quoted Swami Vivekananda’s thoughts on Sadhana. He highlighted that life is full of challenges and that one must convert these challenges into opportunities for Sadhana. He stressed the importance of practising discipline, respect, and helpfulness every day, appreciated the value-based education of Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya, and congratulated the participants of the Science Exhibition. A musical presentation by students of Class VII further enhanced the programme.

In the Presidential Address, Aadaraneeya Kum. Radha Didi, Secretary (Administration) Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari highlighted that all branches of Vivekananda Kendra and Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalayas across the country observe Sadhana Diwas with devotion and dedication. She emphasized the importance of imbibing discipline and sincerity in life. She shared her experience with Class VI students of VKV Kanyakumari during their visit to Gangotri within the Vivekananda Kendra campus, recalling the students’ enthusiasm in learning about its spiritual significance and cultural value. She expressed heartfelt condolences on the passing of Smt. Chembi Ammal, acknowledging her dedicated service and offering prayers for peace. She congratulated all participants of the Science Exhibition and expressed gratitude to the teachers and mentors for their efforts. She concluded by reminding everyone that the ultimate purpose of education is to shape responsible, compassionate, and value-oriented human beings.

Prizes for various events, including the Science Exhibition and Children’s Day competitions, were awarded by Dr. T. C. Mahesh and Aa. Radha Didi, encouraging and appreciating the achievers. A memento was then presented to the Chief Guest as a gesture of gratitude for his inspiring presence. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Carlie Maria of Class IX, who expressed gratitude to all who contributed to the success of the event. The celebration concluded with the Kendra Prarthana.

Sadhana Diwas Celebration at RT Nagar

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Karnataka Prant, RT Nagar Nagarsthan celebrated Sadhana Diwas during the Shakthi Samskara Varga on 16th November 2025 at Samhita School of Performing Arts. A total of 26 participants, including 25 students and 1 Shikshak, took part in the celebration.

The children were introduced to the significance of Sadhana Diwas and learnt the song “Vandana Abhinandana.” They were also inspired through accounts of young National Bravery Award recipients, encouraging them to cultivate courage and grow into responsible and brave children of Bharat Mata.

Sadhana Diwas Celebration at Hebbal

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Karnataka Prant, Hebbal Branch organized the Sadhana Diwas programme during Kendra Varga on 15th November 2025 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Kendra Karyalaya in Hebbal. A total of 18 participants attended the event.

The programme began with three Omkaras, followed by the Panchanga reading by Shri Vaidya ji. Shri Prasad ji presented the Subhashita “Mukta Saṅgo’nahaṁ vādi” from the Bhagavad Gita, a favourite śloka of Mananeeya Shri Eknathji. This was followed by the song “Vandana Abhinandana” rendered by Smt. Rajashree ji. Ms. Smitha ji spoke on the significance of Sadhana Diwas, highlighting the qualities exemplified by Eknathji—service-mindedness, unwavering willpower, determination, and hard work. Reading from the book Spiritualizing Life was conducted by Ms. Sitalakshmi ji and followed by an insightful group discussion.

The programme concluded with the Shanti Mantra and Kendra Prarthana, after which the karyakartas did pushparpan to Mananeeya Shri Eknathji. The event reaffirmed the collective responsibility and the spirit of selfless service among all karyakartas.

Amrit Parivar Milan and Bhajan Sandhya at Silpukhri Vistar in Guwahati

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Assam Prant, Kamrup Vibhag organized Amrit Pariwar Milan and Bhajan Sandhya at Silpukhri Vistar, Guwahati on 14th November 2025 at the Residence of Shri Dhaneswar Kalita. A total of 44 participants attended the gathering.

The programme began with the prayer led by Ad. Minoti Barman Baido, followed by devotional bhajans rendered by the Karyakartas, creating an inspiring and devotional atmosphere. Senior Karyakartas including Ad. Smita Didi, Ad. Rupali Kalita Baido, Ad. Arup Bora, and Ad. Kalyan Dutta were present along with other karyakarthas of the Vibhag and Nagar.

Ad. Kalyan Dutta, IT Pramukh of Kamrup Vibhag, explained the meanings of the mantras and shlokas sung, including the Kendra Prayer. He spoke on the significance of Amrit Pariwar, emphasising unity and social responsibility in the context of the current demographic challenges in Assam. He elaborated on the concept of the 5-S—Sukhi, Sampanna, Sostha, Sanskar-Sram, and Samaj-Dharana—and encouraged all families to adopt these values. Following his appeal, two Sankuls were unanimously formed with five families each: Maharishi Dadhichi Sankul and Maharishi Patanjali Sankul.

Earlier, Ad. Rupali Kalita Baido highlighted the 6-B principles of Amrit Pariwar— Bhasha, Bhusha, Bhojan, Bhajan, Bhawan, Bhraman. During the programme, Smt. Purnima Kalita Das was felicitated for receiving the State Government’s Best Teacher Award.

It was decided that the next Amrit Pariwar Samimilan at the Vibhag level will be held on 16 November 2025 at 3:00 PM at VKIC, Uzanbazar, with Param Pujaniya Mananeeya Nandalal Joshi (Babaji), All India Kutumba Prabodhan Sadasya, as the Chief Speaker.

The programme concluded with the Kendra Prarthana.

Children’s Day Celebration at VKV Kanyakumari

The Children’s Day celebration at Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu Prant), was held on 14th November 2025 at Swami Vivekananda Sabhagruham from 2 p.m. onwards. The programme, presided over by Mananeeya Rekha Davey Didi, Joint General Secretary of VRM & VK, featured Dr. A. Mariammal, Assistant Professor at Sathakathullah Appa College, Tirunelveli, as the Chief Guest. Master of Ceremony Kum. S. Ashiha of class IX B conducted the event, which saw the enthusiastic participation of 1,200 students, teachers, and staff.

The programme commenced with a devotional invocation rendered by the boys of class VII, setting a serene tone for the celebration. Kum. Siva Abirami of class VIII delivered the welcome address, greeting the Chief Guest, the President of the programme, school authorities, teachers, students, and all attendees. Following this, Kum. Sarva Rakshitha Sree of class IV spoke on the significance of Children’s Day.

The Chief Guest, Dr. A. Mariammal, addressed the gathering with an inspiring message. She conveyed warm wishes to all students and appreciated the participants of the Science Exhibition for their creativity. Quoting Swami Vivekananda’s powerful message, “All power is within you,” she urged students to remain confident, believe in their abilities, and strive for excellence. She highlighted the value of hard work, discipline, and sustained effort, referencing the teachings of Thiruvalluvar and citing examples of great personalities who overcame early struggles. She also emphasized that modern society expects not just academic performance but skills, technological awareness, and problem-solving ability. Encouraging students to engage in extracurricular activities, NCC, NSS, and sports, she shared the example of the creators of Talking Tom to demonstrate how ambition, combined with mental and physical effort, leads to success. She concluded with the motivating reminder, “Trying is the magic of victory—try, try, and try your best.”

A memento was then presented to the Chief Guest by Mananeeya Rekha Didi.

In her presidential address, Mananeeya Rekha Didi encouraged students to participate in all activities without fear of success or failure. She emphasized that dedication and consistent effort matter more than the fear of outcome, drawing examples from the lives of eminent scientists. She advised students to minimize the use of mobile phones, cultivate purposeful living, and focus on discipline, character development, and continuous learning.

The programme concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by M. B. Aarthi of class VIII, who expressed gratitude to the Chief Guest, school authorities, teachers, participants, and students for contributing to the success of the celebration. The event came to a close with the Kendra Prarthana.