Anna Puja at VKV Vallioor

Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Vallioor observed Swami Vivekananda's Mahasamadhi Day and performed Anna Puja on 4th July 2026 at the school premises, with the participation of 718 students and staff. The programme was presided over by Shri S. K. Subramanian ji, Correspondent, VKV MHSS, Vallioor, and Shri S. Sudhir Kandhan ji, Former President, Rotary Club Vallioor Central, attended as the Chief Guest.

The programme commenced with a prayer song by Kum. M. Santhiya of Class XI, followed by the welcome address delivered by her. Smt. K. Uma Maheswari, Teacher, spoke on the significance of Swami Vivekananda's Mahasamadhi Day and Anna Pooja, emphasizing the sacredness of food and the importance of gratitude in daily life. A meaningful conversation on the significance of the day was presented by Shri. Rohit Mano and Shri. Venu Gopal of Class VIII.

The participants then chanted the Annapoorani Devi Stotra, after which Shri S. K. Subramanian ji, Shri S. Sudhir Kandhan ji, and Smt. S. Esakkiammal (Devi), Principal, performed the Anna Puja and offered the prasadam to the Divine.

The programme concluded with Kendra Prarthana, followed by the distribution of Anna Prasadam (lunch) to all the students and staff. The celebration served as a fitting tribute to Swami Vivekananda, inspiring the participants to cultivate gratitude, selfless service, and reverence for food.

VKVVF Kodungallur Concludes International Day of Yoga 2026 Celebrations with Yoga Seminar

Vivekananda Kendra Vedic Vision Foundation, Kodungallur (Keralam Prant) organized a Yoga Seminar on 27th June 2026 at Ananda Dham, VKVVF, Kodungallur, as the concluding programme of the 12th International Day of Yoga 2026 celebrations. The seminar was held from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and witnessed the enthusiastic participation of 75 participants.

The seminar was inaugurated by Mananeeya Dr. Lakshmi Kumari Didi. Eminent speakers, including Dr. Kaithapram Vasudevan Namboothiri (Director, Patanjali Yoga Training & Research Centre, Yoga Educator), Dr. Atmadev (Yoga Acharya and Yoga Therapist), and Shri Rajagopal Krishnan (Senior Teacher, Art of Living and Secretary, Indian Yoga Association – Kerala Chapter), addressed the gathering. Their insightful sessions on Yogic Science, Healthy Ageing, and Yoga in Daily Life highlighted the importance of yoga in promoting physical health, mental well-being, and a balanced lifestyle.

The participants were welcomed by Shri Jaikishan Ji, Kendra Karyakarta and Yoga Instructor, while Aadaraneeya Sudhakar Ji, Senior Jeevanvrati Karyakarta of Vivekananda Kendra and Yogacharya, delivered the vote of thanks. Lunch was served after the seminar, and the participants dispersed with renewed inspiration to incorporate yoga into their daily lives.

The programme marked a fitting conclusion to the International Day of Yoga celebrations, reinforcing the message of holistic health, harmony, and the timeless relevance of yoga.

Vidyarambha Pooja (Aksharabhyasa) at VKV Kallubalu

Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya, Kallubalu (Karnataka Prant) organized the Vidyarambha Pooja (Aksharabhyasa) 2026–27 on 3rd July 2026 (Friday) from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The programme was attended by 152 parents and students. Smt. Anurada Didi and Shri Sampath Kumar Kigga Achutarao, Newfield Engineer, Bengaluru, and Trustee of Srijaja Charitable Trust, Sringeri, graced the occasion as the Chief Guests.

The programme commenced with a Havan performed by Aadaraneeya Lalita Didi, invoking divine blessings for the young learners. The Kindergarten students presented shlokas and subhashitas, followed by a graceful dance performance by Kum. Vijayalakshmi of Class V. Smt. Anurada Didi addressed the parents, highlighting their vital role in nurturing curiosity, values, and the spirit of learning in children. Shri Sampath Kumar Ji spoke on the importance of mothers and teachers in shaping a child's character and personality.

The Chief Guests performed Saraswati Puja for the notebooks, pens, slates, and chalk, which were later distributed to the children. In the traditional Aksharabhyasa ceremony, the children, guided by their parents, wrote "Om" (🕉) and the name of their family deity on rice and on the slates or notebooks provided. The parents then fed honey to their children, symbolizing the sweetness of knowledge and learning.

The programme concluded with the vote of thanks and Shanti Mantra, marking the beginning of the children's educational journey with prayers for wisdom, values, and success.

VKV Kanyakumari Organizes Three-Day Value Education and Interactive Sessions

Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya Kanyakumari organized a three-day Interactive Session for the students of Classes V, VI, and VII from 3rd to 6th July 2026. The sessions were held from 2:15 p.m. to 3:20 p.m. under the guidance of Aadaraneeya Radha Devi Didi, Administrative Secretary of Vivekananda Kendra Head Quarters, Kanyakumari. The programme was attended by 91 students of Class V (3rd July), 115 students of Class VI (4th July), and 91 students of Class VII (6th July).

The programme commenced with a prayer, followed by an informative presentation on the Vivekananda Rock Memorial at Kanyakumari. Aa. Radha Didi explained the history behind its construction, the significance of Sripada Sila, Dhyana Mandapam, and the Statue of Swami Vivekananda, and introduced the students to the various service activities of Vivekananda Kendra and its network of Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalayas.

Through inspiring stories, interactive discussions, games, meditation, and devotional bhajans, Didi conveyed important values and life lessons. The stories were narrated in English, and the students enthusiastically retold them in Tamil, demonstrating their listening skills and understanding. The students actively participated in all the activities with great enthusiasm and interest.

The sessions helped enhance the students' listening and communication skills, concentration, self-confidence, decision-making ability, and sense of responsibility. During the feedback session, the students expressed that they had greatly enjoyed the programme and had learned many valuable lessons. The programme concluded with Shanti Mantra, leaving the students inspired to cultivate noble values and strive to become responsible and compassionate individuals.

International Day of Yoga 2026 at Vivekananda Rock Memorial

The sacred precincts of Vivekananda Rock Memorial, set amidst the confluence of the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea, and the Bay of Bengal, provided a serene and spiritually elevating setting for the observance of the International Day of Yoga 2026. The programme was held on 21 June 2026 and commenced at 8:00 a.m.

A total of 21 Karyakartas of Vivekananda Kendra, comprising the staff members serving at the Rock Memorial, participated enthusiastically in the yoga session. The practice was conducted in accordance with the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) prescribed by the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India. The session included loosening practices, a sequence of yogasanas, pranayama, and meditation, enabling the participants to experience physical vitality, mental composure, and inner awareness.

Observing International Day of Yoga at the Rock Memorial holds profound significance, as it is the sacred place where Swami Vivekananda meditated before embarking on his mission of national regeneration. Practising yoga in this inspiring environment reaffirmed Vivekananda Kendra’s conviction that yoga is not merely a physical exercise but a holistic discipline that harmonises the body, mind, intellect, and spirit while inspiring dedicated service to society.

The tranquil surroundings, accompanied by the soothing sound of the waves, the cool sea breeze, and the gentle morning sunlight, created an atmosphere ideally suited for yogic practice and contemplation. The observance echoed this year’s International Day of Yoga theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” highlighting yoga’s timeless role in promoting lifelong physical health, mental resilience, emotional balance, and graceful ageing. The participants renewed their commitment to incorporating yoga into their daily lives as a means to foster well-being and contribute to a healthier society.

The programme concluded with the chanting of the Shanti Mantra, leaving the participants with a profound sense of peace, unity, and renewed dedication to Vivekananda Kendra’s mission of man-making and nation-building through the practice of yoga.