Thursday, March 12, 2026

Yoga Shiksha Shibir - May 2026

The Yoga Shiksha Shibir by Vivekananda Kendra is a residential training camp that provides a holistic immersion into the philosophy and practice of yoga. Through asana, pranayama, meditation, and yogic living, participants learn to harmonize the body, mind, and spirit.

Rooted in the teachings of Swami Vivekananda and the timeless wisdom of Bharatiya Samskriti, the shibir nurtures discipline, dedication, and inner strength. Participants return empowered to live—and share—a healthy, balanced, and purposeful life.

Medium: English & Hindi

Place: Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari

Age Limit: 18 to 65

Note: Reporting on 30th April 2026


Monday, March 2, 2026

Yoga Sastra Sangamam 2026: 9th International Conference on Yoga Philosophy

The 9th International Conference onYoga PhilosophyYoga Sastra Sangamam, was organized by Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari, in collaboration with the Center for Yoga and Naturopathy, Mahatma Gandhi University; the Central University of Himachal Pradesh; the Central University of Kerala; the University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram; Mangalore University; and the Karnali Academy of Health Sciences, Jumla, Nepal. The conference was held at Vivekanandapuram, Kanyakumari, from February 27 to March 1, 2026, with the participation of 685 attendees, including delegates, guests, and members of the organizing team.

More than 40 renowned yoga institutions, including Mahatma Gandhi University, Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Yogaarthi, PSGR Krishnammal College for Women, HVP Mandal's Degree College of Physical Education, Bihar School of Yoga and Satyananda Yoga Center, Mangalore University, Central University of Kerala, Sanatana Yoga Vignana Kendra, Yoga Bharati Foundation, SVYASA, Yoga Gita–Mysore, Satguru Yoga Vidhyalayam, Yoga Circle Bhabha Atomic Research Centre–Mumbai (BARC), Yoga Vidya Niketan, Patanjali Yoga Research Centre, Vethathiri Maharishi College of Yoga, Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Academy, New Age Yoga Institute, and many others were represented at the conference.

The three-day conference commenced with Patanjali Homam, featuring the chanting of the 108 names of Maharishi Patanjali at 6 AM each day, followed by yoga practice sessions. The Pratyahara and Dharana practices were led by Sanyasi Shivarishi Ji from the Satyananda Yoga Centre, Chennai, while the pranayama sessions were conducted by Dr. Devaki Madhav from the Scientific Pranayama Foundation Trust, Mysore. The Ashtanga Yoga practice was led by Sage Vigo from Yoga Gita, Mysore.

The conference was graced by the presence of Paramacharya Paramahamsa Swami Niranjanananda Saraswati from the Bihar school of Yoga, the spiritual successor of Swami Satyananda Saraswati and a 2017 Padma Bhushan awardee, and Pujya Swami Haribrahmendrananda Tirtha, the revered Acharya of the Adi Shankara Brahmavidya Peeth, Uttarkashi. Their auspicious and inspiring presence, along with their profound wisdom, deeply influenced the delegates and enriched the discussions with invaluable insights.

Inaugural Session

The inaugural session took place on February 27 at Swami Vivekananda Sabhagriham. The event was honored by the presence of Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, University of KeralaProfessor (Dr.) Mohanan KunnummalMananeeya Sri Bhanudasji DhakrasGeneral Secretary of Vivekananda Rock Memorial & Vivekananda Kendra; and Dr. Nrithya JagannathanDirector, Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram (KYM) Institute of Yoga Studies.

Pujya Swami Haribrahmendrananda Tirtha of Adi Shankara Brahma Vidya Peeth and Paramacharya Swami Niranjanananda Saraswati of Bihar School of Yoga graced the inaugural session and blessed the delegates. The conference proceedings, containing abstracts of the presented papers, were released during the inaugural session. Additionally, the Kendra Patrika titled “Yoga Vasishtam” was also released.

The delegates were treated to a captivating dance recital (Natya Yoga) by the students of Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya, Kanyakumari. Additionally, a visit was organized to the exhibitions on the campus and to the mid-sea Vivekananda Rock Memorial, offering them an opportunity to be inspired by Swami Vivekananda. An opportunity was also provided for delegates to showcase their advanced yoga postures and unique talents, highlighting their expertise and dedication to the practice.

Plenary Sessions and Presentations

The plenary sessions featured Paramacharya Paramahamsa Swami Niranjanananda Saraswati, Swami Haribrahmendrananda Tirtha, and Dr. Nrithya Jagannathan. Each session provided deep insights into the Patanjala Yoga Sutras, demonstrating their relevance to contemporary yoga practice.

Several engaging events were conducted as part of the conference, including paper presentations, poster presentations, and Patanjala Yoga Sutra chanting competitions. The conference featured six plenary sessions and twenty-one parallel paper presentation sessions held across six venues within the campus, with 245 scholarly papers presented on the Patanjala Yoga Sutras. Eminent scholars served as moderators, ensuring insightful discussions and guiding the sessions with their expertise. Eight posters, created by delegates, illustrated various concepts of the Patanjala Yoga Sutras and were prominently displayed at the auditorium.

Patanjala Yoga Sutra Recitation Competition

The Patanjala Yoga Sutra recitation competition was held on March 1, 2026. Participants were required to recite any two consecutive Padhas from the Patanjala Yoga Sutras, and they were judged based on proper pronunciation and accuracy. A total of 18 participants took part in the competition.

Valedictory Function

The valedictory session was held on March 1, beginning with vibrant cultural performances by Mahatma Gandhi University. Guests, moderators, the best performers in the Patanjala Yoga Sutra recitation competition, and the best poster presenters were felicitated and honored.

The valedictory function was graced by Shri Mahant Girishpati Tripathi JiHon’ble Mayor of Ayodhya, as the Chief GuestDr. T. V. Padmanabhan JiVisiting Faculty at the Centre for Yoga and Naturopathy, Mahatma Gandhi University, KottayamYogashri N. V. Raghuram JiSVYASA, Bengaluru; and Mananeeya Shri M. Hanumantharao JiAll-India Vice President of Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari. Their presence added great value to the valedictory ceremony, marking the successful conclusion of Yoga Sastra Sangamam 2026.

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Read and Download Conference Proceedings

Saturday, February 28, 2026

Free ENT Check-up and Surgery Camp by VK Arun Jyoti

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Arunachal Prant, Vivekananda Kendra Arun Jyoti, organized a Free ENT Check-up and Surgery Camp on 27 and 28 February 2026 at Zonal General Hospital, Aalo, located in West Siang District, Arunachal Pradesh. The camp was conducted by a team of doctors from MENTS Hospital,  Bengaluru under the leadership of Dr. Pradeep Kumar PS, who has been rendering dedicated medical service in Arunachal Pradesh since 2001. During the two-day camp, 142 patients with ENT problems were examined and five surgeries were successfully performed. It is noteworthy that microsurgeries such as tympanoplasty require considerable time and expertise, often taking two hours or more for a single procedure.

The camp was inaugurated on 27 February by Dr. Linya Lollen, District Medical Officer of West Siang district, and Dr. Karken Rina, Medical Superintendent of Zonal General Hospital, Aalo. The programme began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, after which the visiting doctors were felicitated by Dr. Nyage Padu Bagra. The welcome address was delivered by Sri Doi Kamduk ji, Nagar Pramukh of Vivekananda Kendra, Aalo. Dr. Ramesh H., the senior-most member of the MENTS Hospital team, briefly spoke about their philanthropic medical activities. Dr. Taking Paser encouraged the youth to come forward and contribute to social service. The programme concluded with motivating speeches by the District Medical Officer and the Medical Superintendent. Around 30 student volunteers from Teachers Training College, Aalo and Donyi Polo Government College, Kamki actively supported the smooth conduct of the camp.

It is noteworthy that Dr. Pradeep Kumar PS and his team have been conducting similar service activities since 2001 and have treated more than 2,000 ENT patients while successfully performing nearly 200 surgeries for needy patients across various locations in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, thereby extending valuable medical care to remote and underserved communities.

Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Annual Sports Day 2026 Celebration at VKV Kanyakumari

The Annual Sports Day of Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu Prant), was celebrated on 25 February 2026 with great enthusiasm and active participation from students and staff. The programme aimed to promote physical fitness, discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship among the students. A total of 1,100 students participated in the celebration.

The morning session began at 9:00 AM with an invocation and welcome address in the presence of the Principal Smt. G. Sariga, Vice Principal Sri Sanjeev Rajan, and the Chief Guest Dr. RadhikaProfessor of Rohini College of Engineering. The programme was coordinated by the Physical Education teachers Smt. V. Vijaya Nirmala and Sri K. Esai Reshwanth, and compered by T. N. Rithu of Class XI A.

The Olympic lamp was ceremonially lit symbolizing unity and the spirit of sports. Sports achievers Shri Mathan (X Std), Kum. Akshaya Lakshmi (VIII Std), Kum. Akshaya (VIII Std), and Kum. Lucy Monica (XII A) carried the Olympic torch around the playground before it was lit by the Chief Guest along with the Principal and Vice Principal. This was followed by the flag hoisting ceremony marking the formal inauguration of the Sports Day. In her address, Dr. Radhika emphasized that sports help develop discipline, character, perseverance, and equality. She also highlighted the inspiring example of Paralympic high jumper Shri Mariyappan who overcame physical challenges through determination and continuous practice. A memento was presented to the Chief Guest by the Principal.

The sports events began with the symbolic release of doves representing peace and unity. Various athletic competitions were conducted for students of different classes, and the finals for classes VIII to XII were held in front of the entire school. Students participated actively and displayed enthusiasm, discipline, and team spirit throughout the events.

The evening session began with an invocation by the students of Std VII, followed by a welcome address by Kum. R. Tharshini of Class XI and a speech on the importance of the day by Kum. Vanisha of Class VIII B. The Chief Guest for the evening session, Shri C. M. ChellathuraiTraffic Inspector, appreciated the students for their participation and emphasized the importance of road safety. He encouraged students to follow traffic rules and create awareness among their family members regarding the use of helmets, seat belts, and responsible driving.

Prizes, certificates, and medals were distributed to the winners by the Chief Guest. The prize list was read by Smt. Abinaya Lakshmi, teacher. The Vote of Thanks was proposed by Shri Akshanth of Class XI C. A memento was presented to the Chief Guest by the Principal. The programme concluded with Kendra Prarthana, marking the successful completion of the Annual Sports Day celebration.

Tuesday, February 24, 2026

Free ENT Surgery Camp at Zonal General Hospital - Aalo

Vivekananda Kendra Arun Jyoti is going to organize a Free ENT Surgery Camp at Zonal General Hospital, Aalo, West Siang, on 27th and 28th February 2026. We request all the people of All to register on or before 25th February 2026 at General Hospital Aalo ,Pasighat ,Yingkiong, Basar, Etc is the last date for registration. For more information, please contact: 8119868095 / 7630064264.