Universal Brotherhood Day celebrations organized by VK Jigani Nagar

The Universal Brotherhood Day celebrations organized by Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Karnataka Prant, Kempegowda Vibhaga, Jigani Nagar, unfolded as a vibrant two day event on 26th and 27th September 2026 at Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya, Kaluballu. Bringing together a gathering of 180 attendees comprising children, youth, families, Kendra members, and well wishers the festivities beautifully embodied the timeless message of Swami Vivekananda.

The celebrations commenced on 26th September with an Oratory and Speech Competition tailored for high school students and youth, drawing 11 enthusiastic participants among an audience of 80 people. 

The day opened with an inauguration song by Shri Ramprasad Ji, followed by a warm welcome and introduction. Shri Ashok Ji, Shri Venkatesh Ji, and Smt. Prem Didi from the USA served as judges, evaluating the inspiring presentations before announcing the results and presenting the winners with Vivekananda Kendra literature. Adding a touch of warmth to the occasion, the gathering also joyfully marked the birthday of Smt. Prem Didi. 

The momentum carried into 27th September, where around 100 participants gathered for the main Universal Brotherhood Day event. Graced by esteemed guests including Shri Satya Ji and Shri Mohan Ji from Dhriti Yoga Centre, Aadaraneeya Lalita Didi, Karnataka Prant Sangathak and Shri Venkatesh Ji, the session featured uplifting addresses, the presentation of winning speeches, and a prize distribution ceremony.

The venue came alive with a creative drawing competition for children including Anandalaya participants alongside energetic cultural performances presented by Mathrudhamma children and students of Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya. 

The program concluded on a memorable note, leaving the two-day gathering as a heartwarming reflection of unity, artistic expression, and the enduring ideals of universal brotherhood. 

Six-Hour Youth Leadership Development Boot Camp at Pune

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Maharashtra Prant, Pune Branch, organized a Six-Hour Youth Leadership Development Boot Camp on 4 October 2026 at Brihan Maharashtra College of Commerce (BMCC), Pune. The camp commenced at 8:00 a.m. and witnessed the participation of 161 youth, including 78 sisters and 83 brothers, along with 38 Pune Nagar Karyakartas and one Vibhag Karyakarta. The camp aimed to develop leadership qualities, self-confidence, discipline, teamwork and a sense of responsibility among young participants.

The camp commenced with registration, followed by the formation of groups (Ganas) and introductory activities facilitated by the respective group leaders. The first physical session included relaxation exercises, Surya Namaskar and Niyuddha, a traditional form of unarmed martial arts. These activities helped the participants develop physical awareness, coordination and discipline.

During the Baudhik session, Ms. Suhasini Tai addressed the participants on “Lead Yourself, Lead Your Life.” She emphasized the importance of self-leadership, confidence and taking responsibility for one's personal growth. The session encouraged the youth to recognize their potential and cultivate the qualities necessary to lead a purposeful life.

The second physical session featured outdoor games, action songs and Jayghosh, creating an atmosphere of enthusiasm, teamwork and collective participation. This was followed by lunch.

A major highlight of the afternoon session was a group discussion and street-play activity based on the life and legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Bhuvnesh Dada and Tejashri Tai guided the activity and assigned five historical themes to the groups: Escape from Panhalgad, Encounter with Afzal Khan, Justice in Swarajya and Respect for Women, Escape from Agra, and the Daring Raid on Lal Mahal.

The participants discussed their assigned themes, prepared short skits and presented them before the gathering. Through these presentations, they explored important leadership values demonstrated by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, including courage, strategic thinking, justice, respect for women, determination and responsibility. The session concluded with reflections and key takeaways shared by Bhuvnesh Dada and Tejashri Tai.

During the concluding session, few of the participants shared their experiences and feedback on the camp, followed by the presentation of the overall camp report. The programme concluded with the chanting of the Shanti Mantra.

The Six-Hour Youth Leadership Development Boot Camp provided a meaningful platform for young participants to strengthen their leadership abilities, physical fitness, self-confidence, teamwork and creative expression. Through physical activities, intellectual discussions and historical presentations, the camp inspired the youth to cultivate strong character and contribute positively to society in the spirit of Man-Making and Nation-Building. 

Blood Donation Camp Organized by Vivekananda Yuva Forum at Cheyyaru

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Telugu Prant, Amalapuram Karyasthan, through the Vivekananda Yuva Forum of Srinivasa Institute of Engineering and Technology, Cheyyaru, organized a Blood Donation Camp as part of its Seva activities on 7 October 2026 at the college campus. The programme was held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with the participation of 25 people, including 20 students and 5 faculty coordinators.

The camp aimed to encourage the spirit of selfless service and social responsibility among students by creating awareness about the importance of voluntary blood donation.

As part of the initiative, five Vivekananda Yuva Forum volunteers donated blood, while other volunteers actively assisted in coordinating and supporting the camp. Their involvement reflected the willingness of young students to contribute towards the well-being of society through meaningful service activities.

The Blood Donation Camp provided an opportunity for students to put into practice Swami Vivekananda's ideal of service to humanity. The initiative strengthened the spirit of Seva, compassion and collective responsibility among the youth, inspiring them to contribute positively to society.

Youth Leadership Development Workshop at G. Pulla Reddy Degree and PG College

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Telugu Prant, Bhagyanagar Vibhag, organized a Phase II Youth Leadership Development Workshop under the Youth Leadership Movement on 5 October 2026, from 2:40 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., at G. Pulla Reddy Degree & PG College. The workshop witnessed the participation of 41 people, including 31 students and 10 Karyakartas. The programme aimed to develop leadership qualities, teamwork, creativity and a sense of responsibility towards nation-building among young participants.

The workshop commenced with a prayer rendered by Shri Shastri Ji of VK Nagole, followed by a welcome address delivered by Shri Raj ji, Sanyojak, VK Kaushalam. A series of interactive outdoor activities was then conducted to encourage communication, coordination and teamwork.

The major highlight of the workshop was an activity on “Vision of Bharat @ 2047,” conducted by Shri Arun Ji of VK Kaushalam, with the assistance of group observers. The students were divided into seven groups, each working on themes drawn from the short video reels they had previously submitted for a competition. Using locally available materials, the groups creatively depicted their vision for Bharat in 2047 on 3 × 3 canvases and presented their ideas. The activity encouraged participants to think creatively, work collectively and reflect on their role in shaping the nation's future.

Throughout the interactive sessions, Bhagyalakshmi Ji observed the students' participation, enthusiasm and leadership potential to identify suitable participants for the forthcoming Three-Day Residential Youth Leadership Camp.

The concluding session was graced by Smt. B. Nagamani, Founder of Laadley School of Excellence, as the Guest and Young Achiever. In her inspiring address, she encouraged the students to identify their interests, step beyond their comfort zones and develop the confidence and determination to achieve their goals. She emphasized the importance of personal growth, leadership and contributing meaningfully to society and the nation.

As a token of appreciation, Shri Arun Ji felicitated Smt. Nagamani with a shawl and a book. Smt. Sunila Ji, representing the host institution, was also presented with a book in recognition of the college's support. Subsequently, Smt. Nagamani and Smt. Sunila Ji distributed participation certificates, merit certificates and mementoes to the students and competition winners. Shri Raj and Shri Parag Ji, IT Pramukh, VK Telugu Prant, coordinated the announcements and prize distribution.

During the Kendra Parichaya session, Bhagyalakshmi Ji introduced the vision, ideals and activities of Vivekananda Kendra and explained the structure of the proposed Three-Day Residential Youth Leadership Camp. Following the session, consent forms were collected from the students. Twelve students confirmed their participation.

The workshop concluded with the chanting of the Shanti Mantra led by Bhagyalakshmi Ji, followed by the distribution of refreshments and drinking water to all participants.

The programme provided a meaningful platform for young participants to develop leadership qualities, confidence, creativity and teamwork while encouraging them to envision their contribution towards Viksit Bharat @ 2047. It also strengthened their association with Vivekananda Kendra and inspired them towards greater participation in the mission of Man-Making and Nation-Building.

Universal Brotherhood Day Celebration at Silchar

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Tripura–Barak Prant, Silchar Branch, organized a Universal Brotherhood Day Celebration at Saraswati Vidya Niketan, Silchar Nagar, with the participation of 75 people, including students, teachers and Karyakartas. The programme aimed to spread Swami Vivekananda's inspiring message of universal brotherhood, unity and harmony. 

Dr. Suporna Roy, Head of the Department of History, Assam University, graced the occasion as the Special Guest.

Universal Brotherhood Day commemorates Swami Vivekananda's historic address at the World's Parliament of Religions in Chicago on 11 September 1893, through which he conveyed Bharat's timeless message of universal acceptance, religious harmony and the oneness of humanity. The celebration highlighted the continuing relevance of Swamiji's ideals in fostering mutual respect, understanding and peaceful coexistence in society.

The programme brought together students, teachers and Karyakartas in an atmosphere of inspiration and togetherness. It provided an opportunity for the participants, particularly the younger generation, to reflect on Swami Vivekananda's vision of universal brotherhood and the importance of cultivating character, compassion and a spirit of service.

The celebration reaffirmed the significance of Swami Vivekananda's teachings in building a harmonious and united society, inspiring the participants to uphold the values of unity, mutual respect and service to humanity.