Live Streaming of विजय विजय from Vivekananda Kendra

Live Streaming of विजय विजय, उत्तर पुर्वान्चल, भारत from Vivekananda Kendra

Blessings of Man. Balakrishnanji on the eve of Launching of Swami Vivekananda's 150th Jayanti Website

Swami Vivekananda's 150th Jayanti Website : http://www.vivekananda150jayanti.org 

 Ref : http://vivekananda150jayanti.org/video-gallery

http://www.vkendra.org/blessings-man-balakrishnanji-eve-launching-swami-vivekananda-150th-jayanti-website

Blessings of Man. P. Parameswaranji on the eve of Launching of Swami Vivekananda's 150th Jayanti Website

I am really very happy to launch this web portal in view of the historic celebrations of 150th Birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda in the year 2013 to 2014. This is in fact the third wave of Swamiji's inspiring impact on Bharatiya Society. It is a very opportune time in the human history to present Swamiji to the young generation of Bharat as well as the whole world. We Hindus have a firm faith that when the Dharma is at its lowest, there is always a divine intervention to restore balance. In the last few decades science and technology is making stupendous progress with giant leaps in all the fields to make human life more comfortable. The communication is so fast and seamless that national or geographical boundaries have virtually become inconsequential. The breakthroughs in the Medical field have made miraculous progress to increase the longitivity of human life. But has all this made any increment in the quality of life? We find that the very existence of our planet is threatened by the all pervading environmental degradation. Global warming is assuming alarming proportions. Yet the competing powers continue the indiscriminate exploitation of nature. Another major threat is posed by the Global terrorism propagated by intolerant ideologies both of religious and secular origins.  The menace of materialism and vulgar consumerism have degraded all social values and human life has become devoid of higher dimentions and divine aspiration.


Swami Vivekananda had warned us of all these dangers. He had given us the remedy also. His message of Vedanta as a scientific way of life promoting harmony, cooperation and co-existence has become more relevant today. The whole world is looking expectantly at Bharat, the land of origin of this philosophy for sustaining solutions in these demanding times.


Swami Vivekananda's 150th Birth anniversary presents us an occasion to take the message of Sanatana Dharma to our own people and awaken Bharat to its full potentials to guide the whole world. The youth of Bharat is ready to grasp Swamiji's inspiring thoughts. The young generation of today's Bharat is more confident, vibrant and active. They believe in themselves and are ready to serve the country and the masses. They are ready to come out and sacrifice to make their motherland strong, capable and prosperous to give the whole world its eternal message of sustainable prosperity, peace and benediction.


Swami Vivekananda after his triumphant return from the west travelled across Bharat from Colombo to Almorah giving the clarion call, "Arise, awake, give up all your comforts and serve the motherland."  The youth responded splendidly and joined in the freedom struggle. Bharat saw the rise of Hindu nationalism in politics, arts, literature and all the walks of life. Again in 1963, at the time of centenary of Swami Vivekananda the whole nation geared up and celebrated it spontaneously. The nation was beleaguered and lost its confidence due to demoralizing military defeat at the hands of China. Swami Vivekananda's message once again became the strong motivation. The whole nation woke up and stood as one resulting in a massive movement to build the grand Vivekananda Rock memorial at Kanyakumari, the greatest centre of national and international pilgrimmage.


More delicate and dengarous circumstances face the nation after another fifty years. On one hand the youth power is rising, the nation is ready to march in the economic, scientific and technological fields to capture the number one position in the comity of the nations, the global geo-political situation is most conducive for Bharat to take the lead. On the other hand, lack of good governance and unprecedented corruption have weakened the political structure of the country to the lowest level in independent Bharat.


This is the backdrop against which we are ready to launch the celebrations of Swami Vivekananda's 150th Birth Anniversary. This gives us the most suitable opportunity and also the required philosophical content in the form of Swamiji's message to awaken the masses. Let us take Swamiji to all the sections of our society. This is also the opportunity to integrate the "scattered spiritual forces" in Bharat. Let us reach out to all the Hindu service organizations engaged in religious, spiritual or social service of Mother Bharat and appeal to them to join the celebrations. Let Swami Vivekananda's integrating message unite the whole nation and make it realize its potential and responsibility as the guide of the world, Jagat-Guru.


I am sure that this web-portal will facilitate the Swami Vivekananda 150th Birth Anniversary Committee to reach the national and global audience and disseminate information about the programmes. It will also equip the workers in the field and provide them necessary knowledge base to make the campaign more  effective and successful.


Swami Vivekananda's 150th Jayanti Website : http://www.vivekananda150jayanti.org

Ref : http://www.vkendra.org/blessings-man-parameswaranji-eve-launching-swami-vivekananda-150th-jayanti-website

http://www.vivekananda150jayanti.org/content/blessings-ma-p-parameswaranji-eve-launching-swami-vivekanandas-150th-jayanti-website

Launching of Vivekananda 150 Jayanti Website

All are cordially invited for the launching programme of

Vivekananda 150 Jayanti Website

on

Sunday, 18th September 2011, between 6 to 7.30 pm

by hands of

Padmashree Dr. Vijay Bhatkar

Venue :- Abasaheb Garware College Hall, Karve Road, Deccan Gymkhana, Pune - 411004


Website Address :- www.vivekananda150jayanti.org

Universal Brotherhood Day Celebration in Arunachal Pradesh's VKVs

The students of Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya Kuporijo, Upper Subansiri district celebrated Universal Brotherhood day with great enthusiasm on 11th September. It was on this day in 1893 that Swami Vivekananda delivered an epoch making speech in the World Parliament of Religions at Chicago, USA. Other speakers spoke on the superiority of their own religions and sects, but it was Swami Vivekananda who won many hearts when he addressed the audience as “Sisters and Brothers of America” and emphasized on Universal Tolerance. Every year Vivekananda Kendra celebrates 11th September as Universal Brotherhood Day. 

Speaking on the occasion as chief guest, DDSE Obuk Panor, advised the student community to respect their teachers and parents. He added that true education is achieved only when all that is learnt from the school is put to practice in real life. Panor also assured his full support to the school administration in furthering their aim of imparting quality education and all round development of the student community of the area. 

The colourful cultural programme performed by the students of the school was witnessed by a large gathering of parents, well wishers and general public. Earlier the principal of the school Sri A. Krishnan welcomed all and also threw light on the achievement of the school.

The Universal Brotherhood Day was celebrated for the first time at VKV Kitpi, Tawang which has completed one month since its informal inauguration on 8th August 2011.

Parliamentary Secretary Tsewang Dhondup attended the function as the Chief Guest. He stressed upon the youths of the district to channelize their energy for positive and constructive approach. He advised the parents for contributing in their own way for innovative education and social responsibilities. He was greatly moved when the tiny little students performed various cultural programmes in front of parents of nearly 115 students. He also donated a PA system and assured all possible help in near future.

Dorjee Norbu, ZPM Tawang appreciated the service provided by the teachers for the students welfare. He opined such institution shall reap excellence in coming years. K.V Dineshan, Principal also spoke on the occassion.

Universal Brotherhood Day was celebrated in VKV Ziro with great enthusiasm.The programme was started by lighting of the lamp by the Chief Guest, Sri D.K.Das , Additional Deputy Commissioner of Lower Subansiri District, Arunachal Pradesh. In the welcome speech, Sri Anand Mohan Mishra, Principal of VKV Ziro, spoke on the importance to work united as ‘TEAM ARUNACHAL’ to eradicate Illiteracy, Poverty, Inequality and Corruption from our beautiful pristine Arunachal Pradesh and contribute all that is possible for its progress and prosperity. It was followed by group song by class VI students. One Apatani song was also sung by class X girls. Sri Gunajit Bharali, Assistant Teacher of VKV Ziro spoke on the importance of the day. In his speech he stressed on the strength of patriotic fervour to make mother India as ‘Jagadguru’. Then followed Apatani dance performance, dramas based on mythological themes and Chicago Speech by Kr. Ligam Halley,class VI. In his speech, Sri D.K.Das , Chief Guest , spoke on the importance of Vedanta Philosophy and its influence in Indian culture. The programme was ended by the vote of thanks given by Sri Rudra Prasad Upadhyaya , Assistant Teacher , followed by Shanti Mantra.

Ref : http://www.vkendra.org/Universal-Brotherhood-Day-2011-Celebration-at-VKVs-Arunachal-Pradesh

Universal Brotherhood Day Celebration at VKV, Kanyakumari

41st Anniversary of Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Universal Brotherhood Day was celebrated in VKV, Kanyakumari on 11th Sep-2011 at 5.30 pm in newly built in door auditorium. The function was inaugurated by Smt. K. Sasikala Chief Educational officer, Nagercoil, by lighting the lamp. Sri. S. Abraham Lingom, Principal, VKV, Kanyakumari welcome the gathering. The entire function was presided over by Sri. Hanumata Rao. Treasurer, VRM & VK.

Chief guest Smt. K. Sasikala, C.E.O. while speaking universal brotherhood and self-confidence was highlighted. Also she gave award, for those who have completed ten years of service. Special guest Smt. T. Viji, Principal N.M.S. college of Education, Nagercoil explained how to face challenges, and sadhana of service. Both the guests were appreciated by Sri. Hanuji, by presenting a memento. Sri. C. Velappanpillai, Incharge, Rock memorial propose the vote of thanks. V.K. Vidyalaya children presented various cultural programmes, which were explaining the Universal Brotherhood.

Ref URL : http://www.vkendra.org/Universal-Brotherhood-Day-2011-Celebration-at-VKV-Kanyakumari

Power from waste: Vivekananda Kendra shows the way

The town Panchayat is today powered by the biogas-generated electricity

Mamallapuram in Tamil Nadu is an internationally renowned tourist destination.

Though the town itself houses a modest population of just 12,345 in about 400 households, it generates a huge volume of waste – mainly kitchen waste from various hotels and restaurants.

An NGO from Kanyakumari called Vivekananda Kendra (Vk- nardep) built a solid waste management shed at the town panchayat for collecting and processing the entire waste for feeding into a bio-gas plant.

“The Kendra constructed the biogas plant (of 100 cubic metre volume) — a floating drum like device attached to a designed biogas engines that are in turn connected to specially designed control panels.

Effective disposing

“The solid waste management shed of the Panchayat is today powered by the biogas-generated-electricity.

“Once the plant started functioning, the panchayat disposed a lot of waste in a constructive way using this plant. The hygiene of the surroundings also improved,” says the Kendra secretary G.Vasudeo.

Scientists from the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Coimbatore and officials from Tamil Nadu Energy Development Agency (TEDA) visited the project and recommended it for subsidy from the Government.

“Every kilowatt of energy produced through such renewable energy sources is eligible for subsidy. This village panchayat generates about 10 Kilowatts of electricity from its organic kitchen waste thereby becoming eligible for subsidy worth Rs 4 lakh,” says Mr. Vasudeo.

Once a small town or village becomes a popular tourist place, almost the entire livelihood of that place starts depending on its tourism industry.

“Increased waste generation and absence of effective solutions to tackle it affect the health of the people and also hits tourist flow. Sadly, today urban tourist centers as well as cities are becoming a hub of food waste being dumped in the kitchen backyards,” he adds.

Waste generation

A typical major tourist or pilgrimage centre generates 10-35 tonnes of waste per day, higher than the per capita in urban areas.

Such a problem needs to be tackled innovatively both technologically and socially, that too on a war footing.

“Disposing of waste, particularly kitchen waste, poses a big problem everywhere. Often the sight of accumulated garbage heaps at road corners and in open grounds and fields becomes a nuisance for the residents.

“These rubbish heaps become a breeding ground for many infections and are frequented by stray dogs,” he says.

Vicious cycle

Effectively tackling this problem becomes imperative as it remains a vicious cycle. The challenge of converting the waste into wealth at Mamallapuram is a joint effort of a Chennai based NGO, ‘Hand in Hand', which, along with Vivekananda Kendra set up a large Bio-methanation plant from their Natural resources development project.

The Kendra has been doing research and field work in this area for the last 10 years and is credited for developing low volume bio-methanation plants that are suitable for both urban and rural households.

In addition to this the Kendra also developed a bio-gas slurry based agro-inputs package and made the dissemination of this technology more efficient.

Collection

“We started collecting kitchen and vegetable wastes from the town Panchayat and collected more than 550 kg to 600 kg of kitchen wastes for feeding the plant,” adds Mr. Vasudeo.

Thus a unique combination of governmental agencies, voluntary organisations, and sustainable energy technologists made a tourist centre in the present globalised environment more ecologically healthy and economically vibrant.

For more details and visit readers can contact Mr. G.Vasudeo, Secretary, Vivekananda Kendra - NARDEP, Kanyakumari - 629 702, Tamil Nadu, e.mail : vknardep[at]gmail.com, website: www.vknardep.org, phone 04652- 246296 (office).

Courtesy : The Hindu

Ref : http://www.vkendra.org/Power-from-waste-Vivekananda-Kendra-shows-the-way-sept2011

Rural Development Programme in July 2011

• “Sri Rama Jaya Rama” Mantra was chanted during Deepa Pooja, Shivalinga Pooja and daily by our balwadi school children, cultural class students and during monthly meetings by our balwadi teachers and Social Workers. Every month nearly 5, 59,425 times mantras were chanted in 84 localities.
• Through 73 Balwadis, 1,821 rural Children were nurtured. In all the Balwadis, Malt along with hygienically prepared highly nutritive lunch with vegetables was served during the day. And in the evening vitamin-rich cereals were provided to the children.
• In our Medicare Program, 1,727 patients were examined and treated for various common ailments, through 15 Rural Medical Centers.
• Eye camps were conducted at 2 places in which 332 were treated for their eye ailments and 93 were operated for cataract.
• In 212 Samskara Vargas, 6,436 students participated. The students were taught about the values of Indian Culture, through games, lectures & lessons. The feelings of oneness were strengthened among participants, through patriotic songs and games.
• Under Adopt a Grannie Parent Programme, 11 destitutes and old people were provided with monthly solatiums, in the form of rice, dhal, oil, etc., for their livelihood and 34 persons provided rice only, in five Southern districts of Tamilnadu.
• Monthly deepa poojas were organized in 252 village temples in five districts of Southern Tamilnadu, in which 9,517 ladies participated and offered prayers for the welfare of self, family and the society.
• Annual refresher course for all the Balwadi teachers was held at Kanyakumari from 30.06.2011 to 03.07.2011. 96 teachers and 10 supervisors participated in the camp. Practical training of making toys, study materials, from locally available materials was taught to the teachers. The teachers also enacted Dramas, dances every day night, which highlighted the patriotism, character building, devotion, spirituality etc. These were taken to the villages through our cultural class students and balwadi children.
• On July 04th, SV Samadhi Day and Anna Pooja were held. Shri Mohanlal Patel handed over the rice to Mananeya Nivedita Didi. All Kendra Athikaris including well wishers nearing 700 attended after which lunch was served to all and collected rice was 19014 Kgs. New book “In Conversation with Swami Vivekananda” was released by Mananeya Sri Bhanudasji, General Secretary, and the book Amutha Kudumbam was released by Sri S.K. Subramaniam, Correspondent, Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya, Valliyoor, in this function. The social workers performed cultural programme in the evening on Swamy Vivekananda and Sister Nivedita.
• 1.The workers in Rural Development Programme participated in the annual refresher course from 05.07.2011 to 08.07.2011 which was attended by 30 workers, 02 life workers and 01 Seva Vrithi. The annual activities of the respective centers were presented through selected songs, street plays, lectures, group discussions, books reading etc., by the workers.
• Under Amrita Surabhi Scheme, our Kendra workers collected 586 Kgs of rice from Tirunelveli, Kanyakumari, Virudhunagar, Thoothukudi and Ramnad districts.
• Through various branch centers and book stalls, literature books were sold for Rs. 54,162/-
• Subscriptions for 148 Vivekavani, 2 years one, 3 years one, life 2 and 1 Yuva Bharathi were collected.
• 80 women are being benefited in 4 Self Help Groups in Kanyakumari district.
• Swadhyaya Varga was organised, one at Ramnad and one at Aruppukottai, in which 41 persons participated.
• Yoga Varga has being conducted at four places, two each at Ramnad Thoothukudi, and Aruppukottai in which 126 persons attended.
• Tailoring units are functioning well in Nellai district with the total attendance of 70.
• Shivalinga Poojas were conducted at two places in Kanyakumari District and 105 members participated.
• 1.1008 Deepa Poojas were conducted in Nainar Kovil, Ramnad district on July 24 where 1040 participated.
• 1.Parents meeting was conducted at Arumugapatti Balwadi on July 18th in which 20 participated and also Matru Pooja was celebrated on July 31 at Valliyoor in which 85 children, with their parents participated.
• Educational aid was given to 3 children in Virudhunagar District.
• 1.Cultural class Teacher’s Training were held on July 02, at Sankarankoil, where 10 members participated.
• 1.This month, we have distributed the rice which was collected through Amrit Surabhi and Anna Pooja to Balwadi children, old poor people and also through the following institutions, educational institutions etc., as follows:

1.Mouna Gurusamy Madam, Thottiyodu : 100 Kgs
2.Yogi Ram Surath Mantralayam, Peyode : 100 Kgs
3.Chitralaya Seva Trust, Sitharaal : 50 Kgs
4.Gunatheeswara Sivan Temple, KKR : 200 Kgs
5.Johny Primary School, Kumbikulam : 100 Kgs
6.Avvai Ashram, Sivasailam : 100 Kgs
7.Hindu Middle School, Thirumalapuram : 200 Kgs
8.Balwadi Children : 1790 Kgs
9.AAG people : 730 Kgs

Work Itself is speaking

Ref : http://www.vkendra.org/rdp-july-2011-activity

Sanskriti Anveshak : Land Policy And Land Revenue Systems Of Assam

Report of the Eleventh Session – 20 August, 2011

Tribal Traditions and Land as Property in Composite Assam:

Consequences of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India

The Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India is a product of the colonial baggage in which the special provisions for “Tribes” were created. “Tribe” per se began as an expression of colonial perception in the political realities of the world. The Constituent Assembly and the Bordoloi Committee carried the colonial burden to “independent” India. The communities which never called themselves ‘‘tribe’’ or ‘’backward’’ came to be identified as ‘‘backward’’ and therefore ‘ill-equipped’ to deal with ‘modern’ developments. Immigration and consequent alienation of tribal land and attempts to prevent such alienation created an overwhelming problem in the Sixth Schedule areas.

Through his lecture, Prof. Apurba K Baruah, Head, Department of Political Science, NEHU, who is also the Academic Director (Hon) ISCARD had stressed that the implications of the Sixth Schedule is serious and far-reaching. It has brought about huge gaps between the ‘elite’ and people at the grassroot level, between ‘tribal tradition and ‘modern’ liberal views.

Stressing on the issue of way of protecting the interests of the tribals and the non-tribals in the matter of land in the same footing which was never been an issue of pre British Assam, Prof. Baruah said that a step must have to be taken for a political and social negotiation towards its final solution in the contemporary times.

In the speech, of moderator Shri Arup Borbora, Senior Advocate, Gauhati High Court said that, in the Sixth Schedule areas the rich are becoming richer and the poor becoming poorer and that is why it is time to examine the workability of the Schedule. He said that unless the average growth of the community takes place, the Sixth Schedule will lose its worth. Moreover, inter-community relationships are also getting frayed in these areas. There is urgent need to instil mutual respect and trust so that the peaceful co-existence and harmony of pre-British times is restored, Shri Borbora said.

Prof DC Baroowa, Director, Research Advisory Council, introduced the guests and informed the gathering about the background to the series on Land Policy.

The program ended with a fruitful interactive session.

Ref : http://www.vkendra.org/Sanskriti-Anveshak-Land-Policy-And-Land-Revenue-Systems-Of-Assam-aug2011

Universal Brotherhood Day : 2011

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

Saprem Namaskar!

We are in the midst of the intense preparation of ‘Bharat Jago! Vishwa Jagao!’- 150th Birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. The focus of the preparations for celebrations is on identifying the youth who would work for the country, to bring all the scattered spiritual forces together by involving all the Hindu organizations in the celebrations, preparation of literature which gives the message of ‘Bharat Jago! Vishwa Jagao!’. The celebration of 11 September in all branches as Universal Brotherhood Day offers us a good opportunity to take ahead these preparations.

The welcome and adoration that was given to the speeches of Swami Vivekananda during the Parliament of Religions at Chicago made it clear that world is in need of the message of Bharat, but Bharat has to awaken to its sense of duty. The Parliament of Religions was organized as the part of the celebration of the 400th anniversary of the European discovery of America by Columbus. The purpose of the Parliament was to proclaim the Christianity as the ‘Only True Religion.’ The exclusive approach considers one’s religion as the only true religion. Once this exclusive approach is adopted then others’ religions are not tolerated. This intolerance impels the followers of exclusive religion to set out on large-scale conversion of others even by fraud and force.

Swami Vivekananda was aware that it is the exclusive approach of these Semitic religions like Christianity and Islam, which was responsible for so much bloodshed and human massacre in the human history. It is this exclusive approach which is the biggest obstacle in the realization of brotherhood of man. It is well-known that Swami Vivekananda addressed the audience as ‘Sisters and Brothers of America’ it had an electrifying effect on them. It was not merely a form of address but behind those words was the great spiritual strength of India, which has always practiced the universal brotherhood in her long history of more than 5000 years. Taking pride in this fact Swami Vivekananda said, "I am proud to belong to a nation which has sheltered the persecuted and the refugees of all religions and all nations of the earth." Hindus could have this universal approach because they never claim that, 'the God I worship is the 'Only True God' But they say that there is ‘only god’. Everything is the expression of that One.

So we do not say that ours is the only true god and others are false gods we say for others gods that ‘it is 'also' the form of God.’ Thus our approach is an inclusive approach, an 'also' approach. The exclusive approach says 'this only' whereas inclusive approach says 'this also'. It is because of this inclusive approach – 'also' approach that the Hindus never went destroying other religious faiths. To usher in Universal Brotherhood it is essential that all religions accept this inclusive –'also' approach.

The Hindus have this ‘also’ approach because they have the vision of Oneness for the whole existence. As Hindus view everything in the existence as the expression of One, all the manifestations are revered, are accepted. There is then respect for the diversity. As everything is expression of the One, the human soul too is not interpreted as the sinner but as immortal, complete wholeness. This is the message that India has to give to the world.

For the first time to that audience which was used to the exclusive claim to religious truth Swami Vivekananda gave the message, “Much has been said of the common ground of religious unity…. But if anyone here hopes that this unity will come by the triumph of any one of the religions and the destruction of others, to him I say, “Brother, yours is an impossible hope” ….If the Parliament of Religions has shown anything to the world it is this: It has proved to the world that holiness, purity, and charity are not the exclusive possessions of any church in the world, and that every system has produced men and women of the most exalted character. In the face of this evidence, if anybody dreams of the exclusive survival of his own religion and the destruction of others, I pity him from the bottom of my heart, and point out to him that upon the banner of every religion will soon be written, in spite of resistance, “Help and not fight” “Assimilation and not Destruction” “ Harmony and Peace and not dissension.”

For the first time to western audience, the message of universal Brotherhood and its proper understanding was given by Swami Vivekananda. Therefore Mananeeya Eknathji wanted this day to be celebrated as Universal Brotherhood Day. Homogenizing the humanity or bringing uniformity in the human society will not usher in Universal Brotherhood but it will only bring further dissentions and destruction. Integrating the various faiths and accepting, as ‘others’ faith also is good for them’ will bring in Universal Brotherhood. Homogenizing brings destruction of the identity and also the traditional values in the society where as the integration keeps the identity of the communities intact but binds them in the bonds of Brotherhood. Therefore on this day the message is also for those who are very exclusive in their approach and are undertaking the conversions by destroying the faiths and culture of various tribal and other communities.

Hindus by their philosophy and practice of inclusive approach are destined to give this message of Universal Brotherhood to the humanity. But in order to do that first Hindus will have to understand this unifying and integrating nature of their Dharma. In the Parliament of Religions Swami Vivekananda also gave us the unifying principles of Hinduism. As put very beautifully by Sister Nivedita, “Of the Swami’s address before the Parliament of Religions, it may be said that when he began to speak it was of “the religious ideas of the Hindus”, but when he ended Hinduism had been created.…These, then were the two mind-floods, two immense rivers of thought, as it were, Eastern and modern, of which the yellow-clad wanderer on the platform of the Parliament of Religions formed for a moment the point of confluence. The formulation of the common bases of Hinduism was the inevitable result of the shock of their contact, in a personality, so impersonal. For it was no experience of his own that rose to the lips of the swami Vivekananda there. He did not even take advantage of the occasion to tell the story of his master. Instead of either of these, it was the religious consciousness of India that spoke through him, the message of his whole people as determined by their whole past.” Thus on the Universal Brotherhood Day we have to study, absorb and highlight the message that Swami Vivekananda gave in the Parliament of Religions. Not just the lecture given on the first day of the parliament, which is very well known, but the main lecture that he gave in the Parliament of Religions - “ The Paper on Hinduism” needs to be studied. It is the study and application of this lecture, which will make us capable of giving the message of Universal Brotherhood Day to the world.

We should see to it that during the program these points also are given stress.

• Universal Brotherhood is possible only in an atmosphere of inclusive approach and not by proclaiming that ‘my god alone is true’
• Conversion brings dissentions and not brotherhood. Conversion is violence.
• The really spiritual is always universal and inclusive. Rejection of others God as false shows ignorance about one’s own god too.

The occasion of the celebration of Universal Brotherhood Day can be used to reach out to interested youth who would want to give their couple of years for the 150th Jayanti celebrations. There can be elocution, essay competitions by the youth / college students on this lecture or life and message of Swami Vivekananda. We should reach out to many youth and a call also should go forth to them.

Throughout the year, through Karyapaddhati, various programmes and campaigns and shibirs, we keep contacting many people. Ours is a 'thought movement' and the thought which we talk to people through our samparka should take roots. Similarly many known organizations, institutions also could be involved in the celebrations as a prelude to the 150th Jayanti celebrations.

With warm regards and prayers,

Yours sincerely,

(B. Nivedita)

Vice-President