Yoga Satra for Sisters at Nagpur

A Yogasatra was conducted by Vivekananda Kendra’s Nagpur branch at Shivaji Sabhagriha situated in Ram Nagar Vastar. 19 sisters participated in the Yogasatra from 13th Nov. to 19th Nov 2014.

Loosening exercises, Sooryanamaskar, Asanas and Pranayam were practiced. Sessions on Ashtanga Yaga were also arranged for the participants. With the practice of Asanas and pranayama, they also enjoyed the shlokas, patriotic songs and indoor games.

On concluding day, all participants shared their experiences and Participants have decided to continue their practices every day collectively, for one month.

Yuva Samelan at Brahmapur

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari Branch: Brahmapur organised  Yuva Sammelan under the aegis of Mananeeya Eknathji Janma Shati Parva. 12 Safal Yuva- Yuva Bharat workshops were organised at different institutions wherein 936 youth participated. out of them 376 registered themselves for yuva sammelan and 306 attended the Yuva Sammelan on 23rd November 2014.

 Col. Sushant Kumar Jena inspired students to lead a successful and meaningful life also encouraged them to join army. Odisha Pranta Sangathak Shri. Ravi Bhiaya told them about Swami Vivekananda's Life and Message. The participants were divided in 6 different groups for games and interaction. Dr. Sudhir Rout, Director, Arayabhatta Institute, Dr. Chittaranjan Panda, Lecturer, RIPS, Dr. Gopal Krishna Panigrahy, Nagar Pramukh, S/ Siddhartha Rauta, Yuva Pramukh, Smt. Janaki Panigrahy, Prashikshan Pramukh and S/ Ram Prasad Mishra, Vibhag Vyavastha Pramukh interacted in different groups. In Samapan Satra, Su. Pranjali didi, Bhanja Vibhga Sanghatak, inspired youth for Yuva - Seva.

Sadhana Din at Karnawati

Sadhana divas celebration was held on 19th November at Vivekananda Kendra, Karnawati. Total 19 karyakartas were present in the celebration of the sadhna divas.

Program was started with 3 Omkar and Prarthna and Geet. Prant Parva Pramukh Shri Dr. Kamlesh Upadhyay gave elaborate information on  “Sadhana Divas”. He explained the concept behind Kendra’s thought and importance of work in the every ones life.  After that Ma. Mamaji shared some priceless incidences of Ma. Eknathji  and explained how Eknathji leaved Kendra Prarthna, each second,  till the end of life. Mamaji told that for Ekanathji, ‘One life- One Mission’ was truly a life sentence and he leaved on the same. Ma.Eknathjis’s life and his working style inspired a lot.  All karyakartas present have taken three Sankalp each for a) self for b) Vevekananda Kendra & c) for the Rastra.  Programme ended with  Pusparpan and  Kendra Prarthana.

Sadhana Din at Kanyakumari

On this auspicious day 19th November 2014 of  Mananeeya Eknathji's Centenary started with Pratahsmaran, Gita Chanting, Prarthana and Pushpanjali to Eknathji Samadhi and Swamijiith by Life Workers and VKStaff at Vivekananda Kendra Kanniyakumari.

At 9am Ma. Balakrishnanji installed the Tablet at Vivekananda Rock Memorial, expressing the gratitude of India towards Ma. Eknathji.Ma. Aparnadidi, Sri Thangasamyji and other VRMStafff were also there.

Mananeey Eknathji Centenary Celebration was Celebrated at Headquarters Kanniyakumari in a grand manner on 19th November 2014, Wednesday 10am with procession and public gathering by the people.The procession was started at Meditation statue of Swami Vivekananda at Kanniyakumari Amman Mandir which is flagged off by D.S.P.  Sri P. Selvaraj and Arati taken to Ma.Eknathji Ratham by Poojaneeya Swami Chaitanyananda Maharaj, Hindu Dharma Vidhya Peeth, Vellimalai Ashram.

There was a folk music Chandai Melam and traditional game Silambattam leading the Ratham, Band Music of VKV students and gathering of more than 2000 members of the public drawn from all over Kanniyakumari district to show their respectful pranam and gratitude to the Great Hero of the Kanniyakumari.

Everywhere Eknathji Centenary Celebration Banner was kept.The procession entered Vivekananda Kendra with tumultuous sound of fireworks and one by one, they did pushpanjali to Vivekananda Swamigal and Eknathji Samadhi.

Later they assembled for public meeting at VKV premises.Mother Nature blessed us for her worthy son by slight showers in the wholeday.

In the concluding, Presidential address by Ma. Balakrishnanji, Felicitation by Ma. Niveditadidi, Special address by Aa. KrishnamurthyAnnaji and Blessings by Rev. Swami Chaitanyananda Maharaj.

Our VKStaff Sri Thangaraja reached on 19th November 2014 morning, after his Motor Tri-Cycle Yatra from Eknathji's birth place Timtala, Amaravati district, Maharashtra to his karmabhoomi Kanniyakumari.And he was honoured by Ma. Niveditadidi.

Volunteer of Vivekananda Kendra Kanniyakumari who worked under the guidance of Eknathji felicitated and other organisations also honoured with momentos by Ma. Balakrishnanji.

The programme concluded with Kendra Prarthana by Ma. Aparnadidi and Annadanam was there.

Evening at 3.30pm Ma. Balakrishnanji inauguarated the Website on eknathji.org.

Evening at 5pm Gangotri Exhibition was renovated by Ma. Balakrishnanji.  Ma. Niveditadidi lighted the lamp and Kendra Prarthana was there.

At 6pm VKStaff and Ex-Staffs and their families gathering was there at Eknath Bhavan. The film which shot on Eknathji's, trial shown.  All did pushpanjali to Eknathji photo and some of the Ex-workers who worked during Eknathji's period, they shared their experiences.  There was a Benediction by Ma. Balakrishnanji and Felicitation by Ma. Niveditadidi and In-charge of Employee Union of Kanniyakumari district who gave Guest Address. Sri Thangaraj who did Motor Tri-cycle yatra from Eknathji's Janma Kshetra to Karyakshetra, gave soil of Timtala village and given to Ma. Balakrishnanji.  He was honoured.

Programme concluded with Kendra Prarthana by Sri Thanuji.

Medical Camps at Tirap and Changlang

Vivekananda Kendra Arun jyoti conducted 11 medical camps in Tirap and Changlang districts of Arunachal Pradesh in the month of November 2014. 7 camps were conducted in Changlang and 4 camps were conducted in Tirap. A total 1411 patients were examined and free medicines were distributed accordingly.

Our Mobile medical team visited 4 govt.primary schools and sick and malnourished students were provided with nutritional supplements. 249 children were treated for worm infections.

3 health awareness meetings were organized during this month ,where various health issues were addressed by our medical team.

Mananeeya Eknathji Birth Centenary Celebration Year Inugration Durgapur

There was program of Mananeeya Eknathji Birth Centenary Celebration Year Inugration in Durgapuron 19th Nov. 2014 in presence of Subhabrata Mukherjee.

Grand and inspiring inaugural program of Mananeeya Eknathji Janma Shati Parva

“All strive for successful life; but it is more important to lead a meaningful life. And we can see it in Eknathji’s life. He was a man of Planning, a man of Perfection. He was instrumental in bringing people together for the cause of National reconstruction; irrespective of their political and personal aspirations. I am fortunate enough that I could have the opportunity to learn under his guidance.” These were the words of Honorable Prime Minister of India Shri. Narendra Modi ji expressed in his inaugural speech to the 1300 & above karyakartas and well-wishers of Vivekananda Kendra coming from all parts of Bharat.

A yearlong celebration of Mananeeya Eknathji Janm Shati Parva was inaugurated by Honorable Prime Minister of India Shri. Narendra Modi, on 9th November 2014 at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi. The program was live on many channels and internet and was watched all over the country by Karyakartas, teachers, students and well-wishers of Vivekananda Kendra.  

Revered Swami Govind Giri Maharaj, Working President of Bharatmata Mandir, Haridwar and one of the margadarshaks of Mananeeya Eknathji Janm Shati Parva committee, also spoke on the occasion. He praised Eknathji for initiating a cadre of life-workers who even renounced the saffron robe; who are Pranyasis and not Sanyasis.

Shri. Dipok Kumar Barthakur, Chairman of the Mananeeya Eknathji Janm Shati Parva committee, explained the aims and objectives of this yearlong program from 19 Nov 2014 to 19 Nov 2015. Mananeeya A. Balakrishnan, Vice President of Vivekananda Kendra spoke on the life and woks of Mananeeya Eknathji Ranade.

Shri. Krishna Kumar Asthanana, Vice- Chairman of the Committee welcomed the guests and Justice C.V.Ramulu another Vice-Chairman of the Committee expressed gratitude for the participation of all. The other margadarshaks - Swami Chaitanyananda, President of Hindu Dharm Vidya Peetham, Vellimalai, Tamilnadu, Smt. Pramila Tai Medhe, Poorva Pramukh Sanchalika of Rashtra Sevika Samiti and Dr. M. Lakshmikumari, Director, Vivekananda Kendra Vedic Vision Foundation were also on the dais to participate in the inauguration.   

Website eknathji.org launched

On the 100th Birth Anniversary of Swargeeya Mananeeya Eknathji Ranade, a website giving glimpse of his Liife & Mission was launched by Ma. Balakrishnanji, Vice President in presence of Ma. Niveditadidi, Vice President, Ma. Hanumantaji, Treasurer; Ma. Aparnadidi, Vyavastha Pramukh & A PRO Shri Raghunathan,  at 4pm at HeadQuarter of Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari

The website address is www.eknathji.org 

Eknathji.org try to covers entire life-sketch of Ma. Eknathji, through Chronological Biography, Short Biography, Interview, Few Outward Letter, Reminiscence & Obituary, Old Photographs & articles like Man with Campital M.

By visiting Eknathji.org one can have Virtual Tour of Vivekananda Rock Memorial & the more detail description can be get by going through the section "Tale of the Vivekananda Rock Memorial Kanyakumari".

The Video Section, contains the 50yrs old documentary made under guidance of Ma. Eknathji was uploaded along with the forthcoming movie trailer "Eknathji : One Life - One Mission" and Videos of Inauguration Program of Mananeeya Eknathji Janma Shati Parva held at New Delhi on 9th November 2014.

Eknathji Vigyan Pradarshani 2014 Organized at Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya

Nov 19, Itanagar:  Vivekananda Kendriya Vidyalaya Itanagar today organized Eknathji Vigyan Pradarshani 2014 to commemorate the birth centenary of late Eknath Ranade. Over 700 students participated in drawing and creative science model project competitions as part of the celebration.

Speaking to Eastern Sky Media ,Subash Chandra Dikshit, Principal of Vivekananda Kendriya Vidyalaya Itanagar informed that the event is being conducted in the memory of Late Eknathji Ranade who was the founding president of Vivekananda Kendra.

SC Dikshit stated, “Eknathji’s vision was to reach Arunachal Pradesh through education and make the state developed. Initiatially 7 VKVs were established in the year 1977 and now the numbers of VKVs has grown to 33 providing education to the children of the state.”

A science exhibition was also conducted with a motive to create awareness among the students about scientific temperament and to evaluate the models; three scientists from different departments were invited. “Ten selected models will be awarded by the school,” added Dikshit.

Further, SC Dikshit informed that a year-long programme has been scheduled for the students to commemorate the birth centenary of Eknathji which include the ‘Eknath Darshan’ depicting the life sketch of Eknathji, ‘Eknath Darpan’ which is a monthly programme where students will express their ideas through wallpaper magazines and ‘Eknath Vyakhyan Mala’ where students and teachers will have discussions every week.

SC Dikshit also opined that this event should be adopted or be taken as a reference for other schools so that students may be provided a better platform to share their scientific outlook.

Mananeeya Eknathji Ranade Janmasatapdi Parva : Jabalpur

विश्व प्रसिद्द विवेकानंद शिला स्मारक, कन्याकुमारी  और स्वामी विवेकानंद के दिव्य विचार "मानव सेवा ही ईश्वर सेवा है " एवं, राष्ट्रीय आदर्श "त्याग और सेवा" पर आधारित विवेकानन्द केंद्र  के संस्थापक माननीय एकनाथजी की जन्मशती  दिनांक १९ नवंबर २०१४ से १९ नवंबर २०१५ तक देश भर में, एक पर्व के रूप में, विवेकानंद केंद्र कन्याकुमारी की ८१३ शाखाओं द्वारा मनाई जा रही है. माननीय एकनाथजी की निर्भीकता, सत्य के प्रति अनूठी निष्ठां और कार्य प्रबंध की उनकी  अद्भुत योग्यता का परिचय पाकर भारत के " लौह पुरुष " सरदार बल्लभ भाई पटेल ने एकनाथजी को  "फौलादी पुरुष" की संज्ञा दी थी। विदित हो कि वर्ष भर मनाये जाने वाले माननीय एकनाथजी जन्मशती पर्व का औपचारिक उदघाटन प्रधानमंत्री श्री नरेंद्र मोदीजी द्वारा नई  दिल्ली के विज्ञानं भवन  में  दिनांक   ९ नवंबर २०१४ को किया गया है । दिनांक १९ नवंबर २०१४ से एक वर्ष तक समस्त देश में समाज के विभिन्न वर्गों विशेषकर यूवाओं के लिए अनेक कार्यक्रमों की योजना विवेकानंद केंद्र के मुख्यालय जो कि कन्याकुमारी में है, ने बनाई है।

इस अवसर पर, विवेकानंद केंद्र की जबलपुर शाखा ने दिनांक १९. नवंबर २०१४को सायंकाल ५ बजे महाराष्ट्र हायर सेकेंडरी स्कूल, राईट टाउन के प्रेक्षागृृह में एक भव्य कार्यक्रम का आयोजन किया. माननीय एकनाथजी के महान कार्यों पर संकलित पुस्तक "सफल युवा-युवा भारत" का विमोचन नगर के ख्याति प्राप्त  चिकित्सक एवं समाज सेवी डॉ जीतेन्द्र जामदार जो कार्यक्रम के मुख्य अतिथि एवं मुख्य वक्ता थे , के कर कमलों से कराया गया। विवेकानंद केंद्र,जबलपुर के नगर सह संचालक श्री रवि नौग्रहिआ ने मुख्य अतिथि का स्वागत किया। कार्यक्रम की अध्यक्षता ख्यात चिकित्सक एवं समाज सेवी डॉ अखिलेश गुमाश्ता ने की। डॉ गुमाश्ता माननीय एकनाथ जयंती पर्व के जबलपुर विभाग पर्व प्रमुख है।

मुख्य अतिथि एवं  मुख्य वक्ता डॉ जामदारजी ने अपने उदबोधन  में माननीय एकनाथजी के जीवन से जुड़े संस्मरणों को विवेकानंद शिला स्मारक के निर्माण की पृष्टभूमि  से जोड़ कर संस्कारधानी से एकनाथजी के अभिन्न संबंधों का भी उल्लेख किया।

विभाग पर्व प्रमुख डॉ गुमाश्ताजी ने माननीय एकनाथजी द्वारा स्वामी विवेकानंद के आदर्शों और स्मृति पर निर्मित भव्य शिला  स्मारक की आध्यात्मिकता का उल्लेख करते हुए सभी से विवेकानंद केंद्र से जुड़ने और समाज में सेवा भाव को और भी अधिक प्रसारित करने का आग्रह किया। कार्यक्रम में पूर्व सांसद  व एकनाथ जी की सहयोगी  श्रीमती जयश्री बनर्जी , श्रीमती कमला ताई रामदासी, श्री प्रशांत पोल , श्री एस एन समद्दर , श्री एवं श्रीमती सप्रे की विशेष उपस्थिति रहे।

मान. एकनाथजी जन्मशति पर्व - उद्धघाटन समारोह, गुजरात

विवेकानंद शिला स्मराक, कन्याकुमारी के सर्जक और विवेकानंद केंद्र कन्याकुमारी के संस्थापक मान. श्री एकनाथजी रानडे जन्मशती पर्व का प्रांतस्तरीय उदघाट्न समारोह अहमदाबाद में दि. 15.11.2014, शनिवार को आयोजित किया गया।

इस अवसर पर अतिथिविशेष डॉ. अमृतभाई कड़ीवाला ने मान. श्री एकनाथजी के साथ अपने संस्मरण याद करते हुए बताया कि "एकनाथजी की स्मरण शक्ति अदभुत थी उनका व्यवहारिक और आध्यात्मिक जीवन उच्च कोटि का था. एकनाथजी कहते थे " पवित्र बनो और तुम्हारे अंदर जो कुछ है उसका अन्य में सिंचन करो. वे कहा करते थे के सफलता के लिए 10 % प्रेरणा और 90 % परिश्रम जरुरी है साथ ही चित्त, वाणी और व्यवहार में एकरूपता होना जरुरी है। डॉ. जयंतीभाई  भाडेसिया ने  अपने उदबोधन में  कहा कि मान. श्री  एकनाथजी कोई भी  कार्य पूर्ण उत्कृष्टता  के साथ करते थे और  उसमे सभी की  सहभागिता रहती  थी. उनके गुणों को  अपने जीवन मैं उतारे  यही उनके शताब्दी  वर्ष की सार्थकता  होगी।

इस अवसर पर मुख्य वक्ता  मा. निवेदिता भिड़े (उपाध्यक्षा, विवेकानंद केंद्र, कन्याकुमारी) ने कहाँ मा. एकनाथजी को राष्ट्रिय स्वयंसेवक संघ में जीवन की दिशा मिली एकनाथजी कहते थे जीवन में श्रेष्ठता को खोजो। वे कभी भी समस्याओ से घबराते नहीं थे और कोई भी कार्य अत्यंत उत्कृष्टता के साथ करने का आग्रह रखते थे। एकनाथजी अत्यंत कुशल संगठक, किसी भी कार्य के प्रति पूर्वग्रह से हमेंशा मुक्त, अहंकार से पूर्णतया मुक्त थे। वे एक महामानव थे।  निवेदिता दीदी ने अपने उदबोधन में शिला स्मारक के निर्माण के समय आई बाधाओ तथा एकनाथजी द्वारा उन बाधाओं कुशलता से उनका निराकरण किया उसका विस्तृत वर्णन किया। दीदी ने कहाँ " सेवा ही साधना" यही एकनाथजी का मूलमंत्र था. विवेकानंद केंद्र, गुजरात द्वारा एकनाथजी जन्मशती पर्व के अवसर पर प्रकाशित पांच पुस्तको का विमोचन निवेदिता दीदी द्वारा किया गया.मान.एकनाथजी जन्मशती पर्व के इस कार्यक्रम मैं  डॉ. कमलेश उपाध्याय (मान.एकनाथजी जन्मशती पर्व, प्रमुख- गुजरात प्रांत) तथा श्री विनोदभाई त्रिवेदी (प्रांत संचालक, विवेकानंद केंद्र-गुजरात) सहित बड़ी संख्या मैं गणमान्य महानुभाव उपस्थित रहे।

Rural Development Programme September Month Activities

1.  “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 7, 83,069 times mantras were chanted in 84 localities.

2. Through 74 Balwadis, 1,898 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.

3. In our Medicare Programme, 2019 patients were examined and treated for various common ailments, through 14 Rural Medical Centers in Kanyakumari, Nellai and Thoothukudi districts.

4. Eye camps were conducted at 2 places, in Kanyakumari, and Nellai districts in which 477 were treated for their eye ailments and 95 were operated for cataract. 78 persons given  eye drops and 49 persons given spectacles.

5. In 179 Samskara Vargas, 7568 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.

6. Under Adopt a Grannie Programme, 28 destitute and old people were provided with monthly solatiums, in the form of rice, dhal, oil, etc., for their livelihood and 109 persons provided rice only, in Southern four districts of Tamilnadu.

7. Monthly Deepa poojas were organized in 229 village temples in five districts of Southern Tamilnadu, in which 11323 ladies participated and offered prayers for the welfare of self, family and the society.

8. Under Amrita Surabhi Scheme, our Kendra workers collected 1011 Kgs of rice from  Thoothukudi and Ramnad and Virudhunagar districts.

9. Through various branch centers, including Thoothukudi A.O. and book stalls, literature books were sold for Rs. 58,949 /-

10. Vivekavani Subscriptions for 149 were collected.

11. 80 women are being benefited in 4 Self Help Groups in Kanyakumari district.     

12. Yoga Varga has been conducted at 01 places,  Kovilpatti and  Aruppukottai in which 14 persons attended.

13. 4 tailoring units are functioning well in Nellai & Kanyakumari districts with the total attendance of 81.

14.  Shivalinga Poojas were conducted at 03 places in Kanyakumari District and 214 members participated.

15. Durga Pooja was conducted at 02 places, in Kanyakumari District in which 142 devotees participated.

16. Rural Block level competitions was held in all the five districts as detailed belows:

Total No.of.competitions – 10

No.of.Schools – 74, Students – 1828

No.of.Parents – 50, Teachers – 100

17. Urban District level competitions held at Aruppukottai

No. of Schools – 16, Students – 232

No.of.Parents – 30, Teachers – 29.

18. Universal Brotherhood day celebration was held on 11.09.14 in 69 places in southern five districts and nearly 3133 people participated.

19. Parents Meeting & Mathru Pooja was conducted in Ramnad district at 7 places.

20. 1008 deepa pooja was conducted in Kommadikottai in Thoothukudi distict where 1225 people participated.

21. Navarathiri Sri Sakthi Yagna Pooja celebration was held during 25.09.14 to 03.10.14 . The Poojas were held in a 9 places around Thoothukudi and nearly 225 people participated.

22. Youth camp was conducted at Kovilpatti in Gownian Mat. School 37 students from Hr.Sec. Schools and Colleges participated.

23. Balwadi teachers training campwas held between 11.09.2014 to 20.09.2014. Teachers from Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi & Ramnathapuram districts 28 teachers attended the camp. During the camp all the teachers were well trained.

This month, we have distributed the rice which was collected through Amrita Surabhi and Anna Pooja to Balwadi children, old poor people and the institutions as mentioned below :

1.   Hindu Primary School  Thirumalapuram                   -   100 Kgs

2.   Avwai Ashramam - Sivasailam                     -   100 Kgs

3.  Mounagurusamy Maha Samathi Beedam,

                Lakshmipuram                -   100 Kgs

4. Chithralaya Sevalayam Chitharal                         -     50 Kgs

5.  Mounagurusamy madam, Thootioodu                -    100 Kgs

6. Mahathma Ganthi Arakattalai - Vasudevanallur                                -    100 Kgs

7. Anbu Aasiramam - Tiruchendur                                            -     50 Kgs

Coral Reefs to Ecological Economics

The coral reefs of Rameshwaram are an important part of the sacred geography. They also have a great evolutionary history. They provide a prominent support for the Gulf of Mannar biodiversity. However today they are facing many threats mainly due to the pollution and global warming.

 We provide a glimpse into some interesting aspects of the Rameshwaram coral reefs. The coral reefs have been there for millions of years. Home to many organisms the marine biodiversity is heavily dependent on the coral reefs and they had also protected the population from the 2004 Tsunami. Hence we need to protect them. This is an effort to make people aware of their importance and the need to conserve them.

We also have the message from the project chairman on Green Rameshwaram Mr. Ravi Sam in the third brain storming session that was held on Oct-11 at Rameshwaram. The district collector, the municipal chairman, forest officer, wildlife warden and many eminent citizens graced the event. Many suggestions were made and important decisions as well as new pathways have been designed to be followed for achieving Green Rameshwaram.  Solar installation to removal of Prosopis juliflora have been discussed.  The issue of signages and beautification of the places were also discussed. You can find about all those discussions in the newsletter.

It is our misunderstanding and partial understanding of the nature of the world –fragmentation that has led the world to the brink. Our eco-toons bring this out. Also see the various happenings, training programmes that took place in our campus during this month. In our wisdom section we have the physicist Menas Kafatos elaborates the importance of dialogue as essential for accepting positive change and uniting humanity beyond variations. Ecologist Madhav Gadgil speaks about how traditional socities are characterized by a number of conditions conducive to the evolution of a "community of beings" world-view; Historian of science Robert Nadeau explains how the primary objective of the ecological economists is to enlarge the framework of the neoclassical economic paradigm to include scientifically valid measures of the environmental costs of economic activities.

Vivekanada Kendra NARDEP October 2014

3 Days Residential Personality Development Camp Surat

3 Days residential personality development camp was organized by Vivekananda Kendra Surat.

Speech of Ma. Balakrishananji at Inaugural Ceremony at MEJSP

Revered Swami Govindadev Giri ji, Revered Swami Chaitanyanandaji, Eknathji Janmashati Samaroh Samiti Chairman Shri Dipok Kumar Borthakur ji, Respected Sri Lakshmi Didi and  Pramila Taiji, Justice (Retd.) C.V. Ramulu and Sradheya Krishna Kumar Asthanaji, Members of the Eknathji Janma Shati Marga Darshak Mandal Distinguished Invitees, Pariwar Bandus, Kendra Karyakartas, Sisters and Brothers.

On the occasion of the Inauguration of the Janma Shati Parva of Swargeeya Eknathji Ranade, the spirit behind the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari. I, on behalf of Kendra offer our heartiest Pranams to all the leading and enlightened personalities assembled in this Vigyan Bhawan auditorium.

Sisters and brothers; it is needless to stress here that many of you in the audience had occasion to work with Eknathji while he was a Sangha Adikari or when he had taken up the work of construction of Vivekananda Rock Memorial at Kanyakumari.

I have been asked to say a few words about my association and experience while working with him. I consider it a great honour that I worked under him for nine years. Eknathji was a multifaceted personality and it is very difficult to say which facet of his life was more bright and colourful. But it was a life full of challenges and achievements.

Belonging to a very humble family, facing all problems and hardships from his childhood days, he rose to extraordinary heights. His life was an example of high dedication. Right from the college life, he became a fulltime RSS Pracharak and continued so till his last breath. It was a life of dedication personified.

Eknathji was a visionary of highest order (a Deerga Darshi). During 1950, when there was an earthquake of very high intensity in the North east region of India and the river Brahmaputra changed its course, resulting in most parts of Assam and nearby areas being inundated under flood waters causing extensive loss of life and property. Eknathji, as the Poorwanchal Pracharak of the RSS had organised massive relief work. During that time Param Poojaneeya Guruji visited that area along with Eknathji to have a first hand report  of the co1losal  loss of life and property. At that time Eknathji had apprised Guruji that the entire North – east region is a melting pot and needs immediate attention. He told Guruji that anti – national forces are working freely  and openly to deface the cultural mosaic of Assam and other Indegenious faiths of  North East areas. He stressed upon Guruji to spread the networking of RSS in those far flung areas. How truthful Eknathji’s assessment of the north east 65 years ago! It is all visible to-day.

Eknathji was a man of high commitment and obedience. When Param Poojaneya Guruji entrusted him with the work of Vivekananda Rock Memorial he readily accepted it even though he never had experience of constructing any memorial or Mandir in the past. For Eknathji it was a “Anjna” the obedience to the hierchey and it was to be followed implicitly.  His obedience was remarkable. His commitment for the given cause was unquestionable.    

Eknathji was a good strategist. When he took up the work of Vivekananda Rock Memorial, he had to confront with many problems from various sources. With cool head, and boldness he prioritised the work. He handled the situation very effectively and firmly, while dealing with Prof.  Humayun Kabir, the then Tourism Minister who opposed the very idea of a Vivekananda Rock Memorial, tooth and nail. Eknathji humbled him shrewdly and Prof.  Kabir had to withdraw his opposition.

Similarly he brought all those who were opposing the Vivekananda Memorial in Kanyakumari, by persuasion, and reconciliation to his side. Even, the obstinate Chief Minister of   Tamilnadu  Shri M. Bhaktavalsalam who said that the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in the midsea would never be allowed during his life time had to change his views and toe the line as suggested by Eknathji. Shri Bhaktavalsam became an ardent supporter of Vivekananda Rock Memorial later. The credit goes to Eknathji’s style of handling people occupying even in high position.

Eknathji was a man who believed in hot pursuit. He never left anything for chances or resorted  to causal approach. When Late Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri, asked Eknathji to prepare a memorandum for submitting to Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru to get his consent for the construction of Vivekananda Rock Memorial at Kanyakumari, duly signed by as many MPs as possible. Eknathji  immediately plunged in the task of getting the signatures of the Members of Parliament  belonging to different political ideologies. His ability for hot pursuit and his persuasive capacity enabled him to get the signatures of 323 MPs within 3 days, fully supporting the need for a befitting memorial to Swami Vivekananda in the midsea at Kanyakumari. This act of Eknathji exhibited high commitment to the given task and his ability to persuade all sections of the people irrespective of what political color they carried.

As a master organiser, Eknathji very capably galvanized a team of highly dedicated and competent people for the erection of Vivekananda Rock Memorial in quick time. The most difficult task under taken by Eknathji in his life time found fruition in a record time of six years. He evolved a unique fund-raising programme whereby he could reach out to even to the common man who also contributed Rs. One and had the fulfillment of owning the great memorial. Thirty lakhs of people contributed Rupees Eighty lakhs and made it a truly National monument. Central and State Governments, Industrialists and businessmen also contributed for this national cause without any reservation.

Eknathji was highly inspired by Swami Vivekananda’s life and message. As a college student he studied Swamiji’s life and got himself fully saturated with his patriotism and love for  Bharatheeya sanskriti. As Swami Vivekananda was the sheet anchor for the Indian freedom movement, Eknathji was always of the view that the great Swamiji’s  message  of love for Bharat should be preached to the younger generation, out of whom the new workers will come like young lions.  He therefore, after the construction of Vivekananda Rock Memorial, immediately engaged himself to spread the message of Swami Vivekananda to the nook and corner of India. His oft-quoted words are “Vivekananda Rock Memorial is only a monument in granite stone to perpetuate  Swamiji’s historic meditation on the divine Rock. Where as the Vivekananda Kendra, a spiritually oriented service mission is a memorial in flesh and blood to carry, His message to the younger generation. Therefore Eknathji started training and deploying young men and women, as Jeevan Vratis (Missionaries) to devote themselves in service activities  and thereby carry the message of selfless service and potential divinity of man as preached by great Swami Vivekananda.

As envisioned earlier, he felt the country’s north-eastern region needs prompt and careful attention,  therefore he gave priority  for that area and deputed a team of Jeevan Vraties to Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur etc.

Eknathji’s  direction to the  young Jeevan Vratis, who were deputed to North – east region was very clear and straightforward. The people living in those far-flung hilly areas should develop love for the country and therefore their patriotic fervour should be triggered. Giving formal education by setting up a chain of schools in the north-east border areas to give man-making and character-building education was the need of the hour. Kendra, within a decade could set up number of such educational institutions in Assam, Arunachal and Nagaland. Intensive and extensive rural development  programmes along with health and hygiene  work in the interior tribal areas have created a congenial atmosphere for Kendra work.   

While taking up all these service activities, Eknathji gave a free hand and timely encouragement to the Kendra workers.

Vivekananda Kendra fulfilled the dream of  Eknathji by setting up an Institute of Culture in Guwahati, Assam to cater to the needs of the North Eastern states, with the soul purpose of  (a) to understand the richness of the traditional systems and  identify the unifying elements that bind us. (b) reflect on how best to provide meaningful continuity to these practices in a fast changing complex life style and (c) give inspiring leadership with the idea of Development through culture.

Another dream of Eknathji was fulfilled when Kendra set up the Vivekananda International Foundation  in Delhi in 2009 as an independent and non – partisan institution that promote quality research and offers a platform for dialogue and conflict resolution.

Few of the programs as dreamt by Eknathji which are yet to be given practical shape are:-

Setting up 12 zonal centres for the training of dedicated workers.

2) Setting up a research Centre on Yoga  Vedanta of International standard in Kanyakumari.

3) Setting up model Educational institutions for girls in all the districts of India.

We are sure by the blessings of the Almighty Kendra will be able to fulfill all the dream projects of Eknathji as early as possible.

With these words I conclude by thanking all of you once again.

Vande Mataram!

One Life - One Mission : Vivekananda Kendra News

ॐ

"Take up one idea. Make that one idea your life; dream of it; think of it; live on that idea. Let the brain, the body, muscles, nerves, every part of your body be full of that idea, and just leave every other idea alone. This is the way to success, and this is the way great spiritual giants are produced."

- Swami Vivekananda (CW - I , Raja-Yoga : Chapter VI - Pratyahara & Dharana)

News Updates from Vivekanandakendra.org :

• Pariwar Sammelan Banpur : Read More
• Rashtriya Ekta Divas 2014 : Read More
• National Unity Day Celebration - VKV Roing : Read More
• National National Unity Day Celebration - VKV Balijan : Read More
• National Unity Day Celebration : Read More
• Ozone Day celebrated with pomp and show : Read More
• Vkv Ziro Student Excel In Dist. Level Science Exhibition : Read More
• Eknathji : One life – One Mission : Film Trailer Launched : Read More
• Invoking Eknath Ranade's ideals, PM Narendra Modi tells youth to make life "Sarthak" : Read More
• Inaugration of Vigyan Darpan : Read More
• Relief Programme at Visakhapatnam : Read More  &  View Photographs
• NMananeeya Eknathji Janmasati Parva Roing : Read More
• Nani Oniya of VKV Ziro brings laurel to state : Read More
• Let our lives be not just successful (Safal), but also meaningful (Saarthak)  :  Read More
• Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalayas Arunachal Pradesh Trust October 2014 Monthly Report : Read More
• PM attends inaugural ceremony of Mananeeya Eknath Ranade Janm Shati Parva. PM: Let our lives be not just successful
  (Safal), but also meaningful (Saarthak) : Read More
• PM Narendra Modi attributes formative learning to Eknath Ranade, urges youth to do the same :   Read More
• Invoking Ranade's ideals, PM tells youth to make life 'Sarthak'  :  Read More
• PM Modi tribute for RSS leader Eknath Ranade  :  Read More
• बचपन से ही प्रेरणास्त्रोत रहे हैं एकनाथ रानाडे: मोदी  :   विस्तृत
  

• Narendra Modi's tribute to Eknath Ranade  :  Read More

• माननीय एकनाथजी जन्म शती पर्व समारोह के उदघाटन पर माननीय प्रधानमंत्री श्री नरेन्द्र मोदी का प्रवचन :   विस्तृत

The Sanskrit Dialogue that Impressed Swami Vivekananda

When Swamiji came to Madras in February 1897, he was accommodated at the Castle Kernan (now Vivekanandar Illam). In the evening of 7 February, a meeting was held at the Castle Kernan. A large number of gentlemen waited upon the Swami at the pandal that evening, when an acrostic poem in Sanskrit in honour of Swamiji was read by Mr. R. Sivasankara Pandiaji.

At Pandiyaji's invitation, Swamiji visited the School on 12 February 1897—in the afternoon about half past four.The Life describes the function held to honour Swamiji thus: Two boys of the School presented before Swamiji a dialogue in Sanskrit on Arya Dharma [the Religion of Aryas]. Swamiji was much pleased by it and appreciated the dialogue.

The following is the text of the dialogue [with translation in square brackets] that took place before Swamiji. It was published in 1897 by the Madras Hindu Religion Tract and Preaching Association of which Pandiyaji was the founder.    Read Entire Research Article

By A Monastic Sojourner
A Research Article. Published in Vedanta Kesari, 2009, March

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Download Material of Mananeeya Eknathji Ranade Janma Shati Parva :

9th November 2014 Inaugural Program's Banner, Audio, Video & 1hrs+ presentation materials : click here to open & download through Google-drive

9th November 2014
Inaugural Program's Photograph : click here to open & download through Google-drive
:  VIP Lounge :  Main Hall
Presentation of 170+ Photographs of Mananeeya Eknathji : click here to open & download through Google-drive

Logo of MEJSP : click here to open & download through Google-drive

Pamphlets of MEJSP & VK Activities : click here to open & download through Google-drive 

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Upcoming Events :  

All India Camps at Kanyakumari

Camp	Language	Duration	Age	Contribution
Yoga Shiksha Shibir	English	1 - 15 December 2014	18 to 50 Years	Rs.2,000/-
योग शिक्षा शिविर	हिन्दी	१ - १५ दिसम्बर २०१४	१८ से ५० साल	रु.२,०००/-
Spiritual Retreat	English	5 - 11 February 2015	18 to 60 Years	Rs.1,500/-
अध्यात्म शिविर	हिन्दी	५ - ११ फ़रवरी २०१५	१८ से ६० साल	रु.१,५००/-

अधिक जानकारी के लिए कृपया http://www.vivekanandakendra.org/english/camps-kanyakumari देखे

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Diaries & Calendars  2015 : http://www.vivekanandakendra.org/diaries-calendar-2015

विवेक दैनन्दिनी : Hindi Diary 2015	HANDY DIARY 2015	CLASSIC DIARY 2015	SUPREME DIARY 2015	JOURNALS 2015
Rs. 75/-	Rs. 95/-	Rs.130/-	Rs.190/-	Rs.150/-

Diaries &Calendars  2015 : http://www.vivekanandakendra.org/diaries-calendar-2015

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Video :

Inaugural Program of Mananeeya Eknathji Ranade Janma Shati Parva 9th November 2014 : 11:30 to 13:10

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Get the "Yuva Bharati"Regular Updates :   Editorial with cover page on the "Yuva Bharati" Blog : http://yb.vkendra.org

Get the "Kendra Bharati" Regular Updates :   Editorial with cover page on the "Kendra Bharati" Blog : http://kb.vkendra.org

Get the "Vivekananda Kendra Patrika" Regular Updates :   Editorial with cover page on the "Vivekananda Kendra Patrika" Blog : http://vkp.vkendra.org