Spiritual Retreat Camp - Vivekanandapuram-Kanyakumari

58 people participated in the Spiritual Retreat Camp conducted by Vivekananda Kendra from 21st to 28th February 2023 at Vivekanandapuram, Kanyakumari.

Vivekananda Kendra conducted Spiritual Retreat Camp from 21st to 28th February 2023 at Vivekanandapuram, Kanyakumari. Total number of 58 participants consisting of 30 brothers and 28 sisters participated from 9 states of Bharat and from France. The camp was conducted both in Hindi and English.

The camp was conducted both in Hindi and English. 39 participants enrolled for Hindi and rest 19 for English.  The organizing team consisted of 14 Karyakartas from Arunachal Prant lead by Sri Ravi Sharma ji, All India Yoga Pramukh of Vivekananda Kendra.

The camp started at 6:30 p.m. on 21st February with Bhajan Sandhya followed by the inaugural session. Mananeeya Rekha Davey Didi, Joint General Secretary of Vivekananda Kendra gave the inaugural address. The participants were grouped into six ganas (teams) and the names of the Ganas were Maharshi Patanjali, Maharshi Valmiki, Maharshi Vasistha, Maharshi Aurobindo, Thakur Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda.

Breathing exercises, loosening, Surya Namaskar and various Asanas were taught during Yogasana and Pranayama Sessions. Cyclic meditation, Omkar mediation and relaxation techniques were taught during the afternoon yoga classes.

Lectures on various topics such as Concept of Spirituality, Bhakti Yoga, Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Vivekananda Kendra, Messages from Upanisadas, Karma Yoga, Dharma Rakshati Rakshataha, Swami Vivekananda, Happiness Analysis, Prarthana were delivered in Baudhik sessions. Group discussions were conducted on various topics followed by the presentations on the respective topics.

All participants involved themselves in manual works like cleaning their dormitories and surrounding, meeting hall etc. during Sharma Sanskara every day. Many Mantras and Geets were taught and practiced during Abhayas sessions. For the emotional development, devotional songs were sung during Bhajan Sandhya (Evening Prayer). Action songs, collective games and inspirational incidents from the life of Ma. Eknath ji were integral parts of Prerana Se Punorutthan.

On 24th February, the whole team visited Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Ramayana Darshanam, Bharat Mata Mandir, Gramodoya Park, Arise Awake pictorial exhibition and Gangotri in Vivekanandpuram campus.

The concluding program was started at 11:30 a.m. on 28th February. Dr. Debashis, Shibir Pramukh presented the camp report and a few participants shared their experiences. All India President of Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Vivekananda Kendra Mananeeya Sri Balakrishnan Ji graced the occasion and advised all participants to work for society and humanity. He appealed them to get themselves involved in various service activities of Vivekananda Kendra at their respective localities.

The camp was concluded with Kendra Prarthana at 12:30 p.m.

Yoga Parichay Satra - Ajmer

विवेकानंद केंद्र कन्याकुमारी की अजमेर शाखा द्वारा आज 28 फरवरी 2023 को क्षेत्रीय शिक्षा संस्थान अजमेर के M.Ed एवं B.Ed कक्षा के विद्यार्थियों के लिए  योग परिचय सत्र का आयोजन किया गया। इस योग परिचय सत्र का उद्देश्य विद्यार्थियों में नई शिक्षा नीति के तहत पाठ्यक्रमों में योग शिक्षा का जुड़ाव एवं उसके प्रैक्टिकल एप्लीकेशन को लेकर के रहा।

प्रांत कार्यपद्धति प्रमुख डॉ स्वतंत्र शर्मा ने उपस्थित 78 विद्यार्थियों को प्रारंभिक श्वसन के अभ्यास एवं लूजनिंग प्रैक्टिस इसके अभ्यास कराए। इसके उपरांत लघु शवासन के अभ्यास के साथ योग एक जीवन पद्धति एवं उसके विभिन्न आयामों को लेकर सूक्ष्म चर्चा की।

योग केवल शारीरिक अभ्यास ना होकर मन को शांत करने की क्रिया है तथा योग अर्थात जोड़ना अर्थात एक रूप हो जाना। व्यष्टि से समष्टि तक जोड़ने की प्रक्रिया योग है तथा योग का आचरण हमारी भारतीय संस्कृति का मूल मंत्र है इस मंत्र को भविष्य के राष्ट्र निर्माता होने के नाते एक शिक्षक को जानना बहुत आवश्यक है।

इन विचारों के साथ ही योग परिचय सत्र में विद्यार्थियों ने अपना उत्साह प्रदर्शित किया और आगामी मार्च-अप्रैल और मई में विशेष योग सत्रों के आयोजनों को लेकर योजना बनाने का भी संकल्प भी लिया।

इस अवसर पर शिक्षा अधिष्ठाता प्रोफेसर आयुष्मान गोस्वामी का भी आशीर्वाद प्राप्त हुआ। व्यवहारिक प्रशिक्षण में युवा प्रमुख  श्रीअंकुर प्रजापति का सहयोग रहा

Let’s Play Exams! Exam!! Training at VK VAYAM

Vivekananda Kendra Vedantic Application of Yoga and Management, Solapur conducted Maharashtra State Level Trainer Training Workshop of ‘Let’s Play Exam! Exam!!’ (PDHH - Pariksha De Hanste Hanste) from 23rd to 26th February, 2023. Totally 15 people consisting of 8 sisters and 7 brothers participated in this training workshop and the organizing team consisted of 12 karyakarthas.

After registration, the workshop was inaugurated on 23rd February, 2023 at 4 p.m. Jeevanvrati Karyakartha of Kendra Aadharneeya Pranjali Tai Yelikar elucidated the importance and necessity of this workshop and advised the participants to take part in the regular activities of Kendra. She also threw light upon the topic ‘Amrit Parivar’.

The inaugural programme was moderated by Jayashree Tai Mimansi. Meena Tai Deshpande gave an introduction to the workshop. Prayers and songs were led by Maithili Tai. The trainees were formed into two groups namely 'Satatya (Continuity)' and 'Anushasan (Discipline)'.

Yoga, Prayer, Patriotic songs, Games, Bhajan Sandhya, ritual classes, Hanuman Chalisa chanting, Group Discussion and presentation were part of the daily schedule of the workshop. Participants actively participated in all the events of the workshop.

The topics covered in the workshop were Brainstorming and Exams, Why? Why Fear Exams?, Confidence, Memory, Concentration, Energy Chakra, Emotional Defocusing, etc. The organizers explained to the participants about the requirements to start and conduct the PDHH workshop at their own localities.

The training workshop was concluded at 11.30 a.m. Shri Madgonda Dada Pujari, Maharashtra Prant Karyapaddhati Pramukh guided the participants on how to incorporate the values learned from PDHH training into Amrit Parivar. The concluding programme was organized by the trainees. Overall the workshop was very well organized and successfully concluded with everyone's cooperation.

Yoga Sastra Sangamam at Kanyakumari

Vivekananda Kendra organised International Yoga Sastra Sangamam from 24th to 26th February 2023 at Vivekanandapuram, Kanyakumari. 419 Yoga enthusiasts from 16 states of Bharat, from Singapore, Bali and Afghanistan participated in the Conference.

Vivekananda Kendra organised International Yoga Sastra Sangamam from 24th to 26th February 2023 at Vivekanandapuram, Kanyakumari. Total number of 419 participants consisting of 212 men and 207 women participated from 16 states of Bharat, from Singapore, Bali and Afghanistan.

During this international conference 5 plenary sessions and 11 parallel sessions were held. 115 papers were presented by research scholars, PhD. Students, professors, Yoga teachers, Yoga practitioners and Yoga consultants. Swami Shivananda Babaji from Varanasi aged 127 years who is the recipient of Padmashree award was present in the Yoga Sastra Sangamam on 24th and 25th February. His Divine presence and Yogic life style was an inspiration and blessing to everyone.  Presence of a living Yogi was an illustration of Yoga Sastra. The book containing the proceedings of the conference was released during the inaugural session.

The conference was co-organised with Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala and Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Dharmashala. There were delegates from leading universities, institutions and organizations. Conference was inaugurated by Swami Shivanandaji and graced by Mananeeya Balakrishnanji, President of Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Vivekananda Kendra and Mananeeya Nivedita Bhide Didi, Vice president of Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Vivekananda Kendra. 

On all three days, Patanjali Homam was conducted at the Ushodaya time and concurrently Patanjali Ashtottaram and Yoga Sutras were chanted by the delegates. The beautiful soul elevating dance recital by the students of VKV Kanyakumari added the colour to the Conference. Some of the students and delegates demonstrated advanced Asanas. There were five winners out of the eleven delegates who participated in the Patanjali Yoga Sutra chanting competition.

Mananeeya Bhanudasji Dhakras, General Secretary of Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Vivekananda Kendra addressed the delegates in the valedictory function held on 26th February.

Value Camp for Children at Madurai

Vivekananda Kendra Madurai conducted Value camp for the class V students of T.V.S. Primary School Madurai on 24th February 2023 in two batches. Totally 250 students participated in the camp.

The schedule of the camp included patriotic songs, yoga practice, Aagnyas abhyas, video session, value games, story of Swami Vivekananda etc. 

All the students enjoyed and learned many values from this camp and the school administration appreciated Kendra’s effort in moulding the children’s future.

Maha Shivaratri and Ramakrishna Jayanti Celebrations at VKV Kallubalu

On 18.2.2023 Saturday Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya - Kallubalu celebrated Sri Rama Krishna Paramahamsa Jayanti with one of the most auspicious occasion of Mahashivarathri by performing Shivalinga Pooja. Life of Sri Rama Krishna was presented through PPT.

Importance of the day -Shivarathri, singing Bhajans, chanting shlokas on Shiva created a devotional atmosphere. All the students, parents , well-wishers and staff worshipped Lord Shiva by performing Pooja to Shivalinga with devotion.

Pooja was concluded with Shanti manthra. Prasad was distributed to all. Total attended 246.

Lecture on Swami Vivekananda for Indian Freedom Movement-Delhi

On Thursday, February 16, 2023, Hansraj College of Delhi University organized a distinguished lecture titled " Influence of Swami Vivekananda on Indian Freedom Movement." The speaker for the program was Nikhil Yadav, Prant Yuva Pramukh, Vivekananda Kendra, Uttar Prant. Vrinda Khanna, secretary of the Eshwer Foundation, was the guest of honor of the program presided by Prof. Rama, respected principal of Hnasraj College.

Shri Nikhil Yadav, Prant Yuva Pramukh, Vivekananda Kendra, Uttar Prant said, "Swami Vivekananda (born Narendranath Dutta) was born in Kolkata on January 12, 1863, and was endowed with intense patriotism, spiritual commitment, and a genuine personality. Swamiji had a spiritual awakening in his youth after meeting his guru, Sri Ramakrishna. His guru also asked him to help people ("Shiva Bhave Jiva Seva – Service to God-incarnate as humanity.") Swamiji traveled throughout the country, getting to know the people and the land firsthand. He arrived in Kanyakumari after about five years of wandering as a monk, where he meditated on a rock for three days and nights (25,26,27 December 1892) on the country's past, present, and future. He discovered that the countrymen had lost their self-esteem, confidence, faith, and belief.

In 1893, he left for America to attend the World Parliament of Religions; despite several obstacles, he made it to the podium, where his opening speech on September 11, 1893, established him as a popular figure. An audience of thousands applauded for two minutes for Swami Vivekananda.

Swamiji spent approximately three and a half years after the Parliament preaching the ancient philosophy of Vedanta and Yoga in various parts of the United States, England, and other western countries.

In January 1897, he returned to India. He delivered lectures in various parts of India in response to the warm welcome and thronging audiences that greeted him everywhere, causing quite a firestorm throughout the country. On May 1, 1897, he also established the Ramakrishna Mission with the motto "ATMANO MOKSHARTHAM JAGAD HITAYA CHA," which translates as "For one's own salvation and the welfare of the world."

Swami Vivekananda's Influence on the Indian Freedom Movement

Shri Nikhil Yadav added, "Swami Vivekananda was the driving force behind the Indian Independence movement. He inspired many freedom fighters in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, including Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Sri Aurobindo, Mahatma Gandhi, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Hemchandra Ghosh, and Sister Nivedita. His speeches and writings inspired Indian youth to join the freedom movement. On the other hand, history and historians have portrayed him solely as a religious or spiritual leader. The lecture was attended by many students and faculty members of Delhi University. 

Vivekananda Kendra launched Young India: Know Thyself Program

The Delhi branch of Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari launched Young India: Know Thyself (YIKT) Program on 5th February 2023 at their Chanakyapuri Center, New Delhi. According to Shri Nikhil Yadav, Prant Yuva Pramukh, Vivekananda Kendra, Uttar Prant, the purpose of YIKT is to initiate into the younger generation a purposeful and spiritual way of life. The Launch program was attended by more than 300 students and teachers from different educational institutions in Delhi and NCR. The program started with Vedic chantings followed by patriotic songs, a Presentation of the YIKT module, and experience sharing by Kendra Volunteers.

He special guest for the day was Prof. Sushma Yadav, presently the Pro. Vice Chancellor of the Central University of Haryana and Prof. Madhav Govind, Chairperson, Centre for Studies in Science Policy, Jawaharlal Nehru University. While addressing the gathering, Prof. Sushma Yadav focused on why it is essential to know oneself before knowing anything else. She also narrated the Guru and Shishya enlightening discussion between Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa and Swami Vivekananda. Prof. Madhav Govind spoke on the importance of time and energy in one's life. He said that by channeling time and energy in the right direction, an individual could do wonders.

Making the concluding remarks, Shri Nikhil Yadav elaborated on the Vision and mission of Swami Vivekananda, which every student can contribute by being part of the YIKT program. The program was concluded by Shanti Mantra.

What is Young India: Know Thyself Program?

The young India program is a 4-a-pronged process, which is as follows:

1. Registration: Physically in college with one-to-one interaction. Any young person between the age of 16-23 can register.

2. Online test: Based on Indian culture, civilization, and the life of Swami Vivekananda to test awareness and sincerity. It consists of 40 questions. (20 points)

3. Workshop: It consists of games, group discussions, and a presentation, skit presentation to check the group dynamics, discipline, and initiative. (50 points)

4. Residential camp: Selected participants are invited to a five-day residential camp. All activities are done in groups. It consists of games, yoga, Surya Namaskar, Agyabhyas for martial spirit, intellectual lectures, group discussions, Vedic chanting, and many more activities. Participants can utilize around 16 hours in a day. The whole process is designed to impact all the dimensions of one's personality, such as physical, mental, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual.

District Level Cultural Competitions - VKRDP

VKRDP conducted district-level Cultural Competitions on 05-02-2023 at Thirthapathi Hr. Sec. School, Tirunelveli. 377 students, 127 parents and 51 teachers from 83 schools participated in the competitions.

Vivekananda Kendra Rural Development Programme conducted district-level Cultural Competitions on 05 February 2023 at Thirthapathi Higher Secondary School, Ambasamudram, Tirunelveli. 377 students, 127 parents and 51 teachers from 83 schools participated in the competitions. Cultural competitions such as elocution, storytelling, music, drawing, Thirukural recitation and quiz were conducted for the children.

Teacher Mrs. Rani inaugurated the programme and Kendra Karyakartha Ms. Chandra delivered the welcome address. Ambasamudram Saha Nagar Pramukh Sri. Sankaran Ji and Secretary of VKRDP Sri. Ayyappan Ji interacted with parents and teachers about family and child brought up.

In the concluding ceremony, Dr. Sri. Padmanabhan and Dr. Smt. Gomatipadmanabhan addressed the students and gave prizes to the winners. Kendra karyakarthas Sri. Karuppasamy Ji, Ms. Saraswathi, Ms. Chandra coordinated the programme.

Teachers Workshop at Thiruvalla

VK Pathanamthitta organised a workshop for the teachers of National High School, Vallamkulam, Thiruvalla in which 40 teachers participated.

Vivekananda Kendra Pathanamthitta organised a workshop for the teachers of National High School, Vallamkulam, Thiruvalla in which 40 teachers participated.

The purpose of the workshop is to make the teachers realise their role in Man Making & Nation Building. Dakshin Prant Sangathak Mananeeya Radha Devi didi and Sri. Y. Pradeep Ji conducted the workshop.