Newsletter : February & March 2023

Namaskar

Greetings from Vivekananda Kendra Institute of Culture Phalguna, the twelfth lunar month of the Sanatana Calendar welcomes the transformation in seasons, starting with the spring and the month of festivals. On the fourteenth day of Phalguna, in the Chaturdashi of Krishna Paksha, lies the muhurta of Shivaratri, marked as an auspicious day for the devotees of Shiva, and is celebrated with prayers and amusement for the entire night.

After the fall in the month of Phalguna, then comes the time of Spring. But, Phalguna itself instigates pleasant and positive changes in the weather during the time. There lies a balance in the three doshas of the body i.e. vata, pitta and kapha, which has led to Phalguna being also called the happy month. Like the new blossoms of Phalguna, VKIC has explored innovative endeavours by being part of Partner Organisations of the Engagement Group-C20 which is the group of the Civil Societies under G-20. Being a core partner, VKIC has participated in the Inception Seminar held at Nagpur to discuss regarding the fourteen themes of the C20 and the entrusted theme for VKIC is Diversity, Inclusion, Mutual Respect (DIMR). A webinar was also conducted on the theme where Pujya Swami Paramatmananda Maharajji, chaired as the Chief Guest.

Other activities during this period included Sanskriti Anveshak, an interactive disciplinary forum on the theme “Governance for Coexistence, Harmony and Progress-Traditions and Institutions of Northeast India” with two deliberations by Dr. Anungla Aier on “Customary Law: Continuity and Change With Special Reference to the Naga Society” and the other by Prof. Subhram Rajkhowa on “ Traditional Mediation Mechanisms and Governing Paradigm with reference to North East India”. There was a Quiz competition on ‘Sanskriti’, in collaboration with Arya Vidyapith College, held inside the campus of the College, where the students participated enthusiastically. This edition also brings in the interviews of the VKIC Sanmanees, 2023, as taken up by the Research Associates of VKIC.

In the rediscovering North East section, we have interesting cultural facts about Tiwa, Naga and Khasi community and we conclude with a book review on one of our publications ‘ Namghar: The Social Unifier'. Hope the Newsletter to be an interesting read and with this I thank the Almighty and our receivers for their constant support and guidance.

Any form of suggestion is appreciated.

Dr. Parimal Ch. Bhattacharjee

Director, Vivekananda Kendra Institute of Culture

C20 - Chaupal Program

G20 देशों कि अध्यक्षता के क्रम में गठित C20 सिविल सोसाइटी के मुद्दों को पॉलिसी में शामिल करने के लिए गठित समूह है | C20 स्टीयरिंग समिति के सदस्य विवेकानन्द केन्द्र द्वारा जबलपुर नगर में कार्यरत NGO के बीच “वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम” विषय पर “C20 चौपाल” कार्यक्रम का आयोजन किया गया |
कार्यक्रम में विवेकानन्द केन्द्र के राष्ट्रीय उपाध्यक्ष श्री हनुमंत राव* ने “वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम” विषय पर भारतीय चिंतन एवं प्रत्यक्ष हो रहे कार्यों का वर्णन किया | मुख्यअतिथि श्री जगत बहादुर “अन्नू” महापौर जबलपुर नें G20 देशों कि बैठक जबलपुर में होने को संस्कारधानी के लिए उपलब्धि बताया | उन्होंने बताया की विवेकानन्द केंद्र राष्ट्र को समर्पीत संगठन है जो व्यक्ति निर्माण से राष्ट्र निर्माण की दिशा में बढ़ते हुए आज वैश्विक मंच G20 तक पहुच गया है | सिविल सोसाइटी का प्रतिनिधित्व करने और नीति बनाने में केंद्र की प्रमुख भूमिका है | 
पर्यावरण, शिक्षा, स्वास्थ्य, ग्राम विकास, जनजाति क्षेत्र विकास जैसे क्षेत्रों में कार्यरत संगठनों के प्रतिनिधि शामिल हुए | संगठनों के प्रतिनिधियों ने वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम विषय पर दिए गए कांसेप्ट नोट के अनुसार अपने विचार एवं उनके संगठन द्वारा वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम की भावना से किये जा रहे कार्यों को रखा | विवेकानन्द केन्द्र जबलपुर के विभाग प्रमुख मोहन चक्रवैश्य ने कार्यक्रम का संयोजन किया | कार्यक्रम में जबलपुर शहर के 20 संगठनों के प्रतिनिधि शामिल हुए | 

समाजशाला कार्यक्रम - जबलपुर

 

G20 के अंतर्गत C20 में Diversity Inclusion and Mutual Respect विषय पर आधारित "समाजशाला कार्यक्रम" विवेकानंद केंद्र जबलपुर की शाखा द्वारा आयोजित किया गया जिसमें कार्यक्रम के मुख्य अतिथि श्री लक्ष्मण सिंह मरकाम(अति.सचिव सी.एम.कार्यालय म. प्र.शासन) ने अपने उद्बोधन में बताया कैसे पश्चिम (यूरोपियनस) ने Diversity Inclusion and Mutual Respect की अवधारणा को क्षति पहुंचाई थी, अमरीका में ही अकेले मात्र 300 वर्ष के अंदर वहां की मूल जनजातियों का समूल नाश कर दिया था। भारत ही एकमात्र विश्व में ऐसा देश है जहां Diversity Inclusion and Mutual Respect की अवधारणा जीवित है । भारत में "विविधता में एकता" के दर्शन होते हैं विश्व की सबसे ज्यादा जनजातियां यहां मिल जुलकर रहती है। भारत की संस्कृति, विरासत Diversity Inclusion and Mutual Respect के मूल मंत्र को चरितार्थ करती है और विश्व को शांति का मंत्र भी देती है।

कार्यक्रम की अगले क्रम में वर्कशॉप का आयोजन हुआ जिसमें नगर के प्रबुद्धजन, बुद्धिजीवियों की उपस्थिति में Diversity Inclusion and Mutual Respect विषय पर गहन चिंतन किया गया, उस वर्कशॉप  के निष्कर्ष में धर्म परिवर्तन को पूर्णरूप से प्रतिबंधित करना चाहिए क्योंकि जहां जहां धर्म परिवर्तन हुआ वहां यह देखने में आया Diversity Inclusion and Mutual Respect की अवधारणा समाप्त हो गई क्योंकि उन जनजातियों में धर्म परिवर्तन के बाद आपस में संघर्ष शुरू हो गया। कार्यक्रम के अंत में राष्ट्रीय उपाध्यक्ष विवेकानंद केंद्र कन्याकुमारी श्री हनुमंत राव जी ने अपने उद्बोधन में " एकम सत विप्रा बहुधा वदंती " के मूल मंत्र का महत्व बताया  Diversity Inclusion and Mutual Respect के लिए आवश्यक बताया, conversion is violence, diversity is not division it is a expression of manifestation बताया, विविधता का आदर ही विश्व में शांति को पूर्णरूप से स्थापित कर सकता है, भारत के बिना विश्वशांति की कल्पना नहीं की जा सकती है। कार्यक्रम में विभिन्न क्षेत्रों के ख्यातिलब्ध 48 प्रबुद्ध नागरिकों ने कार्यशाला में सहभागिता ली |
विवेकानन्द केन्द्र जबलपुर के नगर संचालक वेदप्रकाश जी ने कार्यक्रम का संयोजन किया |

Yoga Course at Imphal

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Imphal branch conducted a 10 days yoga course based on the theme - Yoga : the way of life, in DM University from 17th April to 26th April 2023. Twenty yoga practioner from different places of Imphal and Thoubal attended the full course with utmost regularity. It was daily 1hr 15 min program. The course content consisted of both concepts and practical of yogasana. It started with prayer, breathing and loosening exercises, suryanamaskar, asanas of standing, sitting, prone and spine postures and pranayams. The concept part consisted of discourses and discussion/interactions on the yoga theories. It started with what is yoga? Then definitions of yoga from different scriptures, happiness analysis, four margs (ways) of yoga defined by Swami Vivekananda, Astangayoga in details, a brief introduction on the life and message of Swami Vivekananda and about Vivekananda Kendra - a Spiritually-Oriented Service Mission. On 26th April, the course completed with concluding program and certificate distribution. Dr. S. Rajendra Singh, renowned urosurgeon and social activist was present as Chief Guest and Dr. L. Rajen Singh, HOD, Physics Department, DM University presided over the program. They have also participated in the yoga course. 
Dr. Rajendra Singh in his address described the importance of yoga in present context. Also demonstrated Neti Kriya - a Yogic kriya, very much beneficial in treating sinus, and some other respiratory ailments. Oja emphasized yoga over exercises as yoga does not need expensive equipments. Dr. L. Rajen Singh in his presidential remark explained yoga is integration of body, mind and soul. Yoga is expansion of self to family, community, society, nation and whole creation. Yoga is a way of life. Sri BK Singh, former Principal, Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya, Amliang, Arunachal Pradesh gave the welcome address and Sri M. Chandrababu Singh, senior teacher, Manipur Public School, Imphal offered the vote of thanks. A group song was presented by Smt Nalini Devi, former teacher, VKV, Amliang and young participants of the course. The program was conducted by S. Robita Devi. All the participants received the completion certificate in the program. Yoga is a continuous and consistent process. As follow up some new 10 days yoga courses are planned in different localities of Imphal.

Kudumba Sangamam at Guruvayur

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Guruvayur Branch organized ‘Kudumba Sangamam’ (Parivar Milan) as a part of Amrit Parivar at Shri. Premananda Ji's residence, Kottappadi, Guruvayur on 16th April, 2023 from 10 a.m. to 4.15 p.m. 41 people participated in the programme.

There were sessions on the topics: ‘Family, the cradle of culture for children’ and ‘Srimad Bhagavad Gita in daily life’. Family games and prayers were also the part of the programme.

Parvar Milan at Delhi

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Delhi Branch organized ‘Parivar Milan’ at Chanakyapuri Center on 9th April 2023 in the evening. 60 People took part in the Parivar Milan. The purpose of the programme is to bring together the parents of Yuva Karyakarthas of VK Delhi and to explain them about the importance of Kendra activities in which their children are involved.
 

Uttar Prant Yuva Pramukh Shri. Nikhil Yadav Ji said that the Yuva Karyakarthas of VK Delhi regularly visit each other’s home and this Parivar Milan is an effort to bring together the families of all the karyakartas and to make the circle of family complete. The schedule of the programme included games, group discussions, and experience sharing by the Karyakartas and their parents. The programme was concluded with Shanti Mantra followed by prasad. 

Personality Development Camp at Edavilangu Village

Vivekananda Kendra Vedic Vision Foundation, Kodungallur conducted a Personality Development Camp at Edavilangu village from 01/04/2023 to 07/04/2023 for the Primary and Middle school students. 55 children participated in the Camp and 35 parents were also present.

The organizing team consisted of Karyarkarthas from Edavilangu village who got associated with Kendra recently. They have planned to start a Samskar Varga with 19 children at the same village as a follow-up. Yoga Satra, Swadhya Varga and Kendra Varga are also to be started in near future.

Swadhyaya Competitions at Madurai

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Madurai Branch conducted Swadhyaya Competitions at two colleges in Madurai on 6th April, 2023. The competitions were conducted in N.M.S. Sermathai Vasan College for Women, Avanipuram and in Sourashtra College, Pasumalai in which 31 students and 30 students (totally 61 students) participated in the competitions respectively.

Essay writing, Elocution and Quiz competitions were conducted for the students based on the book ‘Narguna Nayagar Vivekanandar’. Narguna Nayagar Vivekanandar is a Tamil book published by Vivekananda Kendra Rural Development Programme and the book compiles good character traits of Swami Vivekananda with incidents from his life.

The purpose of the Swadhyaya competitions is to encourage the students to imbibe those good character traits of Swami Vivekananda.
In both the colleges, book prizes were distributed for the winners on the same day.

Kendra Parichay Programme at Manipur Vibhag

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Manipur Vibhag conducted a Kendra Parichay Programme in Khangabok village of Thoubal niyojit nagarstan.

Prant Sangathak Adharneeya Rupesh Ji graced the occasion with his presence. More than 20 people attended the programme.

विवेकानंद संदेश यात्रा स्मारिका का विमोचन

विवेकानंद संदेश यात्रा का राजस्थान में आयोजन से स्वामी विवेकानंद के संदेश को शाश्वत बनाने का कार्य हुआ है और यह कार्य राजस्थान प्रांत की टीम ने मिलकर के किया है, इसे और आगे बढ़ाने की आवश्यकता है जिससे कि राजस्थान के प्रत्येक जिले में केंद्र की शाखाएं खड़ी हो तथा कार्य पद्धति के सभी आयामों को विकसित किए जाने की आवश्यकता है। यह कार्य एक व्यक्ति का नहीं है अपितु इसमें प्रत्येक कार्यकर्ता को अपनी सामर्थ्य से बढ़कर करना होगा क्योंकि यह ईश्वरीय कार्य है। उक्त विचार विवेकानंद केंद्र कन्याकुमारी की राष्ट्रीय अध्यक्ष माननीय श्री ए बालाकृष्णन ने विवेकानंद संदेश यात्रा राजस्थान की स्मारिका विवेक चेतना के विमोचन के अवसर पर व्यक्त किए। उन्होंने कहा कि इस स्मारिका में न केवल सजीव चित्रों का संकलन है अपितु यह स्मारिका जिस संदेश को देना चाहती है उसका भी समावेश यथोचित स्थान पर किया गया है इसमें प्रकाशित आलेख भी पठनीय है एवं प्रेरणादायी है।
इस अवसर पर विवेकानंद केंद्र कन्याकुमारी के राष्ट्रीय महासचिव श्री डी भानुदास तथा विवेकानंद केंद्र राजस्थान प्रांत के प्रमुख श्री भगवान सिंह भी उपस्थित थे। स्मारिका का संपादन साहित्य सेवा प्रमुख श्री उमेश कुमार चौरसिया ने किया है तथा इसके संयोजन में विवेकानंद संदेश यात्रा के संयोजक डॉ स्वतंत्र शर्मा ने सहयोग प्रदान किया है। कार्यक्रम का आयोजन महेश्वरी सदन आजाद नगर भीलवाड़ा में हुआ। इस अवसर पर विवेकानंद केंद्र कन्याकुमारी राजस्थान प्रांत के समस्त विभागों के कार्यकर्ता उपस्थित थे। 

International Women’s Day Celebration by VK Hebbal

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Hebbal Branch organized a lecture program on the topic ‘Women's Power’ at Vijaya Vittala Engineering College as part of Women's day Celebrations. 75 students attended the programme.

Hebbal Nagar Sahitya Seva Pramukh Smt. Smita was the Chief Guest for the programme and delivered a lecture on the topic ‘Women's Power’. The lecture focused on the true potential of women, obstacles faced by women and the ways to overcome them. The students participated enthusiastically in the session which concluded on a positive note to Think Big and Achieve Big with courage and confidence. 

Also, Smt. Smita has conducted two Vimarsha programmes for the members of Sevika Samiti on Bhakti Yoga and Karma yoga on two different occasions.

21st Anniversary of Sandeepani Sishuvihar

Vivekananda Kendra Vedic Vision Foundation’s Sandeepani Sishuvihar celebrated its 21st anniversary at Kodungallur on 2nd April, 2023. Four outgoing children were honoured with a shawl, a lamp and certificate. Retired Professor Sri. Muraleedharan Ji was the Chief Guest. Children from Sishuvihar and Samskarvarga presented various cultural programs.

Yoga Sastra Sangamam 2023

The Yoga Sastra Sangamam organized by Vivekananda Kendra Institute of Culture (VKIC) was held at Williamson Magor Auditorium, VKIC, Guwahati, on 2nd April 2023. The Sangamam was graced by Swami Atmashuddhananda, Secretary, Ramakrishna Mission Ashram, Guwahati, as the Chief Guest.

Other dignitaries of Vivekananda Kendra were Ma. Hanumantha Rao, Vice President, Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari and Ad. Dr. Sova Rani Barkataky Sarmah, Prant Pramukh, Vivekananda Kendra Assam Prant was also present in the occasion. There was an upastithi of 364 people.