lJuna Akhada Maha Mandaleshwar Swami Anandavanam Bharati Ji’s visit to VK-VVF Kodugallur

 Juna Akhada Maha Mandaleshwar Swami Anandavanam Bharati Ji visited Vivekananda Kendra Vedic Vision Foundation (VKVVF), Kodungallur (Kerala Prant), on 18th April 2025 at 11:30 a.m. A total of 30 people were present during the visit and received Swamiji’s blessings.

Juna Akhada, one of India’s oldest and largest monastic orders, has a legacy of over 1200 years and includes more than 4,00,000 monks devoted to spiritual practices and the preservation of Sanatana Dharma. VKVVF organized a warm and grand welcome to felicitate Swami Anandavanam Bharati Ji, the first Maha Mandaleshwar of Juna Akhada from Kerala.

Swamiji was received with traditional rituals by Adaraneeya Sri Sudhakar Ji, Senior Jeevan-Vrati Karyakarta of Vivekananda Kendra. Mananeeya Dr. Lakshmi Kumari Didi, Director of VK-VVF, welcomed Swamiji. Swami Anandavanam Bharati Ji shared his blessings and thoughts with the participants.

He spent the rest of the day at VK-VVF, engaging in meaningful interactions and discussions about future activities, particularly focused on preserving and promoting Sanatana Dharma in Kerala.

Interactive Personality Development Workshops at VKV Kanyakumari

Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu Prant), has decided to organise a series of awareness activities for students as part of the "Know Vivekananda Kendra" initiative. Over the past two years, Adarneeya Kum. Radha Didi, Tamil Nadu Prant Sangathak, Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari and teachers have been conducting Personality Development Workshops for middle school students. This year, the sessions were organized for students of Class V on 28th July, Class VI on 29th July, and Class VII on 30th July 2025. A total of 278 students attended.

The program was thoughtfully structured to engage the students through:

• Introduction to Kanyakumari’s cultural and spiritual significance.
• Awareness about Vivekananda Kendra and its various activities.
• Interactive games focused on enhancing awareness, concentration, decision-making, and enthusiasm.
• Storytelling sessions aimed at inculcating moral values.
• Discussions on becoming responsible individuals, serving family, and contributing to society.
• Guided meditation sessions for mental clarity and inner peace.

 

The sessions were well-received and created a positive impact among the students, inspiring them to live a purposeful life and serve with love and responsibility.

On 28th July 2025, the session focused on enhancing listening, concentration, and communication skills through interactive games, storytelling, and engaging discussions. Activities like “If You Are Fine,” “Flower Clap,” and a story from the Ramayanam encouraged participation, attentiveness, and value-based reflection. Students also sang a bhajan on Bhagwan Shiva, discussed its meaning, and experienced a calming guided meditation. The session concluded with feedback sharing, summarization by Aadharneeya Radha Didi, and the chanting of the Shanti Mantra, leaving a sense of peace and fulfillment among all present. 90 students and 10 teachers participated.

On 29th July 2025, the session aimed to nurture self-awareness, focus, and value-based thinking. Through engaging activities like “If You Are Fine,” “Ram and Shyam,” and Swamiji-inspired memory games, students developed attentiveness and coordination. Aadharneeya Radha Didi introduced the concept of a “Jeevan Vrati Karyakarta” and emphasized the importance of concentration for success. An inspiring story about an artist’s character evolution was shared, with a student, Sri S. Viswa of Class VI-B, retelling it in Tamil for better understanding. The session concluded with guided meditation, feedback sharing, and the chanting of the Shanti Mantra, leaving students inspired and reflective. 85 students and 10 teachers participated.

On 30th July 2025, the session began with Omkar and Shanti Path, followed by a reflection on past experiences. Students actively participated in engaging games like “Ram and Shyam,” “If You Are Fine,” “Fish and Net,” and “Ram, Raja, Raghav,” which fostered mindfulness, listening, and social interaction. Radha Didi explained the deeper values behind each activity, encouraging introspection and personal growth. A key highlight was the story “Who Am I?”, focusing on self-awareness and emotional balance, which was retold in Tamil by student Sanjeev from Class VII-B. The session concluded with a guided meditation and feedback sharing, with students expressing heartfelt appreciation. The program ended on a peaceful note with the chanting of the Shanti Mantra, leaving a meaningful and lasting impression on all. 103 students and 10 teachers participated.

The workshops were well-received by both students and teachers. Students expressed enthusiasm and gratitude for the interactive approach and meaningful content. The initiative left a lasting impression, contributing significantly to the character and personality development of the young participants.

Free Eye Screening Camp at Thiruchendur by VKRDP

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu Prant, Rural Development Programme (VK-RDP), Kovilpatti Branch, organised a Free Eye Screening Camp on Sunday, 27th July 2025, at Sri Saravanaiyyer Middle School, Thiruchendur, from 9 AM to 2 PM, drawing wide participation from rural communities.

The camp was conducted in collaboration with Velavan Gas Agency (Bharat Gas Distributors) and the renowned Aravind Eye Hospital, Thoothukudi, with generous funding support from the Thoothukudi District Blindness Control Society (DBCS).
A team of dedicated doctors and supporting nurses from Aravind Eye Hospital carried out the screenings with professionalism and care, ensuring that every participant received the necessary attention and guidance.

A total of 105 people from 26 nearby villages availed themselves of the camp’s services. Among them, 7 patients were referred to Aravind Eye Hospital for advanced treatment, while 8 participants were given medicines on the spot, and 6 were provided with spectacles, bringing immediate relief and improved vision to those in need.
The eye camp was meticulously organised by karykarthas of VK RDP Kovilpatti branch, along with the enthusiastic support of Kovilpatti and Thoothukudi social workers and well-wishers, whose tireless efforts ensured smooth execution and impactful outreach.

Weekly Amrita Parivar Sankul Milan at Keezhvaipur

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Kerala Prant, Pathanamthitta Branch conducted the weekly Amrita Parivar Sankul Milan on 25th July 2025 at the residence of Soorya Chechi, Keezhvaipur. A total of 13 members from 5 families participated.

The programme began at 5:00 p.m. with a prayer, followed by a discussion on “5 അ” focusing on the first value – Sughi. Participants then learnt a few lines of a bhajan and engaged in a hands-on activity of making paper bags together. Plans for the next Sankul gathering were also discussed.

The session concluded at 6:00 p.m. with the Shanti Mantra and Kendra Prarthana. All members participated actively in the discussions and enjoyed the craft activity, fostering both learning and bonding. The next Sankul gathering is scheduled for 1st August 2025.

Bhajan Sandhya on Chowdeshwari Devi Jayanthi at RT Nagar

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

On the auspicious occasion of Goddess Chowdeshwari Devi Jayanthi, Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Karnataka Prant, 

RT Nagar Branch organized a soulful Bhajan Sandhya on 24th July 2025 at Sri Adi Shakthi Chowdeshwari Devi Temple in Dinnur. A total of 117 people attended.

The event witnessed the presence of around 100 devotees who had gathered to participate in the pooja and immerse themselves in the devotional singing to seek the divine blessings of the Goddess. The Bhajan Sandhya created a spiritually uplifting atmosphere filled with devotion and serenity.

A total of 17 karyakartas and Samskara Varga children actively participated in the bhajan, lending vibrancy and enthusiasm to the event.

आवासीय व्यक्तित्व विकास शिविर — विवेकानन्द केन्द्र शाखा कांगड़ा

 

दिनांक 23 से 27 जुलाई 2025, विवेकानन्द केन्द्र कन्याकुमारी शाखा – कांगड़ा द्वारा रेनबो इंटरनेशनल स्कूल, नगरौटा बगवां, हिमाचल प्रदेश में एक आवासीय व्यक्तित्व विकास शिविर का सफल आयोजन किया गया।

शिविर का उद्घाटन समारोह रेनबो स्कूल के संचालक श्री छवि कश्यप, देहरा के पुलिस अधीक्षक श्री मयंक चौधरी (IPS) तथा विवेकानन्द केन्द्र के सह प्रांत संयोजक श्री लोकेश जी की गरिमामयी उपस्थिति में सम्पन्न हुआ।

पाँच दिवसीय शिविर के दौरान विभिन्न बौद्धिक सत्रों के माध्यम से विद्यार्थियों के व्यक्तित्व विकास की दिशा में प्रेरक विषयों पर चर्चा हुई:

• स्वामी विवेकानंद – जीवन संदेश (डॉ. अशोक रैना)
• भगिनी निवेदिता (श्री लोकेश केसरे)
• माननीय एकनाथ जी का जीवन (श्री बलवीर कुशवाह)
• जीवन का उद्देश्य (श्री लोकेश केसरे)

शिविर के दौरान "Sound of Joy" तथा श्री एकनाथ जी एवं शिला स्मारक पर आधारित वीडियो प्रदर्शन ने सहभागियों को असंभव को संभव करने की प्रेरणा दी।

सत्रों में श्रम संस्कार, शारीरिक समता अभ्यास, संस्कार वर्ग, और भजन संध्या जैसे विविध आयामों के माध्यम से विद्यार्थियों के समग्र विकास का प्रयास किया गया। इन गतिविधियों का संचालन कन्हैया भैया, अमन भैया, मानसी दीदी, नीलम दीदी तथा लोकेश भैया के मार्गदर्शन में हुआ।

समापन समारोह में रेनबो वर्ल्ड की प्रिंसिपल श्रीमती मीनाक्षी कश्यप, ADM श्रीमती शिल्पी बेकता तथा विवेकानन्द केन्द्र कांगड़ा की कार्यकर्ता श्रीमती बबीता शर्मा जी की उपस्थिति में विद्यार्थियों को प्रेरणास्पद संदेश दिया गया।

इस शिविर में कुल 42 शिविरार्थियों ने भाग लिया, जिनमें 16 बहनें और 26 भाई शामिल थे। यह शिविर सभी प्रतिभागियों के लिए एक आध्यात्मिक, सांस्कृतिक और प्रेरणादायी अनुभव सिद्ध हुआ।

New Swadhyaya Varga inaugurated at RT Nagar

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Karnataka Prant, RT Nagar Branch inaugurated a new Swadhyaya Varga at the Samhita School of Perform
ing Arts and the RT Nagar Branch Karyalaya on 20th April 2025. A total of 16 people attended the varga.

The inaugural programme began with a prayer, followed by Deepa Prajwalan. The Karyakartas sang the Sharada Stuti and sought the blessings of the Goddess of Knowledge. The Swadhyaya Varga poster was unveiled by Shri Purushottam Ji (Nagar Sanchalak), Ms. Thara Bai Didi (Sahitya Seva Pramukh), and senior Karyakarta Dharani Amma.

Shri Purushottam Ji guided the gathering about the purpose of Swadhyaya Varga and spoke on the four margas, emphasizing the importance of Jnana Marga (path of knowledge). Thara Bai Didi motivated the participants and offered prayers for the continuity and success of the varga through her Hita Vanchana.

पोस्टर लॉन्चिंग एवं प्रमाणपत्र वितरण कार्यक्रम

 

विवेकानन्द केन्द्र कन्याकुमारी, शाखा - गोधरा द्वारा श्री सार्वजनिक कॉमर्स कॉलेज, गोधरा में एक महत्वपूर्ण कार्यक्रम का आयोजन किया गया। इस अवसर पर नेतृत्व कार्यशाला में सहभागी विद्यार्थियों को प्रमाणपत्र वितरित किए गए एवं युवा आयाम से संबंधित आगामी गतिविधियों का पोस्टर लॉन्च किया गया।

कार्यक्रम में विवेकानन्द केन्द्र मुख्यालय से पधारे श्री राजनभाई ने स्वामी विवेकानंद के प्रेरणादायी जीवन, उनके विचारों एवं युवाओं के लिए केन्द्र द्वारा चलाए जा रहे आगामी कार्यक्रमों की विस्तृत जानकारी दी। उन्होंने बताया कि स्वामी विवेकानंद के जीवन से प्रेरणा लेकर कैसे युवा अपने व्यक्तित्व का विकास कर सकते हैं और समाज में नेतृत्व की भूमिका निभा सकते हैं।

आगामी चरणों के अंतर्गत होने वाली नेतृत्व कार्यशालाएँ, प्रवास, विमर्श, एवं शिविर के विषय में भी विद्यार्थियों को जानकारी दी गई, जिससे वे भविष्य की गतिविधियों में सक्रिय रूप से जुड़ सकें।

इस कार्यक्रम में कॉलेज के प्राध्यापकगण भी उपस्थित रहे, जिन्होंने विद्यार्थियों को ऐसे कार्यक्रमों में भाग लेने के लिए प्रेरित किया। कुल मिलाकर 50 से अधिक विद्यार्थियों ने सहभागिता कर कार्यक्रम को सफल बनाया।

कार्यक्रम का समापन देशभक्ति की भावना से ओतप्रोत "वंदे मातरम्" के उद्घोष के साथ हुआ।

Orientation Programme on Life Skills and Study Skills Organised at VKV Kanyakumari

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Karnataka Prant, RT Nagar Branch in collaboration with Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu Prant) organized an Orientation Programme on Life Skills and Study Skills on 21st July 2025. The session, held at the VKV Kanyakumari campus from 10:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., aimed to empower students with essential academic strategies and life skills.

A total of 108 participants, including 98 students, 6 school teachers, the Principal, and 3 Karyakartas, took part in the event. The programme commenced with a prayer followed by the welcome address and introduction of the guest speaker by Principal Smt. Sariga Didi. Shri Bharath Ji, Nagar Pramukh of VK RT Nagar, Bangalore, served as the resource person. A melodious Geet—“Bane Hum Rashtra Ke Yogi”—was presented by Shri Tarun Anna, Karyalaya Pramukh of VK RT Nagar.

In an engaging and interactive session, Shri Bharath Ji covered key areas including goal setting, common academic challenges, memory and concentration techniques, exam preparedness, study tips, motivation, and concentration games. The students responded enthusiastically, participating actively throughout.

Shri Vishvajeet Anna, Samskara Varga Pramukh of RT Nagar, also interacted with the students, sharing his personal experiences of how these techniques, when applied, had a transformational impact on his own academic journey.

A teacher from the school expressed gratitude in the vote of thanks. The programme concluded with the chanting of Shanti Mantra and Kendra Prarthana led by VKV students, marking the conclusion of an inspiring and informative session.

1008 Thiruvilakku Puja Organised by VKRDP at Sankarankovil

Marking its 19th consecutive year, Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu Prant, Rural Development Programme (VKRDP), Kovilpatti Branch conducted the 1008 Thiruvilakku Puja (Deepa Puja) with great fervour and devotion at Arulmigu Sankaranarayana Swamy Temple, Sankarankovil, on Sunday, 20th July 2025.

The spiritually vibrant programme commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by Adarneeya Kum. Gayathri Akka, Prakalpa Sangatak, Vivekananda Kendra Prakashan Trust, Chennai along with Smt. Poongkodi Sivabalan, Smt. Bhuvaneshwari, and Smt. Muthulakshmi, all devoted well-wishers of the Kendra. A soulful prayer followed, after which Smt. Shanmuga Lakshmi, teacher at Bharath Tuition Centre, extended a warm welcome to the gathering.

The puja was graced by Adarneeya Shri. N. Krishnamoorthy ji, Senior Jeevan-vrati at Vivekananda Kendra, Adarneeya Shri. Ayyappan Anna, Prant Sah Sangatak, Tamil Nadu Prant and Prakalpa Sangatak, VKRDP and Shri. Saravanan, Temple Incharge who jointly presided over the proceedings.

Shri. Natarajan Swamy, Administrator of Thiruvannamalai Annadhana Trust, Kovilpatti, delivered the Aasirvachan offering blessings to all the devotees. A highlight of the event was a conversational play titled “Wake-Up Hindus”, performed by Kendra sisters, emphasizing the importance of cultural awakening and unity.

The Thiruvilakku Puja was led with deep devotion by Smt. Muthulakshmi, where 1,110 women from over 65 villages across five districts joined in prayer for rain and the welfare of the people.

The event saw enthusiastic participation from Kendra well-wishers, Balasevikas, Incharges, volunteers, and students of Bharath Tuition Centre, who all played vital roles in the smooth execution of the puja.

The programme was meticulously coordinated by Shri. Paramaguru Anna, Prakalpa Sah Sangatak, VKRDP, and Shri. Velmurugan, Secretary, Bharath Tuition Centre, whose efforts ensured the success of this grand spiritual gathering. 

Free Eye Screening Camp at Kadayam by VKRDP

As part of its ongoing efforts to extend quality healthcare to rural communities, Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu Prant, Rural Development Programme (VKRDP), Tenkasi District Branch organised a Free Eye Screening Camp on Sunday, 20th July 2025, at Chatram Bharathi Higher Secondary School, Kadayam from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The camp was held in collaboration with Aravind Eye Hospital, Tirunelveli, with the objective of delivering essential eye care services to residents of Kadayam and nearby areas.

The event commenced with a ceremonial lamp-lighting by doctors and local well-wishers. This was followed by a prayer led by RDP social workers, setting a serene and purposeful tone for the day.

A dedicated team of 10 members from Aravind Eye Hospital, including experienced doctors and nursing staff, facilitated the medical screenings. Adding to the spirit of community service, several students from the host school also stepped in as volunteers to ensure the smooth flow of activities and assist participants.

132 people received eye checkups during the camp. Out of them, 38 patients who were diagnosed with conditions requiring further care were referred to Aravind Eye Hospital, Tirunelveli, where they will receive free advanced treatment. To ensure comfort and nourishment, all beneficiaries were served lunch after the completion of the camp.

Leadership Development Camp for Youth at Kanyakumari

 

Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari – Karnataka Prant, organised a three-day Leadership Development Camp at the serene Vivekanandapuram campus in Kanyakumari from 18th to 20th July 2025. A total of 146 students (71 brothers and 75 sisters) from 44 colleges across 18 districts of Karnataka participated, along with 6 faculty members and 17 organising team karyakartas. The participants were grouped into 9 Ganas (teams) under 3 Mandalas (groups) for effective coordination. 

The selection process was carried out in three phases. Phase I involved the Swadhyaya exam, conducted between January and March 2025 in various colleges across Karnataka, based on the book ‘Swami Vivekananda – Life and Messages’ in Kannada and English. In Phase II, a one-day Personality Development Workshop was held from April to June 2025 for students who had taken the exam. In Phase III, selected students were invited to participate in the 3-day Shibir at Kanyakumari. Prior to the camp, two online meetings were held—one with Gana Pramukhs and faculty, and another with all participants—to brief them about the programme.

The journey began on 17th July with all participants assembling at SMVT Railway Station, where ID cards were distributed. Bhajan Sandhya was conducted during the train journey. Upon arrival at Vivekanandapuram, participants experienced the peaceful ambience of the training centre. The Shibir, a flagship programme of Karnataka Prant for 2025–2028, was designed to nurture leadership qualities, imbibe cultural values, and promote teamwork among youth.

The camp schedule included a variety of activities such as Kendra Varga, Geet Abhyas, group discussions, Prerana se Punarutthan, Yoga Abhyas, Bhajan Sandhya at Ekakshara Ganapati and Kanyakumari Temples, Shram Samskar, Prathasmaran, team-building workshops, Mahavidyalaysthan Charcha, and a feedback session. Participants also visited the Arise Awake, Gangotri, and Ramayan Darshanam exhibitions; the sunrise point; Eknathji Samadhi; Vivekananda Rock Memorial; Kanyakumari Temple; and Suchindram Temple.

Six Bauddhik sessions were conducted:

1. Inaugural Session by Mananeeya Gopinath Ji & Aadharneeya Lalita Akka
2. ‘Swami Vivekananda - Hero of the Youth’ by Mananeeya Nivedita Didi
3. ‘Leadership through Kendra Varga’ by Mananeeya Rekha Didi
4. ‘Story of Vivekananda Rock Memorial & Vivekananda Kendra – Learnings for Leaders’ – Mananeeya Krishnamurthy Ji (Anna Ji)
5. ‘Shri Eknathji Ranade – Learnings for a Manager’ – Aadharnaeeya Ravi Naidu Ji
6. Concluding Session – Aadharneeya Radha Didi & Aadharneeya Prasad Ji

A special session during Prerana se Punarutthan on 19th July featured a presentation on Engineers India Limited (EIL). Through a video call, Mananeeya Venkatesh Ji explained the history of India’s petroleum sector, the technological capabilities of EIL, and how Bharat’s self-reliance in this sector was achieved through the dedicated work of engineers and technocrats.

The participants and faculty members actively engaged in all activities, creating a homely and cooperative atmosphere. Faculty members also assisted the kitchen team in preparing chapatis and food packets for the return journey, while students enthusiastically took part in serving food as a team. Feedback was collected, and e-certificates were sent to all participants via email. Follow-up activities are being planned to maintain the association and support the overall development of the participants.