Personality Development Camp for Children in Ramanathapuram District

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu Prant, Rural Development Programme (VKRDP), Ramanathapuram Branch organized a five-day Personality Development Camp from 6th May to 10th May 2025 at Thiruppullani, a spiritually significant village in Ramanathapuram District. The camp emphasized physical, mental, and spiritual growth through a well-structured blend of yoga, games, group activities, patriotic songs, and inspirational stories.

A total of 42 children from nearby villages enthusiastically participated in the camp. The sessions began with yoga and pranayama, which helped the children cultivate discipline, focus, and physical fitness. This was followed by interactive storytelling sessions, which conveyed important life values such as courage, honesty, self-confidence, and respect for elders.

Team-building games and activities brought out the spirit of cooperation and leadership among the children. The camp atmosphere was vibrant and filled with learning, laughter, and shared experiences, making it a memorable journey for all involved.

The camp culminated in a concluding program on 10th May 2025, in the presence of well-wishers and respected guests – Sri Ramesh, Smt. Vani, and Smt. Lakshmi, who inaugurated the concluding ceremony by lighting the traditional lamp.

During the ceremony, the children showcased their talents, reflecting the skills and values they had imbibed during the camp. It was followed by Matru Puja, where children performed a simple yet profound ritual to honour their parents and seeking their blessings.

The program concluded with the distribution of mementos to all participants by the chief guests, as a token of encouragement and appreciation. They also addressed the gathering, praising the efforts of Vivekananda Kendra and urging the parents to continue supporting their children’s holistic development.

International Day of Yoga celebration at RJ Public School in Bengaluru

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, through all its branch centres across Bharat, celebrated the International Day of Yoga 2025 with great enthusiasm, aiming to bring forth Yoga in its true essence—as a way of life based on the vision of Oneness.  As a part of the celebrations, Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Karnataka Prant, RT Nagar Branch organized a Yoga session at RJ Public School, Vasanth Nagar, Bengaluru from 11 a.m. to 12 noon. A total of 229 participants, including 197 students, 27 faculty members, and 5 Karyakartas, took part in the celebration.

The session was conducted following the Common Yoga Protocol issued by the Ministry of AYUSH, incorporating āsanas, prāṇāyāma, and guided relaxation. The event aimed to promote awareness about holistic health and well-being through the practice of Yoga.

The school management expressed heartfelt gratitude for organizing the IDY programme and conveyed their interest in hosting more Vivekananda Kendra activities for the benefit of the students in the future.

 

Free Eye Check-up Camp at Thoothukudi

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari – Tamil Nadu Prant, VK Rural Development Programme (VK RDP), Kovilpatti Branch organized a Free Eye Check-up Camp on 4th of May 2025 at Hindu Nadar Middle School, Kulathur, in Thoothukudi District.

This camp was conducted in collaboration with the Aravind Eye Hospital, Thoothukudi, whose expert medical team rendered their valuable support to the programme.

A total of 115 outpatients underwent thorough eye examinations during the camp. The check-ups included vision screening, diagnosis of common eye conditions, and consultations. Out of these, 19 patients were identified with conditions requiring additional medical attention and were referred to Aravind Eye Hospital for further treatment and necessary procedures.

In addition, 20 patients were provided with free medicines to address minor eye ailments, ensuring immediate relief and care.

VK Pathanamthitta organizes Kendra Parichaya Shibir at Kanyakumari

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Kerala Prant, Pathanamthitta Branch organized a Kendra Parichaya Shibir at the Training Center, Vivekanandapuram, Kanyakumari, from 27th to 29th April 2025. A total of 38 participants from 12 families, along with 5 Karyakartas, attended the Shibir. This Shibir was conducted as a follow-up to the Matru Sammelan held at Keezhvaipur, Pathanamthitta, on 20th February 2025, as part of the Amrita Parivar initiative.

The participants arrived at Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari on 27th April by noon. After lunch at the Kendra, they visited the Kanyakumari Devi temple and later witnessed the sunset at the beach. Dinner was served at Vivekanandapuram.

On the morning of 28th April, the team visited the Sri Tirupati Balaji Temple, witnessed the sunrise, and had darshan of Lord Venkateswara. They then proceeded to Swami Vivekananda Mandapam and Mananeeya Eknathji’s Samadhi. At the Samadhi, Aadharneeya Kum. Radha Devi Didi, Kerala Prant Sanghatak, addressed the participants and spoke about Swami Vivekananda, Eknathji, and the mission of Vivekananda Kendra.

After breakfast at 8:30 AM, the participants visited the Ramayana Darshan exhibition. By 11:00 AM, they proceeded to the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, where VK Kerala Samparka Pramukh Shri Vishnu Ji gave an insightful briefing about the Memorial and the significance of the Sreepadaparai. The team also visited the glass bridge and the Thiruvalluvar statue. Following lunch at Vivekanandapuram, they explored the various exhibitions within the campus, guided by Aadharneeya Priyamvada Didi, who explained the themes and messages of each exhibition. In the evening, they participated in the Arati at Shri Ekakshara Mahaganapati Temple.

A particularly engaging discussion took place between the children and Shri Vishnu Ji, who enthusiastically responded to their questions, clarifying doubts and inspiring curiosity. On the morning of 29th April, the participants watched the sunrise from Sunrise Point and enjoyed some time at the Vivekanandapuram beach. After breakfast, they departed for Shri Thanumalayan Temple at Suchindram.

The participants, including both children and elders, deeply appreciated the serene, spiritual, and inspiring atmosphere at Vivekananda Kendra — surrounded by pe

acocks, cranes, cows, and mango trees. All expressed their desire to actively support the Kendra’s activities and carry forward the work of the Amrita Parivar. Each family also contributed to the Annadanam at the Kendra. The success of the Shibir was the result of continuous follow-up by the dedicated stanik Karyakartas, Shri Vivek Gopinath Ji and Smt. Ambili Vivek didi.