North East Calling programme at Mysore

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Karnataka Prant organized the Northeast Calling Programme on 16 November 2025 at the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL), Mysore, to celebrate the vibrant spirit, cultural richness, and developmental journey of Bharat’s Northeast region. The programme highlighted the unique heritage of the eight Northeastern states—Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura—and showcased Vivekananda Kendra’s sustained seva activities in the region since the 1970s, guided by the vision of Development through Culture. A total of 150 participants, including invitees, Karyakartas, and CIIL staff members, attended the programme.

The event was graced by eminent dignitaries, including Dr. R. Balasubramaniam Ji, Member, Human Resource – Capacity Building Commission, Government of India, and Founder, Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement; Mananeeya Kum. Nivedita Bhide Didi, Vice President, Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari; and Prof. Shailendra Mohan Ji, Director, CIIL, Mysore.

Shri Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar Ji, Hon’ble Member of Parliament from Mysuru–Kodagu, conveyed his good wishes through a video message.

The programme commenced with three Omkaras and the chanting of Sahanavavatu, followed by the traditional Deepa Prajwalana. Shri Ramesh Bhat Ji presented Kendra Parichaya, highlighting the wide-ranging seva activities of Vivekananda Kendra in the Northeastern states as well as in Karnataka.

Cultural performances formed a vibrant part of the programme, reflecting the spirit of unity in diversity. Students of Sharada Shikshana Samsthe, Hanumanalu presented a patriotic Kannada song, while students of Vijaya Vittala School rendered a Northeastern song in the Khasi language. A traditional Northeastern dance performed by students of Sharada Shikshana Samsthe added colour and energy to the celebrations.

As a mark of gratitude, Dr. M. Jagannath Shenoy Ji was felicitated for his valuable contribution during the construction of the Vivekananda Rock Memorial.

In his address, Prof. Shailendra Mohan Ji warmly welcomed the dignitaries and participants. In his video message, Shri Yaduveer Wadiyar Ji expressed his appreciation for the programme and extended his best wishes for Vivekananda Kendra’s continued work in the Northeast. Dr. R. Balasubramaniam Ji emphasized the strategic, cultural, economic, and ecological significance of Northeast India and underlined the importance of its integration into the national mainstream for preserving India’s unity and sovereignty.

Mananeeya Nivedita Bhide Didi spoke on Vivekananda Kendra’s four-decade-long engagement in the Northeast, stating that the region is not merely welcomed but deeply cherished by the people, and that its many success stories stand as testimony to the Kendra’s commitment to holistic development through culture.

An exhibition featuring publications of Vivekananda Kendra Institute of Culture and Vivekananda Kendra Prakashan was also organized. Handcrafted shawls, bags, and traditional gamchas produced by the Khatkhati branch were prominently displayed, reflecting the rich craftsmanship and cultural heritage of the Northeastern region.

The programme concluded with the chanting of the Shanti Mantra, followed by lunch and informal interaction, bringing the meaningful and memorable celebration to a graceful conclusion.