Swami Vivekananda Jayanti and School’s Annual Day Celebration at VKV Kanyakumari

Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu Prant), organized the celebration of Swami Vivekananda Jayanti, observed nationally as National Youth Day, along with the Annual Day of the school, on Monday, 12th January 2026 at 2.00 p.m. The programme was held at Swami Vivekananda Sabhagruham, Vivekanandapuram, with great reverence, patriotic fervour, and a deep sense of inspiration. The celebration aimed to honour the life, ideals, and vision of Swami Vivekananda and to motivate students to cultivate courage, discipline, self-confidence, and a spirit of selfless service to the nation. A total of 1,500 students, parents, and teachers participated in the celebration.

The programme commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, followed by the invocation, ‘Vande Mataram.’ The event was efficiently compered by Smt. P. Jeya, Teacher.

The welcome address was delivered by Smt. K. G. Sariga, Principal of the school who warmly welcomed the Chief Guest Shri G. Senthil Kumar, Superintendent of Post Offices, Kanyakumari Division, Nagercoil; the Special Guest Shri P. Palvannan, Deputy General Manager (Retd.), ISRO Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri; and Mananeeya Shri Hanumantharaoji, All-India Vice President of Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Vivekananda Kendra. She also extended her welcome to the dignitaries, parents, teachers, and students, emphasizing the relevance of Swami Vivekananda’s birth anniversary as a perennial source of inspiration for the youth.

The Annual Report of the school was then presented by Smt. K. G. Sariga, highlighting the academic achievements of students, co-curricular and cultural activities, sports accomplishments, value-based education initiatives, and community service activities undertaken during the year. The report reflected the institution’s unwavering commitment to holistic education rooted in the ideals of Swami Vivekananda.

Following this, students of the school rendered a melodious and inspiring group song, conveying the message of patriotism, unity, and devotion to the nation.

The special address was delivered by Shri P. Palvannan, Deputy General Manager (Retd.), ISRO Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri. In his insightful and motivating speech, he emphasized the importance of scientific temper, discipline, and moral courage in students’ lives. He highlighted the enduring relevance of Swami Vivekananda’s teachings, underscoring the need for respect towards elders and teachers, self-reliance, humility, simplicity, and disciplined living. Referring to the celebration of National Youth Day since 1985 and Swami Vivekananda’s historic address at the Chicago Parliament of Religions, he urged students to perform their duties with purity, sincerity, and dedication, serving both home and nation.

The prize distribution ceremony followed, during which students were honoured for their outstanding achievements in academics and co-curricular activitie. The prize list was read by Smt. Maheswari, Teacher. Vasista House won the trophy for excellence in Extra Curricular Activities, which was received by the House in-charges and student toppers.

The Chief Guest, Shri G. Senthil Kumar, addressed the gathering and appreciated the profound philosophy and thoughts of Swami Vivekananda. He highlighted the importance of education, character building, and selfless service in shaping the younger generation. He also advised students to avoid unnecessary technological distractions and to use advancements in technology and artificial intelligence wisely for personal and national growth.

In his presidential address, Mananeeya Shri Hanumantaraoji spoke about the nationwide significance of Youth Day celebrations and reflected on the life of Swami Vivekananda, born as Narendra Datta, and his spiritual transformation. He urged students to absorb the ideas imparted by their teachers and to focus equally on academic excellence, spiritual growth, and character development. Emphasizing fearlessness, self-confidence, love for the nation, and respect for culture and tradition, he called upon students to become responsible and tolerant citizens. He reminded them that tolerance does not imply accepting wrong actions and encouraged them to stay away from negative influences, quoting the teachings of Shri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Holy Mother Shri Sarada Devi.

As a token of gratitude, mementos were presented to the dignitaries by Mananeeya Shri Hanumantaraoji. The vote of thanks was proposed by Shri Sanjeev Rajan, Vice Principal of the school, who expressed heartfelt thanks to all dignitaries, guests, parents, teachers, students, and organizers for their valuable contributions to the success of the programme.

The celebration concluded with a vibrant cultural programme presented by the students, featuring Bharatanatyam, dramas, and dances performed with enthusiasm and confidence, followed by the Shanti Mantra. The celebration of the Swami Vivekananda Jayanti and the school’s Annual Day was a grand success, reinforcing the harmonious integration of education, culture, and spirituality.