Participants arrived on 7th August and joined the Bhajan Sandhya, followed by an introductory session on the organizing team, the retreat schedule and the code of conduct. The retreat formally commenced on 8th August with a carefully structured daily routine beginning at 5:15 a.m. with Guided Meditation, Pratahsmaranam and Gita Pathan. The day continued with Yoga Abhyas, Alpahar, Shramasamskar, Shramaparihar, Satras, Manthan, mantra chanting, Bhojan, evening Yoga Abhyas, meditation, In Tune with Nature, Bhajan Sandhya, Prerana Se Punarutthan and concluded with Atmavalokan at 9:00 p.m.
The participants were organized into seven Ganas, named after the ancient cultural centres of Bharat—Badri, Ayodhya, Kashi, Puri, Kanchi, Rameshwaram and Kamrup. Shramasamskar, manthan and food service were conducted Gana-wise, while Bhajan Sandhya, Gita Pathan, Kendra Varga, Prerana Se Punarutthan and meditation were conducted jointly.
The lecture sessions, conducted separately in Hindi and English, explored a wide range of themes including Kendra Prarthana, the Concept of Spirituality, Yoga as a Way of Life, Indian Culture, Mananeeya Eknathji and the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Maa Sarada and Swami Vivekananda, Dharma-based Life, Vivekananda Kendra as a Thought Movement, Consumer to Contributor and Sadhana. Each session was followed by meaningful Gana-wise discussions, enabling participants to reflect upon, share and present their insights.
The Manthan sessions included a book-based discussion on Sadhana of Service by Mananeeya Eknathji, published by Vivekananda Kendra Prakashan. The chapters Daily Routine and Live a Purposeful Life were taken up for discussion and reflection.
Yoga formed an integral part of the retreat. Morning and evening sessions included loosening exercises, Chair Suryanamaskar, Asanas, Pranayama, Yogic Relaxation and meditation techniques, along with an introduction to Yoga philosophy based on the vision of Oneness. A special combined session on Omkar Meditation was also conducted. Participants learnt to chant Pratahsmaranam Stotrams, Aikya Mantram, Shanti Path, Bhagavad Gita shlokas, Bhojana Mantra and Yogasana Mantras.
Every evening, Bhajan Sandhya was followed by Prerana Se Punarutthan, which brought together devotion, joy and fellowship through games, action songs, Hanuman Chalisa and an overview of Vivekananda Kendra's activities across Bharat. Each day concluded with Atmavalokan, providing participants an opportunity for quiet introspection and self-reflection.
Special Highlights
10th August: A special video screening on the inspiring journey and construction of the Vivekananda Rock Memorial was organised.
11th August: Participants visited the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Devi Kanyakumari Temple, experiencing the spiritual and cultural significance of Kanyakumari.
12th August: Participants visited the exhibitions at Vivekanandapuram—Gangotri, Arise! Awake! pictorial exhibition, Ramayana Darshanam and Bharat Mata Sadanam. The day concluded with Bhajan Sandhya in front of the Sri Hanumanji statue at the Ramayana Darshanam exhibition. A special session on Kendra's IT initiatives, website and social media presence was also conducted.
13th August: A special session encouraged participants to deepen their association with Vivekananda Kendra by enrolling as patrons and donors, subscribing to Kendra's monthly publications and connecting through its social media platforms. Many participants expressed their interest in associating with Kendra through local Branch centers and the Sevavrati scheme. The day also featured a vibrant Gana-wise cultural programme, showcasing the richness and diverisified unity of Bharat's cultural heritage.
14th August: On the concluding day, following Pratahsmaranam, participants visited the Vivekanandapuram beach to witness the sunrise, followed by visits to the Swami Vivekananda Mandapam and Mananeeya Eknathji Samadhi. The retreat concluded with an inspiring session on Sadhana by Mananeeya Ravi Sharma ji, Shivir Margadarshak.
The Shivir was organised by a dedicated team of Karyakartas from the Tamil Nadu and Kerala Prants, under the guidance of Mananeeya Ravi Sharma ji, Akhil Bharateeya Yoga Pramukh, as Shivir Margadarshak. Adarneeya Radha Akka, Prant Sangathak, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, and Secretary (Administration), Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, served as Shivir Adhikari.
Shri. Udaykumar Anna, IT Pramukh, Tamil Nadu Prant, and Kum. Sayanthi, Vibhag Sangathak, Madurai Vibhag and Pravasi Karyakarta, Tamil Nadu Prant, served as Shivir Pramukhs for the English and Hindi groups respectively. Adarneeya Priyamvada Didi, Karyalaya Pramukh, Kerala Prant Sangathak, enriched the retreat through her lectures, Pratahsmaranam sessions and guidance in mantra chanting.
Smt. Lakshmi Narayani Akka and Smt. Gauri Deshpande Didi served as Shivir Mitras. Adarneeya Saroj Agarwal Didi served as Sakshi Vinayak for the Hindi group, while Smt. Lakshmi Narayani Akka served as Sakshi Vinayak for the English group. Shri Jitendra Ingle ji and Shri Shiv Pratap ji took responsibility for Kaksha Vyavastha and Anushasan, with Shri Jitendra ji also contributing as a member of the Yoga teaching team. The Gana Pramukhs played an active leadership role throughout the retreat and extended valuable support to the organising team.
The Spiritual Retreat concluded on a deeply meaningful note, leaving the participants spiritually enriched, inspired and connected with the ideals of Swami Vivekananda and the vision and mission of Vivekananda Kendra. The seven days of discipline, reflection, learning, service, devotion and fellowship created an experience that participants could carry forward into their lives as a renewed commitment to purposeful living and service to Bharat Mata.
