Kishori Vikas Shivir at Manikandeswaram - July 2026

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Keralam Prant, Thiruvananthapuram Branch organized a Kishori Vikas Shivir for the month of July on 18th July 2026 at Sree Sankara Vidyapeedom, Manikandeswaram, with the participation of 27 members, including 20 students, 4 staff members, and 3 Karyakartas. The shivir was conducted with the objective of nurturing values, self-confidence, discipline, and holistic personality development among adolescent girls.

The programme commenced with the lighting of the lamp and the school prayer. The Principal of the School welcomed the Vivekananda Kendra Karyakartas, the President and Secretary of the School, and highlighted the importance of conducting Kishori Vikas Shivir for the all-round development of young girls. The students presented a Malayalam patriotic song, adding a patriotic spirit to the inaugural session.

As part of the creative activities, the participants prepared lotus flowers using chart paper during an engaging craft session.

Aadarneeya Radha Didi, Tamil Nadu & Keralam Prant Sangathak, Vivekananda Kendra interacted personally with the students, patiently addressing their questions and concerns. In her inspiring address, she encouraged the girls to communicate openly with their parents and teachers, emphasizing that adolescence is a stage filled with questions and that elders are always ready to guide them with love and concern. She also stressed the importance of cultivating good habits, discipline, and positive values as the foundation for a meaningful and successful life.

The participants actively shared their experiences and reflections, making the interaction lively and meaningful.

The programme concluded with the Shanti Mantra. As a token of encouragement, each student was presented with the book "A Short Life History of Swami Vivekananda," inspiring them to learn from the life and ideals of Swami Vivekananda and strive towards excellence in character and service.

International Day of Yoga Programme at Sree Sankara Vidyapeedom in Manikandeswaram

As part of the 12th International Day of Yoga 2026 celebrations, Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Keralam Prant, Thiruvananthapuram Branch, organized an International Day of Yoga programme on 19th June 2026 at Sree Sankara Vidyapeedom, Manikandeswaram. The programme was attended by 92 participants, including 75 students, 14 staff members, and 3 Karyakartas.

The programme commenced with the chanting of the Aikya Mantra, creating a serene and inspiring atmosphere.

Adarneeya Priyamvada Didi addressed the gathering and highlighted the importance of yoga in daily life. She explained that regular yoga practice strengthens an individual physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually. She also emphasized that yoga enhances self-confidence, concentration, and memory, making it an essential part of a balanced and successful life.

The participants enthusiastically performed the International Day of Yoga (IDY) Common Yoga Protocol with dedication and discipline. The practice session was effectively coordinated with the active support of Aadaraneeya Kalyani Didi and Ms. Monika Didi, who guided the participants throughout the programme.

The programme concluded with the chanting of the Shanti Mantra, leaving the participants with a sense of peace, harmony, and well-being.

International Day of Yoga 2026 Observed at Sree Sankara Vidyapeedom, Manikandeswaram

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Keralam Prant, Thiruvananthapuram Branch, observed the International Day of Yoga 2026 on 21st June 2026 at Sree Sankara Vidyapeedom, Manikandeswaram. The programme was conducted from 3:45 p.m. to 4:50 p.m. with the participation of 12 participants.

The program began on a serene note with a traditional prayer, paving the way for a systematic and holistic practice session. Since most of the attendees had previously completed Yoga Satras, they were able to engage deeply and seamlessly in the practices. Under careful guidance, the participants diligently performed a sequence of loosening exercises, various Asanas, Pranayama, and Meditation, showcasing great focus and spiritual enthusiasm.

The entire program was smoothly coordinated by Priyamvada Didi, Kalyani Didi, and Monika Didi, whose constant guidance and support ensured a deeply enriching experience for everyone involved.

The rejuvenating session concluded beautifully with the chanting of the Shanti Mantra.

Gita Jayanti Celebration at Manikandeswaram

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Kerala Prant, Thiruvananthapuram Branch organized the Gita Jayanti Celebration on 15th December 2025 from 8.30 a.m. to 9.30 a.m. at Sree Sankara Vidyapeedom School, Manikandeswaram. The programme witnessed the participation of 119 students from Classes I to VII, along with teachers and karyakartas.

The programme began with Smt. Deepa Madam, Principal of the school, introducing Adaraneeya Priyamvada Didi and Adaraneeya Kalyani Didi to the gathering. In her address, Adaraneeya Priyamvada Didi spoke on the significance of the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizing that the Gita conveys a powerful message of inner strength and righteous action. She explained how Bhagwan Shri Krishna guided Arjuna to perform his duty with full dedication and capability, highlighting that performing one’s responsibilities with shraddha and sincerity contributes to personal growth as well as national development. The session was interactive, and the students responded with enthusiasm and curiosity.

As part of the celebration, the children chanted ten shlokas from the 17th chapter of the Bhagavad Gita in lead-and-follow mode, creating a disciplined and devotional atmosphere. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks followed by the recitation of the Shanti Mantra, marking a meaningful and inspiring observance of Gita Jayanti.