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.

North East Calling programme at Bengaluru

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Karnataka Prant organized the Northeast Calling Programme at the Satish Dhawan Auditorium, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangaluru, on 24th August 2025 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with the participation of 340 people. The program was aimed at celebrating the cultural richness of Bharat’s Northeast while highlighting the ongoing developmental initiatives in the region. The Northeast, comprising the eight culturally vibrant states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura, has been a field of dedicated work for Vivekananda Kendra since the 1970s.

 Distinguished Guests & Speakers

The event was graced by eminent dignitaries including Shri Ashish Kumar Chauhan Ji, MD & CEO, National Stock Exchange (NSE); Dr. R. Balasubramaniam Ji, Member of the Human Resource – Capacity Building Commission, Government of India & Founder of Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement; Kum. Nivedita Bhide Didi, All-India Vice President, Vivekananda Rock Memorial & Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari; and Shri A. Muralidhar Ji, Prant Sanchalak, Karnataka Prant, Vivekananda Kendra.

 Program Commencement

The program began with a welcome address by Shri Prasad Ji, Prant Pramukh of Karnataka Prant, followed by the traditional Deepa Prajwalan (lamp lighting ceremony). He also presented the ‘Kendra Parichaya,’ highlighting the various seva activities of Vivekananda Kendra in the Northeast and Karnataka. The cultural segment included a traditional Northeast dance presented by students of Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya, Kalluballu, and an Assamese song performed by the R.T. Nagar team, both of which reflected the vibrancy of the region.

 Inspirational Addresses

In his keynote address, Chief Guest Shri Ashish Kumar Chauhan ji spoke about the natural beauty, cultural depth, and historical significance of the Northeast, referencing mentions in epics such as the Mahabharata. He particularly appreciated the entrepreneurial spirit of the women of the region, highlighting their active participation in the NSE as a living example of women empowerment.

Guest of Honour Dr. Balasubramaniam Ji emphasized the civilizational ethos of giving and compassion, underlining how Bharat’s growth must be rooted in social and human capital.

Mananeeya Nivedita Bhide Didi reflected on the historic neglect of the Northeast in mainstream discourse, urging for deeper engagement and appreciation of its culture. She highlighted the immense agricultural diversity of Bharat with over 2,500 varieties of rice and shared the research efforts of Vivekananda Kendra Institute of Culture (VKIC) in studying crops, culture, and community life in the region. She also stressed that community-based living and cultural values are essential for ensuring sustainable development.

 Showcasing Culture and Creativity

The program further featured an exhibition by VKIC and Vivekananda Kendra
Prakashan, which displayed books, cultural items, and traditional handicrafts such as shawls, bags, and gamchas made by the VKAJ Khatkhati branch, showcasing the artistic skills of the Northeast.

 Conclusion

The event concluded with a group prayer followed by lunch and interactive sessions, leaving the participants inspired by the cultural richness and unity of Bharat.

North East Calling - Bengaluru

The program started with shanti mantra at 11 AM. An audio visual documentary about the story of Vivekananda Rock Memorial and its extension the Vivekananda Kendra was shown to the audience. The students of Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya, Assam presented the vibrant culture of North east and freedom movement through music, dance, and drama. Mananeeya Hanumantha Rao ji, Vice President, Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari introduced the guests and welcomed the audience. The guest of honor Dr. M Jagannath Shenoy well wisher of Vivekananda Kendra felicitated the chief guest his Excellency Shri R N Ravi, Hon’ble Governor of Tamil Nadu. Mananeeya Rekha Davey, Joint General Secretary of VRM and VK felicitated Smt Jagannath Shenoy. Hon’ble Governor Shri R N Ravi delivered his Keynote address and covered various aspects including brief history of north east states formation, cultural richness of the region and the current government’s efforts to bring the region’s people in to main stream of the nation. He explained how and why the region became an issue for so long. It was deliberately done by design by the then British rulers for centuries based on their interest. The British also passed the India charter act which mandated religious conversion or evangelization of India. Unfortunately this narrative of difference continued post-independence as well, by accepting the notion that the region is completely different than the main land. This led to the formation of seven states and thirty autonomous regions based on trivial differences amongst the people. Earlier governments kept on making many avoidable accords based on the local leadership’s demand. Shri R N Ravi appreciated the efforts of Vivekananda Kendra and mentioned that the Kendra in spite of minimal connectivity and lack of resources worked tirelessly in the region to bring them back to the fold of Rashtra.

Further, Hon’ble Governor narrated few stories from his own personal experience with local people, which revealed that there is no difference between their culture and main land culture. Existing issues can be resolved by taking them into confidence by talking to them with a condition that there should not be any gun battle and no negotiation on the sovereignty of the nation. And this is the effort of the current government and now the north east is a story of development. Hon’ble governor said the Vivekananda Kendra’s service in remote areas during difficult time is a great service to the nation and it is remarkable. Further said, all the things that Vivekananda Kendra did was with a very minimal resources and to continue these efforts Kendra deserve all possible support from the audience and in general, all possible people from Bangalore/Karnataka.
Session was opened to questions from the audience and all questions were elaborately answered by the Hon’ble governor which were well received by the audience with huge applause. Mananeeya Balakrishnanji, President, Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari thanked all the dignitaries and appealed to the people to do their best by contributing monetarily or by service to continue and expand Kendra’s work in the north east region where there are additional requirements for schools and higher educational institutions. Program concluded with shanti mantra and National anthem by VKV students. Prasad (lunch) was arranged for all participants after the program. 400 people including karyakartas of VK from various parts of Bharat attended program.

North East Calling Seminar - Thane

 Every year North East Calling Seminar held for raising awareness of importance of that region and development work there. This year the seminar was held on 26 February 2022. Hon. Sanjeev Sanyal, Chief Financial Advisor to Government of India addressed the gathering on ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat and North East’ Hon. NIvedita Bhide, Vice President, Vivekananda Kendra talked on ‘Vivekananda Kendra and North East’.

Hon. Sanjeev Sanyal who is an economist and historian and currently a full-time Member of Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, narrated bonds of West and especially Maharashtra and North East. He told that when Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj escaped from Agra, Aurangzeb could not fully concentrate on Maharashtra as there was fierce wa


r going on in NE.

Similarly, when Netaji Sibhash Chandra Bose established Govt. of Free India in NE in 1945, there was naval revolt in Mumbai in 1946 when 50 ships were captured by revolutionaries .This put immense pressure on British PM Clement Attlee who decides to free India. Sanyalji rightly referred to Netaji as first PM of free India.

He explained that Atma Nirbhar Bharat does not mean isolating India from the world, but creating infrastructure so that people can develop themselves. He pointed out that the rich countries are rich because they created excellent infrastructure. This year's budget focuses on infrastructure growth. He informed that out of 5 longest bridges in India, three were in NE. He lambasted tendency to rely on Jugad.

It is heartening to know that a person who spent 20 years with Deutsche Bank is on PM's advisory team. He was happily clad in dhoti and kurta and carried it well.

Shri. Suhas Mehta of SMC Infra offered help in creating infrastructure in NE.

Hon. Nivedita Bhide who is Jeevanvrati Karyakarta of Kendra since 1977 recounted work done in NE as per vision of Hon. Eknathji Ranade. She explained how true Indian Culture of Unity in Diversity is preserved in North East. Kendra carries out activities there based on Seva (service), Sanskriti (culture) and Samanvay (coordination). She appealed to all for contributing to Kandra Karya of Nation Building in North East as well as throughout India.

Madhav Nanivdekar proposed vote of thanks and Smita Puranik ably anchored the function.

North East Calling Webinar 2020

 Since last 5 years, Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari has been organized special program on North-East India. In addition to this year is auspicious occassion of 50th years of Vivekananda Rock Memorial. This year, program was organized online on 12 september 2020.

Hon. Niveditadidi Bhide, Vice President, Vivekananda Kendra narrated the story behind construction of Vivekananda Rock Memorial, foundation of Vivekananda Kendra and their importance in present days with special documentary on Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Vivekananda Kendra.

Hon. Ajitji Doval, National Security Adviser for India discussed specialty of North East Region, its importance for India, problems there, actions needed and contribution of Vivekananda Kendra.

Hon. Gurumurthiji, well-known journalist, economist and currently President of Vivekananda International Foundation enlightened the audience regarding concept of "Atmanirbhar Bharat" embedded in Indian Philosophy for thousands of years, current thinking and way forward.

Hon. NIveditadidi Bhide conveyed the vote of thanks to the pannel and audience. Program was concluded with the Shanti Mantra.

Full video of the webinar is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QA0-CxCyO6A