Vidhya Nidhi Samarpana programme at Mysore

On the auspicious occasion of Sadhana Diwas, 19th November 2025, Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Karnataka Prant, Mysore Branch, organized a meaningful service initiative titled Vidhya Nidhi Samarpana. The program focused on supporting education and self-reliance among economically underprivileged sections of society.

As part of this initiative, scholarships and educational assistance amounting to ₹1,85,000 were distributed. A total of 28 needy students benefited from the scholarship support, including children from the Karyasthan at Hanumanalu village and three college-going students. To facilitate higher education and digital learning, two laptops were provided to deserving students. In addition, one sewing machine was gifted to a needy mother to support her livelihood and promote self-reliance.

The Vidhya Nidhi Samarpana program reflected Vivekananda Kendra’s enduring commitment to seva, education, and holis

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.

Lalita Sahasranama Parayana Programme at Hebbal

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Karnataka Prant, Hebbal Branch organized the Lalita Sahasranama Parayana Programme on 11th October 2025 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Vivekananda Kendra Hebbal karyalaya, marking the concluding session of the Lalita Sahasranama workshop conducted by the Amrit Parivar team. A total of 66 people took part in the programme.

The programme commenced with three Omkaras, Shanti Mantra, and Deepa Prajwalana, followed by Panchanga by Sitalakshmi Ji and Subhashita by Vaidya Ji. Abinnaya Ji and her team rendered the devotional song Sri Chakra Raja, creating a deeply devotional ambience. This was followed by Kendra Parichaya by Smitha Ji.

The chief guest of the evening, All India Sahitya Seva Pramukh of Vivekananda Kendra, Adv. Jyoti Didi, addressed the gathering. She spoke about the significance of Devi Shakti and the spiritual benefits of chanting the Lalita Sahasranama—to awaken the divine energy within and realize the path to inner peace and self-realization. She also emphasized that the work of Vivekananda Kendra itself is a means to manifest this divine power and urged all to participate in Kendra activities.

The chanting of Lalita Sahasranama was then conducted with devotion, followed by a soothing meditation session led by Shri Prasad Ji, helping participants experience serenity and inner stillness. The programme concluded with Mangala Arati, Shanti Mantras, and Prasadam distribution, leaving everyone inspired and spiritually elevated.

Universal Brotherhood Day programme at Sree Sankara Vidyapeedom in Thiruvananthapuram

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Kerala Prant, Thiruvananthapuram Branch, organized the Universal Brotherhood Day programme on 16 September 2025 at Sree Sankara Vidyapeedom, Thiruvananthapuram from 10 to 11am. A total of 55 participants attended, including 47 students, 4 staff members, and 3 karyakartas.

The programme commenced with Shantipath, followed by the welcome and introduction of the chief guest and karyakartas. Shri Vishnu Ji, Kerala Prant Karyapaddhati Pramukh, addressed the students of Classes VII to IX. He spoke about Swami Vivekananda’s tireless efforts for the upliftment of the countrymen, his pride in India’s cultural heritage, and his unwavering devotion to Dharma. Shri Vishnu Ji also narrated stories from the scriptures to inspire the students, emphasizing the richness of our cultural heritage. He concluded by stressing the importance of understanding and imbibing the great principles of Dharma in daily life.

As part of the programme, each student received a book containing the inspiring messages of Swami Vivekananda. The celebration concluded with the chanting of the Shanti Mantra.

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.

VKV Kanyakumari - Gangotri Plantation Programme

The Prakalpa Samiti of Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu Prant), organized a unique program of sapling plantation and orientation on August 8, 2025 at Gangotri Exhibition in Vivekanandapuram, a sacred place filled with the memories of Mananeeya Eknathji Ranade, the founder of Vivekananda Kendra.

The event, held from 10.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m., witnessed the enthusiastic participation of 107 members, including 97 students of Class VIII, five teachers, four workers, and one Jeevan-vrati Karyakarta.

The program commenced with three Omkars and Shanti Pat, setting a serene tone for the day. A plantation drive followed, where the participants planted 98 saplings of Crape Jasmine, Spanish Cherry, Sandalwood, Golden Shower Tree (Cassia), and Hibiscus across the Gangotri premises. Aadaraneeya Radha Devi Didi, Tamil Nadu Prant Sangathak guided the students during the activity, highlighting the importance of Shramadhan and nurturing nature as part of one’s dharma.

After the plantation, an orientation session was conducted. Didi spoke on the historical and spiritual significance of Gangotri, which preserves the belongings and legacy of Eknathji, including his childhood memories, diary entries, wristwatch, magazines, and books. She emphasized his dedication to Swami Vivekananda’s mission and the spiritual silence that Gangotri radiates.

In her address, Didi encouraged the students to imbibe the values of tyaga and seva, reminding them that keeping Gangotri alive through visits, meditation, and selfless action is a collective responsibility.

The orientation left a profound impact on the young participants. The entire experience was described as a beautiful blend of service, awareness, and spiritual inspiration. The students resolved to revisit the site from time to time to water and care for the saplings they had planted. Additionally, a staff member from the campus will ensure their daily watering.

The day’s proceedings ended on a tranquil note with the chanting of the Shanti Mantra, leaving the participants inspired and spiritually enriched.

SWAMI VIVEKANANDA JAYANTI PROGRAMME AT SURAT

On the occasion of swami Vivekananda jayanti, Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, branch surat has conducted two Yuva workshop  at Barfiwala Commerce college & at G.D Gabani commerce college for one hrs  in which 200 +120=320 Youths has participated. Topic of the  workshop was “Aj ke paripeksh me Vivekananda ”.  

Vivekananda say’s “WORK IS Worship” . With this motto, Vivekanada Kendra Kanyakumari, Branch surat  has assembled at Karyalaya. In which 16 karyakartas have actively participated. We had planned for the Sampark to the patron members (approx. 900). So we have decided to send written postal card . Writing postal card, address pasting, stamping address of the return Sampark, cutting address paper were done during the two hours celebration.