Universal Brotherhood Day Celebrated Across Rameswaram by VK-Nardep

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu Prant, Natural Resources Development Project (VK-Nardep), Green Rameswaram Project celebrated Universal Brotherhood Day at multiple locations across Rameswaram the entire week from September 11, 2025. The celebration commemorated Swami Vivekananda’s historic address at the Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893, which continues to inspire universal harmony and human unity.

The first programme was held at Mangammal Chathiram, Rameswaram, for the members of various Self-Help Groups. Around 50 women participated with great enthusiasm. Kum. Saraswathi Akka, Prakalpa Sah Pramukh, VK-Nardep warmly welcomed the gathering and introduced the theme of the celebration. Shri. Ramakrishnan Anna, Prakalpa Pramukh, VK-Nardep delivered an inspiring talk highlighting Swami Vivekananda’s vision of brotherhood that transcends social and cultural boundaries. He emphasized the importance of mutual support and cooperation among women in society, linking it with Swamiji’s ideals of strength and unity.

The second session at Mangammal Chathiram was dedicated to students and featured prominent guests, including Shri. Ramanathan, AEO, Mandapam, Shri. G. Ravi, Secretary, Rotary Club, Shri. Ramachandran, Kamban Kalaga Kavithai, Teacher from Christ the King School, and Shri. Balasubramaniam, President, Civil Engineers Association, Rameswaram. The dignitaries addressed the students, stressing the importance of harmony and brotherhood in personal and social life. The event featured cultural performances by students, who presented songs and skits based on Swami Vivekananda’s ideals. Students who participated were presented with gifts as a token of encouragement and appreciation.

In addition to these main programmes, Universal Brotherhood Day was observed by Self-Help Groups at 11 different locations in and around Rameswaram. Around 97 women participated, discussing the meaning and message of Universal Brotherhood and its relevance to community development.

Similarly, the day was observed at 15 Anandalayas across the region. Shikshaks and students celebrated the occasion by reading out and understanding Swamiji’s message of brotherhood and service. In total, 203 students participated in these celebrations, showing keen interest and understanding of the values shared.

The entire series of programmes were coordinated under the guidance of Kum. Saraswathi Akka, Project Coordinator, Green Rameswaram, who ensured effective planning and smooth execution with the active support of local volunteers and well-wishers.

International Day of Yoga 2025 Celebrations in Rameswaram

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu Prant, Natural Resources Development Project (VK-NARDEP), celebrated the 11th International Day of Yoga with great enthusiasm from 20th to 26th June 2025. Organised under the Green Rameswaram initiative, the celebrations took place across 12 locations in the holy town of Rameswaram, witnessing the active participation of 2,136 people.

The entire series of programmes were meticulously coordinated by Kum. V. Saraswathi Akka, Prakalp Sah Pramukh, Green Rameswaram, along with the dedicated team of Yoga instructors from the initiative. The events received support from the AYUSH team, educational institutions, local administration, and the defence services.

The celebrations commenced on 20th June at Sri Parvathavarthini Amman Girls Higher Secondary School, where around 800 students enthusiastically performed the Common Yoga Protocol. The session was led by the AYUSH team in the presence of dignitaries including Shri J.C. Ravindran, Shri R. Swamy, Dr. Geethanjali, and Dr. Sharmila.

On the 21st June, a session was organised at the Naval Detachment, Rameswaram, with 35 personnel participating. Commander Narender Singh attended the event coordinated by the Green Rameswaram team. At the Judicial Court, 16 members took part in a yoga session led by Shri Thillai Pushpam, spreading awareness on stress relief through yoga among judiciary staff.

A notable celebration was held at Christ The King International School, Meiyampuli, where 300 students participated under the guidance of Shri Kalanjiyam.

Simultaneously, IDY was marked at Vivekananda Vidyalaya Boys and Girls Schools, with 300 boys and 200 girls joining the yoga session. Swami Niyamananda Maharaj addressed the students and emphasized the relevance of yoga in daily life.

Later that evening, a special session was conducted at the Green Rameswaram Building (Mohabeer Dharmasala), drawing 150 participants, predominantly women and children. The yoga team introduced simple and accessible yoga practices for daily wellness.

On 23rd June, IDY was celebrated at Annai Scholastica Arts and Science College, Pamban, with 130 students participating in a well-received session led by Shri Thillai Pushpam.

The celebrations continued on 25th June at Shining Star Kalam Tuition Center, where 60 students learned about the importance of yoga through a special address by Kum. Saraswathi Akka.

On 26th June, the final session was conducted at Sri Ram Vidyalaya Creative School, Verkode, where 90 students actively took part under the guidance of Kum. Saraswathi Akka.

Across all events, the message of Yoga as a lifestyle tool for physical, mental, and spiritual well-being was effectively conveyed. The Green Rameswaram initiative not only promotes ecological sustainability but also integrates spiritual and cultural revival through programmes like Yoga Day.

With widespread participation and deep cultural resonance, the IDY 2025 celebrations in Rameswaram were a grand success, echoing the theme of “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”.