Rural Development Programme August Month Activities

Service activities

“Through 75 Balwadis, 1758 rural Children were nurtured. In all the Balwadis, Malt along with hygienically prepared, highly nutritive lunch with vegetables were served during the day and in the evening vitamin-rich cereals were provided to the children”.

Eye camps were conducted at 5 places, in Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi districts in which 517 were treated for their eye ailments and 75 underwent a cataract operation. 15 persons were given eye medicines and 18 persons were given spectacles.

In our Medicare Programme, 1688 patients were examined and treated for various common ailments, through 14 Rural Medical Centers in Kanyakumari, Nellai and Thoothukudi districts.

3 tailoring units are functioning well in Nellai district with the total attendance of 75.

Cultural activities

Yoga Varga has been conducted at two places in Aruppukottai and Kovilpatti where 26 persons attended.

Vivekavani Subscriptions 618 collected and two two years, two three years 3 life and one Patron.

Shivalinga Pooja conducted at 3 places in Kanyakumari District where 214 devotees participated.

Under ‘Adopt a Granny Programme’, 27 destitutes and old people were provided with monthly solatiums, in the form of rice, dhal,oil,etc., for their livelihood and 124 persons were provided with rice only in Southern five districts of Tamilnadu.

94 women are being benefited in 5 Self Help Groups in Kanyakumari district.

Durga Pooja was conducted at 3 places in Kanyakumari District and 248 devotees participated.

Through various branch centers, including Thoothukudi A.O. And book stalls, literature books were sold for Rs.82,685/- .

Monthly Deepa poojas were organized in 224 village temples in five districts of Southern Tamilnadu, in which 8413 ladies participated and offered prayers for the welfare of the self, family and the society.

In 175 Sanskara Vargas, 6702 students participated. The students were taught about the values of Indian Culture through games, lectures & lessons. The feelings of oneness were strengthened among the participants, through patriotic songs and games.

Under Amrita Surabhi Scheme, our Kendra workers collected 1168 Kgs of rice from Southern five districts.

Parents meeting were conducted at 39 places, in five districts in which 984 devotees participated.

Sampark programme team organised in Vallioor and VKRDP & VKV 142 persons participated. Sri. S.K.Subriramanian - correspondent VKV, Vallioor, Sri.Sankaranarayanan committee member, Ayyappan VKRDP Secretary, Ms.Maheswari Principal VKV participated in it.. Social workers refresher camp was held from 05.07.2019 to 08.07.2019 at Kanyakumari and 22 workers participated.All Social Workers visited Thiruparappu falls.On 8th July Vahana pooja was performed.

1008 Deepa Pooja conducted on 18.08.2019 in Uthragosamangai Arulmigu Mangaleswarar swami Temple, where 812 devotees participated from Ramand district. Before Deepa Pooja Cultural class and Balwadi students’ dramas and songs were staged. Guru Purnima was celebrated at Southern five districts. Nearly at 77 places and 7263 participated in this programme.

On 16/08/2019 in memory of Shri Ramalinga Aasari and Smt. Ramalakshmi lunch with

sweets were distributed to 461 children in 22 balwadis of Kanyakumari district.

On 15.08.2019 Independence day was celebrated in 75 Balwadis and nearly 8402 people

participated.

Eknath Memorial Day has been conducted at 41 balwadies in five districts where 1001

persons attended.

On 23rd August Krishna Jeyanthi day Anna Pooja celebrated in grand mannar at sankarankovil . All local well wishers participated. The function was held in Krishna marriage hall at Sankarankovil.Vivekananda Kendra General Secretary Sri Bhanudasji, Sri Krishnamoorthi- Vivekavani Editor, and more than 200 persons attended the pooja and all were served with prasatham.Sri Sekar organised the programme. 5400 kg rice collected.

Krishna Jeyanthi Day has been conducted at 76 balwadies in five districts where 6581

persons attended.

Education aid has given to 25 students worth of Rs.3,38,025 for their term fees & tution fees etc., which was sponsered by Mohankumar Trust at Trichy.

Rural Block level competitions held in Southern five districts

Total No.of. competitions - 44, Schools - 360, Students -6051,

Parents - 262, Teachers - 434

Urban competitions held in Thoothukudi & Ramnad districts

Total No.of. competitions - 3, Schools - 40, Students -459,

Parents - 72, Teachers - 64

“Sri Rama Jeya Rama” Mantra was chanted during Deepa Pooja, Shivalinga Pooja and daily with our Balwadi school children, cultural class students and during monthly meetings by our Balwadi teachers and Social Workers. This month nearly 8, 37,928 times mantras were chanted in 84 localities.

This month, we have distributed the rice which was collected through Amrita

Surabhi and Anna Pooja to Balwadi children, old poor people and the institutions

as mentioned below :

1. Mouzhanagurusamy madam, Thottiodu - Kanyakumari district - 110 Kgs

2. Sasthankovil, Attoor - Kanyakumari district - 25 Kgs

3. Indhu Middle School, A.Thirumalapuram - Tirunelveli district - 100 Kgs

INSPIRING INCIDENTS

P.Packiasaroja – Peyankuzhi – Kanyakumari district

On 04.04.2018 during the eye camp at Kanyakumari I happened to near a conversation between two women about our free service with Aravind Eye Hospital. One lady had already got operated and the other lady was clearing her fear and doubts about the care – taking nurses in the hospital though they were admitted for free treatment. She also expressed her gratitude towards Kendra service workers for their deep concern and guidance rendered before admission in the hospital. The nursing care in pouring eye drops and feeding them in time was appreciated much by her. Theirconversation encouraged me to serve such helpless aged people more and more.

C.Saraswathi – Ambai – Tirunelveli district

On April 1st I visited sister. Alagammal, the former Social worker of Vivekananda Kendra at her home. She narrated a surprising incident happened in her family. A few months back she had suffered a lot due to ill health and was admitted in the hospital. She was hospitalized for more than one month. As there was not much improvement in the medical treatment she started chanting Bhagavad Gita Slogans with deep faith. To the great surprise of the doctors marvelous improvementwas seen and she was discharged from the hospital. They followed the same when her elder sister met with an accident and there was a fracture in her leg. Doctors felt that even though the affected part was operated she would not be able to walk as earlier. They chanted Gita slogans faith fully during thetreatment and now her sister is quite normal. When I heard this I was thrilled with the effect of practicing Gita slogans with sincere faith. Really Bhagavad Gita was not a more book, it was a

spiritual wealth.

V.Janakipushpam – Vallioor – Tirunelveli district

On 18th April we went to Ilayarkulam village for collecting paddy. Due to poor rainfall during the previous two years the village had suffered a lot. But this year they were blessed with enough rainfall

and hence they welcomed us whole heartedly and each family provided us one measure of paddy. I told them about the pathetic condition of our Creche building. A well-wisher named Sudalaiyandi explained me that in 1982 the Creche was started in our house only. Then we arranged for the separate building by collecting some amount from the villagers. Though we thought of demolishing it something hurdles the work. As there is fine harvest this year we will arrange for it. His involvement towards Vivekananda Kendra touched my heart.

P.Tamilselvi- Thoothukudi – Thoothukudi district

For the Annapooja to be held on 14th April, the Tamil New Year Day I went to Sawyerpuram Kamatchi Rice Mill to collect rice. The owner of the mill welcomed me and enquired about the services of Kendra. I informed him that due to poor harvesting the previous year’s collection was not as expected and hence we found it very difficult to provide rice for the needed. He was much regretted and asked why I hadn’t approached him. He also assured me that here after if there exists circumstances like that contact him through phone. He would arrange for the needed rice. Really I was impressed by his helping tendency and service mindedness. Only because of such persons our work is easier and flexible.

V.Somasundari – Checkkarakudi – I – Thoothukudi district

One day I was teaching General Knowledge to the kids. I started asking each one about their family and whom and what they like most in their family. At once a girl named Ramya stood up and told that there were Lakshmi and Rajeswari in her home. Soon Muthumari would come. She liked them so much. I know that she is the only child in her home. Hence I asked who they were. To my surprise she told me that Lakshmi was the cow in her house and Rajeswari – the little cub. Another cub is going to be born. She moreover explained me that as per my instruction only she called them in the names of Gods. Her dedication and faith towards me touched my heart.

Vivekananda Kendra Rural Development Activity July 2019

Service activities

“Through 75  Balwadis, 1675 rural Children  were nurtured. In all the Balwadis, Malt along with hygienically prepared, highly nutritive lunch with vegetables were served during the day and in the evening vitamin-rich cereals were provided to the children”.
Eye  camps  were  conducted  at 3 places, in  Kanyakumari,  Thoothukudi and Ramnad districts in which 517 were treated for  their  eye ailments  and 75 underwent a cataract operation. 15 persons were given eye medicines and 18 persons were given spectacles.
In  our  Medicare  Programme, 1568   patients  were  examined  and  treated for  various common  ailments,  through  14  Rural Medical Centers in Kanyakumari, Nellai and  Thoothukudi districts.
4 tailoring units are functioning well in Nellai district with the total attendance of 85.

Cultural activities
    Yoga Varga has been conducted at  2 places in Aruppukottai and Kovilpatti where 24 persons attended.
    Vivekavani Subscriptions 177 collected and two Yuva Bharathi.
    Shivalinga Pooja conducted at 3 places in Kanyakumari District where 215 devotees participated.
    Under  ‘Adopt  a  Granny  Programme’, 29 destitutes  and old people were provided with monthly solatiums,  in  the  form  of  rice,  dhal,oil,etc., for their  livelihood   and   121  persons were provided with rice only in Southern five districts of  Tamilnadu.
    94 women are being benefited in 5 Self Help Groups in Kanyakumari district.    
    Durga Pooja was conducted at 3 places in Kanyakumari District and 245 devotees participated.
    Through various branch centers, including Thoothukudi A.O.  and book stalls, literature books were  sold  for Rs.64,092/- .
    Monthly Deepa poojas were  organized in 222 village temples in five  districts   of   Southern  Tamilnadu,  in  which  7784  ladies participated  and  offered   prayers  for the welfare of the self, family and the society.
    In 171 Sanskara Vargas, 6225 students participated. The students were taught about the values of Indian Culture through games, lectures & lessons.  The feelings of oneness were strengthened among the participants, through patriotic songs and games.
    Under Amrita Surabhi Scheme, our Kendra workers collected 734 Kgs of rice from Southern five districts.
    Parents meeting were conducted at 4 places, in Thoothukudi district in which 105 devotees participated.
    Balwadi  teachers refresher camp was held  from  30.06.2019  to  03.07.2019. Teachers from Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Ramanathapuram  and Virudhunagar districtsattended the  camp. Totally  130  teachers  and 18  workers  attended  the  camp. During the camp all the teachers were well trained.
    Social workers  refresher camp was held from 05.07.2019 to 08.07.2019 at Kanyakumariand 22 workers participated. All Social Workers visited Thiruparappu falls.
   On 8th July Vahana pooja was performed. On 4th July 2019 Swami Vivekanandar Maha samathi day was observed with Anna Pooja and Social Workers Cultural  Programme  at  Kanyakumari. In that  function  nearly 23,120 kg. rice was collected in  Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari district. More than 1000 persons came from southern five districts  and  participated  in  this  programme. Education Aid was distributed to 17 needy students worth of  Rs.59,500/-  sponsored  by  Sriganesh  Nantha  Gopal -  Coimbatore, Dr. Maria Pia  Machi, Siva  Priya Ashramam -  Curtralam. More than  3000  persons  were  served with  noon  prasatham including Vivekananda Kendra Vidhyalaya Kanyakumari,Vallioor students and teachers .
  Guru Purnima was celebrated at Southern five districts. Nearly at 77 places and 7263 participated in this programme.
 Anna Pooja & Gurupoornima celebration was conducted on 16.07.2019 in  Ayyappa College at Nagercoil and 815 persons participated and 500 kg. rice collected.
 1008 Deepa  Pooja conducted  on 28.07.2019, in Pathmanapapuram  Arulmigu Nainar Neelakanda Swami  Temple, where 965 devotees  participated from 42 villages in Kanyakumari district. Before Deepa Pooja Cultural class and Balwadi students’ dramas and songs were staged.         
  “Sri Rama  Jeya  Rama” Mantra  was  chanted  during  Deepa Pooja, Shivalinga Pooja  and  daily with  our  Balwadi  school  children, cultural class  students and during  monthly  meetings  by  our  Balwadi  teachers and Social Workers. This month nearly 8, 37,928 times mantras were chanted in 84 localities.
 This month, we have distributed the rice which was collected through AmritaSurab and Anna Pooja to Balwadi children, old poor people and the institutions as mentioned below :
 Mouzhanagurusamy madam, Thottiodu - Kanyakumari district - 120 Kgs
 Guganatheeshwarai Kovil - Kanyakumari district - 200 Kgs
Inspiring Incidents
A.Sankaravadivu – Chekkarakudi – Thoothukudi district
I am working in Chekarakudi –  Creche. Once I went to Meenakshi paati to distribute the notice for Srivaikundam eye camp. We were distributing the notice in the hot summer day. A sister named Mariammal pitied us and invited kindly to take some coffee or tea in her house. When we rejected she insisted us to have some water at least. Her caring and kindness towards us touched my heart. On the day of the camp a grand old man from Thozhappannai village came to the camp. His name is Lakshmanan. He is running a petti shop in the village. Doctor had advised him to wear spectacles having no money he approached me. We have arranged the specs through Kendra. He felt much happy and blessed all our Kendra service whole heartedly.
A.Kanahambaram – Kovilpatti – Thoothukudi district
On 26.11.2017 our free eye camp was conducted at Soorangudi. One of the beneficiaries of the camp came to me wearing the spectacle issued in the camp. She told me that she had got back her lost eye sight and was able to go for work in the woods. Her happy and grateful words made me happy and contented.

S.Renugabai – Peyankuzhi – Kanyakumari district
On behalf of Indra Gandhi library Youth, a free eye camp was held at Aadhi Dravida Welfare Hr. Sec. School, Kalingarajapuram on 17.09.2017. Thiru. Kanagaraj of that village was advised for operation at  Aravind Eye Hospital, Tirunelveli. He is a wood cutter in the forest. After getting operated he got his eye Sight back. He came to me and said that I thought of losing my life when my eye sight was affected. Because of my assurance only he attended the camp. He expressed his gratitude and happiness to me with tears and blessed me. That day I had realized the real effect of my fruitful service. The Credit goes to Kendra only.

K.Kaleeswari  - Nagalapuram – 1 – Thoothukudi district
One day I asked the kids to chant Rama Nama for getting rain. We chanted Sri. Rama Jeyam with that intention. Really there was rainfall in the evening. We were all happy and enjoyed the rain. The next day a girl named Ushakavi recalled that and insisted me to chant Mantra to get rain. Her faith made me happy.

S.Kavitha – Kallaveerianvilai – Kanyakumari district
Once I went to Ethamozhi Primary School for some personal purpose. While I met the Head Master. She welcomed me happily and introduced me to the P.E.T.there. She told her that the students from Vivekananda Creche are more initiative and intelligent compared to the other School kids. Another teacher standing nearly came forward and enthusiastically admitted that she was an old student of Kendra Creche and myself was her teacher then. That situation made me proud of being a service worker in Vivekananda Kendra.

C.Leela –Peyankuzhi – Kanyakumari district
This touching incident happened while collecting rice in Pulluvilai for the Annapooja at Kanyakumari  Smt.Jeya, a social worker there welcomed me and came forward to help me voluntarily. She assured me that she would collect rice from all the residents there and keep them in Mutharamman Temple. She also recollected the previous years’ Anna Pooja and told me that the rice given as prasada from Annapooja blessed them with immense wealth and health. Vivekananda Kendra only taught us involve in giving and gaining. I felt proud of her commitment towards Kendra.

Renuga Bai – Kalingarajapuram - Kanyakumari district
This happened while distributing the notice for the Anna Pooja. We were in the shopping zones of Marthandam. When we approached the shopkeepers some got irritated and some others donate without much interest. Only a few welcomed us and enquired about Anna Pooja and then donate rice or money as they wished. Among them a shopkeeper running a little corner shop went through the notice and told us that till then no sales in his shop. But we had come for a good cause and hence asked us to take one kg of rice and Rs. 50/-. He also asked us to approach same big stores where we could get more rice and donation. We were much impressed by that poor shopkeeper’s approach and thanked him.

Gandhi Peace Prize 2015

Herewith we are pleased to inform you all that the Gandhi Peace Prize amount was handed over to the Defence Minister of India Mananeeya Rajnath Singh ji by Kendra's Vice Presidents Mananeeya A Balakrishnan ji and Mananeeya Nivedita Didi at his residence on 8 Aug 2019. Sri Bhanudas ji and Sri Pravin Dabholkar ji also were present.

Declaration of Gandhi Peace Prize for 2015 by Govt of India on 18 Jan 2019.
Letter of acceptance during the program on 26 Feb 2019 was read out by Mananeeya Aparna Didi.
The Managing Committee and the General Body of the Kendra  in its meeting dated 29 April 2019 approved the donation of the sum to the welfare of families of Martyrs.
The cheque of Rs 1,02,44,000/- (with interest) was drawn in favour of  'Army Battle Casualities Welfare Fund'.
Handing over the cheque to the Defence Minister of India Mananeeya Rajnath Singh ji.
Acceptance of Gandhi Peace Prize by Mananeeya P Parameswaran ji on 26 Feb 2019 in Delhi -  Acceptance letter read out by Mananeeya Aparna Didi
महामहिम राष्ट्रपति, आदरणीय प्रधानमंत्री, उपस्थित सभी मंत्री गण, महानुभावों को विवेकानंद केंद्र कन्याकुमारी का अभिवादन और प्रणाम। कन्याकुमारी में समुद्र के मध्य में स्थित विवेकानंद शिला स्मारक के ५० वर्ष पूर्ण होने के अवसर पर, विवेकानंद केंद्र के कार्य को, यह गाँधी शांति पुरस्कार देने के लिए गाँधी शांति पुरस्कार समिति सदस्य तथा समिति के अध्यक्ष माननीय प्रधान मंत्री श्री नरेन्द्र भाई मोदी जी को हम विशेष धन्यवाद देते है। विवेकानंद शिला स्मारक को माननीय एकनाथजी रानडे ने केंद्र सरकार, सारे राज्य सरकार तथा भारतीय जनता के सहयोग से 1970 में पूर्ण किया था. इसके निर्माण में पूर्ण भारत ने एक होकर स्वामी विवेकानंद के प्रति अपनी श्रध्दा को मूर्त रूप दिया था. सही अर्थ से यह राष्ट्रीय स्मारक रहा है. उसी शिला पर है स्वामी विवेकानंद ने भारत की एकात्मता तथा पुनरुत्थान के लिए अपना जीवन समर्पित करनेका का निर्णय लिया था। विवेकानंद केंद्र इसी स्मारक का द्वितीय चरण है. देश के लिए समर्पित जीवनव्रती कार्यकर्ता और स्थानिक कार्यकर्ता विवेकानंद केंद्र के सेवा कार्य को दुर्गम क्षेत्रोंमें, ग्रामीण क्षेत्रोंमें चला रहे हैं. विवेकानंद केंद्र, स्वामी विवेकानंदजी के विचार ‘मनुष्य के अन्तर्निहित शक्ति के प्रगटन’ तथा ‘मानव सेवा ही माधव सेवा है’ इसे आधारभूत रखते हुए मनुष्य निर्माण और राष्ट्र पुनरुत्थान का कार्य 900 से अधिक स्थानों पर आज संचालित कर रहा है। महात्मा गाँधी जी ने शांति और सौहार्दपूर्ण भारतीय समाज को रामराज्य के रूप में देखा था ऐसे समाज निर्माण में बुनियादी शिक्षा, ग्रामीण विकास और नैसर्गिक उर्जा का प्रयोग, युवा और स्त्रियों का विकास एवं राष्ट्रकार्य में उनका सहभाग, विश्वबंधुत्व के लिए कार्य ऐसे अनेक क्षेत्रों में विवेकानंद केंद्र कार्यरत है. इस  गांधी शांति पुरस्कार ने विवेकानंद केंद्र के कार्य की गरिमा को निश्चित बढ़ाया है उससे ही अधिक, दुर्गम क्षेत्र में कार्य करनेवाले हजारो कार्यकर्ताओं के सेवा और समर्पण को ही प्रतिष्ठित किया है. विवेकानंद केंद्र गांधी शांति पुरस्कार को सहर्षातासे, कृतज्ञता से तथा अत्यंत विनयतापूर्वक स्वीकार करते हुए इस कार्य को निरन्तरता से और परिणामकारी आगे ले जाने का दृढ़ संकल्प दोहराता है। पुलवामा की आतंकी घटना और उसमे शहीद हुए हमारे वीर जवानों का स्मरण करते हुए, इस पुरस्कार में प्राप्त राशी, विवेकानंद केंद्र, भारतीय सेना और शहीद जवानों के परिवार के हित में विनिमय करनेका निर्णय लेता हैं ।

Vivekananda Kendra Rural Development Program Activity in June

Service activities
    1.“Through  75  Balwadis, 1679 rural Children  were nurtured. In all the Balwadis, Malt along with hygienically prepared, highly nutritive lunch with vegetables were served during the day and in the evening vitamin-rich cereals were provided to the children”.
    2. Eye  camps  were  conducted  at 3 places, in  Kanyakumari, Nellai and Thoothukudi districts in which 717 were treated for  their  eye ailments  and 144 underwent a cataract operation. 34 persons were given eye medicines and 37 persons were given spectacles.
    3. In  our  Medicare  Programme, 1681   patients  were  examined  and  treated for  various common  ailments,  through  14  Rural Medical Centers in Kanyakumari, Nellai and  Thoothukudi districts.
    4. 5 tailoring units are functioning well in Nellai district with the total attendance of 94.

Cultural activities
    5. Yoga Varga has been conducted at  2 places in Aruppukottai and Kovilpatti where 26 persons attended.
    6. Vivekavani Subscriptions including 78 and seven Patrons were collected.
    7. Shivalinga Pooja conducted at 3 places in Kanyakumari District where 212 devotees participated.
    8. Under  ‘Adopt  a  Granny  Programme’, 28 destitutes  and old people were provided with monthly solatiums,  in  the  form  of  rice,  dhal,oil,etc., for their  livelihood   and   121  persons provided with rice only in Southern five districts of  Tamilnadu.
    9. 94 women are being benefited in 5 Self Help Groups in Kanyakumari district.   
    10. Durga Pooja conducted at 3 places, in Kanyakumari District 246 devotees participated.
    11. Through various branch centers, including Thoothukudi A.O.  and book stalls, literature books were  sold  for Rs.34,450/- .
    12. Monthly Deepa poojas were  organized in 221 village temples in five  districts   of   Southern  Tamilnadu,  in  which  8082  ladies participated  and  offered   prayers  for the welfare of the self, family and the society.
    13. In 170 Sanskara Vargas, 6514 students participated. The students were taught about the values of Indian Culture through games, lectures & lessons.  The feelings of oneness were strengthened among the participants, through patriotic songs and games.
    14. Under Amrita Surabhi Scheme, our Kendra workers collected 559 Kgs of rice from Southern
five districts.
    15. Yoga camp performed in Kovilpatti 54 gents participated.
    16. Cultural class teachers training programme was conducted in Surandai,Tirunelveli district and 40 teachers participated.
    17. Parents meeting was conducted in Ramnad district at3 places and 65 participated.
    18. 1008 Deepa Pooja conducted on 9th, 15th,& 23th June 2019  respectively in Nainarkovil -
Sri Sowuntharanayagi sametha Arulmigu Naganathar Temple, Ambai - Sri Agastheeshwarar Temple and Tiruchuli- Arulmigu Thunaimalaiamman Sametha Thirumeninatha Swami Temple and  where 700, 861 and  1012 devotees participated from 70 villages. Before Deepa Pooja Mathru Sammelan and precession conducted in which Cultural class,  Balwadi students dramas, and songs  performed.   Kendra Varga performed in Aruppukottai two places and 46 persons participated.
    19. An international Yoga day programme was conducted in 14 places from Southern five district
890 person participated.
    20.  “Sri Rama  Jeya  Rama” Mantra  was  chanted  during  Deepa Pooja, Shivalinga Pooja  and  daily with  our  Balwadi  school  children, cultural class  students and during  monthly  meetings  by  our  Balwadi  teachers and Social Workers. This month nearly 7,76,624 times mantras were chanted in 84 localities.

Inspiring Incidents
R.Mallika – Andarkulam – Kanyakumari district
There are 32 kids in our Creche. One week back the fan didn’t work and the kids couldn’t sleep because of sweating. I searched for somebody to repair the fan. K.Anish, +1 student (an old student of our Creche) came forward to get it repaired. He took the fan to the electric shop and returned back within one hour. He himself connected the fan and checked properly. His volunteer service in that young age impressed me. All the kids were happy and thanked him.

R.Reginal – Thengamputhoor _ Kanyakumari district
One day I was walking towards the bus stop. At that time a student named Santhanalakshmi ran to me and fell down on my foot asking me to bless her as her X STD Exam started that day. She studied in our Creche. I was stunned by her deed and blessed whole heartedly. She introduced me  proudly to her friends that I was the ladder pushing her up in her childhood. She also told me that she stood first in her class. I felt much proud of that incident and thought of Swamiji for his blessings. We are kept in high position because of Kendra service.

P.Muneeswari – Chekkarakudi – II – Thoothukudi district
On 18.03.2018 during the Deepa Pooja at Ottapidaram, we had staged a skit on “Awake Hindus”. After seeing the skit, a lady came to me and congratulated me for acting humorously. She also told that all the Hindus must see that because many of them didn’t know how a Hindu should be. She assured me that next time she would bring all her neighbors to the mass pooja. I felt proud on hearing the effect of our effort.

V.Somasundari – Chekkarakudi – 1 – Thoothukudi district
A child named Akkinimuthu is studying in our Creche. One day her mother fetched him saying that he had fever the day before. She asked me to inform her if fever repeated. Keeping it in mind, the child came to me again and again saying “Teacher I have fever”. I felt that he was OK. In order to divert him I asked him to say Sivapuranam. The other kids also started saying Sivapuranam. Then all went to sleep. In the evening I asked Akkinimuthu how he was. He replied me that his fever had gone as he said Sivapuranam. He also repeated the same to her mother also. She felt very happy on his faith and at home she started chanting Sivapuranam. This event touched my heart.

A.Kanagambaram – Kovilpatti – Thoothukudi district
Once I was walking along the roadside of Kulathur. A lady had approached me and asked when the summer class would start. I asked her to wait for the notice and asked her the reason. She replied me that after attending the class last year her daughter had developed many good habits such as feeding crows, drawing kolam with rice flour and so on. Her awareness and faith touched my heart.

Packia Saroja – Peyankuzhi – Kanyakumari District
On 07.02.2018 some people from Aralvaimozhi came to Vivekanandapuram for routine eye checkup after getting operated through our free eye camp. Unfortunately they had forgotten to bring their Check-up cards. The doctors asked them to bring them from their homes. As they couldn’t go and return before the close of the camp they were confused. A lady accompanied them wisely contacted the people at home and asked them to send the needed cards through whatsapp. Then everything went on well. The timely help of quick technology touched my heart.

S.Shanmuga Bharathi – Vallioor –Tirunelveli district
On 25.02.2018 an aged person who underwent cataract operation in one eye camp through Kendra free eye camp the previous year attended the camp at Swami Sivananda Hospital, Pathamadai. He was selected for operation in the other eye. Without any hesitation he happily accepted and told that because of the previous camp he got one eye operated and could see well. Hence he had no fear and much confidence in Kendra eye camp. His confidence touched my heart.

Rural Development activity update - Jan 2019

Service activities

“Through 75 Balwadis, 1952 rural Children were nurtured. In all the Balwadis, Malt along with hygienically prepared, highly nutritive lunch with vegetables were served during the day and in the evening vitamin-rich cereals were provided to the children”.

Eye camps were conducted at 3 places, in Kanyakumari, Nellai and Thoothukudi districts in which 579 were treated for their eye ailments and 104 underwent a cataract operation. 31 persons were given eye medicines and 19 persons were given spectacles.

In our Medicare Programme, 1745 patients were examined and treated for various common ailments, through 14 Rural Medical Centers in Kanyakumari,Nellai and Thoothukudi districts.

4 tailoring units are functioning well in Nellai district with the total attendance of 81.

Cultural activities

Yoga Varga has been conducted at 2 places in Aruppukottai and Kovilpatti where 22 persons attended.

Vivekavani Subscriptions including 146 annual, 64 Patrons also collected.

In Shivalinga Pooja conducted at 3 places in Kanyakumari District where 199 devotees participated.

Under ‘Adopt a Granny Programme’, 23 destitutes and old people were provided with monthly solatiums, in the form of rice, dhal,oil,etc., for their livelihood and 89 persons provided with rice only in Southern five districts of Tamilnadu.

80 women are being benefited in 4 Self Help Groups in Kanyakumari district.

In Durga Pooja conducted at 3 places, in Kanyakumari District 197 devotees participated.

Through various branch centers, including Thoothukudi A.O. and book stalls, literature books

were sold for Rs.80,930/- .

Monthly Deepa poojas were organized in 224 village temples in five districts of Southern Tamilnadu, in which 8699 ladies participated and offered prayers for the welfare of the self, family and the society.

In 181 Sanskara Vargas, 6581 students participated. The students were taught about the values of Indian Culture through games,lectures & lessons. The feelings of oneness were strengthened among the participants, through patriotic songs and games.

Anna Pooja was performed at Ramnad 70 Arulmigu Thavala Vinayagar Templedevotees participated inthe function and total rice 2200 kgs collected and prasatham distributed to all devotees after the pooja.

Republic day function was celebrated in Southern five districts where 4234 people participated in 72 places.

Geetha Jeyanthi function celebrated in Kanyakumari,Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi districts where 1617 people participated in 23 places.

Swami Vivekanandar Jeyanthi celebrated in Kanyakumari,Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi

Ramnad & Virudhunagar districts where 4667 people participated in 74 places.

Kendra Varga was conducted at Thoothukudi and Aruppukottai in 3 places and 30 persons

participated .

Mathru Pooja was conducted two places in Thoothukudi district and 50 parents participated .

Perents meeting was conducted at 12 places in three districts and 168 parents participated.

Details of Rural District level competitions held in Southern four districts

Total No.of. competitions - 7, Schools - 383, Students - 1933, Parents- 255, Teachers - 356.

College and School level Teachers’ essay competition conducted in the topic of “ The services rendered by great Tamil personalities for Indian Nationalism and all round development of India. For example people like 1. Thirunanachampandar, 2. Thirunavukarasar, 3. Aathisankarar, 4. Ramanujar, 5. Rajaji, 6. Kamarajar,7. C.Subramaniyam, 8. Abdulkalam ” and

36 school teachers and 6 college lecturers participated and some of them also attended the camp held at Kanyakumari and received the prizes for the same.Vacs College Girls camp was conducted at Kanyakumari from31.12.2018 to 03.01.2019 99 students from 11 collegess 4 parents & teachers participated in this camp.

Rural Inter District Level Childrens Carnival conducted at Kanyakumari from 31.01.2019 to 03.02.2019. 152 students from 96 schools 200 parents & teachers participated in this camp.

“Sri Rama Jeya Rama” Mantra was chanted during Deepa Pooja, Shivalinga Pooja and daily with our Balwadi school children, cultural class students and during monthly meetings by our Balwadi teachers and Social Workers. This month nearly 8,69,865 times mantras were chanted in 84 localities.

This month, we have distributed the rice which was collected through Amrita

Surabhi and Anna Pooja to Balwadi children, old poor people and the institutions

as mentioned below :

1. Mouzhanagurusamy madam, Thottiodu - Kanyakumari district - 100 Kgs

2. Sivan Kovil - Attoor - 25 Kgs

2. Indhu Middle School, A.Thirumalapuram - Kanyakumari district - 150 Kgs INSPIRING INCIDENTS

V.Rajakumari – Peyankuzhi – Kanyakumari district

On 14.10.2017 urban level cultural competitions were to be held in Hindu Vidyalaya, Marthandam. It was raining heavily from the down. Being and old building there was leakage on the roof and the floor was wet. The teachers of that School wiped the floor neatly and spread sheet. When we said that we would do that work, they admitted that it was their duty to arrange everything for our

dedicated service. The participants also came in the rain without fail. The teacher’s involvement and the students’ dedication towards the Kendra competitions impressed me a lot.

A.Leelarajakani – Ponnagaram- Ramnad district

On 25.09.2017 I had arranged “Thiruvilakku Pooja” in the Amman kovil near our Creche. It became late for me to come. But our Creche children came before me and were singing Bhajan songs. As soon as they saw me all of them ran to me. I had never asked them to come there. During the pooja also they chanted the Mantras following me. Their fluency in saying the Mantras made the villagers surprised. For more than two hours they were with me and helped me. Their affection and devotion touched my heart.

M.Jayarajakani – Vadalivilai – Nellai district

In our Creche a three years old child named Subiksha is very shrewd. WhenVallioor Govt. School

students came for the N.S.S. camp in Vadalivilai, they asked me for prayer song in the night programme. I asked Subiksha to say Mantras on the stage. Her pose and tone attracted everybody. She only started the programmes with her prayer all the seven days of the camp. The last day she was honoured on the stage. Morever during Deepavali function in the village she narrated the sayings of Swami Vivekananda on stage. She was much praised and given prize by the villagers. All praised Vivekananda Kendra and me for training the children in good aspects. This touched my heart.

S.Priyanka – Mannarkovil – Tirunelveli district

A Govt. Creche was started in Mannarkovil. They asked for 5 children from our Creche. I had refused first. Then the villagers came and selected 5 kids to go there. I couldn’t say anything. But the very next morning one of the kids named Siva came to our Creche. For one full day he was crying there. Then the other kids also refused to go there. They told that it was not like our School. No rhymes no songs, no stories. The kids attraction towards our Creche touched my heart.

G.Krishnammal – Peyankuzhi – Kanyakumari district

On 14.10.2017 urban level competitions were held in Marthandam Hindu Vidyalaya. In order to collect prize books and sales books I started earlier. Due to the over bridge construction there were many diversions. Somehow I had reached the School. But around 9 o clock there was heavy rain. “How the students would come?” I feared. To my great surprise teachers, parents and participants came in a large number and everything went on smoothly. This event touched my heart.

M.Shenbagam – K.Thangammalpuram – Thoothukudi district

During the Creche Teachers training camp at Kanyakumari. I got practice in getting up earlier and doing yoga after bath. I came to know and experience the benefits of that. I taught the same to the

cultural class student. Sathyapriya, a students was impressed by ‘Surya Namaskaram’ and trained his younger brother to do it. He had leg and knee pain and was very lazy. After doing Surya Namaskar daily he became very brisk and alert. When she told me this I was much impressed.

Gandhi Peace Prize 2015

विवेकानंद केंद्र कन्याकुमारी को गांधी शांति पुरस्कार से सम्मानित किया गया और विवेकानंद केंद्र ने पुरस्कार में प्राप्त राशी रुपए एक करोड़ को शहीदों के परिवारों को इनके कल्याणर्थ समर्पित किया ।

महामहिम राष्ट्रपति, आदरणीय प्रधानमंत्री, उपस्थित सभी मंत्री गण, महानुभावों को विवेकानंद केंद्र कन्याकुमारी का अभिवादन और प्रणाम । कन्याकुमारी में समुद्र के मध्य में स्थित विवेकानंद शिला स्मारक के ५० वर्ष पूर्ण होने के अवसर पर, विवेकानंद केंद्र के कार्य को, यह गाँधी शांति पुरस्कार देने के लिए गाँधी शांति पुरस्कार समिति सदस्य तथा समिति के अध्यक्ष माननीय प्रधान मंत्री श्री नरेन्द्र भाई मोदी जी को हम विशेष धन्यवाद देते है ।

विवेकानंद शिला स्मारक को माननीय एकनाथजी रानडे ने केंद्र सरकार, सारे राज्य सरकार तथा भारतीय जनता के सहयोग से 1970 में पूर्ण किया था. इसके निर्माण में पूर्ण भारत ने एक होकर स्वामी विवेकानंद के प्रति अपनी श्रध्दा को मूर्त रूप दिया था. सही अर्थ से यह राष्ट्रीय स्मारक रहा है. उसी शिला पर है स्वामी विवेकानंद ने भारत की एकात्मता तथा पुनरुत्थान के लिए अपना जीवन समर्पित करनेका का निर्णय लिया था ।

विवेकानंद केंद्र इसी स्मारक का द्वितीय चरण है. देश के लिए समर्पित जीवनव्रती कार्यकर्ता और स्थानिक कार्यकर्ता विवेकानंद केंद्र के सेवा कार्य को दुर्गम क्षेत्रोंमें, ग्रामीण क्षेत्रोंमें चला रहे हैं. विवेकानंद केंद्र, स्वामी विवेकानंदजी के विचार ‘मनुष्य के अन्तर्निहित शक्ति के प्रगटन’ तथा ‘मानव सेवा ही माधव सेवा है’ इसे आधारभूत रखते हुए मनुष्य निर्माण और राष्ट्र पुनरुत्थान का कार्य 900 से अधिक स्थानों पर आज संचालित कर रहा है ।

महात्मा गाँधी जी ने शांति और सौहार्दपूर्ण भारतीय समाज को रामराज्य के रूप में देखा था ऐसे समाज निर्माण में बुनियादी शिक्षा, ग्रामीण विकास और नैसर्गिक उर्जा का प्रयोग, युवा और स्त्रियों का विकास एवं राष्ट्रकार्य में उनका सहभाग, विश्वबंधुत्व के लिए कार्य ऐसे अनेक क्षेत्रों में विवेकानंद केंद्र कार्यरत है. इस  गांधी शांति पुरस्कार ने विवेकानंद केंद्र के कार्य की गरिमा को निश्चित बढ़ाया है उससे ही अधिक, दुर्गम क्षेत्र में कार्य करनेवाले हजारो कार्यकर्ताओं के सेवा और समर्पण को ही प्रतिष्ठित किया है. विवेकानंद केंद्र गांधी शांति पुरस्कार को सहर्षातासे, कृतज्ञता से तथा अत्यंत विनयतापूर्वक स्वीकार करते हुए इस कार्य को निरन्तरता से और परिणामकारी आगे ले जाने का दृढ़ संकल्प दोहराता है ।

पुलवामा की आतंकी घटना और उसमे शहीद हुए हमारे वीर जवानों का स्मरण करते हुए, इस पुरस्कार में प्राप्त राशी, विवेकानंद केंद्र, भारतीय सेना और शहीद जवानों के परिवार के हित में विनिमय करनेका निर्णय लेता हैं ।

PROJECT POSHAN: A nutritional initiative by Vivekananda Kendra Arun Jyoti and India Development and Relief Fund

“They alone live who live for others. Rest are more dead than alive”- Swami Vivekananda

How true is the saying! Only those who have treaded the same path will understand the true meaning of these words. Since its inception, Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari has literally lived this saying. All its projects are designed and oriented towards the upliftment of the underprivileged with the active participation of the community. It is the community which understands the problems they face better than any outsider, so the community must come together to actively participate in the mitigation of the same.

When we started our mobile medical activities, we had the opportunity to serve several remote corners of Arunachal Pradesh and observe at first hand the various factors affecting the health of the general masses. Malnutrition among children is one of them. The major causes which aggravate this problem are less crop production because of high altitude, less or non availability of food supplies due to poor surface connectivity, lack of education, no nearby health care provider and most importantly lack of awareness among the parents.

For a long time we have been thinking of addressing the problem of malnutrition which is a major cause of infant and child mortality and  poor health and productivity in later life. But two major requirements to start the programme were assured and continuous flow of funds and finding the right person within the community who can execute it with dedication. To start with we selected four villages of Lazu and Wakka Circles of Tirap and Longding districts. For this purpose we started meeting the people of Pongkong, Longliang, Wakka and Khanu villages and discussed how effectively the programme can be conducted with their active participation. They started selecting the children who needed supplementary food and the volunteers who will monitor and work for this purpose. India Development and Relief Fund (IDRF), USA was generous enough to provide fund for the financial year 2018-19 and assured all possible help for its continuation.

Our medical team then visited all these villages and examined the enrolled children. Finally, the programme was started in August 2018. The selected children are regularly provided one staple food along with some protein supplement. All the children assemble in the community hall and our workers provide them the food for the day. After partaking of the food the children play some organized games and they are also taught a few rhymes and numbers by our trained workers. They also take care of the health and hygiene of the children and in case of occurrence of any disease the medical team is immediately informed for necessary action.

On 16/11/2018, our medical team visited Pongkong village and found all the enrolled children i.e. 46 in number were present and the workers were taking care of the children as per the instruction. A marked improvement was seen in the children. Basic health parameters were checked and found to be satisfactory. It was also heartening to see that the children were cleaner and tidier and showed discipline. It was encouraging to see that the entire village is very positive towards the programme and they have also come up to contribute for the programmme from their meager means. To cite an example, a village youth provides the fire woods to cook the food. The educated youths help the workers to keep proper records.
We hope to continue and expand this programme to more such needy areas and solicit participation from everyone. 

VKPSP Annual Report 2016-2017

Vk PDF Report by Vivekananda Kendra on Scribd

VKRDP Monthly news report November - 2016

Vivekananda Kendra Rural Development September Month Report

We are happy and obliged to send you the activity report conducted by VKRDP. The details of our activities, for the month of September 2016, are listed for your ready reference and kind information.

1. “Sri Rama Jaya Rama” Mantra was chanted during Deepa Pooja, Shivalinga Pooja and daily by our Balwadi school children, cultural class students and during monthly meetings by our Balwadi teachers and Social Workers. Every month nearly 8, 12,718 times mantras were chanted in 84 localities.

2. Through 73 Balwadis, 1,842 rural Children were nurtured. In all the Balwadis, Malt along with hygienically prepared highly nutritive lunch with vegetables was served during the day. And in the evening vitamin-rich cereals were provided to the children.

3. In our Medicare Programme, 1798 patients were examined and treated for various common ailments, through 14 Rural Medical Centers in Kanyakumari, Nellai and Thoothukudi districts.

4. In 165 Samskara Vargas, 6317 students participated. The students were taught about the values of Indian Culture, through games, lectures & lessons. The feelings of oneness were strengthened among participants, through patriotic songs and games.

5. Under Adopt a Grannie Programme, 31 destitute and old people were provided with monthly solatiums, in the form of rice, dhal, oil, etc., for their livelihood and 104 persons provided rice only, in Southern four districts of Tamilnadu.

6. Monthly Deepa poojas were organized in 204 village temples in five districts of Southern Tamilnadu, in which 8619 ladies participated and offered prayers for the welfare of self, family and the society.

7. Under Amrita Surabhi Scheme, our Kendra workers collected 1366 Kgs of rice from five districts.

8. Through various branch centers, including Thoothukudi A.O. and book stalls, literature books were sold for Rs. 60,843 /-

9. Vivekavani Subscriptions for 271 three years one and 9 Yuva Bharathi were collected.

10. 80 women are being benefited in 4 Self Help Groups in Kanyakumari district.

11. Swadhyaya Varga has been conducted at one place, Aruppukottai in which 13 persons attended

12. 4 tailoring units are functioning well in Nellai & Kanyakumari districts with the total attendance of 81.

13. Shivalinga Poojas were conducted at 03 places in Kanyakumari District and 160 members participated.

14. Durga Pooja was conducted at 03 places, in Kanyakumari District in which 181 devotees participated.

15. Eye camps were conducted at 4 places, in Kanyakumari, Nellai and Thoothukudi districts in which 781 were treated for their eye ailments and 123 unter went cataract operation. 104 persons were given eye medicines and 32 persons were given spectacles.

16. Parents meeting was conducted at 8 places in Kanyakumari district and 298 persons participated.

17. Rural level competition was held in three districts Total No.of. competitions - 14, Schools -106, Students -1965, Parents - 78, Teachers - 132

18. 1008 deepa pooja was conducted in Kommadikottai in Thoothukudi district where 1295 people from 67 villages participated.

19. 2007 deepa pooja conducted at Rameshwaram in Ramnad district where 2469 people from 120 villages participated. Before Pooja in Mathru Sammelan Bhajans & inacting performed and by our workers and Sri.HanumanthaRao - All India Treasurer V.K.- Kanyakumari blessed the audians.

20. On September 5th Vinayagar chadurthi & memorial day of Mannaneeya Eknadji’s programme observed at Kanyakumari, and Annadhana distributed to nearly 1000 people. In Thoothukudi RDP office “Viveka Vinayagar” chadurthi function conductedand prasatham distributed to the devotees.

21. Universal Brotherhood day - celebrated on 11.09.2016 in 34 places in southern five districts and nearly 1780 people participated.

22. On 08/09/2016 in memory of Shri Ramadhas sweets were distibuted to 249 children in 8 balwadis from Tirunelveli districts.

23. Three days workshop conducted on creative teaching moduls for Creche. Supervisors / Teachers from 19.09.2016 to 21.09.2016 in Kanyakumari where 35 teachers and supervisors attended.

This month, we have distributed the rice which was collected through Amrita Surabhi and Anna Pooja to Balwadi children, old poor people and the institutions as mentioned below:
1. Mounagurusamy madam, Thootioodu, Kanyakumari district - 100 Kgs
2. Indhu Primary School, A.Thirumalapuram, Tirunelveli district - 200 Kgs

INSPIRING INCIDENTS

Janakipushpam – Vallioor – Tirunelveli District.
Thiru M.Ramesh, Thambaram, Chennai is a well wisher of Kendra and itsservices. Every year he donates for adopting elder citizens who have no dependants. Mr.Ramesh belongs to Middle class family. The recent rain – disastermade him lost everything he had earned. Hence I didn’t approach him for donation. But he had sent the amount without buying anything for his own. His service is a valuable one and it impressed me a lot.

T.R.Brindha –Kinatradivilai - Kanyakumari Distric
8 children belonging to ‘Narikkuravar’ group are coming to our Creche. Their attendance is not regular. They will come regularly for few days and absent for few days. Nowadays I get down from the bus at Villukuri and go to their place tofetch them. I will be waiting till they get ready. After coming to the Creche I take special care to make them know good habits. After three days I asked them about the good habits. A child named Muniasamy recalled everything and recited ‘Early to Rise’ ‘Early to bed’. Then only I have realized that with in 3 days the kids have developed a lot. Our efforts have some effects in them and I am contented and encouraged to do more for them.

R.Rathi – Kizhakottai - Ramnad District
Usually we take our Creche children for Medical check – up to the Siddha centre in our place. They will give medicines for cold, fever and a few other common problems. We gave the children those medicines with proper instruction to their parents. Two kids – Kavi Bharathi and Kaviyazhini are studying in our Creche. One day I received a call from their father in the night. Somewhat hesitated I attended the phone. He told me that his daughters were suffering from service cold and fever. Though we took them to the doctor for two days, there was noimprovement. The medicine sent by you last month gave them quick cure. He also asked me whether I was much impressed him that siddha medicine then. I was much impressed and felt very happy about my concern and the parent’s approach.

Vivekananda Kendra Rural Development July Month Report

“Sri Rama Jaya Rama” Mantra was chanted during Deepa Pooja, Shivalinga Pooja and daily by our Balwadi school children, cultural class students and during monthly meetings by our Balwadi teachers and Social Workers. Every month nearly 8, 52,122 times mantras were chanted in 84 localities.

Through 74 Balwadis, 1,795 rural Children were nurtured. In all the Balwadis, Malt along with hygienically prepared highly nutritive lunch with vegetables was served during the day. And in the evening vitamin-rich cereals were provided to the children.

In our Medicare Programme, 1818 patients were examined and treated for various common ailments, through 14 Rural Medical Centers in Kanyakumari, Nellai and Thoothukudi districts.

In 173 Samskara Vargas, 6259 students participated. The students were taught about the values of Indian Culture, through games, lectures & lessons. The feelings of oneness were strengthened among participants, through patriotic songs and games.

Under Adopt a Grannie Programme, 26 destitute and old people were provided with monthly solatiums, in the form of rice, dhal, oil, etc., for their livelihood and 115 persons provided rice only, in Southern four districts of Tamilnadu.

Monthly Deepa poojas were organized in 216 village temples in five districts of Southern Tamilnadu, in which 9006 ladies participated and offered prayers for the welfare of self, family and the society.

Under Amrita Surabhi Scheme, our Kendra workers collected 550 Kgs of rice from five districts.

Through various branch centers, including Thoothukudi A.O. and book stalls, literature books were sold for Rs. 45,262 /-

Vivekavani Subscriptions for 133 three years one and 5 Patron were collected.

80 women are being benefited in 4 Self Help Groups in Kanyakumari district.

Swadhyaya Varga has been conducted at one place, Aruppukottai in which 13 persons attended

4 tailoring units are functioning well in Nellai & Kanyakumari districts with the total attendance of 81.

Shivalinga Poojas were conducted at 03 places in Kanyakumari District and 166 members participated.

Durga Pooja was conducted at 03 places, in Kanyakumari District in which 179 devotees participated.

Eye camps were conducted at 3 places, in Kanyakumari, Nellai and Thoothukudi districts in which 699 were treated for their eye ailments and 111 unter went cataract operation. 38 persons were given eye medicines and 31 persons were given spectacles.

Kendra Varga has been conducted at in Aruppukottai where 10 persons attended.

Parents meeting was conducted at 2 places in Kanyakumari district and 44 persons participated.

On 4th July 2016 Swami Vivekanandar Maha samathi day was observed with Anna Pooja and Social Workers Cultural Programme at Kanyakumari. More than 1000 persons came from southern five districts participated in this programme. Education Aid distributed 16 needy students worth of Rs.88500/- sponsered by Sriganesh Nantha Gopal,- Coimbatore, Maria Pia Machi, Siva Priya Ashramam- Curtralam. More than 3000 persons were served with noon prasatham including Vivekananda Kendra Vidhyalaya Kanyakumari, Vallioor students and teachers 1700.

Social workers refresher camp was held between 05.07.2016 to 08.07.2016 at Kanyakumari and 28 workers participated.All Social Workers visited one day to Koodankulam Nuclear Project - Koodankulam.On 8th July Vahana pooja was performed.

Balwadi teacher refresher camp was held from 30.06.2016 to 03.07.2016.

Teachers from Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Ramanathapuram and

Virudhunagar districts attended the camp. Totally 129 teachers and 12 workers

attended the camp. During the camp all the teachers were well trained.

Guru Purnima was celebrated at Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi. Nearly at 55

places and 3950 participated in the function.

Anna Pooja was conducted on 19.07.2016 at Ayyappa College in Kanyakumri district and

600 persons participated and 500 kgs rice collected.

Rural level competition was held in two districts Total No.of. competitions - 7, Schools -55, Students -1024, Parents - 10, Teachers - 76

This month, we have distributed the rice which was collected through Amrita Surabhi and Anna Pooja to Balwadi children, old poor people and the institutions as mentioned below:

1. Mounagurusamy madam, Thootioodu, Kanyakumari district - 100 Kgs

2. Mounagurusamy madam, Mandaikadi, Samathi Peedam - 100 Kgs

2. Hindu Middle School - A.Thiumalapuram, Tirunelveli district - 200 Kgs

INSPIRING INCIDENTS

J.Subbulakshmi- Thangammal puram – Thoothukudi District

A five years old boy. Rajesh Kannan is studying in our Creche. He is a good and obedient student.His sister (1 ½ years old) was admitted during Saraswathi Pooja. She is crying most of the time. This makes Rajesh Kannan worried and he used to control himself. He will come near her and clean her face and look after her very kindly. When the teacher feeds the child he comes and asks the teacher to allow him to feed her so that she will eat more. One day her legchain fell somewhere. A child named Mariselvi found it and gave it to the teacher. On seeing this, Rajesh told his mother not to send his sister with ornaments as the teacher had much work in the school. She should not thrust more work on

her. The boys maturity touched my heart.

N.Chandra – Ambai – Tirunelveli district

As I was suffering from some poisonous infection I went to a shop to buy medicinal plant for it. There I met a Headmaster and his wife working as a teacher in V.K.Puram. As they were known to me they talked intimately. The shopkeeper enquired me about my job and advised me to take care of the health. “Doing service is appreciable. To continue best service good health is essential” saying this he treated me kindly. I am proud of being a Kendra service worker.

V.Saradha, Social Workers – Thoothukudi District

This incident happened while conducting Midalangadu cultural competitions. One of the special invitees for the valedictory function asked us to tell a story to inspire the participants. At once Kasthuri teacher narrated a story in simple language so as to make all the children understand. The person who asked for the story told us that he didn’t even know that story and appreciated her. He also commented that the trainees of Vivekananda Kendra were talented and service – minded. That was their special quality. We all felt happy and proud of hearing such appreciation.

Annapooja on Swami Vivekananda Mahasamadhi Din

On the auspicious occasion on Swami Vivekananda Mahasamadhi Day

Vivekananda Kendra Rural Development project organized Anna-Pooja and Cultural Program in Tirunelvelli district.  More than 20 tons rice is donated by various people living in Kanyakumari and Tirunelvelli district as part of Annapooja. Anna-pooja followed by Devi Annapoorna Strotra (by Adi Sanakaracharya) and 11th chapter of Shrimad Bhagavad Gita.

VKRDP Activity Report : May 2016

We are happy and obliged to present you the report of various activities conducted by our Vivekananda Kendra Rural Development Programme.

Read More

VKRDP April Month Report

April - 2016 by VK RDP

Medical Camps at Namsai

  Vivekananda Kendra Arun Jyoti organized some Free Medical Camps in Namsai district of Arunachal Pradesh from 10th May to 14th May 2016.

Three camps were organized at Mahadevpur IV, Dharampur and Dirak Miri villages of Lekang circle and two camps were organized at Monhofai and Joona kachari villages of Namsai circle. A total 860 patients were treated in these camps by the Mobile Medical Team of Vivekananda Kendra and free medicines were distributed.

It is to be mentioned that all the three villages under Lekang circle were flood affected and the recent flood created havoc in these areas. So, the medical camps bought relief to the ailing patients, most of them were elderly and children. Volunteers of Vivekananda Kendra, Namsai Nagar and Mahadevpur area, All Lekang Youth and Student Union (ALYSU), Adi Students Union of Lekang block joined hands with our medical team for the camps. The villagers appreciated the service provided at their doorsteps.

VK Rural Development Program March 2016 Activity Report

VKRDP Activities Report March - 2016 by VK RDP

Medical Camps in Tiram and Changlang District

In March 2016, Vivekananda Kendra Arun Jyoti organized 10 free medical camps in Tirap and Changlang districts of Arunachal Pradesh.3 camps were organized in Tirap district,

where 207 patients were examined and treated in Lazu and Khonsa areas. In the later parts of the month 7 camps were organized in Khimiyong and Bordumsa areas of Changlang district, where 601 patients were treated. Free medicines were distributed to all the needy patients. The Medical team of Vivekananda Kendra along with the mobile medical van conducted the camps as people are suffering from various diseases in these remote areas as the monsoon is arriving.

VK Rural Development Program Feb 2016 Activity Report

1.“Sri Rama Jaya Rama” Mantra was chanted during the Deepa Pooja and  Shivalinga Pooja and daily by our Balwadi school children, cultural class students and during monthly meetings by our Balwadi teachers and Social Workers.

Every month nearly 8,20,700 times mantras were chanted in 84 localities.

2. Through 76 Balwadis, 2,066 rural Children were nurtured.  In all the Balwadis, Malt along with hygienically prepared highly nutritive lunch with vegetables was served during the day. And in the evening vitamin-rich cereals were provided to the children.

3. In our Medicare Programme, 2115 patients were examined and treated for various common ailments, through 14 Rural Medical Centers in Kanyakumari, Nellai and Thoothukudi districts.

4. Eye camps were conducted at 3 places, in Kanyakumari, Nellai and Thoothukudi districts in which 893 were treated for their eye ailments and 158 were operated for cataract. 55 persons given eye drops and 73 persons given spectacles.

5. In 179 Samskara Vargas, 6,969 students participated.  The students were taught about the values of Indian Culture, through games, lectures & lessons.  The feelings of oneness were strengthened among participants, through patriotic songs and games.

6. Under Adopt a Grannie Programme, 24 destitute and old people were provided with monthly solatiums, in the form of rice, dhal, oil, etc., for their livelihood and 119 persons provided rice only, in Southern four districts of Tamilnadu.

7. Monthly Deepa poojas were organized in 234 village temples in five districts of Southern Tamilnadu, in which 10696 ladies participated and offered prayers for the welfare of self, family and the society.

8. Under Amrita Surabhi Scheme, our Kendra workers collected 974  Kgs of rice from five districts.

9. Through various branch centers, including Thoothukudi A.O. and book stalls, literature books were sold for Rs. 112,109 /-

10. 152  Vivekavani two years one  Subscriptions collected, 351  Patron were also collected.

11. 80 women are being benefited in 4 Self Help Groups in Kanyakumari district.

12. Yoga Varga has been conducted at 02 places,  Kovilpatti and  Aruppukottai in which 25 persons attended.

13. Swadhyaya Varga has been conducted at one  places,  Kovilpatti and  Aruppukottai in which 13 persons attended

14. 4 tailoring units are functioning well in Nellai & Kanyakumari districts with the total attendance of 81.

15. Shivalinga Poojas were conducted at 03 places in Kanyakumari District and 212 members participated.

16. Durga Pooja was conducted at 03 places, in Kanyakumari District in which 233 devotees participated.

17. Rural  Block level competition was held in one district Total No.of. competitions - 7,  Schools - 31, Students -468, Parents - 4, Teachers  - 29

18. Rural  District  level competition was held in three districts Total No.of. competitions - 6,  Schools -257, Students -1257, Parents - 289, Teachers  - 204

21. ECO camp was conducted in Tenkasi 120 students participated.

22. VACS College Girls camp conducted at Kanyakumari from 03.02.2016 to 06022016. 162 students from 22 schools 9 parents & teachers participated in this camp. In concluding programme Joint General Secretary Shri. Previnji blessed the students.

23. Personality Development Camp conducted at Courtalam in Nellai District and 50 students participated.

24. Grand Anna Pooja programme held at Rameshwaram – Vivekananda Vidhyalaya, Swami Saradhananda and  “Vivekavani” editor N.Krishnamoorthiji attended and blessed the participants. Nearly 4800 kgs rice collected and 400 participated in the programme.

25. Mathru Pooja & Anna Pooja held at Mudiveeranpattinam – Ramnad district 1250 rice collected 350 participated

26. Swami Vivekanandar Vizha conducted in five districts at 17 places 3454 participated.

This month, we have distributed the rice which was collected through Amrita Surabhi and Anna Pooja   to Balwadi children, old poor people and the institutions as mentioned below:

1.  Mounagurusamy madam, Thootioodu - 100 Kgs

2.  Hindu Middle School - A.Thiumalapuram - 200 Kgs

      INSPIRING INCIDENTS

C.Guilda – Sakthi Dharmapuram – Kanyakumari district

This incident happened during the arrangement of Thiruvattar Deepa Pooja. Myself and Leela Akka went for getting a tin of oil worth Rs.1100/- . We approached a housewife and she gave us Rs.550/-. We got Rs.101/- from another house. When we were thinking for the balance amount, a person called us. He asked us not to go anywhere for money and gave us remaining money Rs.550/-. We thought of God’s Grace and thanked him. This inspired me a lot.

C.Leela – Peyankuzhi – Kanyakumari district

This inspiring incident happened while I am searching for well wishers for monetary helpto print notice for the Deepa Pooja to be conducted at Thiruvattar Aadikesava Perumal Temple on 23.08.2015 . I happened to meet a student who studied in our Balwadi 22 years back. His name was Vaikunthamani and he is handicapped. On hearing my need he told me that he could bear the total expense as he was running a mobile shop. Then only I realized that our Kendra has developed so many social workers and service minded personalities. I blessed him for a blissful future and prayed Annai Aadhi Parasakthi to shower her blessings.

S.Anbarasi – Vallankumaranvilai – Kanyakumari district

This inspiration happened while attending the training camp at Kanyakumari. Ayyappan Annachi had arranged for watching an inspiring documentary film on Shree Eknathji Ranade. The film show occupied my mind and heart totally with the devoted and dedicated services rendered by the founder without exposing him to the public. When I visited the Vivekananda Rock Memorial amidst the sea, I was really stunned. I wonder how Eknathji acquired such a strength and devotion towards establishing Kendra and Rock Memorial. His life pattern inspired me to lead a life like Eknathji.

C.Selvarani – Paramakudi – Ramnad district

To conduct the ‘Deepa Pooja’ at Rameshwaram temple, we went to the Temple Police Station to get the permission. The Sub Inspector of Police enquired us all the details and gave us the phone to speak to the Inspector. Though the Inspector is a Christian he encouraged us to change the number from 2007 to 3006 and assured us that he would supply the match boxes needed. We thanked him and asked him to supply camphor instead of match boxes. He accepted at once. On hearing this, the lady constable was ready to share some of the expenses. This unexpected help encouraged us to render our services more enthusiastically.