District Level Cultural Competitions at Sankarankovil

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu Prant, Rural Development Programme (VKRDP), Kovilpatti branch organised District Level Cultural Competitions (Tenkasi District) for urban school students on 29th August 2025 at Sri Gomathi Ambal Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Sankarankovil. The programme was aimed at nurturing cultural values, creativity, and confidence among students, while also providing a platform to showcase their talents.

The event witnessed the enthusiastic participation of 126 students from 13 schools, accompanied by 30 teachers, 5 parents, and 5 volunteers. A wide range of competitions were conducted, including storytelling, elocution, music, drawing, recitation, and mono acting. Each event gave students an opportunity to express themselves and reflect the rich cultural heritage of our land.

The competitions were judged by experienced teachers and well-wishers, ensuring fairness and encouragement to all participants. The performances of the students highlighted not only their creativity and talent but also the spirit of healthy competition.

The prize distribution ceremony was graced by Shri. N. Pazhani Selvam, Principal of Sri Gomathi Ambal Matric. Hr. Sec. School, who joined as the Chief Guest. He distributed the prizes and certificates to the winners, appreciating their hard work and talent.

Following the competitions, a Parent–Teacher Meeting was organised. Shri. Paramaguru Anna, Joint Secretary, VKRDP, along with well-wishers, interacted with the parents and teachers. During the interaction, they highlighted the activities of Vivekananda Kendra, stressing on its efforts in education, rural development, and cultural awakening. This session created an opportunity for parents and teachers to understand their role in the holistic development of children.

A bookstall featuring Vivekananda Kendra publications was also set up at the venue. The books, covering a wide range of topics such as Indian culture, spirituality, and personality development, attracted the interest of parents, teachers, and students, further spreading the message of Swami Vivekananda.

The event was successfully conducted with the dedicated efforts of the District Incharge, Balasevikas, and volunteers of VKRDP.

1008 Thiruvilakku Puja Organised by VKRDP at Sankarankovil

Marking its 19th consecutive year, Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu Prant, Rural Development Programme (VKRDP), Kovilpatti Branch conducted the 1008 Thiruvilakku Puja (Deepa Puja) with great fervour and devotion at Arulmigu Sankaranarayana Swamy Temple, Sankarankovil, on Sunday, 20th July 2025.

The spiritually vibrant programme commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by Adarneeya Kum. Gayathri Akka, Prakalpa Sangatak, Vivekananda Kendra Prakashan Trust, Chennai along with Smt. Poongkodi Sivabalan, Smt. Bhuvaneshwari, and Smt. Muthulakshmi, all devoted well-wishers of the Kendra. A soulful prayer followed, after which Smt. Shanmuga Lakshmi, teacher at Bharath Tuition Centre, extended a warm welcome to the gathering.

The puja was graced by Adarneeya Shri. N. Krishnamoorthy ji, Senior Jeevan-vrati at Vivekananda Kendra, Adarneeya Shri. Ayyappan Anna, Prant Sah Sangatak, Tamil Nadu Prant and Prakalpa Sangatak, VKRDP and Shri. Saravanan, Temple Incharge who jointly presided over the proceedings.

Shri. Natarajan Swamy, Administrator of Thiruvannamalai Annadhana Trust, Kovilpatti, delivered the Aasirvachan offering blessings to all the devotees. A highlight of the event was a conversational play titled “Wake-Up Hindus”, performed by Kendra sisters, emphasizing the importance of cultural awakening and unity.

The Thiruvilakku Puja was led with deep devotion by Smt. Muthulakshmi, where 1,110 women from over 65 villages across five districts joined in prayer for rain and the welfare of the people.

The event saw enthusiastic participation from Kendra well-wishers, Balasevikas, Incharges, volunteers, and students of Bharath Tuition Centre, who all played vital roles in the smooth execution of the puja.

The programme was meticulously coordinated by Shri. Paramaguru Anna, Prakalpa Sah Sangatak, VKRDP, and Shri. Velmurugan, Secretary, Bharath Tuition Centre, whose efforts ensured the success of this grand spiritual gathering.