International Day of Yoga celebrated at Naruvamoodu in Thiruvananthapuram

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Keralam Prant, Thiruvananthapuram Branch organized a vibrant program to celebrate the International Day of Yoga at Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Naruvamoodu. Held from 10:15 am to 11:15 am on June 23, 2026, the event drew an enthusiastic gathering of 212 participants.

The program commenced on an auspicious note with the traditional lighting of the lamp, accompanied by a prayer recited by the students. Following this, the audience was treated to a beautiful, rhythmic presentation where students gracefully demonstrated various yoga asanas woven into a dance form.

The highlight of the event was an inspiring address by Adaraneeya Priyamvada Didi, who spoke extensively on the multi-faceted importance of Yoga. She highly appreciated both the students and teachers for their excellent performance and dedication. In her address, she emphasized that Yoga goes far beyond physical well-being; while it makes the body strong and calms the mind, it crucially nurtures emotional balance, concentration, and memory power. Furthermore, she highlighted how Yoga expands one's empathy, fostering a desire to feel for and serve others. She concluded with a powerful appeal to the students to make Yoga a regular practice in their daily lives to contribute their very best to the Nation.

Following the address, a practical session was conducted under the expert guidance of Aadaraneeya Kalyani Didi. Participants actively engaged in loosening exercises, followed by the practice of various Asanas, and the physical routine with Anuloma-Viloma and Bhramari pranayama.

The successful and rejuvenating program concluded with the chanting of the Shanti Mantra.

Yoga Satra at Thiruvananthapuram - April 2026

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Keralam Prant, Thiruvananthapuram Branch, successfully organized a Yoga Satra from 23rd March to 3rd April 2026 at Manikandeswaram. Held daily from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm, the session saw the enthusiastic participation of 8 people.

Each day commenced with the 3 Omkars and Shanti Path, The comprehensive curriculum included breathing and loosening exercises, Suryanamaskars, various Asanas, and Pranayama, with a special emphasis on Chair Suryanamaskars to assist participants with knee issues.

Beyond physical practice, the Satra delved into the spiritual and theoretical dimensions of Yoga by explaining the meanings of Mantras and covering the principles of Ashtanga Yoga.

Participants were also inspired by a dedicated session on Swami Vivekananda’s historic meditation on the Mid-Sea Rock at Kanyakumari and the diverse service activities of Vivekananda Kendra.

To further encourage spiritual study, a book stall was arranged, providing attendees with access to transformative literature.

The Satra concluded with the Patanjali Vandana and Shanti Mantra.

Amrita Parivar - Thiruvananthapuram

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Kerala Prant, Thiruvananthapuram, successfully hosted an Amrita Parivar Milan at Vikas Nagar, Vattiyurkavu. The event, held on March 21, 2026 from 5 PM to 6 PM, saw an enthusiastic participation of 19 members from 6 families.

The programme commenced on a serene note with 3 Omkars and Shantipath, followed by a brief explanation of their significance to ensure everyone connected with the spiritual intent. This was followed by a soul-stirring rendition of a patriotic song, 'Matrubhumi Gan se', led by Aadaraneeya Kalyani Didi, which filled the atmosphere with national pride.

A highlight of the evening was the outdoor game session, which brought great joy to both children and elders alike, bridging generational gaps through active participation. The gathering also facilitated a productive and spirited discussion on 'Amrita Prabhat', where all attendees shared their thoughts with great enthusiasm.

The programme concluded peacefully with the recitation of the Shantipath, accompanied by a concise explanation of the mantra’s meaning, leaving the participants inspired and connected.

Gita Jayanti Celebration at Thiruvananthapuram

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Kerala Prant, Thiruvananthapuram Branch organized the Gita Jayanti Celebration on 14th December 2025 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Kendra karyalaya. A total of 17 participants attended the programme, which was conducted in a serene and spiritually uplifting atmosphere.

The programme commenced with the chanting of three Omkaras followed by Shanti Path, setting a contemplative tone. This was followed by bhajans sung in lead-and-follow mode.

Adaraneeya Priyamvada Didi, Jeevan-vrati Karyakarta addressed the gathering, briefly explaining the significance of the five major Utsavas of Vivekananda Kendra and elaborating in detail on the importance of Gita Jayanti. She highlighted how Lord Krishna guided Arjuna to understand the importance of performing one’s own duty and emphasized that the study of the Bhagavad Gita strengthens mental and emotional resilience. She also explained select verses from the Gita, including “Klibyam mā sma gamaḥ Pārtha”, elucidating their relevance in daily life.

Children from Janaka Janani Kripa Gurukulam rendered a soulful chanting of the 12th chapter of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, adding depth and devotion to the celebration. The programme concluded with the recitation of Nirvanashatakam, followed by meditation, Shanti Mantra, and Pushpanjali. Prasadam was distributed to all participants at the end of the programme.

Sadhana Diwas Celebration at Thiruvananthapuram

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Kerala Prant, Thiruvananthapuram Branch observed Sadhana Diwas on 19th November 2025 at the Vivekananda Kendra, Chitra Nagar, from 4.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m. A total of 12 participants attended the programme.

The programme commenced with the chanting of three Omkars followed by the Shanti Path, creating a calm and disciplined atmosphere. This was followed by the devotional song “Vandana Abhinandana”, rendered in a lead-and-follow manner, encouraging collective participation.

As part of the Sadhana Diwas observance, two chapters from the book “Sevanam Oru Sadhana” were read and discussed. The session focused on explaining the deeper concept of service as a form of spiritual sadhana, emphasizing selfless action and dedication in daily life.

The programme concluded with the Shanti Mantra, Pushpanjali, and Prasadam, leaving the participants inspired and spiritually enriched.

Kishori Vikas Shibir at Thiruvananthapuram

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Kerala Prant, Thiruvananthapuram Branch successfully organized a Kishori Vikas Shibir on 8th November 2025 at Hindu Mahila Mandir, Thiruvananthapuram. The programme was conducted from 10.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and witnessed the participation of 43 attendees, comprising 38 students, 2 staff members, and 3 karyakartas.

The Shibir commenced with a prayer, setting a serene and disciplined tone for the session. Following a brief Udbodhan, all participants joined in singing a bhajan. The session then progressed to loosening and breathing exercises, helping the students experience physical relaxation and mental alertness.

Engaging games such as Nauka Daud with various modifications and Sher-Bakri were conducted enthusiastically. These activities not only generated joy and energy among the participants but were also followed by thoughtful discussions, enabling the students to reflect on teamwork, alertness, and leadership.

A storytelling session from the Panchatantra, narrated by Adaraneeya Radha Didi, Kerala Prant Sangathak formed a key highlight of the programme. The students were grouped into three groups to discuss the story and present the moral learnings, which they did with clarity, confidence, and creativity.

The Shibir concluded with Meditation and Shanti Mantra, leaving the participants calm, focused, and inspired.

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.

Gurupurnima at Thiruvananthapuram

Gurupurnima is one of the five Utsavas celebrated in Vivekananda Kendra. In Kendra, Omkara is revered as the Guru, and Gurupurnima is celebrated grandly by all branch centers and projects of Vivekananda Kendra across Bharat.

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Kerala Prant, Thiruvananthapuram branch, observed Gurupurnima on 6th July 2025 at Kendra Karyalaya in Chitra Nagar with devotion and spiritual fervour. A total of 25 people attended the event.

The programme began with three Omkars and Shanti Path, followed by collective chanting of the Gurustotram and bhajans in lead-and-follow style. Adarneeya Shri Aji Kumar ji addressed the gathering, emphasizing the significance of Gurupurnima and the noble work of Bhagavan Veda Vyasa.

He also reflected on the lives and messages of Swami Vivekananda and Shri Ramakrishna, stating that all Gurus guide us toward realizing our inner divinity. He highlighted Swami Vivekananda's vision of establishing Omkara temples across the nation and remarked that Vivekananda Kendra is striving to fulfil that vision. He concluded his inspiring talk with an appeal to all present to actively participate in Kendra’s activities.

The celebration concluded with Pushparpanam, chanting of the Shanti Mantra, and distribution of Prasad.

Empowering Young Minds through Kishori Vikas Shibir at Thiruvananthapuram

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Kerala Prant, Thiruvananthapuram Branch conducted the Kishori Vikas Shibir on 29th June 2025 at Hindu Mahila Mandir, Poojapura from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.    The event was attended by 38 participants and included a series of engaging activities designed to cultivate confidence, character, and cultural awareness among young girls.

The session began with three Omkars and Shanti Path, followed by devotional bhajans. Team-building games were conducted, with a meaningful discussion that helped participants reflect on cooperation and shared effort. Aadarneeya Radha Didi, Kerala Prant Sangathak, VRM&VK then narrated an inspiring story about a beggar who transformed into a king, emphasizing that our real nature is divine and that self-confidence arises when we recognize this truth. “Shape up your life and lead it dynamically,” she urged the participants.

Following a patriotic song, three real-life situations were presented, which the girls enacted in groups. The role-plays sparked creativity, critical thinking, and team spirit. Meditation and Omkar chanting brought calm and introspection to the session.

Several participants expressed their appreciation during the experience-sharing segment, noting that these classes consistently offered moral guidance and values that were useful in their lives. The programme concluded with the chanting of the Shanti Mantra.

Amrita Parivar Programme at Thiruvananthapuram

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Kerala Prant, Thiruvananthapuram Branch, organized an Amrita Parivar programme on the theme of Good Parenting on 28th June 2025 at Sree Sankara Vidyapeedom, Manikandeshwaram. A total of 40 parents participated in the programme, which began with a prayer, invoking a serene and focused atmosphere.

The Principal of the school, Smt. Deepa, warmly welcomed the gathering and introduced the session. Adarneeya Radha Didi, Kerala Prant Sangathak, VRM & VK addressed the parents, emphasizing the importance of inculcating samskaras in children.

She stated, “Samskaras are important to develop the children, and the samskaras reflect in their character,” highlighting the long-term impact of value-based parenting.

An interactive session followed, during which parents shared their experiences and sought clarifications, making the programme engaging and participative. The session concluded with a vote of thanks, marking the end of an insightful and purposeful gathering.

Gita Jayanti Celebration - Thiruvananthapuram

Vivekananda Kendra Kerala Vibhag, Branch Thiruvananthapuram

Gita Jayanti Celebration

Date: 11/12/2022

Venue: VK Thiruvananthapuram, Chithra Nagar

Prayer

Chanting of 12th Chapter by Samskar Varga students,

A Bhajan on Sri Krishna by Kum. Souparnika, Sharing of learning from Srimad Bhagavad Gita by Kum. Kalyani Didi, Radha Devi Didi, Smt. Kavitha ji, Shri. Ajikumarji.

Mananeeya  Hanumanta Rao ji (Vice President- VRM & VK) spoke on the auspicious day about the importance of Learning and Living the message of Bhagavad Gita. Starting Kshetre Kshetre Dharmam kuru, he said anything we do for only the deha (body), is not Dharma. When we do it for the Society it is Dharma. Vyasthi Jeeva, Samashthi Ishwara, we need to proceed from Deha Buddhi through Dharma Buddhi to Daiva Buddhi. Important 4 points to remember Nirmama, Nirahankara, Niswartha, Nissanga(detachment).... These will lead us to a dharmic life. He also said our life should be with Nishtha, to be a Nishthavan we have to have Niyam (discipline). He reminded us about Jagadguru Aadi Shanakaraachyarya's commentaries and said: Jeeva is Vyashti and Samashti is Ishwara iti Vendanta Dimdima: Time and again he quoted msg from Mahabharata.

3 of the participants became our patrons too

Concluded with Shanti Mantra.

Total Participation:38

REPORT ON BHAJAN SANDHYA -KERALA VIBHAG (Thiruvananthapuram Branch)

 Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Vibhag Kerala, Branch Thiruvananthapuram.*

On the occasion of Purnima Bhajan Sandhya was organised :
Date: 26.05.2021
Bhajans were sung by Kendra Elders
Anchoring: Kum. Athira, VK TVM.

Message on Buddha Purnima: Manaeeya Dr. M. Lakshmi Kumari Didi.
Didi asked Karyakartas to light their inner lamp and be a lamp and give light everywhere. Atma Deepo Bhava (आत्म दीपो भव)।

Concluded with Kendra Prarthana.
Total Attendance: 46

REPORT ON BHAJAN SANDHYA -KERALA VIBHAG (Thiruvananthapuram Branch)

 Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Vibhag Kerala, Branch Thiruvananthapuram.*

On the occasion of Purnima Bhajan Sandhya was organised :
Date: 26.05.2021
Bhajans were sung by Kendra Elders
Anchoring: Kum. Athira, VK TVM.

Message on Buddha Purnima: Manaeeya Dr. M. Lakshmi Kumari Didi.
Didi asked Karyakartas to light their inner lamp and be a lamp and give light everywhere. Atma Deepo Bhava (आत्म दीपो भव)।

Concluded with Kendra Prarthana.
Total Attendance: 46

Swadhyaya Varga - Thiruvananthapuram-Kerala Branch

 VK Thiruvananthapuram has. Started a new Swadhyaya Varga (2 days in a week) on *Sadhana Panchakam*

Days: Every Tuesday & Thursday
Time: 6.30am to 7.30am.
Language: Malayalam
Total Attendance: 34

Shri. Vishnu Ji, Kerala Samparka Pramukh is organising and Shri. Ashokan Ji is taking the Sadhana Panchakam with reference to Manaeeya Eknath Ji’s Life and Work.
Today he explained to Karyakartas about Eknath Ji’s Life and urged everyone to read it. The book is in demand now.

Karyakarta Baithak-Vivekananda Kendra Vedic Vision Foundation, Kodungallur

Karyakarta Baithak: Date: 09/03/2021 Time: 3 to 5.30pm Total Karyakartas Present: 16( This includes Adaraneeya Sudhakarji, Raghuji and Radha Didi.).

Points discussed:
- How to develop Karyapaddhati in and around the district.
- Which are the identified places
- What all the activities can we take-up
- How to develop a team in each place.
- It is decided to go ahead with 9 places where we have our team now.*
- Each places 3 to 4 Karyakartas have taken responsibility*
- EBVB planning: we will have Baithak of the old teamwork out the plan for Sampark from April to August.
-It is decided to have Monthly Baithak of Karyakartas on every Last Saturday of the month 7 to 8 pm.
- It is decided to have Swadhyaya every month after the Monthly Baithak.
- Will give importance to Karyapaddhati.
- Study with the meaning of our Kendra Prarthana and other slokas will be done by Karyakartas during the Monthly  Swadhyaya of Karyakartas.
- Discussed Amrita Parivar. The work is already started and as per the individual target, all the Karyakartas will work on it and report in the next Baithak.
- We will do Samskarvarga Prashikshan Shibir at the earliest. The date will be fixed in the next Baithak.

Baithak concluded with Shanti Mantra followed by Kendra Prarthana.

Vivekananda Kendra Kerala Vibhag Varshik Baithak

 KERALA VIBHAG VARSHIK BAITHAK-2021
Date: 6th March 2021
Time: 10am to 5pm.
Total Karyakartas attended: 31


Homage to the well wishers, Karyakartas, Jawans and all those who worked for our Motherland was done by chanting of Sri Ram Jai Ram... 11 times concluding with Poornamada Poornamidam.

Welcome and Introduction: Radha Didi
All the Karyakartas introduced themselves with their responsibility.

Mananeeya Lakshmi Didi guided on the topic: Vyakti Ko Samaj Se Jodne Ki Sadhana.

Baithak Geet was Dharma Ke Liye Jiye Samaj Ke Liye Jiye.... By Kalyani Didi.

Baithak Sanchalan: Shri. Vinodji (Sanchalak-- VK Kerala Vibhag)

Discussion on Amrita Parivar, EBVB planning etc were part of the Baithak.

Concluded at 5pm with Manaeeya Lakshmi Didi's Blessings, Shanti Mantra followed by Kendra Prarthana by: Sudhakarji.

Weekly Swadhyaya Varga - Thiruvananthapuram

 Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari (Vibhag: Kerala; Branch: Thiruvananthapuram)
     “ WEEKLY SWADHYAYA VARGA “

Date: 17th Jan Sunday from 03:00 pm to 4:15 pm
Mode: Zoom
Participants: 15
Topic: Swargaprapti & Bharat’s Karma Siddhi

Session started with Omkara & ‘Om Sahana vavatu’ by Kalyani Didi.
Rugmani Ji sung a devotional song on Swami Vivekananda.
The topic was lead by Ajith Basu ji.
• If Sanatana dharma wants to tell anything, it tells correctly from one side and also tells what is the false side from the other end.
• Attaining swarga is a big thing, but Sanatana dharma is much ahead and always helps us to realise that we are ParaBrahmam.
• Nothing is shaashwatham. Everything is time bound. People run around for swargaprapti but Bharatham or Sanatana dharma tells it’s not required. Bharatham tells you are nithyan, you are sathyam and you are shudhan and you are bhudhan. Infact you have already attained that stage of Swargam, it’s only that you don’t realise. In the various stages of time, swargam is just a position to influence.
• Sanatana dharma tells there is nothing called darkness, it’s only lack of light.
• Swami Vivekananda tells there is no untruth in Sanatana dharma. It’s only lower level of truth and then higher levels of truth and finally the ultimate truth or absolute truth I.e., ParaBrahmam.
• In a life, when you get Shanti out of an act or karma with dharma is Swadharma.

Manoj ji added and spoke on the difference between Swadharma & Paradharma.
Understand Sathyam and come out of the fear which is seeded within.

The session concluded with Shanti Mantra by Kalyani Didi

Personality Development Class - Thiruvananthapuram

 

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari (Vibhag: Kerala; Branch: Thiruvananthapuram)

”Weekly Personality Development Class 2.0”

Date : 23rd Jan 2021
Time: 8:30am to 9:45am
Participants: 33 logins (along with 6 organising team)

PDC 2.0 started with 3 Omkar & ‘Om Sahana vavatu’ by Radha Didi.
Session started with remembering Subhash Chandra Bose Ji and his role in our country’s freedom struggle.
Guru Slokam was recited by Akshaya & Shreyas.
Didi started the session with an open question to children- how to show Desha Bhakti, for which kids gave their view on the same.
Didi quoted Swami ji words- Believe in yourself.
Ajith Basu ji took forward with story from Mahabharat.
•  Kids should understand and realise Eshwara Srishti.
• The outer Srishti jalam which we see all has within a Eshwara Srishti. It’s important to developers this ability.
• Bharat’s biggest gift to the world is ‘Dharma’.
• Our Parents or anyone who follows Dharma need to be respected and loved by way of Bhakti and Sneham
• Finally the session was concluded with a beautiful story without climax for the kids to brain storm.
This week’s session ended with Omkara and Shanti Mantra.

Weekly Swadhyaya Varga – Thiruvananthapuram - Kerala

 Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari (Vibhag: Kerala; Branch: Thiruvananthapuram)
     “ WEEKLY SWADHYAYA VARGA “

Date: 24th Jan Sunday from 03:00 pm to 4:30 pm
Mode: Zoom
Participants: 21
Topic: Patanjali Yogadarshanam

Session started with Omkara & ‘Om Sahana vavatu’ by Radha Didi.
It was followed by a Bhajan by Kalyani Didi
Introduction of Speaker by Radha Didi.

The enlightening topic of “Patanjali Yogadarshanam” was taken by Brahmachari Suved Chaitanya (Sambodh Foundation, Bangalore centre)
Suved Chaitanya Ji also responded to few questions too.
The session concluded with Shanti Mantra by Kalyani Didi

Bhajan Sandhya - Thiruvananthapuram - Kerala

 As part of the regular Bhajan Sandhya on all Purnima Days by Vivekananda Kendra- Kerala Vibhag, this time the lead was taken up by Thiruvananthapuram Branch on Jan 28th Thursday from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm.

Participants: 20

Bhajan Sandhya was charged with extremely soothing and calming devotional songs.

The details as follows:
Anchoring  :- Ku. Athira
Omkar & Stavan  :- Sutapa Didi
1. Guru :- Ku. Rituparna Didi
2. Ganesh :- Ramya ji
3. Shiva    :- Ku. Sreelakshmi ji
4. Devi      :- Pushpavati ji
5. Ram   :- Smt. Priya Bhattacharya ji
6. Krishna:- Smt. Athira ji
7. Ayyappa:- Asritha ji
8. Nirvanashatakam:- Kalyani Didi
9. Meditation & Shanthi Mantra :- Radha Didi
10. Kendra Prarthana:- Sutapa Didi