Universal Brotherhood Day Celebration in Kanyakumari by VK Nardep

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu Prant, Natural Resources Development Project (VK-Nardep), marked Universal Brotherhood Day from 11th to 27th September 2025, reaching 469 participants through celebration programmes at 15 places in Kanyakumari district. The initiatives highlighted Swami Vivekananda’s historic message of harmony and oneness, as delivered at the 1893 Chicago Parliament of Religions.

On 13th September, a special celebration was held at Manavalakalai Mandram Arakattalai, Kottaram, with the enthusiastic participation of 100 women. Shri. Vasudeo ji, Prakalpa Sanghatak, VK-Nardep and Shri. Ramakrishnan Anna, Prakalpa Pramukh, VK-Nardep joined the event. The programme emphasized unity among women, strengthening the spirit of social service and mutual support in daily life.

The Training Center at Kalluvilai, Varma Resource & Research Center hosted Universal Brotherhood Day for Varma course students.

• On 12th September, the observance involved the second-year class, with 27 participants. Dr. Kumaresan and Dr. Muthu Santhi presided, and Shri. Vijayaraghavan Anna, Vyavastha Pramukh, VK-Nardep delivered an inspiring talk on universal brotherhood.
• On 26th September, the first-year class commemorated the day, attended by 25 students and special guest Vai. Ashok Kumar. Shri. Vijayaraghavan Anna again emphasized the importance of unity and the ideals espoused by Swami Vivekananda.

From 11th to 27th September, Universal Brotherhood Day was spread to 12 villages, engaging 317 women from self-help groups. Events included interactive discussions, reflections on Swamiji’s message, and cultural activities. Key speakers included Shri. Ramakrishnan Anna and Shri. Vijayaraghavan Anna, representing Vivekananda Kendra at each location.
Notable guests such as Shri. Sankaranarayanan, retired BSNL JE, Shri. Murugan, Kishan Shang, and Smt. Kesini, retired Tahasildar of Agastheeswaram Taluk also enriched the programmes with their presence and words.

Across all venues, the celebrations were marked by active participation, meaningful presentations, and a spirit of harmony. VK-Nardep’s arrangement fostered a sense of unity among diverse groups, empowering women, students, and volunteers to carry forward Swami Vivekananda’s vision of universal brotherhood and selfless service.

Universal Brotherhood Day Celebration at Dombivli

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Maharashtra Prant, Kokan Vibhag, Dombivli Branch celebrated Universal Brotherhood Day on 21st September 2025 with great enthusiasm. The entire programme was planned and conducted by the young and dynamic yuva karyakartas of the branch.

As part of the celebrations, during the first week of September, the Sanskar and Swadhyay Varg teams organized a speech competition (Abhivachan Spardha) in various schools of Dombivli for students of Classes 7 and 8. The young participants enthusiastically narrated incidents from Katha Vivekanandanchya with sincerity, emotion, and understanding. The prize distribution for winners and participants formed the highlight of the Universal Brotherhood Day programme, attended by around 70 students from seven schools along with their parents.

The keynote address was delivered by Respected Kamlakar Ji Indulkar, faculty at Jhunjhunwala College, Ghatkopar. A devoted follower of Swami Vivekananda, he inspired the gathering by narrating episodes from Swamiji’s life and urging students to imbibe his ideals. Respected Upendra Ji Joshi, Vyavastha Pramukh of VK Badlapur branch, expressed his gratitude to Mananeeya Eknath Ji Ranade, the guiding force behind the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Vivekanandapuram. He also highlighted the various activities conducted by the Dombivli branch of Vivekananda Kendra.

The programme was further graced by the presence of Mananeeya Shri Deepak Ji Namjoshi, Kokan Vibhag Sanchalak, Smt. Vandana Tai Vaishampayan, Nagar Sanyojika, and other senior karyakartas. The total attendance was 120 participants.

The success of the celebration was attributed to the meticulous planning and wholehearted efforts of the Yuva karyakartas, supported by the entire team. The event beautifully reflected the Kendra’s belief in “Strength in Unity.”

Universal Brotherhood Day Celebration at JP Nagar

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Karnataka Prant, JP Nagar Nagarasthan, celebrated Universal Brotherhood Day on 20th September 2025 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Senior Citizens Yoga Hall, BBMP Office, RBI Layout. The event, attended by 75 participants, was organized to commemorate Swami Vivekananda’s historic address at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago on 11th September 1893, spreading his timeless message of harmony and oneness.

The programme commenced with three Omkaras and a prayer led by Vyavastha Pramukh Shri Anantharamu Ji, followed by a welcome address by Nagar Pramukh Shri C.V. Prakash Ji, who also presented the context of the event. Chief Guest Shri Y.V. Gundu Rao Ji, an eminent motivational speaker, and Sanchalak Prof. S.M.S. Gouda Ji were welcomed onto the stage. Karnataka Prant Sampark Pramukh Ramesh Bhat Ji presented the Kendra Parichaya, and Karyalay Pramukh Amitha Didi introduced the chief guest.

In his inspiring address, Shri Y.V. Gundu Rao Ji spoke on Swami Vivekananda’s noble qualities, achievements, and their relevance in shaping a purposeful and meaningful life. Following his talk, Shri K.N. Anantharamu Ji gave a brief presentation on this year’s flagship initiative — the Swadhyaya Competition. Students from BES B.Ed. College rendered Chaagi Geetha, a Kannada translation of Swamiji’s composition by Rashtrakavi Kuvempu, filling the hall with devotional fervor. Students from RV Teachers Training College also shared their enriching experiences from the Swadhyaya Competition and the Leadership Development Shibir held at Kanyakumari.

Prof. S.M.S. Gouda Ji, JP Nagar Nagarasthan Sanchalak, delivered an impactful closing note and expressed gratitude through the vote of thanks. The event concluded with an open interactive session and the chanting of the Shanti Mantra led by Poornima Didi, Karyapaddhati Toli Sadasya. Shri R. Srikanth Ji, Nagar Sah Pramukh, efficiently compered the entire program, while Shri Bheemesh Ji provided IT support for the presentations.

Amrutha Prasada was distributed to all participants. The program was generously supported by Shri M. Prakash Ji, office bearer of the Senior Citizens Association and a well-wisher of Vivekananda Kendra, who sponsored the major expenditure.

The celebration concluded successfully, leaving the participants deeply inspired by Swamiji’s message of universal brotherhood, selfless service, and national integration.

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.

Universal Brotherhood Day Celebration at Vazhuthacaud

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Kerala Prant, Thiruvananthapuram Branch, organized the Universal Brotherhood Day celebrations on 15 September 2025 at Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Vazhuthacaud, from 10.00 to 11.00 am. A total of 47 participants, including 42 students, 3 staff members, and 2 karyakartas, took part in the programme.

The celebration commenced with Shantipath and lighting of the lamp, followed by a welcome and introduction of the chief guest and karyakartas. Students presented a patriotic song, setting a vibrant tone for the occasion. Adarneeya Priyamvada Didi, Kerala Prant Karyalaya Pramukh, addressed the students of Class VIII. She highlighted how deeply Swami Vivekananda loved the motherland and took pride in Bharat’s culture. Didi explained the great inclusive principles of Vedanta—such as "Each Soul is Potentially Divine" and "Serve Man, Serve God"—which Swamiji introduced to the western world. She emphasized that these principles are capable of bringing humanity together, fostering not just tolerance but true universal brotherhood. She concluded her address by encouraging students to remain in touch with Swamiji’s life-giving thoughts, which would form a strong foundation for their bright future.

As part of the programme, each student was presented with a copy of the book Rebuild India, a compilation of Swamiji’s thoughts. The celebration concluded with the chanting of the Shanti Mantra. 

Universal Brotherhood Day Competitions at Government Primary School in Manorayanapalya

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Karnataka Prant, RT Nagar branch organized Universal Brotherhood Day Competitions on 15 September 2025 at Government Primary School, Manorayanapalya, RT Nagar, with a total of 199 attendees, including students, karyakartas, volunteer, teachers, and judges. 78 students participated in the competitions.

The programme was held to commemorate Swami Vivekananda’s historic address at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago on September 11, 1893, and to instill the values of unity, patriotism, and cultural pride among students.

The event commenced with a prayer by Shri Lakshman, a Class 3 student and Samskara Varga participant. The school Principal, Smt. Geetha, addressed the gathering, emphasizing the relevance of Universal Brotherhood Day and commending the efforts of the organizers.

Kendra karyakarta Shri Tarun Anna introduced the competitions, which included:

• Vivekavani Competition
• Patriotic Group Singing Competition
• Drawing Competition

Students participated enthusiastically, displaying talent, devotion, and confidence. The concluding session began with a prayer by Ms. Deekshitha Akka, a Class 2 Samskara Varga participant, followed by the spirited group singing of Matrubhoomi, led by Shri Tarun Anna with active participation from all students.

Prizes were awarded to the winners, and all participants received certificates from the Principal and teachers. Adding inspiration, Ms. Ruchitha Akka (Sahitya Seva Toli Sadasya), Ms. Bhanupriya Akka, and Ms. Shreya Akka (Samskara Varga Saha Pramukhs)—alumnae of the same school—shared their experiences of growing from students to karyakartas of Vivekananda Kendra, motivating the children to follow their path of seva and samskara.

The teachers and Principal expressed gratitude to Vivekananda Kendra for organizing such a meaningful programme and highlighted its role in inspiring students to engage in Samskara Varga and Bhajan Sandhya. The programme concluded with the chanting of the Shanti Mantra by Shreya Akka.

The celebration of Universal Brotherhood Day was a grand success, sparking enthusiasm among students to actively participate in the activities of Vivekananda Kendra and imbibe the spirit of selfless service.

Universal Brotherhood Day Celebration at Hyderabad

This year, Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Telugu Prant celebrated Universal Brotherhood Day with great enthusiasm on 13th September 2025 at G. Pulla Reddy Degree College Auditorium, Hyderabad. The event commemorated Swami Vivekananda’s historic address at the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago, which proclaimed the message of acceptance, harmony, and universal brotherhood to the world. A total of 113 students, 30 karyakartas, and an audience of around 300 participated in the celebration.

The program began with Deep Prajwalan by the dignitaries, followed by their introduction and felicitation. Shri Arun Gaud ji, Bhagyanagar Vibhag Sah Pramukh, presented a brief introduction to Vivekananda Kendra, after which the judges of the Reels Making Competition were felicitated. Mananeeya Bhanudas Dhakaras ji, General Secretary of VRM & VK, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the timeless relevance of Swamiji’s 1893 speech and its message of oneness and spiritual strength.

Kumari Pranamya, Sanskar Varga Gat Pramukh, captivated the audience with a soulful recitation of Swamiji’s historic address. The Chief Guest, Shri A.V. Ranganath ji, IPS, Commissioner, HYDRAA, inspired the gathering with his address highlighting that India’s true strength lies in her diversity, rooted in the vision of divinity in all beings. He encouraged the youth to take pride in India’s dharmic roots while respecting all traditions, to uphold dharma through righteous conduct, and to adopt the principle of “Nation First.” Quoting the Advaita philosophy — “whatever we think, that we become” — he urged the youth to rise above negative social media influences and contribute positively to the nation while safeguarding its natural resources.

The winners of the Reels Making Competition were felicitated with trophies and cash prizes of ₹25,000, ₹15,000, and ₹10,000 respectively. Shri P. Srinivasulu ji, Bhagyanagar Vibhag Pramukh, addressed the gathering about the forthcoming Amruth Yatra program of Vivekananda Kendra Telugu Prant.

The celebration concluded with the chanting of the Shanti Mantra, leaving the audience deeply inspired by Swami Vivekananda’s message of unity, service, and universal brotherhood — reaffirming the ideal that the upliftment of humanity begins with the awakening of the spirit within.

Universal Brotherhood Day Celebrated at KR College in Kovilpatti

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu Prant, Rural Development Programme (VK-RDP), Kovilpatti Branch, organized Universal Brotherhood Day celebrations at KR College of Arts & Science, Kovilpatti on 13th September 2025 with enthusiastic participation from the student community.

The programme was presided over by Shri. Subburayalu, Professor, who also extended his support in coordinating the arrangements.

To mark the occasion, a quiz competition on the life of Swami Vivekananda was conducted. Students participated with great interest and answered the questions actively, reflecting their keen knowledge and admiration for Swamiji’s ideals. Prizes were distributed to those who came forward with correct responses, which encouraged all participants to engage further with Swamiji’s inspiring life journey.

Shri. Paramaguru Anna, Joint Secretary of VK-RDP addressed the gathering and spoke on the significance of Universal Brotherhood Day. In his talk, he emphasized Swami Vivekananda’s historic call for unity and harmony at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago and reminded students of the importance of imbibing the value of brotherhood in their personal and social lives.

The celebration witnessed the participation of 60 students, making the programme lively and interactive.

The event not only reminded the students of Swami Vivekananda’s vision of universal harmony but also motivated them to practice the spirit of brotherhood in their everyday life, strengthening values of unity and mutual respect in society. 

Universal Brotherhood Day Celebration at Ramakrishnapuram in Delhi

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Uttar Prant, Dakshin Delhi Vibhag, Ramakrishnapuram Branch celebrated Universal Brotherhood Day on 13th September 2025 at Ramakrishnapuram, Sector-4. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from children, who took part in a quotation recitation competition, showcasing their talent, understanding, and spirit.

The programme served as a meaningful platform to introduce and instill the visionary ideas of Swami Vivekananda in young minds. The total attendance for the event was 30 participants, including students and karyakartas.

The event concluded successfully, leaving the participants motivated to reflect on the values of unity, service, and universal brotherhood in their daily lives.

Universal Brotherhood Day Celebration at VK Hebbal

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Karnataka Prant,Hebbal Branch organized the Universal Brotherhood Day celebration on 13th September 2025 at VK Hebbal Karyalaya, Coffee Board Layout, Hebbal. The program was held from 4.30 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. with the participation of 83 attendees including Samskara Varga and Anandalaya children, school students who took part in the Swadhyaya competition, well-wishers, donors, and karyakartas.

The program commenced with the lighting of the lamp, followed by a patriotic song and Viveka Vani. Prizes were distributed to the participants and winners of the competitions conducted on 6th September.

The main highlight of the evening was the inspiring address by Shri Prasad Ji, Karnataka Prant Pramukh, Vivekananda Kendra. He engaged the students in a lively manner and shared motivating thoughts on Swami Vivekananda’s life and message. He emphasized that the competitions were held to encourage reflection on Swamiji’s life and teachings, and urged students to take meaningful lessons from them. He spoke about Swamiji’s role in spreading Sanatana Dharma to the West, the far-reaching impact of his Chicago address, and his call to awaken the nation upon returning to India.

Shri Prasad Ji urged everyone to consider Swamiji as a role model in their daily lives—through thoughts, prayers, and actions—in loving the country, standing up for righteousness, and nurturing a deep sense of Bharat in their hearts. He also shared about the Samskara Varga and Kendra Varga, encouraging all to participate regularly to imbibe Swamiji’s spirit. Further, he reminded karyakartas that Universal Brotherhood Day should also inspire them to renew their dedication to the nation and to the Kendra.

The evening was filled with inspiration and enthusiasm, and the utsava concluded successfully with a renewed commitment to carry forward Swamiji’s message.

Universal Brotherhood Day celebrated at Hyderabad

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Telugu Prant, Bhagyanagar Vibhag, celebrated the Universal Brotherhood Day with great enthusiasm on 13th September 2025 at G. Pulla Reddy Degree College Auditorium, Hyderabad. The event brought together 113 students, 30 karyakartas, and an audience of 300, commemorated Swami Vivekananda’s historic address at the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago.

The program began with Deep Prajwaln by the dignitaries, followed by their introduction and felicitation. The Chief Guest, Shri A.V. Ranganath ji, IPS, Commissioner HYDRAA, inspired the gathering by stressing that India’s strength lies in its heterogeneous society, rooted in seeing divinity in all. He emphasized pride in one’s dharmic roots while respecting all traditions, the need to curtail adharma for dharma sthapana, and urged the youth to adopt the principle of “Nation First” Quoting the Advaita philosophy “whatever we think that we become” he cautioned youth not to be carried away by negative social media narratives, and appealed to all to safeguard the nation’s natural resources.

 Shri Arun Gaud ji, Bhagyanagar Vibhag Sah Pramukh, then presented a brief introduction of Vivekananda Kendra, after which the judges of the Reels Making Competition were felicitated.

Mananeeya Shri Bhanudasji Dhakaras, General Secretary, Vivekananda Kendra, delivered the keynote address highlighting the timeless relevance of Swamiji’s 1893 speech. Kumari Pranamya, Sanskar Varga Gat Pramukh, then captivated the audience with a recitation of the same historic words.

The winners of the Reels Making Competition were then felicitated with trophies and cash awards of ₹25,000, ₹15,000, and ₹10,000 respectively. Shri P. Srinivasulu, Bhagyanagar Vibhag Pramukh, addressed the gathering on Vivekananda Kendra Telugu Prant’s forthcoming program, Amruth Yatra.

The program concluded with the chanting of the Shanti Mantra, leaving the audience inspired by Swamiji’s message of unity, service, and universal brotherhood.

Universal Brotherhood Day Festival - VK Patna

विवेकानन्द केन्द्र कन्याकुमारी की पटना शाखा द्वारा "विश्व बन्धुत्व दिवस" का आयोजन 11 सितम्बर 2025 बिहार विधान सभा के सभागार में किया गया। यह दिवस 11 सितम्बर 1893 को शिकागो धर्म संसद में स्वामी विवेकानन्द द्वारा दिए गए ऐतिहासिक भाषण की स्मृति में प्रतिवर्ष मनाया जाता है।

कार्यक्रम के मुख्य अतिथि बिहार के राज्यपाल श्री आरिफ मोहम्मद खान रहें। उन्होंने अपने संबोधन में कहा कि विवेकानन्द का “विश्व बंधुत्व” संदेश आज भी अत्यंत प्रासंगिक है। शिकागो में उनके द्वारा उच्चारित शब्द “Sisters and Brothers of America” सम्पूर्ण मानवता को जोड़ने वाला उद्घोष था। धर्मों के संदर्भ में सार्वभौमिक स्वीकृति एकमात्र भारतीय संस्कृति में ही निहित है। आगे माननीय राज्यपाल ने कहा कि आज हमारा विश्व युद्ध, आतंकवाद, जलवायु परिवर्तन और सामाजिक-आर्थिक असमानता जैसी अनेक चुनौतियों से जूझ रहा है। ऐसे में विवेकानन्द का यह विचार कि “सभी धर्म सत्य की ओर ले जाने वाले मार्ग हैं” हमें सहयोग और समन्वय की दिशा दिखाता है। उन्होंने विशेष रूप से युवाओं को संबोधित करते हुए कहा कि नई पीढ़ी को केवल कैरियर ही नहीं, बल्कि कैरेक्टर निर्माण पर भी ध्यान देना चाहिए।
इस अवसर पर विशिष्ट अतिथि पद्मश्री डॉ. आर. एन. सिंह (वरिष्ठ हड्डी रोग विशेषज्ञ, बिहार), श्री डी. एन. गौतम (भूतपूर्व आरक्षी महानिदेशक, बिहार), मा. रूपेश माथुर (अरुणाचल प्रदेश प्रान्त संगठक), डॉ. निर्मल श्रीवास्तव (नगर संरक्षक) और श्री ज्ञानेश्वर शर्मा (बिहार-झारखण्ड प्रान्त व्यवस्था प्रमुख) मंचासीन अतिथियों के रूप  उपस्थित रहकर इस उत्सव की शोभा बढ़ायें। कार्यक्रम की अध्यक्षता बिहार विधानसभा अध्यक्ष श्री नन्द किशोर यादव ने की।

राज्यपाल ने विवेकानन्द केन्द्र, पटना शाखा द्वारा संचालित युवा भारत कार्यक्रम की सराहना करते हुए कहा कि प्रतियोगिताएँ, कार्यशालाएँ, विशेषज्ञ संवाद और Leadership Development Camp जैसी पहलें युवाओं के व्यक्तित्व विकास और राष्ट्र-निर्माण में महत्वपूर्ण योगदान दे रही हैं। महाविद्यालयों में विवेकानन्द केन्द्र द्वारा संचालित होने वाले युवा भारत पोस्टर का उन्होंने उद्घाटन किया।

कार्यक्रम में पटना शहर के लगभग 475 से भी अधिक की संख्या में युवाओं, बुद्धिजीवियों और समाजसेवियों ने भाग लिया और स्वामी विवेकानन्द के विश्व बन्धुत्व संदेश को आत्मसात करने का संकल्प लिया।

Launch of Online Darshanam Portal on Universal Brotherhood Day

Launch of Online Darshanam Coupon Portal on Universal Brotherhood Day

Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari, has launched an online Darshanam coupon portal (https://darshanam.vrmvk.org/) for pilgrims on the special occasion of Universal Brotherhood Day, September 11, 2025. This user-friendly portal allows visitors to conveniently obtain Darshanam coupons for the iconic Vivekananda Rock Memorial (a mid-sea monument), and for Sri Ramayana Darshanam located within the Vivekanandapuram campus.

Historical Significance and Inspiration
On September 11, 1893, Swami Vivekananda delivered his historic lecture at the Parliament of the World's Religions in Chicago, inspiring the world with the profound idea that service to humanity is the true path to spiritual conquest. The various seva activities driven by Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Vivekananda Kendra embody this timeless vision.

Purpose and Benefits of the Portal
The launch of this online coupon portal for Darshanam at Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Vivekananda Kendra sites in Kanyakumari aligns with the same spirit of selfless service. It aims to provide pilgrims with a hassle-free and stress-free experience, enabling them to immerse themselves in the spiritual and cultural ambiance of these revered monuments without logistical challenges.

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.

Universal Brotherhood Day Celebrated at Unnamalai College in Kovilpatti

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu Prant, Rural Development Programme (VK-RDP), Kovilpatti Branch, celebrated Universal Brotherhood Day at Unnamalai College of Arts and Science, Kovilpatti, on 12 September 2025 with the enthusiastic participation of 200 participants including students, professors, and volunteers.

The event was presided over by Dr. Annamalaiswamy, Principal of the college, who in his presidential address spoke on the essence of universal brotherhood and stressed the need for cultivating harmony among human beings.

Shri. Paramaguru Anna, Joint Secretary of VKRDP, delivered a motivating speech on Swami Vivekananda’s historic address at the Parliament of Religions in Chicago. He emphasized the relevance of brotherhood in today’s world and underlined the significant role students play in fostering unity and positive change in society.

As part of the celebration, elocution and quiz competitions were conducted for the students, providing a platform for them to express their ideas and knowledge. Associate Professor Smt. Bharathi, Department of Tamil, distributed prizes in the form of books to the participants, encouraging them to continue learning and reflecting on Swamiji’s teachings.

A book stall featuring Vivekananda Kendra publications was organized at the venue, supported by Kendra volunteers, enabling students to gain access to inspiring literature. The event witnessed the presence of faculty members, a large number of students, and enthusiastic Youth Red Cross volunteers.

The smooth execution of the event was made possible with the dedicated arrangements by Smt. Bharathi, Associate Professor of Tamil, and Shri. Muthuraja, Youth Red Cross Coordinator.

The celebration successfully brought together students and faculty in the spirit of Swami Vivekananda’s message of Universal Brotherhood. Through speeches, competitions, and the distribution of books, the programme inspired the young generation to imbibe values of unity, service, and shared responsibility in shaping a harmonious society.