Universal Brotherhood Day Celebration at Chinmaya Vidyalaya in Kunnumpuram

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Keralam Prant, Thiruvananthapuram Branch, organized a Universal Brotherhood Day programme at Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Kunnumpuram, on 15 September 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. The programme witnessed a total participation of 45, including 41 students, 2 teachers and 2 Karyakartas.

The programme commenced with a prayer and Deepa Prajwalan. Smt. Smita, Vice Principal of the school, welcomed the guests. The students presented a melodious patriotic song and shared inspiring quotations of Swami Vivekananda.

Aadaraneeya Priyamvada Didi addressed the students and briefly explained the transformation of Narendranath Datta into Swami Vivekananda. Referring to Swamiji’s historic address at the World’s Parliament of Religions in Chicago, she explained how his opening words, “Sisters and Brothers of America,” reflected the spirit of universal brotherhood. She highlighted Swamiji’s message of going beyond mere tolerance towards acceptance and recognition of the underlying oneness of humanity.

To illustrate this message, she narrated the “Frog in the Well” story shared by Swami Vivekananda at the Parliament of Religions. She encouraged the students to understand and imbibe Swamiji’s message, which continues to be relevant in the present age, and make their lives meaningful.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, followed by the Shanti Mantra.

Universal Brotherhood Day 2026 Celebration at VKV Vallioor

Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Vallioor (Tamil Nadu Prant) celebrated Universal Brotherhood Day on 11 September 2026 at the school premises. The programme witnessed the participation of 950 students and teachers.

Universal Brotherhood Day commemorates Swami Vivekananda’s historic address at the World’s Parliament of Religions in Chicago on 11 September 1893, where his opening words, “Sisters and Brothers of America,” reflected Bharat’s timeless message of universal acceptance, harmony and the oneness of humanity. The celebration aimed to introduce these values to the students and inspire them to practise brotherhood in their daily lives.

The programme commenced with a prayer song rendered by the students, followed by Deepa Prajwalan by Shri S.K. Subramanian Ji, Correspondent, VKV Vallioor, and Smt. Esakkiammal @ Devi, Principal. Kum S. Subarna welcomed the gathering.

Smt. Subbulakshmi, Teacher, presented the special Universal Brotherhood Day message of Mananeeya Nivedita Didi, Vice President, Vivekananda Kendra, highlighting the values of unity, selfless service and harmony. This was followed by a melodious song on Swami Vivekananda and a Dance presented by the students, conveying the spirit of unity and cultural oneness.

Students also presented a meaningful dialogue highlighting Swami Vivekananda’s philosophy and message, along with the significance of India’s spiritual heritage and the establishment of the Vivekananda Rock Memorial as a national monument and symbol of spiritual strength.

Kum. S. Rakshana proposed the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the Correspondent, Principal, teachers, students and all those who contributed to the programme. The celebration concluded with Kendra Prarthana, reinforcing Swami Vivekananda’s timeless message of oneness, harmony and Universal Brotherhood.

Universal Brotherhood Day Programme at NSB College in Nanded

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Maharashtra Prant, Nanded Branch, organized a Universal Brotherhood Day programme at NSB College, Nanded, in the presence of Mananeeya Shri Madgonda Pujari Ji. The programme witnessed the participation of 61 people, including 56 students and 5 Karyakartas.

The programme commenced at 11:00 a.m. with floral tributes, followed by the felicitation of the Chief Guest and the College Principal. Mananeeya Shri Madgonda Pujari Ji addressed the students and shared an inspiring message on the occasion of Universal Brotherhood Day.

Following the address, Shri Narendra Gundewar Ji introduced the upcoming Youth Leadership Development Activity (YLDA) and encouraged the students to participate. A short film was also screened to introduce the students to the vision and various activities of Vivekananda Kendra.

The programme was compered by Shri Parag Singanwad ji, Yuva Pramukh. The programme served as a meaningful initiative to connect the youth with the ideals of universal brotherhood, national integration and responsible leadership.

Universal Brotherhood Day Celebration at Kunnumpuram in Kerala

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Kerala Prant, Thiruvananthapuram Branch, organized the Universal Brotherhood Day Programme at Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Kunnumpuram on 23rd September 2025 from 11am to 12:30 pm. The programme was attended by 80 participants, including 73 students, 4 staff members, and 3 Karyakartas.

The programme commenced with a prayer and lighting of the lamp, followed by the welcome and introduction of the Chief Guest and Kendra Karyakartas. Students presented quotations of Swami Vivekananda, after which a patriotic song was rendered. Shri Aji Kumar ji, the Chief Guest, addressed the gathering, highlighting Swami Vivekananda’s deep love for the cultural heritage of Bharat. Through vivid examples, he emphasized the inherent divinity in all beings and the role of self-effort in making our lives and the nation great. He explained that true acceptance of the whole world as one’s own is vital for humanity and urged the students to study the life and message of Swami Vivekananda.

A book containing Swamiji’s thoughts was gifted to all the students. The programme concluded with the chanting of the Shanti Mantra.

Universal Brotherhood Day Celebration at Swami Vivekananda’s Ancestral House in Kolkata

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, West-Bengal Prant, Eknath-Vibhag organized the Universal Brotherhood Day 2025 program at Swami Vivekananda’s Ancestral House, Simla Street, Kolkata, on 14th September 2025. The program was graced by Dr. Janardan Ghosh, Education Officer, MCKV Group of Institutions, Madhupur, Jharkhand, who delivered the keynote address on “Role of Youth in Building Bharat in Light of Swami Vivekananda's Action Plan.” Smt. Malabika Chatterjee, West Bengal Prant Sah Pramukh, spoke on 50 years of Vivekananda Kendra, while Sri Tarun Kumar Jana ji, Eknath Vibhag Pramukh, delivered the welcome address, and Sri Debasish Lahiri ji, Eknath Vibhag Sanchalak, proposed the vote of thanks.

On the occasion of Universal Brotherhood Day, a series of competitions were organized to engage schools, colleges, and karyakartas. A Swadesh Mantra competition was held earlier at both intra-school and inter-school levels with the participation of 18 schools and 250 students. A wall magazine competition was organized for selected colleges, and another Swadesh Mantra competition was conducted for karyakartas. The winners of these events were felicitated during the program.

The celebration concluded with prize distribution and witnessed the participation of over 320 attendees.

Universal Brotherhood Day Celebration at Balaji Nagar in Madurai

Vivekananda Kendra, Tamil Nadu Prant, Madurai Branch, Murugan Vistar (Balaji Nagar) observed Universal Brotherhood Day at the Kendra Karyalaya in Balaji Nagar, with devotion and collective enthusiasm on Saturday 13 September 2025. The celebration brought together Karyakarthas, sisters, and brothers to recall the historic ideals of Swami Vivekananda, reaffirming his timeless message of unity and brotherhood.

The programme began with Prarthana. Following this, the participants were warmly welcomed, and an introduction of the speaker for the day was given, setting the stage for the main session.

The highlight of the programme was the special address delivered by Shri. R. Sethuraman Ji, Pracharak, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). In his speech, Shri. Sethuraman ji elaborated on the significance of Universal Brotherhood Day, drawing direct references from Swami Vivekananda’s famous Chicago Address of 1893. He explained how Swamiji’s message transcended barriers of nationality, religion, and culture, emphasizing the idea that the whole world is one family (Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam).

Shri. Sethuraman also stressed the importance of living by these values in modern times, particularly for the younger generation. He noted that brotherhood is not a mere ideal but a responsibility, urging all participants to practice these teachings in their daily lives through mutual respect, service, and unity in the community.

The programme witnessed active participation from 57 members in total, which included 35 sisters and 22 brothers. The participants keenly listened to the talk, reflecting on Swamiji’s vision and engaging with the relevance of his teachings for contemporary society.

The session concluded with the chanting of Shanti Mantra, instilling a sense of peace and collective harmony among the gathering. To mark the end of the programme, Prasad was distributed among all the attendees, symbolizing the spirit of shared bonding.

Universal Brotherhood Day Celebration at Kamaraj College in Thoothukudi

To commemorate Universal Brotherhood Day and in remembrance of Swami Vivekananda’s historic address at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago in 1893, Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari , Tamil Nadu Prant, Thoothukudi Branch, organized a Special Workshop at Kamaraj College (Autonomous). The event was held between 10:45 AM and 1:15 PM on 11th September 2025, with enthusiastic participation from the faculty, volunteers, and 50 students from the self-financing streams of the college.

The programme commenced with the garlanding of Swami Vivekananda’s statue inside the campus, followed by a prayer. The traditional lamp-lighting ceremony set the tone for the celebrations, after which Mrs. Chandramathi, volunteer of Vivekananda Kendra, rendered a soulful prayer song. Professor Dr. Raja Lakshmi from the Department of Tamil welcomed the gathering with insightful remarks.

The highlight of the programme was a motivational address by Shri. Ayyappan Anna, Prant Sah Sangatak, Tamil Nadu Prant, who elaborated on the goal and relevance of universal brotherhood in today’s times. Students were divided into groups for an interactive session on three thought-provoking sub-topics such as Brotherhood in the past, Brotherhood in the present and Challenges to brotherhood in the modern world.
Each group used charts and sketches to brainstorm their reflections, followed by brief presentations that showcased their perspectives. This activity created a lively atmosphere of learning and exchange of ideas.

Following the workshop & presentations, a sessions on the spiritual, social, and service initiatives were presented to the students - Smt. Chandramathi Akka explained the ‘Pidi Arisi Thittam’ (A scheme for donating fistful of rice everyday), Anna Pooja, Shri. R. Balaji Anna spoke on : Benefits of Yoga, Dr. Rajalakshmi on the Blood and Organ Donation Camps by Kamaraj College, Shri. R. Muniappan Anna on the Cultural Competitions and experiences at Kanyakumari Camp and Dr. A. Mathan Kumar (DHAN Foundation, Madurai )elaborated on the RDP activities like Deepa Pooja, Eye Check-up Camp etc.

The Guest of Honour, Dr. A. Mathan Kumar, engaged students through interactive discussions, highlighting ways to practice Swami Vivekananda’s message in everyday life. Smt. Sharmila, Principal of Sri Saradha Nursery & Primary School, participated along with Nagar Samiti members Shri . Muthukumar Anna, Sah Nagar Pramukh and Shri . Kallapiran Anna, Nagar Vyavastha Pramukh.

The celebration concluded with a prayer and distribution of prasadam. Students expressed that the sessions had inspired them to reflect deeply on Swami Vivekananda’s timeless message of harmony, unity, and universal brotherhood.

Universal Brotherhood Day Celebration at VK Mysore

On the occasion of Universal Brotherhood Day, Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Dakshin Prant, Karnataka Vibhag, Mysore Branch, organized a series of Cultural Competitions at the Kendra Karyalaya in Mysore on 11th September 2024. The event saw a total of 240 attendees, including 212 students, 5 teachers, 16 parents, and 7 karyakartas.

Universal Brotherhood Day, celebrated annually on September 11, commemorates the profound message of Universal Brotherhood delivered by Swami Vivekananda at the Parliament of Religions in Chicago on September 11, 1893. It is one of the five Utsavas celebrated by Vivekananda Kendra across all its branches in Bharat.

The program began with a prayer, followed by an introduction to the significance of the day for the attendees. The cultural competitions then commenced, featuring the following events and participation numbers:

• Patriotic Song Competition: 13 teams, 94 students
• Essay Competition on Chicago Address: 38 students
• Quiz Competition: 34 students
• Drawing Competition: 31 students
• Swami Vivekananda costume: 2 students

The students participated enthusiastically, showcasing their talents and reflecting the significant impact Swami Vivekananda has made on their thoughts. Following the competitions, value games were conducted for the students, and sweets were distributed to all attendees.

Universal Brotherhood Day Celebration at VKV Kallubalu

 Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Dakshin Prant, Karnataka Vibhag, Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya Kallubalu celebrated Universal Brotherhood Day on 11th September 2024, from 9.30 a.m. to 11.15 a.m., at Kuvempu Sabhangana Auditorium, with a total of 384 students participating.

Universal Brotherhood Day, observed annually on 11th September, commemorates Swami Vivekananda’s profound message of universal brotherhood, delivered at the Parliament of Religions in Chicago on 11th September 1893. It is one of the five Utsavas celebrated by Vivekananda Kendra across all its branches in Bharat.

The celebration began with a Shanti Pat led by Smt. Anita Didi, followed by a welcome address by Sri. Manjunath Ji, a Kendra Karyakarta. The Chief Guest, Sri. M.L. Ravi Ji, along with other dignitaries, inaugurated the program by lighting the ceremonial lamp (Deepa Prajwalan). Smt. Rekha Didi then delivered the Vivekavani, and Sri. Rishikesh Ji spoke about the significance of the day.

The event featured a dance drama titled “Vedantave Vishwabhratrutva”, which presented a conversation between Swami Vivekananda, Bhagini Nivedita, and Goodwin, highlighting significant incidents. The students enacted scenes demonstrating Lord Rama’s brotherhood towards various beings, such as Ahalya who was in the form of stone, Guha, his brother Bharata, Jatayu, Shabari, Kabanda, Hanuman, Sugriva, Jambavanta, and Vibhishana. Another drama depicted how Buddha's brotherhood transformed Angulimala from a murderer into a monk and emphasized his reverence for all living beings.

The students also portrayed modern-day personalities like Sri Jadhav Payang, Sri Narayana Reddy, Sri Vandana Shiva, and Sri Prakash Amte, showcasing their acts of brotherhood in alignment with Vedanta's teachings. Smt. Pratima Didi provided a summary of these key points in Kannada.

In his address, Chief Guest Sri. M.L. Ravi Ji urged students to uphold the values of Dedication, Determination, and Discipline (3Ds). He also encouraged teachers to impart the true history of Bharat, emphasizing its rich cultural heritage, rather than focusing solely on the invaders who exploited the land.

The Chief Guest’s address was followed by prize distribution for the inter-house competitions and Rakhi-making competition held during Raksha Bandhan. Smt. Bhargavi Didi delivered the vote of thanks, and the program ended with the Shanti Mantra. Ms. Prarthana V.M., an alumna of the Vidyalaya, served as the master of ceremonies.

Universal Brotherhood Day - Cultural Competitions at Mysore

 

On the occasion of Universal Brotherhood Day, Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Dakshin Prant, Karnataka  Vibhag, Mysore Branch, organized a Rural-level Cultural Competition at Rotary School, Bannur, on 9th September 2024. A total of 112 students participated in the competitions, along with 9 teachers and 5 karyakartas.

Universal Brotherhood Day, celebrated annually on 11th September, commemorates the profound message of Universal Brotherhood delivered by Swami Vivekananda at the Parliament of Religions in Chicago on September 11, 1893. It is one of the five Utsavas celebrated by Vivekananda Kendra across all its branches in Bharat.

The cultural competitions at Mysore featured various events, including Speech, Essay Writing, Patriotic Songs, Drawing, and a Swami Vivekananda Look-Alike Contest. The themes for the events were related to Swami Vivekananda's Chicago Address and Universal Brotherhood Day.

Students from seven schools participated in the competitions:

1. 
   Rotary School, Bannur
2. Sharada Shikshana Samste, Hanumanalu
3. KTS Girls' High School, Bannur
4. KTS Boys' High School, Bannur
5. Chaitra School, Bannur
6. Girls' High School, Bannur
7. Boys' High School, Bannur

As a follow-up, Universal Brotherhood Day programs are planned in all the participating schools. Additionally, Samskara Varga is planned to be started at Rotary and Chaitra Schools, and a Swadhyaya competition is also in the pipeline.

Universal Brotherhood Day Celebration - Bhagalpur

वेकानंद केंद्र कन्याकुमारी शाखा भागलपुर के तत्वाधान में विश्व बंधुत्व दिवस कार्यक्रम का आयोजन स्थानीय आनंदराम ढाँढनिया सरस्वती विद्या मंदिर में किया गया। कार्यक्रम का शुभारम्भ मंगलाचारण शांति पाठ से हुआ।

मुख्य अतिथि न्यायधीश,भागलपुर  शिव गोपाल मिश्र जी ने  कहा ईश्वर को किसने देखा है? सुक्ष्म चीजें दिखती नहीं है महसूस करने की आवश्यकता है। मनुष्य स्वयं को चैतन्य की ओर ले जाए, मनुष्य यदि स्वयं को जिस कार्य हेतु रमा देते हैं अर्थात परमात्मा में  रमते हैं तो परमात्मा में खो जाते हैं यदि राष्ट्री में रमते हैं तो राष्ट्रीयता उनमें कूट कूट कर भरी जाती है मनुष्य सिर्फ अपने आप पर विश्वास रखें।

महासचिव भानुदास जी ने कहा कि मनुष्य की केवल मनुष्यों की आवश्यकता है किंतु आवश्यकता है वीर्यवान तेजस्वी ,श्रीसंपन्न और पूर्ण प्रमाणित नव युवकों की वह सिंह के समान पूरी समस्या को हल कर देंगे तुम सब अपने में यह विश्वास रखो कि प्रत्येक आत्मा में अनंत शक्ति विद्यमान है यदि सफलता प्राप्त नहीं कर पाता तो उसे पूरा करने के लिए कोई अन्य आएगा और मुझे संघर्ष करते रहने में ही संतोष प्राप्त होगा हमें भारत में बसने वाली सभी जातियों के अंदर प्रवेश करना होगा इसलिए आओ हम एक महान देश को अपनाएं।

उन्होंने  उपनिषद के बारे में बताते हुए कहा कि उपनिषदों में ऐसी प्रचूर शक्ति विद्यमान है कि वह समस्त संसार को तेजस्वी कर सकते हैं। अथवा स्वाधीनता ,दैहिक स्वाधीनता, मानसिक स्वाधीनता , अध्यात्मिक स्वाधीनता यही उपनिषदों का मूल मंत्र है।

कार्यक्रम की अध्यक्षता करते हुए प्रांत संपर्क प्रमुख डॉ विजय वर्मा अपने अध्यक्षीय उद्बोधन में कहा की भारत को यदि जीवित रहना है और प्रगति करते हुए अपनी खोई हुए गौरव को प्राप्त करना तो अपनी राष्ट्रीय समस्याओं का हल स्वामी विवेकानंद में ही ढूंढना होगा स्वामी विवेकानंद अपने जीवन और संदेश के माध्यम से पूरे विश्व में 1 युवाओं पर उपस्थित किया है जिसे पूर्ण रूप से विकसित होने में संभवत शताब्दी लग जाएगी।

कार्यक्रम संचालन नगर प्रमुख मिहिर मोहन मिश्र द्वारा किया गया एवं धन्यवाद ज्ञापन कार्यकर्ता सौरभ किशोर सहाय ने किया। कार्यक्रम में नगर के विभिन्न संगठनों एवं गणमान्य(प्रबुद्ध वर्ग) जनों सहित 175 आस-पास उपस्थिति रही।