A New Beginning at VK-Kaushalam: Independence Day Celebration and Bhumipujan

The 80th Independence Day of Bharat was celebrated with patriotic fervour at Vivekananda Kendra Kaushalam (Telugu Prant) on August 15, 2026.

The programme commenced with the Flag Hoisting Ceremony at 9:00 a.m., performed by Shri Ramakrishna Ji, Prant Vyavastha Pramukh, in the presence of Shri Ravi Naidu Ji, Prant Sanghatak, committee members, and Nagar Karyakartas.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Arun Gaud ji, Prakalp Pramukh, Kaushalam, reflected on the deeper meaning of independence—not merely as freedom for a nation, but also as freedom accompanied by individual responsibility. He highlighted the role of every individual in contributing to the creation of a strong, self-reliant, and responsible nation.

Shri Shiva Reddy, Karyakarta from the Cuddapah Kendra, shared his thoughts on the significance of Independence Day and expressed his feelings towards the nation and the occasion.

The gathering then joined together for the Rashtra Gaan, followed by the singing of the complete Rashtra Geet, creating an atmosphere of patriotism and national pride.

A New Beginning for Kaushalam

The Independence Day celebration also marked a significant milestone in the journey of VK-Kaushalam. Plans are underway to renovate and expand the existing facilities and introduce a range of new initiatives and activities in the redesigned centre. These developments aim to further strengthen Kaushalam as a centre for human excellence, value-based development, and service to society.

As the first step towards this transformation, the Bhumipujan of the Vighneshwara Ganapati Devalayam was performed at 11:40 a.m. on August 15, marking an auspicious beginning to the renovation and expansion activities.

The pooja was performed by Shri Ravi Sharma Garu and was attended by Shri Justice C. V. Ramulu Ji, Prant Sanchalak, along with the Prant Sanghatak, Prant Pramukh, Vibhag Pramukh, dignitaries, well-wishers, members of the land-donor families, families residing in the vicinity of Kaushalam, and Karyakartas from the Bhagyanagar, Cuddapah, and Kurnool Kendras.

The day thus became a memorable confluence of patriotism, spiritual significance, gratitude, and renewed commitment to nation-building. The Independence Day celebration, followed by the Bhumipujan, symbolised both a tribute to the freedom we cherish and the auspicious beginning of a new chapter in the growth and development of Kaushalam.

Gita Jayanti Celebration at VK-Kaushalam, Hyderabad

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Telugu Prant, VK-Kaushalam celebrated the Gita Jayanti Utsav with Gita Recitation and Reading Competition at Kaushalam, on 6th December 2025.

This celebration was the culmination of a systematic Gita learning initiative that commenced on 24th November 2025. Regular Gita classes focusing on the 12th chapter of the Bhagavad Gita were conducted across three schools: Laadlay School (143 students), Gowtam Model School (42 students), and Vivekananda Vidya Vihar High School (23 students). All participating students attended the sessions consistently and successfully completed the prescribed chapter. 

On 6th December 2025, the Gita Recitation and Reading Competition was organized at Kaushalam, in which 90 students actively participated. The competition provided a meaningful opportunity for students to demonstrate their understanding, clarity of recitation, and familiarity with the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. The competition was judged by Smt. Leela Sharma, Smt. Katyayani, Smt. Saraswati, and Smt. Jyoti, whose guidance and encouragement added significant value to the event. Prizes and consolation prizes were awarded to winners across various categories, encouraging participation and appreciation of the scriptural study.

The program witnessed the presence of 160 students and parents, reflecting strong community participation and interest in this cultural and educational initiative. As a meaningful outcome of the Utsav, three families registered for Bhagavad Gita Kutumb Deeksha, indicating a positive step towards integrating Gita-based values into family life.