North East Calling Seminar - Thane

 Every year North East Calling Seminar held for raising awareness of importance of that region and development work there. This year the seminar was held on 26 February 2022. Hon. Sanjeev Sanyal, Chief Financial Advisor to Government of India addressed the gathering on ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat and North East’ Hon. NIvedita Bhide, Vice President, Vivekananda Kendra talked on ‘Vivekananda Kendra and North East’.

Hon. Sanjeev Sanyal who is an economist and historian and currently a full-time Member of Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, narrated bonds of West and especially Maharashtra and North East. He told that when Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj escaped from Agra, Aurangzeb could not fully concentrate on Maharashtra as there was fierce wa


r going on in NE.

Similarly, when Netaji Sibhash Chandra Bose established Govt. of Free India in NE in 1945, there was naval revolt in Mumbai in 1946 when 50 ships were captured by revolutionaries .This put immense pressure on British PM Clement Attlee who decides to free India. Sanyalji rightly referred to Netaji as first PM of free India.

He explained that Atma Nirbhar Bharat does not mean isolating India from the world, but creating infrastructure so that people can develop themselves. He pointed out that the rich countries are rich because they created excellent infrastructure. This year's budget focuses on infrastructure growth. He informed that out of 5 longest bridges in India, three were in NE. He lambasted tendency to rely on Jugad.

It is heartening to know that a person who spent 20 years with Deutsche Bank is on PM's advisory team. He was happily clad in dhoti and kurta and carried it well.

Shri. Suhas Mehta of SMC Infra offered help in creating infrastructure in NE.

Hon. Nivedita Bhide who is Jeevanvrati Karyakarta of Kendra since 1977 recounted work done in NE as per vision of Hon. Eknathji Ranade. She explained how true Indian Culture of Unity in Diversity is preserved in North East. Kendra carries out activities there based on Seva (service), Sanskriti (culture) and Samanvay (coordination). She appealed to all for contributing to Kandra Karya of Nation Building in North East as well as throughout India.

Madhav Nanivdekar proposed vote of thanks and Smita Puranik ably anchored the function.

Universal Brotherhood Day celebrations in Vivekananda Kendra - Godavari Vibhag - Telugu Prant

 Vivekananda Kendra, Telugu Prant, Godavari Vibhag have celebrated Universal Brotherhood day in Narendragiri, Prattipadu on 19th September 2021.

The programme was held in the evening from 5.30 to 7.00 pm. A total of 35 people attended. The Chief Speaker, Shri Ramesh, Correspondent, Minerva Schools, spoke on Swami Vivekanada’s Chicago Address, his patriotism and his expectations from the youth of our country. Shri Subba Rao, Shri Ram Mohan and Shri Krishna Mohan (saha sanyojak,
Rajamahendravaram) also expressed their views on the occasion. Shri G. Srinivas, Godavari Vibhag Sanghatak, spoke of the inspiring message that is conveyed by Swami Vivekananda’s kaaryapaddhati.

Prant: Telugu Prant
Vibhag: Godavari Vibhag
Date: September 19, 2021.
Place: Narendragiri, Prattipadu, East Godavari.
Total Participants: 35

Guru Purnima Celebration at Vivekananda Kendra - Kanyakumari

 GURU PURNIMA CELEBRATION

Vivekananda Kendra , Kanyakumari

No. of participants: 75

             On 23rd july 2021 at 5.45pm Guru purnima was celebrated at Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari in the presence of General Secretary of VRM and VK, Mann. Bhanudasji at  Enath Bhavan. All India Vice President of Vivekananda Kendra, Mann. Niveditadidi spoke on India's Guru parampara.Our sisters sang Guru bhajan and Guru stotram.

Atma Deepo Bhava - VKVVF

 Vivekananda kendra Vedic Vision Foundation started a unique programme titled as "Atma Deepo Bhava"  which is a workshop to mould ones own life. Four eminent personalities will be conducting these classes and they will be guiding by answering the questions and answers. There by bringing about self transformation in ones own lives.  Srimad Swami Hari Brahmendranandaji  Man. Lakshmi Didi, Sri Raghunandan and Sri Shoukat will be dealing with the classes.  Classes  will he held on zoom platform. In all 100 people have registered for the programme.  Sri Anil K.N. and  Sri Jaya Sankar and Sri Raghunath will be coordinating the programme.

Online Mediation Classes - VKVVF

 Online morning mediation classes started yesterday from 5.30 to 6.30 has become online yoga varga with 25 participants, Man Lakshmi Didi continued her second talk on concept of family which is attracting many more mothers, which is a welcoming sign. Today she covered the second chapter. In the afternoon as a part of Yoga for covid was started for second time. Earlier it was a weekly programme for almost three months. Now the arogyam 2 started in all about 30 participants were there. online who showed keen interest. As part of relief work for the needy people who are suffering due to Covid 21 thirty families were identified in three wards. 30 kits worth Rs 500 each were prepared to be distributed through he ward councillors and local volunteers. Man. Lakshmi Didi handed over the material to the respective ward councillors

Vedic Vision Foundation Report : Feb 2020 - Mar 2020

 Vishwabhanu Feb '20- Ma... by vedicvision99 on Scribd

Remembering Swargeeya Parameshwaranji
mukta-saṅgo ’nahaṁ-vādī
dhṛty-utsāha-samanvitaḥ
siddhy-asiddhyor nirvikāraḥ
kartā sāttvika ucyate ( Bhagavad Gita 18-26)

This sloka written on the Smriti Mandapam of Swargeeya Eknathji finds its resonance in Ma. Parameswaranji as well.

I have had the privilege to know Man. Parameswaranji from 1980 when he was the Director of Deendayal Institute, New Delhi. Later, at Vivekananda Kendra, he was like an elder brother, full of loving concern for me. His love and respect for me, he condensed in that one endearing word “Didi” by which he always addressed me who was ten years his junior.

Vivekananda Kendra was blessed to have Mananeeya Parameswaranji as its President since 1995 which also conferred on him the Editorship of Yuva Bharati and other Vivekananda Kendra publications. This provided a rare and unparalleled opportunity of looking at Bharat from the land’s end, almost like what Swami Vivekananda himself experienced, way back in December 1892; but with a difference – now there is already the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and the prestigious Vivekananda Kendra – the two great landmarks in the ascent of independent Bharat to a new glorious destiny. The former attracted not only the whole of our country but also the whole world to the great vision of the master mind of Swami Vivekananda, and the latter, to the practical exposition of that vision, formulated by the great patriot and missionary Shri Eknath Ranade, into the spiritually oriented service mission Vivekananda Kendra, meant for the discerning youth of our country who want to dedicate themselves to the service of the motherland and its people.

Like Swami Vivekananda and Maharishi Aurobindo, Parameswaranji also firmly believed in the unity of existence that is behind the universe that we comprehend with our senses, mind and intellect. There is a deeper reality of which the outwardly visible is only a partial manifestation and a significant symbol. Regarding his perception of our great Motherland, let me quote his own words: “We believe that nation embodies a spiritual power. It is born and not created. It is an organic, living, growing, dynamic entity, unlike in the West where a nation is considered as the product of social, economic or political factors. The Hindu nation is not a hotchpotch of diverse people based on the confluence of blind historical forces. The modern concept of a melting pot wherein communities of people are melted into one single whole or a mosaic in which different people mechanically co-exist, are not applicable in this case. Here the nation is an organic growth from a Divine seed which sprouts and branches out and spreads its foliage with colourful flowers.”

The Vedas describe our nation as the outcome of the Tapas performed by the Rishis who had in mind the welfare of humanity. The nation gradually grows out of the family and community in a natural process of evolution until at last it becomes capable of embracing in its universality the entire world as one family. It is the “Kutumba” that evolves into a world family. The basis of it all is the spiritual concept of the One becoming many.

Without that spiritual ideal no amount of manipulation or mechanical institution building can bring about such a happy consummation of “one world” or a ‘Family of Nations’. His writings reveal how deeply he has imbibed the ideal of Renunciation and Service in his personal life, values which were so dear to Swami Vivekananda. It is well known that Mananeeya Parameswaranji is a first rate nationalist who has sacrificed his all for the country. His writings embody Swami Vivekananda’s ideal of “Be and Make” and hence his writings are capable of rousing the drooping spirit to service and sacrifice for building a glorious India in the future.

His writings and speeches provide a delicious mix of science and spirituality. In many of them, it might be education, politics, or ecology, the matter is raised to the power of spiritual awareness which is typical of the Indian approach. According to him, the Gita presents a comprehensive world-view. It balances the dual needs of spiritualism and materialism. The Gita’s karma yoga is a panacea for the innumerable maladies we face in our day-to-day work. He teaches us to look at our day-to-day problems from the tower of Gitacharya which makes them appear silly and not at all worthy of wasting our precious mental and intellectual faculties. This vision specially focuses on the youth addicted to the pursuit of money-making and senseless worldly distractions.

Like Swamiji, Parameswaranji, expresses his concern at what is ailing our fields of education, society, economics, religion, Hinduism, feminism and so on. He often wrote about the freedom of worship – the concept of Ishta devata – that Hinduism offers to its followers. Again, worshipping God as Mother has given tremendous strength to Hinduism. Its direct effect was the elevation of womanhood to a height undreamt by other religions.

He also pointed out how from this height, due to the insecurity that women came to experience over centuries of invasions from alien cultures, our womanhood had to suffer so many indignities from which she is yet to find release. Like many of the nationalists of his calibre, Mananeeya Parameswaranji never failed to give out his clarion call to the youth, to live up to the grand Indian ideal and vision bequeathed to us by Swami Vivekananda, Maharishi Aurobindo and a host of others. He urged the youth to dedicate themselves for the service of the country and our people and enthrone Mother India as the Jagat Guru on her Eternal Throne.

In spite of his strong opinions and convictions he was ever soft in dealing with others including the so called ideological enemies. That is what earned for him the title of ‘Ajathasatru’, one who has no enemies. Added to all these,, was his surrender to the great teachers, Sri Ramakrishna, Sarada Ma and Swamiji which added to the softness of his personality. As both of us had taken ‘diksha’ from Sri Ramakrishna Math there was always a golden chain binding us, an unusual brother–sister relationship. That thread would be my source of inspiration as I think of him again and again.

Inaugural ceremony of VK AICYAM

Inaugural ceremony of Vivekananda Kendra Academy for Indian Culture, Yoga and Management (VK AICYAM) was celebrated from 12th January 2020(National Youth Day) to 16th January 2020 (Swamiji’s Birth Day as per Hindu tithi) as per the following schedule:
12.01.2020  
    06.30 am   Puja

    11.00 am   Inaugural Function

    04.30 pm   Janajati Seminar

15.01.2020
    09.30 am   Workshop on “Indian Ethos and Leadership Excellence”

16.01.2020
    08.30 am   Workshop on “Transformation of Personality through Yoga”
    11.00 am   Valedictory Function

Inaugural Function

The Inaugural Function on 12th January 2020, was presided by Mananeeya A Balkrishnanji, Vice President, Vivekananda Rock Memorial & Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari. Sri Dharmendra Pradhan, Hon’ble Union Minister, Petroleum & Natural Gas and Minister Of Steel was the Chief Guest. Other inaugurators were Param Pujya Paramhansa Prajnananandaji, President Prajnana Mission and Param Pujya Swami Atmaprabhanandaji, President, Ramakrishna Math, Bhubaneswar.



Mananeeya A Balakrishnanji in his address enlightened the audience about the objectives of AICYAM and emphasized its relevance in present context. Swami Atmaprabhanandaji in his blessings stressed that peace can prevail only when the Swamiji’s message are reflected in our day to day life. Pujya Paramhansa Prajnananandaji in his address, impressed upon all to rejuvenate the sleeping ‘Atmasakti’ and utilize the same in  ‘Bahujana Hitaya’ and ‘Bahujan Sukhaya’.


Honourable Chief Guest Sri Dharmendra Pradhan in his address described how Swamiji endeavoured to change the perception of foreigners about India that it is a country of snakes, snake charmers and poor. Dr. Geeta Padhy, Chairman reception Committee of VK AICYAM welcomed the guests and  Prof. G. K. Roy, convenor VKAICYAM extended the vote of thanks.

 Janajati Seminar

A Janajati Seminar was organized at 4.30 PM on 12th January. The theme of the seminar was “Traditional Systems – Change & Continuity” amongst the Janajatis (Tribal communities). After the welcome address by Professor G.K. Roy, Convenor, AICYAM, Mananeeya Nivedita Bhide, Vice President, Vivekananda Rock Memorial & Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari, in her Keynote address, elaborated on the Kendra’s approach of Janajati studies – participative research. Prof. K. K. Mishra, the former Vice Chancellor of Culture University of Odisha spoke on the difference between education and literacy. The other Guest Prof. Premananda Panda spoke on Tribal Economy and Livelihood Dr. A. B. Ota, Special Secretary-cum-Director of SCSTRI, who chaired the seminar, summing up, narrated the Tribal development programmes of the Government since Plan and Sub-plan period. Tribal Scholars of KISS University and Tribal Elites of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and West Bengal also actively participated in the Seminar. Sri RK Mishra, member AICYAM, offered the vote of thanks. At the end colourful tribal dance performances were staged by the students of KISS University and ATLC in presence of the participants and guests. The entire Seminar was Co-ordinated by Prof. NC Dash, member AICYAM.


Workshop on “Indian Ethos and Leadership Excellence”

On 15th January at 9.30 AM a workshop was organized on Indian Ethos and Leadership Excellence. The workshop was presided by Dr. S. K. Tamotia, Vice President of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Bhubaneswar. Prof. Panduranga Bhatta, retired professor of IIM Kolkota was the Chief Resource Person. Mananeeya Nivedita Bhide, Vice-President, Vivekananda Rock Memorial & Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari in her concluding remarks put forth the Need of Bharateeya view of Management. The entire workshop was co-ordinated by Smt. Sujata Mangaraj. 114 Students from various Management colleges of Bhubaneswar including Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan participated in the workshop. Discussion was held in three sessions, dedicated to -  Excellence, Leadership and Indian Ethos respectively.

Workshop on “Transformation of Personality Through Yoga” on 16th January 2020

The workshop started at 9.00 am with prayer and a PPT presentation on the concept of Panch kosha and Yoga, followed by a practice session, involving tailor made practices of selected asanas, pranayam and relaxation technique. The participants then attended the Valedictory function of AICYAM’s inauguration in presence of Hon’ble Governor of Odisha, Prof Ganeshi Lal ji, Govt. Of Odisha’s Minsiter of State with Independent Charge for Skill Development Sri Ashok Chandra Panda and Vice President of VRM & VK Mananeeya Nivedita Bhide.  The public meeting was followed by a session of OMKAR meditation. The workshop concluded with the Mananeeya Nivedita Didi’s address to the participants on “Yoga Way of Life”. Mananeeya Didi explained to the participants how Yoga is not just a set of physical or breathing practices but is based on the vision of Oneness of existence. In the end Mananeeya Nivedita didi called upon all the participants to take initiative in organizing Yoga Satras in their respective educational institutions and form teams for the International Day Of Yoga. 102 participants from various Under Graduate and Graduate institutions participated in the workshop.

From Green Warrior to Respect Ecological Cycles

Stephen William Hawking (8 January 1942 – 14 March 2018) was an English theoretical physicist, cosmologist, and author.
He predicted that black holes emit radiation, often called Hawking radiation. He was a vigorous supporter of the many worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics. Hawking is known all over the world through his book ‘A Brief History of Time’ appeared on the British Sunday Times best-seller list for a record-breaking 237 weeks.

In 1963, Hawking was diagnosed with an early-onset, slow-progressing form of motor neurone disease (MND), that gradually paralysed him over the decades. Even after the loss of his speech, he was still able to communicate through a speech-generating device. He died on 14 March 2018 at the age of 76, after living with the disease for more than 50 years. In this issue, we have given some of his quotable quotes.

In this month we have covered Green Warrior – Sarala Devi.

In happenings section, we have covered various training programmes such as: (i) Api culture (ii) Azolla technology (iii) Varma Bone setting practices (iv) Traditional Floor making technology (v) Motivational camp for Thattankudiruppu villagers and usual Networking.

In the wisdom section, Jeremy Seabrook, Editor of “Greening the Planet” emphasizes the importance of a paradigm shift to change the exploitative pattern of development, the famous Ecologist Shri. Edward Goldsmith appreciates the concept of Gross National Happiness of Bhutan and finally Dr. Vandana Shiva, a renowned Ecologist pleads to repair the broken water and fertility cycle for survival.
For reading the newsletter, please click here.

Rama’s squirrel calling ………

5th June is celebrated as ‘Environment Day’ all over the world. On this occasion, our friend Shri.C.V.Krishna from Bhubaneswar sent a very apt quotation of Mirza Galib.

“Umra bhar Ghalib yahi Bhool Karta raha, Dhool Chehre pe thi, aur Aina saaf karta raha”. (We are rinsing the mirror when the dirt is on our face)

We are trying to hammer this point while carrying out the work at Rameswaram and trying to bring the attitudinal change in the stakeholders for the sustainability of the project.

This month’s newsletter has the following highlights:

Dr. Sanjay Banerji in his blog writes about “Timeline for Sustainable Development”.
Hand in Hand, India organized regular awareness programmes.
Shri.Subramanian of C.P.R. Environmental Educational Center writes about Herbal Garden. This month he covers the plant - Country Mallow (Thuthi)
Revival and Renovation of Waterbodies – Hara Teertham.
Introducing our valuable partner – Karuna Trust, Bangalore
In the Social Capital section, Teertha Poojas at a few places and Tree plantation activities.

Click here for this month’s newsletter.

Gandhi Peace Prize 2015

विवेकानंद केंद्र कन्याकुमारी को गांधी शांति पुरस्कार से सम्मानित किया गया और विवेकानंद केंद्र ने पुरस्कार में प्राप्त राशी रुपए एक करोड़ को शहीदों के परिवारों को इनके कल्याणर्थ समर्पित किया ।

महामहिम राष्ट्रपति, आदरणीय प्रधानमंत्री, उपस्थित सभी मंत्री गण, महानुभावों को विवेकानंद केंद्र कन्याकुमारी का अभिवादन और प्रणाम । कन्याकुमारी में समुद्र के मध्य में स्थित विवेकानंद शिला स्मारक के ५० वर्ष पूर्ण होने के अवसर पर, विवेकानंद केंद्र के कार्य को, यह गाँधी शांति पुरस्कार देने के लिए गाँधी शांति पुरस्कार समिति सदस्य तथा समिति के अध्यक्ष माननीय प्रधान मंत्री श्री नरेन्द्र भाई मोदी जी को हम विशेष धन्यवाद देते है ।

विवेकानंद शिला स्मारक को माननीय एकनाथजी रानडे ने केंद्र सरकार, सारे राज्य सरकार तथा भारतीय जनता के सहयोग से 1970 में पूर्ण किया था. इसके निर्माण में पूर्ण भारत ने एक होकर स्वामी विवेकानंद के प्रति अपनी श्रध्दा को मूर्त रूप दिया था. सही अर्थ से यह राष्ट्रीय स्मारक रहा है. उसी शिला पर है स्वामी विवेकानंद ने भारत की एकात्मता तथा पुनरुत्थान के लिए अपना जीवन समर्पित करनेका का निर्णय लिया था ।

विवेकानंद केंद्र इसी स्मारक का द्वितीय चरण है. देश के लिए समर्पित जीवनव्रती कार्यकर्ता और स्थानिक कार्यकर्ता विवेकानंद केंद्र के सेवा कार्य को दुर्गम क्षेत्रोंमें, ग्रामीण क्षेत्रोंमें चला रहे हैं. विवेकानंद केंद्र, स्वामी विवेकानंदजी के विचार ‘मनुष्य के अन्तर्निहित शक्ति के प्रगटन’ तथा ‘मानव सेवा ही माधव सेवा है’ इसे आधारभूत रखते हुए मनुष्य निर्माण और राष्ट्र पुनरुत्थान का कार्य 900 से अधिक स्थानों पर आज संचालित कर रहा है ।

महात्मा गाँधी जी ने शांति और सौहार्दपूर्ण भारतीय समाज को रामराज्य के रूप में देखा था ऐसे समाज निर्माण में बुनियादी शिक्षा, ग्रामीण विकास और नैसर्गिक उर्जा का प्रयोग, युवा और स्त्रियों का विकास एवं राष्ट्रकार्य में उनका सहभाग, विश्वबंधुत्व के लिए कार्य ऐसे अनेक क्षेत्रों में विवेकानंद केंद्र कार्यरत है. इस  गांधी शांति पुरस्कार ने विवेकानंद केंद्र के कार्य की गरिमा को निश्चित बढ़ाया है उससे ही अधिक, दुर्गम क्षेत्र में कार्य करनेवाले हजारो कार्यकर्ताओं के सेवा और समर्पण को ही प्रतिष्ठित किया है. विवेकानंद केंद्र गांधी शांति पुरस्कार को सहर्षातासे, कृतज्ञता से तथा अत्यंत विनयतापूर्वक स्वीकार करते हुए इस कार्य को निरन्तरता से और परिणामकारी आगे ले जाने का दृढ़ संकल्प दोहराता है ।

पुलवामा की आतंकी घटना और उसमे शहीद हुए हमारे वीर जवानों का स्मरण करते हुए, इस पुरस्कार में प्राप्त राशी, विवेकानंद केंद्र, भारतीय सेना और शहीद जवानों के परिवार के हित में विनिमय करनेका निर्णय लेता हैं ।

11th Vedanta Vachaspati Radha Nath Phukan Memorial Biennial Lecture

Focusing only on the environment would not help serve the cause of Sustainable Development. Along with it, the economy and society too have to be taken into consideration when we aim for achieving development that also secures the needs of future generations.
This was a view of Prof. M Jagadesh Kumar, Vice Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University, while delivering the 11th Vedanta Vachaspati Radha Nath Phukan Memorial Biennial Lecture organised by the Vivekananda Kendra Institute of Culture, Guwahati.
Describing technology as a serious pursuit of craft and techniques, he further mentioned that economic developments which are sustainable is the need of the hour. They ought to be inclusive and should not be wasteful. In the last few decades, South East Asia has witnessed an output of E Waste that is dangerous and has serious consequences. Technology is trying to effect changes by designing of devices with components which can be replaced, thus lengthening the products lifespan.
Economic models have an impact on sustainable development. The reduction of energy use and adapting to solar and wind energy can be a big boon for a country like India. It has been assessed that about 84 percent of the country’s energy needs can be secured by a combination of solar and wind power.
About 60 per cent of Indians are in one way or the other dependent on agriculture. Unfortunately farming contributes only 17 per cent of the GDP. In order to achieve growth that is sustainable there is a great need for technological interventions. The Indian Institute of Science has made an apparatus that farmers can easily use to check the soil moisture, a vital task in agriculture. This and other innovations have made an impact on people away from cities and towns.
Society, in his opinion, also has a great role in laying the foundation for sustainable development in India. Since ancient times, Indian philosophy has underlined the concept of the common good. Now sociologists have once again underlined that truism – Self-centred attitude and behaviour does not lead to common good. Citing experts, Prof Kumar said, “We have become pleasure seeking, curiosity driven human animals.”
Self-awareness is, therefore, the need of the hour. If one is serious about achieving sustainable development, then we must practice perennial human values such as love, affection and sharing. All these constitute part of Indian culture.
Urging people to become less materialistic and more responsible in their behaviour, Prof. Kumar said that when that happens society will become more effective in ushering in a type of development that does not endanger future generations. We have to use fewer materials, use less energy, and become socially inclusive if we are keen on devising strategies to reach sustainable development goals, he observed.

Personality Development and Yoga camp at Kangra

To  channelize the energy of the youth in a positive direction and to bring them close to roots of Indian cultural heritage and to keep them away of prevailing drug menace local branch of Vivekananda Kendra Kanaya Kumari is currently conducting a four day personality development and yoga camp in Govt. Senior Secondary School at Sheerathan.

Manas Bhatacharya life workers of Vivekananda Kendra, who along with band of workers, is conducting the camp told UNI that such camps were necessitated in view of prevailing deterioration in cultural values among the young generation. He said that youths from near by villages gathered here yesterday and the camp will conclude on July 1 at 4.00 pm.

The school is humming with activities despite vacations. He said that Yoga, meditation , physical exercises, games and lecturers on facing the examinations with positivity are segments of this personality development and yoga camp. Manas said that lectures about the personalities who have contributed to the national ethos are being delivered. The youths are tought the Vedic mantras and Bajan Sandiyia remains part of the camp.

Manas said that Kendra is a spiritually oriented service mission is dedicated among other things in bringing the youth near to the Indian cultural roots.

Talk on Sister Nivedita at VKIC

A talk on Sister Nivedita was organised by Vivekananda Kendra Institute of Culture at Assam Institute of Management on 4th December at 11 A.M. Mananeeya Shraddha Vays Patil from Mumbai delivered the oration which centered on the subject- "Sister Nivedita and Indian Women"

Sixty eight management students along with four karyakartas took part in the event.To spread the message of Swami Vivekananda the book "Vijay Hi Vijay" was given to the students.

Geeta Jayanti Program at VKIC

Gita Jayanti was organised in VKIC on Thursday, November 30 in its own auditorium full to its capacity. Sri Govindramji Sharma from Belda, Haridwar delivered the oration which centered on the subject – What Gita tells about Karmayoga. The elder Gita Pracharak mentioned that although many physical developments were happening all around us, there was no peace. “People are doing Karma, but is that in accordance with what the Gita says?”

The development we see around us has not contributed to the welfare of all. Working for one’s own narrow interest is not Karma yoga. Our saints and visionaries make us learn that one has to go much beyond. They are remembered and worshiped because they worked for the good of others, the welfare of society and the nation. Swami Vivekananda had said, “Expansion is life. Contraction is death,” and we have to abide by this.

Karma yoga also entails that whatever is performed is in tune with Swadharma. Equanimity is one of the greatest of quality that the Gita upholds. The wise person sees no difference among various life forms. The behaviour may vary according to the relationships they have, but they will perceive everyone as equal. From this viewpoint of equanimity they try to work with no attachment and seek to bring in welfare for all.

A VKIC publication on Sister Nivedita – the ardent disciple of Swami Vivekananda – was released on the occasion. The Editor of the book, Dr Mukunda Rajbongshi spoke briefly about the life of the great Indian nationalist who also made significant contributions to girls’ education. 

A Conference on FUTURE ENERGY

A daylong Conference on "FUTURE ENERGY" was held on 1st November’17 in the auditorium of Vivekananda Kendra Institute Culture (VKIC), Uzan Bazar; The Vivekananda Kendra Skill Development Group, one of the Pillars of Kendra, organized this Conference on this theme of Global & National importance,

The Programme was well attended by the technocrats from the major Energy Companies operating in the region, students & faculties from select Institutions of Assam and the officials from Assam Science Technology & Environment Council & Assam Energy Development.

A panel of highly knowledgeable experts conducted the Conference. Dr Harsha Bhattacharyya, Medical Director, Sri Sankaradeva Nethralaya, Chief Guest in his speech in  the Inaugural session encouraged Vivekananda Kendra’s effort to organize a Conference of such magnitude on a very apt theme of “Future Energy”. He also hailed Energy companies, the Institutions, ASTEC & ADEA for their whole hearted support and participation. He hoped that such effort will accelerate the awareness build up process on  Future Energy. 

Sri Dipok Kr Barthakur, Chairman, Vivekananda Kendra Institute of Culture & Chairman, VKNRL Hospital, Numaligarh also attended the Inaugural programme, and wishes a grand success of the Conference.    

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Parimal Bhattacharyya, Director, VKIC told about the contributions of Kendra towards socio cultural development of the region. He highlighted that ;

There were all together seven presentations on Future Energy by the participants and there were very useful interactions among the participants.

Besides OIL India, Numaligarh Refinery Ltd and Guwahati & Bongaigaon Refinery of IOCL, there were presentation on the theme by NIT, Silchar, IIT Guwahati and ASTEC & ADEA. 

Dr Arup Kumar Misra, Director, ASTEC & ADEA), Dr V S Moholkar, Professor and Head, Dep of Chemical Engg and Centre for Energy, IITG and Prof P C Baruah, Head, Dept of Energy Engg, ASTU are the Panelist for the Conference.

The Panelist during their turn mentioned that the standard of the presentations are very high and there were fruitful interactions among the participants..

An E-Souvenir was also released as a part of this Conference.

All the participants appreciated the effort of Kendra.         

Shri Vasudeoji is honoured by Gandhigram Trust

Vivekananda Kendra NARDEP is working in the field of development and conservation of Natural resources since last 1986. Cost effective constructions, Holistic Health, Renewable Energy, Sustainable Agriculture, Water management. Shri Vasudeoji, Secretary, Vivekananda Kendra, NARDEP is honoured by Gandhigram Trust in their Annual Day function on October 7, 2017 for his special contribution in Environment Conservation.

VK NARDEP September 2017 NewsLetter

T.N. Khoshoo in his unique book “Mahatma Gandhi – An Apostle of Applied Human Ecology” writes “Gandhiji’s entire life and work is an environmental legacy for all humanity. This was not because he wrote a big treatise on the environment, or led a movement to stall a dam or any industry, or clean a river, or whatever. This was because he was a practitioner of sustainable development in the real sense of the word. Here then was a Man who was in harmony and peace with the environment and with himself”. In this issue we have given a few famous quotes of Mahatma Gandhi.

Shri.N.Krishnamoorthy covers the topic of ‘Climate Change - Green Solutions’ by way of the usual dialogue between Srimati Annapurna Duval, Shri Krish Phidal and Professor Jnani Noval.  In happenings section, we have covered training programmes on Enriched Fish amino preparation, Azolla technology, Organic farming practices, Terrace Gardening, Bio-gas technology, Water management, Traditional Siddha Varma Bone setting Practices and Networking etc.

In the wisdom section, Peter Wohlleben Author of the famous book – “The Hidden Life of Trees” reinforces that the plants have feelings which was first told earlier by our Sir J.C. Bose. Otto Ulrich, An Engineer and Sociologist and contributor to The Development Dictionary informs us about the collapse of the euphoria of western technologies and finally Sraddhalu Ranade, Scientist, Educator and Scholar at the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry tells us about the right attitude towards work. For reading the newsletter, please click here.

For reading the newsletter, please click here.

From ‘Water Green’ to ‘Man-made Ignorance’

E.F.Schumacher was a German statistician and economist who is best known for his proposals for human-scale, decentralised and appropriate technologies. His book “Small Is Beautiful: A Study of Economics as if People Mattered” was ranked by The Times Literary Supplement as one of the 100 most influential books published since World War II. In this issue we have given a few of his quotable quotes.

Shri.N.Krishnamoorthy covers the topic of ‘Water Green’ by way of the usual dialogue between Srimati Annapurna Duval, Shri Krish Phidal and Professor Jnani Noval.  In happenings section, we have covered training programmes on Bio-pesticide preparation, Terrace Gardening, Ferro-cement technology, Compressed Earth Blocks making, Traditional Siddha Varma Bone setting Practices, Crop Residue Management and Networking etc.

In the wisdom section, C.Douglas Lummis explains us the real meaning of ‘Prosper - According to Hope’, Majid Rahnema basically an Iranian writes about ‘Voluntary Poverty’ based on age old moral principles of simplicity and finally Dr.Vandana Shiva, World renowned Environmental thinker says that ‘Man-made Ignorance’ is becoming a new source of threat to life on this planet.

For reading the VK-Nardep - Monthly Newsletter, please click here

Work like a Squirrel

Hon.Prime Minister Shri.Narendra Modi released the Synopsis of the "Green Resilient Rameswaram" on 27th of July in a public function. The release of the document is another milestone in the march towards our objective. 

Please click here for the report of the function and two audio visual clips.

VK-NarDep Activity Update - June 2017

Hazel Henderson is a real pathfinder. She is a futurist and a strong critic of the present economic model. Author of several books, including Building A Win-Win World, Beyond Globalization, Ethical Markets and Growing the Green Economy etc. Author Fritjof Capra credits Henderson with being a major influence on his thin king on ecological issues.

Henderson believes that the various threats to peace, community security, and good environment have led us into a new era in which we are obliged to look for values, information, and know-how that we ignored all these decades. In this issue we have given a few of her quotable quotes.

Shri.N.Krishnamoorthy covers the topic of ‘Green Systems’ by way of the usual dialogue between Srimati Annapurna Duval, Shri Krish Phidal and Professor Jnani Noval.  In happenings section, we have covered training programmes on Enriched Bio-manure, Terrace Gardening, Bio-methanation technology, Siddha Varma Practices and Exposure visits etc.

In the wisdom section, Wolfgang Sachs, Editor of ‘The Development Dictionary’ tells us the bad effects of Monoculture while Douglas Lummis forcefully writes that inequality is not an economic problem, but a political problem and finally Vandana Shiva in her usual style says that undermining of sustenance takes place because of market-centered economies. For reading the newsletter, 

please click her​e to download NewsLetter​​.