A Tribute to Lifelong Dedication - Mananeeya Dr. M. Lakshmi Kumari Didi Conferred with Prestigious Swami Nirmalananda Award-2025

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari is pleased to inform you that Mananeeya Dr. M. Lakshmi Kumari Didi, the former All India President of Vivekananda Rock Memorial & Vivekananda Kendra, has been conferred with the prestigious Swami Nirmalananda Award-2025 by Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama. She is currently the Director & Chairperson of the Vivekananda Kendra Vedic Vision Foundation at Kodungallur.

This award, instituted in memory of Swami Nirmalananda (1863–1938) - a Direct Disciple of Bhagavan Sri Ramakrishna, recognises individuals who exemplify excellences in Vedantic humanism, the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna, and selfless service to society as worship of God.

Mananeeya Lakshmi Didi has been selected for her lifetime dedication in serving Bharat's ordinary men and

women through Swami Vivekananda's transformative teachings.  Didi’s exemplary contributions to the society as an academician, a scientist and the leader of a great movement known as Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari.

The 12th Swami Nirmalananda Award ceremony was held at Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama, Ottapalam, on 20th April 2025 at 4:00 p.m. Pravrajika Vimalaprana Mataji of Sri Sarada Math, Puranattukara, presented the award. Jeevan-vrati Karyakartas of Vivekananda Kendra—Adarneeya Shri Sudhakar Ji and Aadharneeya Kum. Priyamvada Didi—along with Karyakartas of VKVVF participated in the programme at Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama, Ottapalam.

This recognition highlights the significant contributions of Vivekananda Kendra to society through the unwavering dedication and service of its Karyakartas. The Vivekananda Kendra Parivar extends its heartiest congratulations to Mananeeya Dr. M. Lakshmi Kumari Didi, a guide and mentor to all Kendra Karyakartas.

Personality Development Camp at Bhavnagar

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Gujarat Prant, Bhavnagar Vibhag, Bhavnagar Branch organized a Personality Development Camp for students from 18th to 20th April at Raghukul Vidyadham, Devaraj Nagar. A total of 53 participants took part in this enriching experience.

The camp was structured to offer a balanced mix of intellectual, physical, and creative activities. It included six baudhik sessions, three group discussions (Manthan), three creative sessions, two physical exercise sessions, and two games sessions. The inaugural session was held on 18th April, graced by the presence of Adarneeya Ms. Amarjyotiba Gohil Didi and Vadodara Vibhag Sanchalak Shri Jayantilal Parmar ji as chief guests.

The theme of the camp was “Patriotism in Action”, with the objective of instilling patriotic spirit and cultural values in the participants. In one of the creative sessions, Shri Meghdeepbhai Gohil ji guided the participants on understanding the purpose of life. During the “Chalo Vato Kariye” (Let's Talk) session, Ms. Shwetaben led a unique reflective activity where participants were encouraged to converse with objects, helping them experience the idea that God is present everywhere. In the Prerna se Punaruththan session, a treasure hunt game was conducted, accompanied by stories of Veer Hamirji Gohil's sacrifice and dedication, which inspired the participants deeply.

On 19th April, Shri Pareshbhai Trivedi ji delivered an impactful session on Swami Vivekananda as a role model for youth. Shri Chetanbhai Tank ji led a discussion titled “Breaking the Narratives”, prompting participants to critically evaluate contemporary issues. The participants also engaged in Shastrarth (scriptural debate) on texts like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, further enriching their understanding of our cultural heritage. Shri Manharbhai Rathod ji conducted a session on “Let's Update for Future Challenges,” encouraging forward-thinking and preparedness.

The evening Bhajan Sandhya was filled with heartfelt devotional songs that created a spiritually uplifting atmosphere. On the morning of 20th April, the day began with Pratahsmaran, followed by a physical activity session where the strength-building game “Matire ki Fank” was played to cultivate bravery and courage. Participants were also trained in performing Surya Namaskar as part of their daily wellness practice.

Shri Rameshbhai Solanki ji introduced the vision and mission of Vivekananda Kendra through the topic “Vivekananda Kendra – A Thought Movement,” while Dr. Darshakbhai Dasadia ji inspired participants with his session on “Mastering the Game of Life.” Throughout the camp, participants also received training in Bhagavad Gita chanting, which helped nurture discipline, efficiency, and a sense of devotion.

Each day, participants made a personal resolution through Sankalpa, committing to practices such as daily Surya Namaskar, Gita chanting, morning prayer, and more. As part of the creative output, the Sambhaji Gan (one of the teams) created a beautiful collage using newspaper clippings and crafted an artistic rangoli using stones, showcasing both creativity and teamwork.

This camp was a significant step forward in nurturing the spirit of seva, samskar, and self-development among the future torchbearers of the nation.

Swadhyaya Competition at Gadag

vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Karnataka Prant organized the Swadhyaya Competition at Shree Benakappa Shankrappa Simhasanad Government First Grade College Gajendragad in Gadag District on 19th April 2025. A total of 41 students participated in the examination.

The competition was based on the book “Swami Vivekananda Jeevan Mattu Sandesha” and aimed to inspire students to imbibe the noble qualities and character traits of Swami Vivekananda. The event was coordinated by Sri Siddesh ji and Kendra karyakarthas Sri Bheeman ji, Sri Naveen ji and Sri Ishwar ji. Full support was extended by the college, ensuring the successful conduct of the event.

Kishori Vikas Shibir and Bhraman organized by VK Thiruvananthapuram

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Kerala Prant, Thiruvananthapuram Branch organized a Kishori Vikas Shibir and Bhraman to Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari on 18th and 19th April 2025. The Shibir and Bhraman were arranged for the resident sisters of Hindu Mahila Mandir. A total of 20 people participated, including 13 participants, 6 staff members, and a Kendra karyakarta.

VK Thiruvananthapuram conducts the Kishori Vikas Shibir for the sisters of Hindu Mahila Mandir every year, and a two-hour workshop is also held monthly on a regular basis. During this vacation period, the hostel students were taken to Vivekananda Kendra's headquarters campus (Vivekanandapuram) in Kanyakumari for a two-day visit to experience the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and learn about the Kendra’s activities.

On the first day of the Bhraman, the participants visited Gramodaya Park, Arise Awake Pictorial Exhibition, and Ramayana Darshanam. Shri Krishnakumar Ji, Jeevan-vrati karyakarta of Vivekananda Kendra interacted with the group and shared insights about the activities of Vivekananda Kendra and its efforts to preserve Indian culture and tradition. He spoke about the Kendra’s twin objectives—Man Making and Nation Building—and emphasized the importance of becoming good human beings who can contribute positively to society.

On the second day, 19th April, the team visited Mananeeya Eknath Ji’s Samadhi, took part in the Pratahsmaran along with the participants of the Acharya Prashikshan Shibir, and witnessed the sunrise from the beach. They also visited the Shri Balaji Temple. After breakfast, Adarneeya Radha Didi, Prant Sangathak of Tamil Nadu and Kerala Prants, interacted with the participants. A devotional bhajan, ‘Atmalingam Bhajore’ bhajan was sung during the session. At 9 a.m., the team visited the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, where they were introduced to the inspiring story of Mananeeya Eknath Ji and the construction of Vivekananda Rock Memorial.

The participants expressed their happiness and felt it was a valuable opportunity to learn about the organization and its work. Kum. Kalyani Didi, Thiruvananthapuram Nagar Sangathak, along with the staff of Hindu Mahila Mandir, took care of the Bhraman. The team returned to Thiruvananthapuram in the late evening. The next Kishori Vikas Shibir is scheduled for 2nd May 2025.

New Swadhyaya Varga inaugurated at RT Nagar

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Karnataka Prant, RT Nagar Branch inaugurated a new Swadhyaya Varga at the Samhita School of Perform

ing Arts and the RT Nagar Branch Karyalaya on 20th April 2025. A total of 16 people attended the varga.

The inaugural programme began with a prayer, followed by Deepa Prajwalan. The Karyakartas sang the Sharada Stuti and sought the blessings of the Goddess of Knowledge. The Swadhyaya Varga poster was unveiled by Shri Purushottam Ji (Nagar Sanchalak), Ms. Thara Bai Didi (Sahitya Seva Pramukh), and senior Karyakarta Dharani Amma.

Shri Purushottam Ji guided the gathering about the purpose of Swadhyaya Varga and spoke on the four margas, emphasizing the importance of Jnana Marga (path of knowledge). Thara Bai Didi motivated the participants and offered prayers for the continuity and success of the varga through her Hita Vanchana.

The first Swadhyaya session was led by Shri Purushottam Ji, on the book “Swami Vivekananda – Hero for Indian Youth”. Reading and discussion was done.

The programme concluded with the Shanti Mantra and Kendra Prarthana.