Guru Purnima Celebration organized by VK Tirupati Vibhag at Sri Padmavathi Jr. College

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Telugu Prant, Tirupati Vibhag organized a Guru Purnima Celebration at Sri Padmavathi Jr. College, Tirupati, on 29th July 2026, commemorating the Jayanti of Maharshi Sri Vedavyasa. The programme was held from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM and witnessed the participation of 40 students and staff members.

The program featured an enlightening keynote address by Smt. Parameswari, who spoke inspiringly on the deep spiritual and cultural significance of Guru Purnima as well as the importance of preserving Indian heritage through festival celebrations.

The gathering provided students with valuable insights into honoring teachers and elders, concluding as a meaningful and memorable occasion for the institution.

Guru Purnima Celebrated with Matru-Pitru Puja at Amalapuram

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Telugu Prant, Godavari Vibhag, Amalapuram Karyasthan, celebrated Guru Purnima with a Matru-Pitru Puja on 9th August 2026 at Ravi Foundation. Enthusiastically planned and organized by the Sanskarvarga participants, the programme brought together 30 attendees, including 20 children and 10 parents, fostering a spirit of gratitude and reverence towards parents and teachers.

The auspicious proceedings began with the chanting of three Omkaras and the Sahanavavatu prayer led by Kum. Jahnavi, a second-standard student. A poignant highlight of the event was the sacred Matru-Pitru Puja, led by Ms. Vishalakshi, reinforcing the timeless tradition of honoring parents as the first spiritual guides.

The gathering was then addressed by Shri P. V. Krishna, Sah Sanyojak, who delivered an inspiring talk on the profound significance of Gurupournami and the role of spiritual discipline in daily life. Following the address, Kum. Sanvi led the gathering in 11 Omkaras, leading into a collective Pushparchana offered to the sacred Om symbol, accompanied by a soulful recitation of the Gurustotram by Kum. Harshita. The program also featured the KutumbaYoga Diksha Certificate Distribution, led by Sri A. Siva Sai Gowd ji to recognize the commitment of participating families. 

The memorable celebration drew to a peaceful close with the chanting of the Sarve Bhavantu prayer led by Ms. Surya Reshma.

Chhote Scientist Workshop for Teachers at VKV Kallubalu

Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya Kallubalu (Karnataka Prant), successfully organized the “Chhote Scientist” Workshop for Teachers on August 10, 2026, at Patanjali Hall. The event brought together 23 participants, including 15 teachers from eight neighboring schools, four VKV teachers, and four resource trainers.

The program commenced with a Prayer and Vivekavani, setting a reflective and focused tone for the day. Distinguished guests Sri Ramesh Ji and Sri Nagabhushan Ji graced the programme.  To energize the group, Anjali Didi led an interactive action song designed to demonstrate how simple, joyful activities can significantly sharpen students' attention and observation skills.

The primary sessions were expertly facilitated by Sri Raviraj Ji, Sri Tushar Ji, Sri Ranjeet Ji, and Kum.Vibhavari Didi, focusing on experiential learning, memory testing, differentiation, and connecting science concepts directly to real-life experiences. 

Sri Raviraj Ji emphasized using the five sense organs as primary tools to cultivate student curiosity, advocating for active observation over rote memorization. Adding to the session's practical value, guests Sri Ramesh Ji and Sri Nagabhushan Ji addressed the gathering on the societal dangers of youth alcohol consumption, urging educators to guide students toward healthy, responsible lifestyle choices. 

The workshop concluded on an enriching note, equipping the participating teachers with practical, activity-based approaches to nurture scientific temper, curiosity, observation skills, and experiential learning among students.

Amrut Parivar Bhajan Sandhya by VK RT-Nagar

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Karnataka Prant, Kempegowda Vibhag, RT Nagar Branch organized a Bhajan Sandhya at the residence of Smt. Pushpa Didi, RT Nagar, on 6th August 2026 as part of the Amrit Parivar Programme. The programme was attended by 51 participants, including 4 family members and 47 other participants.

 The programme commenced with a soulful Bhajan Sandhya, where devotional songs and chanting created a serene and spiritually uplifting atmosphere. The programme also provided an opportunity for Karyakartas and children to interact with the family members and guests.

As part of the gathering, Kendra Parichaya was given, introducing the participants to the history, ideals, mission, and various service activities of Vivekananda Kendra. The interaction helped strengthen the bond with the family and provided an opportunity to encourage their continued association with Kendra activities.

The programme concluded with the distribution of special Prasadam, leaving the participants with a sense of joy, spiritual fulfilment, and togetherness.

Spiritual Retreat: A Week of Sadhana and Self-Reflection

Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari, organized a Spiritual Retreat from 8th to 14th August 2026. The retreat was conducted simultaneously in two parallel Shivirs—one in English with 10 participants,5 brothers and 5 sisters, and in Hindi with 32 brothers and 42 sisters—with a total of 84 participants representing Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, the Union Territory of Delhi, and one international participant from Spain.

Participants arrived on 7th August and joined the Bhajan Sandhya, followed by an introductory session on the organizing team, the retreat schedule and the code of conduct. The retreat formally commenced on 8th August with a carefully structured daily routine beginning at 5:15 a.m. with Guided Meditation, Pratahsmaranam and Gita Pathan. The day continued with Yoga Abhyas, Alpahar, Shramasamskar, Shramaparihar, Satras, Manthan, mantra chanting, Bhojan, evening Yoga Abhyas, meditation, In Tune with Nature, Bhajan Sandhya, Prerana Se Punarutthan and concluded with Atmavalokan at 9:00 p.m.

The participants were organized into seven Ganas, named after the ancient cultural centres of Bharat—Badri, Ayodhya, Kashi, Puri, Kanchi, Rameshwaram and Kamrup. Shramasamskar, manthan and food service were conducted Gana-wise, while Bhajan Sandhya, Gita Pathan, Kendra Varga, Prerana Se Punarutthan and meditation were conducted jointly.

The lecture sessions, conducted separately in Hindi and English, explored a wide range of themes including Kendra Prarthana, the Concept of Spirituality, Yoga as a Way of Life, Indian Culture, Mananeeya Eknathji and the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Maa Sarada and Swami Vivekananda, Dharma-based Life, Vivekananda Kendra as a Thought Movement, Consumer to Contributor and Sadhana. Each session was followed by meaningful Gana-wise discussions, enabling participants to reflect upon, share and present their insights.

The Manthan sessions included a book-based discussion on Sadhana of Service by Mananeeya Eknathji, published by Vivekananda Kendra Prakashan. The chapters Daily Routine and Live a Purposeful Life were taken up for discussion and reflection.

Yoga formed an integral part of the retreat. Morning and evening sessions included loosening exercises, Chair Suryanamaskar, Asanas, Pranayama, Yogic Relaxation and meditation techniques, along with an introduction to Yoga philosophy based on the vision of Oneness. A special combined session on Omkar Meditation was also conducted. Participants learnt to chant Pratahsmaranam Stotrams, Aikya Mantram, Shanti Path, Bhagavad Gita shlokas, Bhojana Mantra and Yogasana Mantras.

Every evening, Bhajan Sandhya was followed by Prerana Se Punarutthan, which brought together devotion, joy and fellowship through games, action songs, Hanuman Chalisa and an overview of Vivekananda Kendra's activities across Bharat. Each day concluded with Atmavalokan, providing participants an opportunity for quiet introspection and self-reflection.

Special Highlights

10th August: A special video screening on the inspiring journey and construction of the Vivekananda Rock Memorial was organised.

11th August: Participants visited the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Devi Kanyakumari Temple, experiencing the spiritual and cultural significance of Kanyakumari.

12th August: Participants visited the exhibitions at Vivekanandapuram—Gangotri, Arise! Awake! pictorial exhibition, Ramayana Darshanam and Bharat Mata Sadanam. The day concluded with Bhajan Sandhya in front of the Sri Hanumanji statue at the Ramayana Darshanam exhibition. A special session on Kendra's IT initiatives, website and social media presence was also conducted.

13th August: A special session encouraged participants to deepen their association with Vivekananda Kendra by enrolling as patrons and donors, subscribing to Kendra's monthly publications and connecting through its social media platforms. Many participants expressed their interest in associating with Kendra through local Branch centers and the Sevavrati scheme. The day also featured a vibrant Gana-wise cultural programme, showcasing the richness and diverisified unity of Bharat's cultural heritage.

14th August: On the concluding day, following Pratahsmaranam, participants visited the Vivekanandapuram beach to witness the sunrise, followed by visits to the Swami Vivekananda Mandapam and Mananeeya Eknathji Samadhi. The retreat concluded with an inspiring session on Sadhana by Mananeeya Ravi Sharma ji, Shivir Margadarshak.

The Shivir was organised by a dedicated team of Karyakartas from the Tamil Nadu and Kerala Prants, under the guidance of Mananeeya Ravi Sharma ji, Akhil Bharateeya Yoga Pramukh, as Shivir Margadarshak. Adarneeya Radha Akka, Prant Sangathak, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, and Secretary (Administration), Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, served as Shivir Adhikari.

Shri. Udaykumar Anna, IT Pramukh, Tamil Nadu Prant, and Kum. Sayanthi, Vibhag Sangathak, Madurai Vibhag and Pravasi Karyakarta, Tamil Nadu Prant, served as Shivir Pramukhs for the English and Hindi groups respectively. Adarneeya Priyamvada Didi, Karyalaya Pramukh, Kerala Prant Sangathak, enriched the retreat through her lectures, Pratahsmaranam sessions and guidance in mantra chanting.

Smt. Lakshmi Narayani Akka and Smt. Gauri Deshpande Didi served as Shivir Mitras. Adarneeya Saroj Agarwal Didi served as Sakshi Vinayak for the Hindi group, while Smt. Lakshmi Narayani Akka served as Sakshi Vinayak for the English group. Shri Jitendra Ingle ji and Shri Shiv Pratap ji took responsibility for Kaksha Vyavastha and Anushasan, with Shri Jitendra ji also contributing as a member of the Yoga teaching team. The Gana Pramukhs played an active leadership role throughout the retreat and extended valuable support to the organising team.

The Spiritual Retreat concluded on a deeply meaningful note, leaving the participants spiritually enriched, inspired and connected with the ideals of Swami Vivekananda and the vision and mission of Vivekananda Kendra. The seven days of discipline, reflection, learning, service, devotion and fellowship created an experience that participants could carry forward into their lives as a renewed commitment to purposeful living and service to Bharat Mata.