Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Maharashtra Prant, Pashchim Maharashtra Vibhag, Pune Branch, organized a special lecture on the occasion of Universal Brotherhood Day on 27 September 2026 at the Ramakrishna Math Auditorium, Sinhagad Road, Pune. Shri Pushpendra Kulshrestha, senior journalist and political analyst, was the Chief Speaker. Prof. Dr. Deepak Paudel ji, Principal, BMCC, graced the programme as the Chief Guest, while Shri Mahendra Sethiya ji, Secretary, Jnana Prabodhini, Pune, presided over the programme. Shri Kiran Kirtane ji, Maharashtra Prant Sanchalak, Vivekananda Kendra, was also present on the dais.
Universal Brotherhood Day commemorates Swami Vivekananda’s historic address at the World’s Parliament of Religions in Chicago on 11 September 1893 and his message of the oneness of humanity. The programme provided an opportunity to reflect on Swamiji’s ideals and their relevance to youth, society and nation-building.
The programme commenced with the chanting of three Omkaras and prayer led by Smt. Tanuja Karandikar. Smt. Shraddha Singh presented the complete Vande Mataram. Shri Madhav Joshi ji, Pune Nagar Sanchalak, gave the Kendra Parichaya, introducing the gathering to the vision and societal work of Vivekananda Kendra. This was followed by the Geet “Jinke Ojaswi Vachnon Se” presented by Smt. Bhakti Kadam and Vivek Vani by Smt. Ankita Dighe. Adv. Anjali Bhadale compered the programme.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Dr. Deepak Paudel ji emphasized the importance of youth studying and internalizing the literature and thoughts of Swami Vivekananda. He encouraged young people to cultivate courage, patriotism and a strong sense of responsibility through Swamiji’s teachings.
In his presidential address, Shri Mahendra Sethiya ji spoke about the importance of collective effort in taking Bharat towards the ideal of Jagadguru. He emphasized carrying the fundamental values of Bharatiya culture to every section of society.
In his keynote address, Shri Pushpendra Kulshrestha ji urged the youth to study the lives and ideals of Swami Vivekananda, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Mangal Pandey and apply their values in daily life. He discussed the distinction he draws between the concepts of Rashtra and Desh and encouraged participants to reflect on the question, “What can I, as a citizen, contribute to the nation?”
Shri Kulshrestha also presented his views on contemporary social and national issues and discussed the meaning of Dharma in the Bharatiya context. His address focused on the responsibilities of citizens towards the nation and society and encouraged the youth to approach contemporary challenges with awareness, character and a spirit of contribution.
Shri Shekhar Ningdali ji, Programme Head, proposed the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the speakers, dignitaries, donors, Karyakartas and participants. The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from citizens, particularly the youth, and provided a platform to reflect on Swami Vivekananda’s message of Universal Brotherhood, responsible citizenship and nation-building.