All India Spiritual Retreat was held in Vivekanandapuram, Kanyakumari from 25th January to 31st January 2014.
The reporting day was 24th January and most of the participants had arrived and reported during the day.Thirty five participants from eight different states viz, Maharastra( 15 participants), Assam ( 8 participants), Bihar ( 2 participants),West Bengal( 2 participants), U.P. ( 2 participants), M.P. ( 2 participants), Tamilnadu ( 2 participants) and Kerala( 1 participant) reported.On the same day the participants attentended the bhajan sandhya and Introductory session, wherein the participants were given orientation for the camp. On 25th morning, Retreat was inaugurated by Mananeeya Hanumanth Raoji, Life-Worker and All India Treasurer of Vivekananda Kendra. The medium of the camp was in Hindi
The 35 participants were organized into five different groups –, three groups for brothers named : Yamunotri, Badrinath and Kedarnath; and two groups of Sisters : Gangotri and Gomukh.
The seven day camp had Morning Prayers, Gita-Pathan, Yogabhyas, Shram-Samskar, two Lecture sessions, Manthan, Geet-Abhyas, Omkar Dhyan-Meditation, Bhajan Sandhya, and concluded with Ananda Mela.
The lecture sessions were on the topics of: Concept of Spirituality, Kendra Prarthana, Upanishads, Swami Vivekananda, Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Vivekananda Kendra-Concept and activities and Purposeful life/Ashram Dharma.
During Manthan, Participants discussed over different points based on the lecture sessions. Every day, Swami Vivekananda’s thought was read before the first Lecture session. During Anand Mela, Participants unwinded and shared their talents and experiences through songs, Dramas, Dances and poems.
During Shram-Samskar, participants took care of the cleanliness, arrangement and management of the premises, accommodation, class rooms and dining hall displaying team-spirit and selfless service.
During the Camp, Participants visited Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Kanyakumari Amman Temple, Wandering Monk, Vivekananda Pictorial, Gramodaya and Gangotri exhibition. And also Sunrise and Sunset beached.
The Retreat went on well in a congenial, spiritual atmosphere with moderate discipline and affection.
Many of the participants have expressed their willingness to devout their time and energy for the Service of the society through Vivekananda Kendra. Several enrolled as Patrons thus joining the large family of Vivekananda Kendra.
