Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Dakshin Prant, Tamil Nadu Vibhag, Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya, Kanyakumari celebrated 77th Independence Day on 15th of August 2023 at the school’s playground. Around 1,350 students took part in the celebration.
The Chief Guest for the program was Dr. S. Jeya Kumari, Assistant Professor in the Department of Tamil at Vivekananda College of Arts & Science, Agasteeswaram. The program was presided over by Mananeeya Sri Bhanudas Ji, General Secretary of VRM & VK. The Master of Ceremony was conducted by Kum. T.N. Rithu from class IX.
The Independence Day celebration commenced at 8.30 a.m. with a tribute to our mother India. Mananeeya Sri Bhanudas Ji, General Secretary of VRM & VK, hoisted the National Flag followed by the National Anthem and a pledge. Sri. Priya Dharshan from class XI warmly welcomed the gathering. The students displayed their talents through a mass drill. Later, students of class IX presented a patriotic song, and Kum. Hahina of class X delivered a speech on ‘Independence Day’.
The Honorable Chief Guest, Smt. Dr. Jeya Kumari, addressed the audience, emphasizing India’s rich culture and unity in diversity. She highlighted how Indians regard Bharat as the holy motherland and revere our rivers as sacred. The contributions of iconic figures like Bhagat Singh, Mahatma Gandhi, Sarojini Naidu, Shenbagaraman Pillai, Bahadur Shah, and Kuyili, who fought for freedom, were acknowledged. India's ascent to the world’s fifth-largest economy, surpassing the UK, was highlighted, recalling Swami Vivekananda’s words: "Give me hundred energetic young men, and I shall transform India."
Cultural events resumed with a patriotic song in the mother tongue by class VIII students and a moving Independence Day speech in our national language by Swetha of class VIII.
Mananeeya Sri Bhanudas Ji delivered the presidential address, emphasizing the importance of prayer for strength of mind and spiritual knowledge. The symbolism of the National Flag's chakra, representing moral values, was discussed. He stated that in Bhagavad Gita, Dharma is represented as chakra, ‘Evam pravartitam chakram’. He insisted the audience to meditate regularly for calming the mind and for attaining spiritual knowledge. He emphasized that India had ardently striven for its freedom and stressed the need to eliminate divisions and work towards unity in the times ahead.
The cultural segment continued with a Tamil drama portraying Captain Vikram Batra's heroism during the Kargil War in 1999, followed by a dance and pinnalkolattam performance by class VI – VIII students. The parade art, organized by our school students, captivated the attention of the audience.
The academic achievers of the academic year 2022-23 were honored by the distinguished guests. Mananeeya Sri Bhanudas Ji presented a memento to our Chief Guest, and Siva Dharshini of class VIII delivered the vote of thanks. The event concluded with Kendra prarthana and sweets were distributed among the students.
