All India Spiritual Retreat was held in Vivekanandapuram, Kanyakumari from 19th to 25th February 2017. The reporting day was 18th February and most of the participants had arrived and reported during the day. 105 participants from sixteen different states viz, Rajasthan (2 ),Assam (51), Madhya Pradesh (3),Karnatak (2), Himachal Pradesh (3), Gujrath (10), Andhra Pradesh (3), Uttarakhnad (1), Kerala (1), Delhi (1), Maharashtra (15), Haryana (5), Telangana (1), Udisha (2), Arunachal Pradesh (4) and Tamil Nadu (1) was reported. On the same day the participants attended the Bhajansandhya and Introductory session, wherein the participants were given orientation for the camp.
On 19th morning @ 5.15 Retreat was started with Pratah Smaran. The medium of the camp was in Hindi.The 105 participants were organized into eight different groups. All brothers was in groups named as Tyaga and Seva. All Sisters was in groups named as Sahayog, Vivek, Karuna, Nishtha, Shrddha and
Samanway. Out of 105 Participants Sisters was 71 and Brothers was 34.
The seven day camp had Morning Prayers, Gita-Pathan, Yogabhyas, Shram-Samskar, two Lecture sessions, Manthan, Geet-Abhyas, Cyclic Meditation, Bhajansandhya, and concluded with Anand Mela. Vivekananda Kendra Activities was explained in Anand Mela. The lecture sessions were on the topics of: Concept of Spirituality, Kendra Prarthana, Shrimad Bhagwad Geeta, Karmayoga, Swami Vivekananda, Ekanathji, Story of Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Vivekananda Kendra-A Thought Movement and Purposeful Life.
During Manthan, Participants discussed over different Chapters from Sadhana of Service and done the presentation on the topic discussed. 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 Anand Mela participants sang Action songs, played different games. They were shown films on VKV Tafaragaon,Construction of Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Anadalayam and Rameshawarm Project. During the Camp, Participants visited Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Kanyakumari Amman Temple, Wandering Monk, Vivekananda Pictorial, Gramodaya Park ,Gangotri exhibitions and Ramayana Darshanam.
One day participants enjoyed the sunrise on the beach. The Retreat went on well in a congenial and spiritual atmosphere with good discipline.
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.
