Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Dakshin Prant, Kerala Vibhag, Thiruvananthapuram Branch, organized the National Youth Day and Swami Vivekananda Jayanti celebration at Chinnamma Girls Higher Secondary School, Poojapura, Thiruvananthapuram, on 20th January 2025, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. A total of 64 participants, including 60 students, one staff member, and three Karyakartas, attended the event.
The program commenced with Shantipath, followed by a welcome address and an introduction of the Chief Guest and Kendra Karyakartas by the students. Shri Aji Kumar Ji, a Kendra Karyakarta, addressed the XI standard students, emphasizing the importance of developing organizational skills by setting aside personal interests for the greater good. He highlighted the significance of maintaining a diary to keep track of responsibilities and stressed that every action should be carried out with Shraddha (dedication) and devotion.
He further elaborated on the role of discipline in achieving great success and encouraged students to strengthen their physical and mental capabilities, drawing inspiration from Swami Vivekananda, who was an all-rounder. Recalling Swami Vivekananda’s historic speech at the Parliament of World’s Religions in Chicago, he spoke about how Swamiji boldly proclaimed the greatness of Bharat Mata and her glorious culture, instilling confidence in a society that had lost its self-confidence.
Shri Aji Kumar Ji concluded his address by stating, "We must light the lamp of knowledge to dispel the darkness of ignorance. Instead of blaming others for our failures, we should march forward with an unwavering ideal before us, just as Swami Vivekananda did."
Smt. Sangeetha Madam, the Principal of the school, delivered the vote of thanks. The program concluded with the Shanti Mantra.
