As a part of Samartha Bharat Parva celebrations, Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Dakshin Prant, Kerala Vibhag, Thiruvananthapuram Branch, organized the National Youth Day and Swami Vivekananda Jayanti programme at Sree Sankara Vidyapeedom, Manikanteswaram, on 17th January 2025, from 10.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. A total of 99 participants attended the event, including 88 students, 8 staff members, and 3 Kendra Karyakartas.
The program began with a prayer, followed by a warm welcome and the introduction of the Chief Guest and Kendra Karyakartas by Smt. Prajitha, a teacher at the school.
Shri Vishnu ji, Kerala Vibhag Samparka Pramukh, addressed students from classes 5 to 9. He emphasized the unity in diversity of Bharat, explaining that while languages, food habits, dress codes, and puja methods may differ, the underlying values and principles remain the same. He highlighted Swami Vivekananda's efforts after returning from the Chicago Parliament of Religions, drawing attention to the idea of Oneness and inspiring people to work for the nation.
Shri Vishnu ji elaborated on the impact of Swami Vivekananda’s life-giving message, which helped restore self-confidence among Indians. He spoke about the Gurukulam Paddhati, which once ensured education for all and a self-sufficient society. He contrasted this with the Macaulay education system introduced by the British, which disrupted traditional learning and weakened societal confidence. Shri Vishnu ji also briefly discussed the contributions of Bharat's great Rishis across various fields and encouraged students to visit the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, read Swami Vivekananda’s works, and contribute to the betterment of the world.
The program concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Smt. Raji Piraveeyam, followed by the Shanti Mantra.
