The Universal Brotherhood Day, which commemorates the famous speech of Swami Vivekananda on brotherhood, delivered on 11 September, 1893 in Chicago was observed across the state with various activities, especially a ‘Run for Brotherhood’.
The Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya Alumni Association of Arunachal Pradesh organized a mini marathon at various places in the state, including Roing, Longding, Kharsang, Shergaon, Tawang, Kuporijo and Tezu. Cultural programmes were also organized in VKV schools at Banderdewa, Seijosa, Yazali, Raga, Koloriang, Liromoba, Nirjuli and Vivekvihar.
A mini marathon themed ‘Run for Brotherhood’ was also organized at Balijan and saw the participation of over 5,000 participants.
In the capital, Minister of Agriculture, Trade and Commerce, Wangki Lowang flagged off a marathon from Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Naharlagun.
Mudang Omo bagged the first position in the marathon (men’s category) and won a cash prize of Rs 50,000 along with a trophy, while Bano Tanang and Tarh Tame bagged second and third positions and cash prizes of Rs 30,000 and 20,000 respectively. In the women’s category, Obur Siboh, Tali and Dare Runchi secured first second and third places respectively.
Speaking on the occasion, Lowang acknowledged the tremendous contributions made by Vivekananda Kendras to the state by creating quality human resource. He urged the people to follow the path of Swami Vivekananda and preserve and protect their own culture, which is their identity.
VKV Itanagar also celebrated the Day at Eknathji Centenary Bhawan, where North East Frontier Technical University, Aalo Vice Chancellor, Dr Tejum Padu asked all to inculcate Swamiji’s sayings in their day to day life.
Director of Trade & Commerce, Tokong Pertin also attended the programme.
Attending the Universal Brotherhood Programme at VKV Vivek Vihar, Itanagar, Capital Complex Deputy Commissioner Prince Dhawan highlighted the importance of the day.
The DC echoed the words of Swami Vivekananda and asked everyone to maintain the spirit of brotherhood above all religion. Acknowledging the contribution of VKVs, Arun Jyoti in nation building, the DC urged the students to utilize the opportunities provided by these institutes.
He later urged the students to get enrolled for Aadhaar and urged them to open individual bank accounts.
The highlights of the day were cultural programmes performed by the students of various classes.
At Wessang, Parliamentary Secretary (RD & PR and IPR & Publicity) Mama Natung recalled the great deeds and thoughts of Swami Vivekananda in shaping the world view towards humanity.
Citing the Sanskrit phrase ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, Natung urged everyone to introspect the true meaning of Swami Vivekananda’s messages which sees the world as one single big family.
The Parliamentary Secretary handed over a cash amount of Rs 5 lakh to the authority of VKV School Wessang for construction of gate and boundary wall and procurement of generator set.
The day was also celebrated at VKV, Ziro and VKV Kuporijo.
At Kuporijo, DC A K Singh highlighted on moral values and urged student community to follow the path of Swami Vivekananda, while school Principal Ashis Chatterjee gave a report on the activities of the school.
The VKV Kuporijo alumni also handed over cash donation of Rs 1, 25,000, collected voluntarily for fire victims of New Market Daporijo to the Bazaar Committee through the Daporijo DC.
