Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Dakshin Prant, Tamil Nadu Vibhag, Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Kanyakumari, celebrated Universal Brotherhood Day and the 54th Anniversary of the Vivekananda Rock Memorial on 11th September 2024. The event took place at Swami Vivekananda Sabhagriham and began at 2 p.m., with a total of 1,465 participants, including students, teachers, and Kendra employees.
The programme was graced by Dr. C. Sekar ji, M.Sc., M.Phil., Ph.D., Retired Professor of Mathematics from Aditanar College of Arts and Science, Thiruchendur, as the Chief Guest, and Dr. R. Ramesh ji, M.A., B.Ed., M.Phil., Ph.D., PG Teacher in Tamil at Govt. Higher Secondary School, Kannattuvilai, as the Special Guest. Mananeeya Sri D. Bhanudas Ji, All-India General Secretary of VRM & VK, presided over the event. Ms. K. Esai Reshma, a teacher, was the master of ceremonies.
The programme began with the lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries, followed by an invocation of “Vande Mataram.” The school’s principal, Smt. K.G. Sariga Teacher, delivered the welcome address and presented the school report. Following that, Swami Vivekananda’s iconic speech at the Parliament of World’s Religions in Chicago on 11th September 1893, was delivered by Sri G. Charanjit of Class VIII.
In his address, Dr. C. Sekar ji shared additional insights about Swami Vivekananda’s interests in geography, literature, and sports. He emphasized the importance of knowledge and recounted Swami Vivekananda’s three days of meditation at Kanyakumari, reflecting on the past, present, and future of Bharat. He also appreciated the student’s rendition of Swami Vivekananda’s Chicago speech and concluded his address with the inspiring story of Nobel Prize winner, Robbie.
Next, students from Class VIII performed a melodious Sanskrit song, which filled the atmosphere with peace.
During his speech, Dr. R. Ramesh ji shared the meaning of children as a source of happiness, gave an explanation of Swami Vivekananda’s Chicago speech, and emphasized the values of patriotism and spirituality. He advised the audience to live for others.
Following this, Kendra employees and VKV staff who had completed 10 and 20 years of service were honored by Mananeeya Sri Bhanudas Ji, who spoke about Sanatana Dharma, explaining its traditional values and the term “Amritasya Putra” (Children of Immortality). He then presented mementos to the Chief Guest and Special Guest.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Sri S. Sanjeevi Rajan ji, Vice Principal of the school, who expressed gratitude to all for their participation. After the formal proceedings, a cultural programme was organized, hosted by Kum. Mahima of Class IX in Tamil and Kum. Akshana of Class IX in English.
The cultural performances included Bharatanatyam, Karakattam, English Drama, Folk Dance, Tamil Song, Tamil Drama, and Variety Dance, all beautifully performed by the students. The celebration concluded with the Kendra Prarthana.
