Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Assam Prant, Rongpur Vibhag, Jorhat Branch, organized the Universal Brotherhood Day Celebration on 11 September 2026 at Choladhara Pragati Samaj, Jorhat. The programme witnessed the participation of 150 people and included special lectures, cultural presentations, felicitation, prize distribution and a book fair. Dr. Gauri Bhattacharyyaji, Professor, Department of Bengali, Devi Charan Baruah Girls’ College, Jorhat, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
The programme commenced with Deepa Prajwalan by Shri Sunit Baruahji, Senior Karyakarta, Vivekananda Kendra Jorhat Nagarsthan. The gathering then paid homage to Mananeeya Shri Balakrishnanji, remembering his significant contribution to nation-building and the growth of Vivekananda Kendra. This was followed by three Omkaras and the Shanti Mantra, led by Smt. Tunmoni Borahji, Karyapaddhati Pramukh, VK Jorhat, along with the Niwasi Karyakartas. Artists from Sri Sarada Sangha of Ramakrishna Sevashram, Jorhat, presented a chorus depicting the life of Swami Vivekananda.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Gauri Bhattacharyyaji spoke on Swami Vivekananda’s philosophy and his historic address at the World’s Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893. She explained how Swamiji presented the spiritual and philosophical thought of Bharat before the world and highlighted his profound association with Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa. She also elaborated on the important messages contained in Swamiji’s Chicago Address and their continuing relevance to Universal Brotherhood.
Yuva Karyakartas Smt. Rimpi Borchetiaji of Chitra Lekha Siksha Vikash Mandir Sanskar Varg and Smt. Riyakshi Kharghariaji of Kalaguru Sanskar Varg presented key aspects of Swami Vivekananda’s Chicago Address, bringing a youth perspective to his message of harmony and brotherhood.
Lieutenant Shri Ayan Abir Sharmaji, a newly commissioned Indian Army officer and former regular student of VK Jorhat’s Sanskar Varg, shared his experiences with the gathering. He spoke about how his association with Vivekananda Kendra through Sanskar Varg and various Aayamas contributed to his mental, physical and moral development and helped him pursue his career goal. He expressed his gratitude to Vivekananda Kendra for its guidance in his personal and professional journey. He was formally felicitated by the Kendra on the occasion.
Prizes were also distributed to students from various Sanskar Vargs of Jorhat who had won awards in the District-Level Art Competition organized by VK Jorhat in connection with the 80th Independence Day and Universal Brotherhood Day.
Aadaraneeya Shri Nolin Sharmaji, Sah Sanchalak, Rongpur Vibhag, and Smt. Bani Saikiaji, Karyapaddhati Pramukh, Rongpur Vibhag, also graced the programme. Smt. Bijaya Adhyapakji, Amrit Parivar Pramukh, VK Jorhat, conducted the proceedings, while Dr. Shilpi Dharji, Nagar Pramukh, VK Jorhat Branch, proposed the vote of thanks.
A Vivekananda Kendra Prakashan Book Fair was organized simultaneously at the venue and received an encouraging response from the public.
The programme provided a meaningful platform to reflect on Swami Vivekananda’s message of Universal Brotherhood, character-building and spiritual upliftment, while strengthening the connection of students, Karyakartas and well-wishers with the ideals and activities of Vivekananda Kendra.