Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Dakshin Prant, Tamil Nadu Vibhag, Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Kanyakumari, celebrated the 78th Independence Day on the school premises on August 15, 2024, beginning at 8.30 a.m. A total of 1,250 students participated in the celebration. Parents, Teachers, Staff from Vivekananda Kendra Head Quarters, and Kendra Karyakarthas were also present.
Sri M. Visu Ji, M.L., Advocate and Nagercoil Nagar Karyavahak of the RSS, graced the occasion as the honorable Chief Guest. The program was presided over by Mananeeya Sri Hanumantarao Ji, All-India Vice President of VRM & VK. Kum. S. Vaishalee from Class XI-A served as the master of ceremonies.
The Independence Day celebration commenced with an invocation song, Vande Mataram. Mananeeya Hanumantarao Ji then hoisted the National Flag, followed by the National Anthem and the pledge. Kum. Krishnapriya of Class IX warmly welcomed the gathering.
The students displayed their team spirit through a mass drill, and later, the students of Class IX dedicated a Hindi song to Bharat Mata. Kum. Hahina of Class XI delivered a speech about the significance of Independence Day.
The Honorable Chief Guest, Sri M. Visu, addressed the audience, beginning his speech by quoting Swami Vivekananda: “They only live who live for others; the rest are more dead than alive.” He spoke about Shri Rama’s bravery, described Mother Bharat as an ancient country with venerable traditions, and highlighted three core values: knowledge, character, and unity. He also commemorated the contributions of iconic figures such as V.O. Chidambaram Pillai and Thiruppur Kumaran, concluding his speech by encouraging all students to set goals in their lives.
Kum. Thejas Sree of Class IX shared her thoughts on independence in Hindi.
Mananeeya Sri Hanumantarao Ji then delivered the presidential address, stating that India was never completely ruled by the British and that Mother Bharat was built by numerous rishis. He expressed confidence that by 2047, India would become the most powerful and highly valued country in the world, urging the audience to be proud of their contributions toward this progress.
Following the speeches, the cultural performances resumed. The boys of Class IX performed a Tamil patriotic song, and the students enacted a drama depicting the involvement of unsung hero Velu Thambi Pallava in the freedom struggle. This was followed by a patriotic dance performance by students of Classes VI to VIII. The parade band, organized by the school students, captured the attention of the gathering, providing a visual treat for the audience. The girl students performed a pyramid formation with great spirit and joy.
Afterward, the academic toppers of 2023-24 were honored by the guests, with Smt. Nithya, a teacher, reading out their names. Mananeeya Hanumantarao Ji presented a memento to the Chief Guest. Kum. Angelin Dhimina of Class IX expressed gratitude on behalf of the students. The celebration concluded with the Kendra Prarthana, and sweets were distributed to all.
