Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Dakshin Prant, Tamil Nadu Vibhag, Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Kanyakumari, celebrated Gita Jayanti on 11th December 2024. The event was held at the Swami Vivekananda Sabhagriham from 2:30 p.m. and witnessed the enthusiastic participation of 447 students.
Aadharneeya Radha Devi Didi, Dakshin Prant Sangathak of Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Vivekananda Kendra, presided over the program as the Chief Guest. The proceedings were gracefully compered by Kum. L.K. Swetha of Class IX-C.
The event began with the chanting of three Omkars followed by the Shantipat. Students from the 9th standard led the chanting of shlokas, which was then followed by all the participants.
In her presidential address, Su. Radha Devi Didi quoted a verse from the Bhagavad Gita:
“uddhared ātmanātmānaṁ nātmānam avasādayet,
ātmaiva hyātmano bandhuh ātmaiva ripur ātmanaḥ”
She explained its meaning simply: “You must develop yourself. You are your own friend. You are your own enemy."
Didi elaborated on the importance of good and bad deeds, explaining how they determine whether one's mind acts as a friend or an enemy. She emphasized the need to always speak the truth, noting that good deeds bring energy and positivity. Through an engaging story, she illustrated the concept of being one's own friend and mastering oneself through discipline.
Highlighting the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, she shared how it provides peace of mind and enhances concentration. She explained that Sri Krishna’s advice to Sri Arjuna helped him overcome fear, underscoring the potential divinity within each soul.
To make the session interactive, Didi concluded her address by giving the students an activity: to read the Bhagavad Gita for a year and share their experiences. The program concluded with the chanting of the Shanti Mantra.
