Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Dakshin Prant, Kerala Vibhag, Thiruvananthapuram Branch organized a Kishori Vikas Shibir from the 17th to the 19th of May 2024, with sessions held daily from 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. The venue for this event was the Hindu Mahila Mandir in Poojapura, Thiruvananthapuram. A total of 56 people were present, including 47 sisters, 6 staff members from the Mandir, and 3 Kendra karyakartas.
The shibir started with 3 Omkars and Shanti Pat. A few points from the earlier shibir, such as Shreyas and Preyas, and friendship, were revised. Dakshin Prant Sangathak Adarneeya Radha Didi interacted with the sisters on topics like social media, health, and the message of Swami Vivekananda. Didi explained the advantages and disadvantages of social media, encouraging the sisters to think consciously about what to watch and what not to watch over social media, and how much time to spend on it. She also discussed the importance of maintaining contacts and relationships with good people (Satsanga), the importance of homemade traditional food, avoiding junk food, regular exercise, drinking sufficient water, and taking care of physical, mental, and intellectual health. Additionally, she emphasized reading good books, meditation, learning some Bharateeya art, and being thankful for whatever they have. Swamiji wanted us to know our real nature.
The sisters interacted nicely on these subjects and enjoyed playing value-based team games and concentration games. They sang patriotic songs and bhajans with spirit and shared their experiences, stating that they gained many good things and lessons from the sessions and games, which would be helpful in their lives. All the sisters were given participation certificates and books on Swami Vivekananda's life and message. The session ended every day with a few Pranayama practices, meditation, and the Shanti mantra. A Personality Development Workshop for the sisters is ongoing every month.
