On the auspicious occasion of Swami Vivekananda's Jayanti, Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Dakshin Prant, Karnataka Vibhag, Hebbal Nagar Branch, celebrated National Youth Day with a program held at the Satish Dhawan Auditorium, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru.
The event was graced by Mananeeya Sri Hanumantarao Ji, All-India Vice President of Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, and Professor Sri Gopinath Ji from the Indian Institute of Science as the Chief Guests. The program took place from 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM and was attended by 250 people, including Karyakartas, their families, guests from IISc, and the general public.
The program began with a prayer and the Deepa Prajwalan (lighting of the ceremonial lamp), followed by an invocation song from Smt. Ramya and her team. Sri Prasad Ji, Karnataka Vibhag Pramukh of Vivekananda Kendra, then delivered the welcome speech. The first cultural performance was a Yogic Dance by the Samskaravarga children of VK Hebbal, where elements of dance and yoga were beautifully combined. This was followed by a Thiruvathira Dance performed by the sisters of VK Hebbal, which was aesthetically rendered.
Professor Gopinath of IISc, the guest of honor, addressed the audience next. He spoke about the role of Swami Vivekananda in inspiring Shri Jamsetji Tata to establish the world-class Indian Institute of Science. He also highlighted Swamiji’s scientific temper and his support for other scientists such as JC Bose. The speech was well appreciated by the audience.
The program continued with a musical performance by 'Gitanjali,' a music group formed by IISc students, who rendered the song 'Bhuvana Mandale'. Following this, the children of Samskarvarga, RT Nagar, performed a patriotic ballet about serving in the Indian Army and the sacrifices made by our Jawans for the motherland.
The keynote address was delivered by Mananeeya Hanumanta Rao Ji, All-India Vice President of VRM & VK. He gave an inspiring talk touching on various aspects of Swami Vivekananda's life, including his visit to America and the impact of Swamiji’s Chicago Address at the 1893 Parliament of World’s Religions. He emphasized how Swamiji's speech raised the prestige of Bharat on the world stage and highlighted the country’s contributions to global civilization.
The event concluded with the felicitation of the guests, followed by a vote of thanks, and Shanti Mantra. High tea was served to all, and overall, the event was a grand success.
