Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Dakshin Prant, Tamil Nadu Vibhag, Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Kanyakumari conducted a Personality Development Camp for the VI standard students from October 25 to 28, 2024, at the Training Center in Vivekanandapuram. A total of 99 students actively participated in the camp, supported by five staff members who provided guidance.
Each day of the camp began with Prathasmaran, followed by the practice of Surya Namaskar, Yogasana, Pranayama, and meditation, all aimed at promoting physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. The students reported to the camp at 6 p.m. on October 25 and stayed at Sathyakam Nivas. The camp commenced with a Bhajan Sandhya at 6:45 p.m. On the same evening, Smt. K.G. Sariga, the Principal, provided an introduction to the camp at 8 p.m.
The second day of the camp (26 October) began with Prathasmaran. Yoga sessions were conducted by the teachers Sri Haritharan and Sri Esai Reshwant. Session 1 started at 9:30 a.m. with the camp song. The honourable guest, Mananeeya Sri Krishnamoorthy ji (Annaji), narrated a story from the epic Mahabharata, titled “The River and the Five Panchapandavas.” He engaged with the students by asking questions and even encouraged them with tongue twisters.
Session 2 was led by Smt. Vimala akka, a Balwadi teacher from Arumai, Marthandam. She narrated the epic Ramayana with great expression, captivating the students as they listened, answered questions, and took notes. During the song session, Smt. Sariga taught the children to chant mantras with correct pronunciation. Session 3 began at 2 p.m., with Dr. Sundara Kumar, a teacher at VKV Kanyakumari, explaining about Swami Vivekananda and narrating “The Story of Vivekananda Rock Memorial.” His interaction with the students held their full attention.
At 3:30 p.m., Kendra Varga was conducted. Following that, the students visited Mananeeya Sri Eknathji Ranade’s Samadhi and Swami Vivekananda Mandapam, where games were organized nearby. At 6:30 p.m., students participated in a peaceful Bhajan Sandhya. After dinner, the day concluded with a Happy assembly.
On the third day of the camp, October 27, Session 1 was handled by Leela akka, who narrated the incidents from the life of Swami Vivekananda. Her storytelling filled the hall with joy and delight as she shared five lively stories, enhanced by dance. Session 2 was led by Rekha akka, who narrated another epic, “The Mahabharata.” The students listened attentively and responded actively to her questions. Afterward, they enjoyed a delicious meal with payasam.
At 2:00 p.m., the students embarked on a joyful journey to the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, where they visited the SriPaada mandapam, Sabha Mandapam and Dhyana Mandapam. The visit to Vivekananda Rock Memorial was an inspiring experience for them. They took a group photo before returning to Sathyakam at 4:45 p.m. The day concluded with Bhajan Sandhya, followed by students’ presentations, where they enacted incidents from Swami Vivekananda's life.
tThe camp concluded with a concluding session on October 28. Sri Krishnakumarji, a Jeevan-vrati Karyakarta of Vivekananda Kendra, graced the occasion and provided valuable guidance to the students. He advised them to:
- Exercise daily
- Pray, play, and meditate regularly
- Chant Naama Jabham or Omkara
- Help others in need
- Obey the words of parents, teachers, and elders
- Vow to study diligently
- Develop physically, mentally, morally, and spiritually
The Class VI students listened attentively to Sri Krishnakumarji’s insightful speech, which emphasized the importance of developing confidence, a positive attitude, self-discipline, and moral principles. He interacted with the students and encouraged them to wake up early and meditate. The Personality Development Camp concluded with positive thoughts, leaving a lasting impact on the participants.
