Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari, organized a Spiritual Retreat Camp from February 18 to 25, 2025, at the Training Centre in Vivekanandapuram, Kanyakumari. A total of 135 people registered for the camp, and 107 participants attended, comprising 65 brothers and 42 sisters. Attendees came from nine states: Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, West Bengal, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra. The Maharashtra Prant took responsibility for organizing the retreat with an 11-member team.
Daily Schedule and Activities
The camp followed a well-structured yet relaxed daily schedule from 4:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., including prayers and chanting, yogasanas and pranayama, shrama sanskar (physical service activity), meditation and japa, lecture sessions and discussions, Q&A sessions, bhajans, and games. Participants were provided with simple, nutritious meals and tea throughout the camp.
Inauguration and Sessions
The retreat commenced on February 18 at 6:30 p.m. with Bhajan Sandhya, followed by the inaugural session, where Mananeeya Kum. Rekha Davey Didi, All-India Joint General Secretary of Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Vivekananda Kendra, addressed and blessed the participants.
During the camp, 12 insightful sessions were conducted on the following topics: Purpose of Life, Concept of Spirituality, Bhakti Yoga, Prarthana, Karma Yoga, Swami Vivekananda, Rock Memorial and Eknathji, Bharatiya Sanskriti (Part One), Sri Ramakrishna & Maa Sharada, Bharatiya Sanskriti (Part Two), Vivekananda Kendra, and a concluding Question & Answer session.
Special Events and Highlights
Special events and activities added further depth to the retreat. On February 21, a short film on Mananeeya Shri Eknathji and Vivekananda Rock Memorial was screened. On February 22, participants visited the iconic Vivekananda Rock Memorial, an experience that deeply inspired them. On the afternoon of February 24, they explored various exhibitions within the Vivekanandapuram campus, including Shri Ramayan Darshanam and Bharat Mata Sadanam, Gangotri, and the Arise! Awake! Exhibition.
One of the most impactful sessions was Shrama Sanskar, during which participants actively contributed to service activities. They prepared kits for 850 participants attending the upcoming Yoga Sastra Sangamam, scheduled to begin on February 28.
Concluding Session
The retreat concluded on February 25 after the first session. Reports were presented, and four camp participants shared their experiences. Mananeeya Shri A. Balakrishnan Ji, All-India President of Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Vivekananda Kendra, graced the occasion with his presence and offered his blessings. In his address, he encouraged participants to embrace the Vanaprastha tradition and inspired them to motivate their children and relatives to join Vivekananda Kendra as Jeevanvrati karyakarthas.
The retreat proved to be a transformative experience for all participants, reinforcing their spiritual journey and commitment to selfless service.
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