Vivekananda Rock Memorial & Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari, celebrated Universal Brotherhood Day and the 56th Anniversary of Vivekananda Rock Memorial on 11 September 2026 at Swami Vivekananda Sabhagriham, Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya, Kanyakumari. The programme commenced at 2:00 p.m. and witnessed the participation of 1,470 students, teachers, Karyakartas and guests.
Dr. M. Jeyabose, Teacher and Author, Government Higher Secondary School, Vallankumaranvilai, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, while Shri R. Vaikunda Mony, Retired Professor, Department of Tamil, Sivanthi Adithanar College, Pillaiyarpuram, was the Special Guest. Mananeeya Shri D. Bhanudasji, General Secretary, Vivekananda Rock Memorial & Vivekananda Kendra, presided over the programme. Smt. M. Abinaya Lakshmi, Teacher, VKV Kanyakumari, compered the programme.
The celebration commenced with Deepa Prajwalan, followed by an invocation song presented by the VKV students. Smt. K.G. Sariga, Principal, VKV Kanyakumari, welcomed the gathering. Students then presented a recital from Swami Vivekananda’s historic Chicago Address, along with thematic readings highlighting his message of Universal Brotherhood.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. M. Jeyabose traced the spiritual journey of Swami Vivekananda and highlighted his profound relationship with Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. He spoke about Swamiji’s historic meditation on the rock at Kanyakumari and his deep concern for the upliftment of Bharat. He also recalled the hardships faced by Swamiji before his historic address at the World’s Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893 and emphasized how his message presented Bharat’s spiritual heritage before the world.
Following a musical presentation by the VKV student choir, Shri R. Vaikunda Mony addressed the gathering. He appreciated the VKV students who had secured first and second places in a recent elocution competition. Drawing examples from the Ramayana and other traditional sources, he explained the importance of love, brotherhood, character and self-discipline. He also compared the relationship between a teacher and student to that of a sculptor and stone, emphasizing the important role of teachers in shaping students into responsible members of society.
In his presidential address, Mananeeya Shri D. Bhanudas Ji spoke about translating the spirit of brotherhood into everyday life and encouraged everyone to practise the ideals expressed in the National Pledge. He explained that realizing the oneness and inherent divinity of all beings naturally transforms human conduct. Referring to Sanatana Dharma and the ideal of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, he emphasized service to humanity and dedication to the nation. He encouraged the students to contribute towards building a strong Bharat rooted in its spiritual and cultural values.
As part of the programme, Mananeeya Shri D. Bhanudas Ji distributed prizes to competition winners, honoured Kendra employees for their dedicated service and presented mementoes to the distinguished guests.
Shri S. Sanjeevi Rajan, Vice-Principal, VKV Kanyakumari, proposed the vote of thanks. This was followed by a colourful cultural programme presented by the students of VKV. The celebration concluded with the collective chanting of the Shanti Mantra, reaffirming Swami Vivekananda’s timeless message of oneness, service and Universal Brotherhood.
