Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, West Bengal Prant, Paschimbanga Prant, Shanti Niketan Vibhag, Durgapur Nagar celebrated Universal Brotherhood Day at Vivekananda Uddyan, M.A.M.C, Durgapur Nagar, on 11th September 2024. A total of 87 people attended the event.
Universal Brotherhood Day, observed annually on 11th September, commemorates Swami Vivekananda's profound message of universal brotherhood, delivered at the Parliament of Religions in Chicago on 11th September 1893. It is one of the five Utsavas celebrated by Vivekananda Kendra across all its branches and prakalphas in Bharat.
The program began with three Omkars and the Shanti Pat led by Sri Rathindranath Dhali ji, Sahitya Seva Pramukh of VK Durgapur. Following that, the song ‘Vir Senapati Vivekananda’ was sung by Kendra Karyakartha Sri Raja Haldar ji.
Afterward, Sri Udayan Nandi ji, a retired scientist from CMRI Durgapur, welcomed the gathering. Sri Ruhidas Ghosh ji, Vibhag Sanyojak of Shantiniketan Vibhag and Treasurer of the Vivekananda Janmatshav Seva Samiti, gave a brief introduction of all the guests.
Kendra Karyakartha Smt. Jhunu Banerjee then presented the Swadesh Mantra of Swami Vivekananda. The keynote speaker, Paschim Banga Prant Sangathak, Mananeeya Sri Viswasji Lapelkar, delivered an inspiring speech about how Swami Vivekananda, in his address at the Chicago Parliament of Religions, made the audience realize that Bharat had been a highly civilized nation since ancient times. He also narrated a few inspiring incidents from Swami Vivekananda's life.
Sri Bishal Mondal ji, Durgapur Nagar Prakalpa Pramukh and Secretary of the Vivekananda Janmatshav Seva Samiti, served as the master of ceremonies. The program concluded with the Shanti Mantra and Kendra Prarthana, led by Sri Rathin ji.
