Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Dakshin Prant, Karnataka Vibhag, Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya Kallubalu celebrated Universal Brotherhood Day on 11th September 2024, from 9.30 a.m. to 11.15 a.m., at Kuvempu Sabhangana Auditorium, with a total of 384 students participating.
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 in Bharat.
The celebration began with a Shanti Pat led by Smt. Anita Didi, followed by a welcome address by Sri. Manjunath Ji, a Kendra Karyakarta. The Chief Guest, Sri. M.L. Ravi Ji, along with other dignitaries, inaugurated the program by lighting the ceremonial lamp (Deepa Prajwalan). Smt. Rekha Didi then delivered the Vivekavani, and Sri. Rishikesh Ji spoke about the significance of the day.
The event featured a dance drama titled “Vedantave Vishwabhratrutva”, which presented a conversation between Swami Vivekananda, Bhagini Nivedita, and Goodwin, highlighting significant incidents. The students enacted scenes demonstrating Lord Rama’s brotherhood towards various beings, such as Ahalya who was in the form of stone, Guha, his brother Bharata, Jatayu, Shabari, Kabanda, Hanuman, Sugriva, Jambavanta, and Vibhishana. Another drama depicted how Buddha's brotherhood transformed Angulimala from a murderer into a monk and emphasized his reverence for all living beings.
The students also portrayed modern-day personalities like Sri Jadhav Payang, Sri Narayana Reddy, Sri Vandana Shiva, and Sri Prakash Amte, showcasing their acts of brotherhood in alignment with Vedanta's teachings. Smt. Pratima Didi provided a summary of these key points in Kannada.
In his address, Chief Guest Sri. M.L. Ravi Ji urged students to uphold the values of Dedication, Determination, and Discipline (3Ds). He also encouraged teachers to impart the true history of Bharat, emphasizing its rich cultural heritage, rather than focusing solely on the invaders who exploited the land.
The Chief Guest’s address was followed by prize distribution for the inter-house competitions and Rakhi-making competition held during Raksha Bandhan. Smt. Bhargavi Didi delivered the vote of thanks, and the program ended with the Shanti Mantra. Ms. Prarthana V.M., an alumna of the Vidyalaya, served as the master of ceremonies.
