Universal Brotherhood Day, celebrated annually on 11th September, commemorates the profound message of Universal Brotherhood delivered by Swami Vivekananda at the Parliament of Religions in Chicago on September 11, 1893. It is one of the five Utsavas celebrated by Vivekananda Kendra across all its branches and Prakalpas in Bharat.
This year, Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Dakshin Prant, Karnataka Vibhag organized celebrations at eleven locations, with a total participation of 1,864 people. Below are the branch-wise details:
Mysore Branch:
- Rural-level Cultural Competitions at Bannur:
On 9th September 2024, Vivekananda Kendra Mysore organized a Rural-level Cultural Competition at Rotary School, Bannur, with 112 students from seven schools, along with 9 teachers and 5 karyakartas, participating. As a follow-up, Universal Brotherhood Day programs are planned at all the participating schools. Additionally, Samskara Varga is planned to start at Rotary and Chaitra Schools, and a Swadhyaya competition is in the pipeline.
- Anandalayas:
Universal Brotherhood Day was celebrated at five Anandalaya sthans of VK Mysore—Hanumanalu, Beedanahalli, Madagahalli, Hunsgalli, and Attahalli—on 10th and 11th September 2024. A total of 115 students and 5 Anandalaya Acharyas participated, with events like patriotic songs, drawing, speeches, and Swami Vivekananda costume and essay competitions.
- At Hanumanalu:
On 11th September 2024, the celebration took place at Vivekananda Sabhangana, Hanumanalu, where students sang songs dedicated to Swami Vivekananda. Karyakarthas Sri Dheeraj and Kum. Vinuta spoke on the significance of the day. The program concluded with a Pushpanjali offered to Swami Vivekananda by the attendees. In total, 568 students and 26 teachers participated.
- At Kendra Karyalaya, Mysore:
On Universal Brotherhood Day, a series of Cultural Competitions were held at the Kendra Karyalaya in Mysore on 11th September 2024. The event saw a total of 240 attendees, including 212 students, 5 teachers, 16 parents, and 7 karyakartas. The students participated enthusiastically, showcasing their talents and reflecting the significant impact Swami Vivekananda has made on their thoughts. Following the competitions, value games were conducted for the students, and sweets were distributed to all attendees.
Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya Kallubalu:
Universal Brotherhood Day was celebrated at Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya, Kallubalu on 11th September 2024 at the Kuvempu Sabhangana Auditorium with 384 students attending. The event featured a dance drama titled "Vedantave Vishwabhratrutva" performed by the students. The Chief Guest, Sri M.L. Ravi Ji, addressed the students, encouraging them to uphold the values of Dedication, Determination, and Discipline (3Ds) while urging teachers to focus on Bharat's rich cultural heritage. The event concluded with a prize distribution and Shanti Mantra.
Marathahalli Branch:
- Youth Motivation Workshop and Cultural Competitions:
On 9th September 2024, a Youth Motivation Workshop and Cultural Competitions were held at RJS First Grade College, Koramangala, as part of the Universal Brotherhood Day celebrations. The workshop, themed “Patriotism and Swami Vivekananda,” saw the participation of 100 students, with 26 students competing in various events like drawing, singing, elocution, and PPT presentations. The event was well-received, and students showed great enthusiasm throughout the workshop.
- Universal Brotherhood Day Celebrations at RJS First Grade Degree College:
On 11th September 2024, Universal Brotherhood Day was celebrated at the College Quadrangle of RJS First Grade Degree College, Koramangala, with 300 participants, including students, volunteers, faculty members, and support staff. The event was graced by Chief Guest Sri Nithyananda Vivekavamshi Ji, who highlighted how Swami Vivekananda's address at the Parliament of Religions showcased Bharat’s ancient civilization and its message of Universal Acceptance and Brotherhood. The Prize Distribution for the competitions held on 9th September followed his speech.
Smt. Veena Didi presented a report on Kendra activities within the RJS Group of Institutes, while Smt. Padmarekha Didi introduced Vivekananda Kendra’s service initiatives across Bharat. The event concluded with the National Anthem.
