Universal Brotherhood Day, celebrated annually on September 11, 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 in Bharat.
Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Maharashtra Prant, Vidarbha Vibhag, Nagpur Branch organized a Universal Brotherhood Day program on Sunday, September 22, 2024, at Veer Savarkar Auditorium, Savarkar Nagar.
The program was hosted by Smt. Archana Tai Lapalkar, Karyapaddhati Pramukh, Nagpur Nagar. Sri Vilas Ji Deshpande, Nagpur Nagar Sanchalak, gave the introduction to the program and a brief overview of Vivekananda Kendra and it service activities. This was followed by a patriotic song sung by Sri Prakash Ji Deshpande, Sampark Pramukh. Sri Prakash Manohar Ji, Sahitya Seva Pramukh, introduced the keynote speaker, and Yuva Karyakartha Sri Satvik Budhe presented Vivek Vani (Inspiring thoughts of Swami Vivekananda).
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Avinash Ji Mohril, Principal of Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Amravati. He spoke about Swami Vivekananda's faith in the youth, stating, “Swamiji had a strong faith in the youth. On the occasion of Universal Brotherhood Day, let us resolve to awaken the spirit of youth and pledge to positively influence at least one young person every day, with the rising sun as our witness. Let us work as potential reformers for the youth. The sense of brotherhood in society is gradually fading, and it is our primary duty to awaken this feeling among the youth.”
Captivating the audience with his eloquence, Dr. Mohril further added, “The name Vivekananda itself embodies five positive qualities: Vi for Wisdom (Vivek), Ve for Uniqueness (Veglapan), Ka for Dedication (Karyamagna), Na for Humility (Namrata), and Da for Compassion (Dayabhav). If we remember the three principles — 'No conflict, but support,' 'No discord, but harmony,' and 'No destruction, but acceptance' — we will truly understand the significance of today.”
Following the keynote speech, the chief guest, along with Yuva Pramukh Sri Asavari Kulkarni Ji, conducted the prize distribution. Sah Nagar Pramukh Smt. Neelima Ketkar delivered the vote of thanks, and the program concluded with a rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’ by Kendra Karyakartha Smt. Netra Rane.
