Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Karnataka Prant, Chamundeshwari Devi Vibhag, Mysuru Branch, organized a Yoga Retreat and Kendra Parichaya Shivir from 26 to 28 September 2026 at Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari, with the participation of 36 people. The three-day Shivir aimed to introduce the participants to the vision, ideals and activities of Vivekananda Kendra while providing an opportunity to experience Yoga and spiritual practices.
The Shivir was inaugurated by Mananeeya Rekha Didi, Joint General Secretary, Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Vivekananda Kendra. In her address, she narrated the inspiring story of the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, the contribution of Mananeeya Eknathji Ranade and the establishment and activities of Vivekananda Kendra. She also explained the Patron Scheme introduced by Eknathji and encouraged the participants to associate themselves with the Kendra's work.
The Shivir included Sukshma Vyayama, Asanas and meditation sessions conducted by Shri Ramesh Ji, along with games, Bhajans and inspiring songs. Smt. Gayatri Akka introduced the concept of Amrita Parivar and explained its significance in strengthening family values and contributing to the activities of Vivekananda Kendra.
As part of the Shivir, the participants visited Gangotri, Tribute Wall, Arise Awake Exhibition, Ramayana Darshanam and Bharat Mata Sadanam. They also participated in Bhajan Sandhya, Pratasmaran, Bhagavad Gita chanting, Yoga and Surya Darshan at the beach. Visits to Devi Kanyakumari Temple and Suchindram Temple further enriched their spiritual experience.
During the Samapana Satra, the participants reflected on Swami Vivekananda's life as a patriotic monk and his historic address at the World's Parliament of Religions in Chicago. Inspired by the sessions and discussions, the participants took a Sankalpa to organize Swami Vivekananda Jayanti celebrations at 165 places. The Shivir concluded with a visit to Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram.
As a follow-up, plans were made to form Amrita Parivar Sankuls and conduct monthly meetings with the participants to sustain their association with Vivekananda Kendra.
The Shivir provided a meaningful opportunity for the participants to understand the ideals of Swami Vivekananda and the mission of Vivekananda Kendra through Yoga, spiritual practices, collective interactions and visits. It also inspired them towards greater involvement in the Kendra's work of Man-Making and Nation-Building.
