Yuva Bharati - December 2006
DECEMBER 2006
Vol. YUVA BHARATIA Vivekananda34 No.5Publication Kendra VOICE OF YOUTH
02 Prarthana P.Parameswaran
Founder Editor
MANANEEYA EKNATHJI RANADE
09 This years Kendra Samachar 11 The Special events of the year 12 Vivekananda Kendra Institute of Culture 16 Vivekananda Kendra Natural Resources 17 Rural Development Programmes in T.N 18 Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalayas 24 Other events of the Vidyalayas 28 V.K. Rural Welfare Project, Khatkati 39 An Appeal
Editor: SHRI
P. PARAMESWARAN
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YUVA BHARATI
DECEMBER 2006
PRARTHANA
(Thoughts on Prayer)
T
he Kendra Prayer is the soul force behind every Kendra worker. It is chanted every day as a part of Sadhana with total surrender and dedication. The Divine inspiration and the spiritual energy that emanates from the prayer enable and equip the worker to carry on the allotted work all through his life without the least expectation of any reward in any form whatsoever. It is this cumulative strength of collective prayer that sustains the purity, ability and strength of the organisation. Even the drab and mundane daily routine and activities of the Kendra worker are sublimated into a high order of spiritual sadhana by the Kendra Prayer chanted and rendered everyday at the holy feet of the Ishta Devata - Bharat Mata. That is why Mananeeya Eknathji could describe or define Vivekananda Kendra as a spiritually oriented service mission. Prayer, in fact, is universal. It is so because it is spontaneous to man. It is as spontaneous as the need and desire to satisfy hunger or to quench the thirst. Man, confronted with the immensity of the universe around him, is filled with a sense of awe, wonder, mystery and often fear. Even before language came into being, man must have prayed. Prayer does not necessarily require the medium of a language. It requires a heart moved by intense feelings. Anthropologists say that prayer was born out of fear and helplessness. The primitive man according to them felt threatened by the mighty forces of Nature against which he had no adequate defense. So, out of his helplessness, he invoked the same forces to help him and provide him a safe passage through life. Earliest prayers were the outcome of this feeling of fear and insecurity. This may be true in most cases. But it cannot be universalized. At all times there were men whose level of consciousness widely differed, from the lowest to the highest. The awareness and approach to the universe and various forces in nature depended upon the level of consciousness. Prayers also varied accordingly. Even today we find that all human beings do not have the same level of consciousness. While some have reached high
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levels of enlightenment, some are still enmeshed in the darker realms. Their concept of Reality is different. Even when they believe in God, the concepts are poles apart. According to the Hindu tradition, right from the beginning of human history, there were seers and saints, Rishis, who had reached the highest levels of enlightenment. They pierced the secrets and plunged into the depths of the Ultimate Reality. Prayers came to them spontaneously in the form of Mantras. Rishis were Mantra Drishtas. Those Mantras are of such a high order that there is no trace of fear or helplessness in them. One of the most sacred of Vedic Mantras, one that is most widely repeated everyday from time immemorial to even this day, the Gayatri mantra is a sublime expression of the eternal quest of man for the higher intuitive intelligence – dhi – , which will take him through the right path to the highest goal. Similarly, most of the Vedic hymns belong to such a high order reflecting almost a superhuman consciousness. The Rishis had crossed the realms of fear and realized the absolute Brahman. Of course, the entire society might not have reached to that level. Less evolved souls coexisted with them. So, naturally there were hymns addressed to lesser Gods for providing the devotees with the immediate needs of physical sustenance and security. Some of the most popular prayers of the Vedic Rishis are even today considered to be so sublime and so universal that they are willingly accepted and gladly chanted across the world transgressing barriers of religion and culture. They have never been surpassed. “Asatoma S a d g a m a y a ” ( l e a d m e f r o m t h e u n r e a l t o t h e r e a l ) , “ Ta m a s o m a Jyotirgamaya” (lead me from darkness to light) “Mrityorma Amritham gamaya” (lead me from death to eternity) – are mantras revealed to the Vedic Rishis right at the beginning of Time and are as relevant today as ever. So, it is clear that prayers emerging out of various levels of consciousness had always been there and will always be there. No prayer, whatever the level it represents, is unwanted or unhelpful. It has its own utility at that level. What is really important is that one should not carry the baggage when it has become a dead weight. As man ascends by climbing the ladder he should also be able to pray in a manner suitable to that level. So, prayers constitute an ascending ladder, every step of which is useful at one stage and should be discarded when one has climbed to the next
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one. No one is to be looked down upon. Therefore, the Gita, the Mother, most compassionately accepts that broadly there are four kinds of devotees. The ‘Aarta’ (the suffering), the ‘Jijnasu’ (the inquisitive seeker), ‘Arthaarthi’ (the seeker of wealth) and ‘Jnani’ (the enlightened one) – they are all described as virtuous and noble souls while the Jnani, the enlightened one, is considered the very soul of the Lord. Others are not to be despised. On the other hand, they should be evaluated according to their scale of evolution. Even the sinner, according to the Gita, “if he prays to me single mindedly, he must also be treated as holy”. Prayers can be classified according to another criterion as well. Personal and impersonal; individual and collective. When one prays, exclusively for his personal gain, whatever it may be – ranging from the daily bread to heaven or salvation, it is to be considered an individual prayer or aspiration. But the same thing, when done for the wider collective interest, be it the family, the society, the Rashtra, humanity, the entire creation, it stands on progressively higher pedestals. The self is subordinated to the collective. Where self interest is subordinated to the collective interest, there is an evolution of consciousness from the lower to the higher. In our Vedas, which are the most ancient scriptures in the world, we find most of the prayers are collective. Even when individually chanted, they seek the Divine grace for the welfare of the society and the nation. Very often, it embraces the entire humanity and world. The Gayatri mantra of which we spoke earlier, is a soulful prayer for the higher consciousness to descend into the collective mind of the society. The Vedic Rishis were so evolved that their prayers were meant to bring happiness and prosperity to the entire humanity – ‘Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu’. (May all the people of the world enjoy happiness.) Their concept of family had extended to the whole world. (Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam). In fact, they conceived of a world order where all humanity were so closely nestled together as birds in a nest. They could not pray for anything smaller than the whole world and the entire humanity – nay, even for all creation. The concepts of prayer in certain cases are so beautiful and have no parallel elsewhere. Kunti in Mahabharata prays to Lord Krishna to send calamities after calamities upon them because the Lord is remembered not when you are happy and prosperous but when you are unhappy and miserable. Happiness or misery does not matter. What really matters is
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the remembrance of God. Remembering God in distress is infinitely better than, forgetting God in happiness. When Yudhishthira was asked why he was so devoted to God in spite of all the miseries that had engulfed their life, he replied, “My love of God is like my love of the Himalayas”. The Himalayas are so beautiful and so enchanting that you cannot but love them, whether they give you anything or not. So is the love of God, whether in happiness or misery. God cannot but be the object of love and adoration, pure and unconditional. There is another dimension to prayer. The relation between the Sadhaka who prays and the deity to whom it is offered, conditions the mode of prayer. According to Hindu tradition, the relationship can be of three types – the Sadhaka and the Deity are totally apart, two different entities. Prayer is the means by which they are united. It is called Dvaita. The second form is that of Vishishtadvaita where the Sadhaka considers himself as a part of the Divinity or the Deity. There is already a relationship to build upon the kind of prayer offered. The third one is that of Advaita. In Advaita, there is a total identification between the Sadhaka and the Deity. There is no real difference or distance. In that situation, there is no prayer as such; there is no seeking. But, even at that level, the prayerful attitude continues. It is difficult to put it in words. It can only be expressed in terms of experience. That is what Acharya Shankara did in his Nirvana Shatakam. “Chidananda Roopah Shivoham Shivoham”. – expression of a joy, a unique bliss which can only be experienced where there is no seeker, no seeking and nothing t h a t i s s o u g h t . P e r h a ps t h a t i s t h e h i g h e s t f o r m o f p r a y e r. B u t , Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, the devotee par excellence, who had himself experienced this state of Advaita preferred to remain at the level of the deity and the devotee maintaining a tender distance so that there is the experiencer and the experienced. In his own inimitable style, he has stated, “I am like an ant. I do not want to merge with the heap of sugar. Only by maintaining distance from the Divinity, can the sweetness of the sugar be enjoyed”. So far, we have been discussing the various dimensions of prayer – the individual and the collective prayer, the lower and the higher levels of prayer, the personal and the impersonal prayer. There are many more. But, as dedicated workers of Vivekananda Kendra, our approach and attitude towards prayer is what is most relevant to us. We are part and parcel of an organization. We have pledged to merge ourselves in the collective
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consciousness of the organisation. So our prayer is of a distinct nature. It is collective and intended to bring the goal of the organisation into actuality, to equip ourselves with all the qualities required to be effective and efficient workers of the organisation. To quote : “When people come together to form organisations for a great purpose, it is found that appropriate forms of prayer are evolved in the natural course. It fulfils a great psychological necessity. It binds the members together by a common aspiration. They become fellow-pilgrims to a common destination. It steels their determination to face hurdles on the way and walk hand in hand until they reach the abode of the Divine – the cherished Goal of the organisation. The subtle sentiments vibrating through the words of the prayer have the effect of a “Mantra”. It works at the subconscious level and gradually moulds the very mental make up, even the physical features, of the persons. The prayer is generally chanted collectively. Because of that it elevates the collective consciousness to higher levels of unity of purpose and common action. A Mantra by its meaning assures protection. Prayer collectively chanted assures protection of not only the individual chanting, but also that of the organization. What is of vital importance is the manner of chanting, the contemplation of the meaning and identification with the ideas contained in the prayer. There must be a complete fusion, a singleminded concentration and an unflinching aspiration. As in the case of Mantras, it is important that the Sadhaka should not allow the prayer to become a life-less routine; it must be a living flame of purity and dedication. The Kendra Prayer is of a very high order of Spiritual aspiration harmoniously blended with a very practical scheme of achieving individual perfection. By its very collective tone, it strengthens the organizational bond without, in any way, dwarfing the individual. The greatness of the organization depends upon the realized divinity of the individual. At the organizational level both are fused together. At the height of one’s perfection, the individual so identifies with the organisation that he becomes a perfected instrument for the fulfillment of its objectives. He becomes less and less of an individual and more an inseparable part of the organisation. Such an organization is no more a mere collection of individuals, but the very embodiment of a Divine Purpose and Power. Vivekananda Kendra is conceived as such an
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organisation. The Kendra Prarthana, rightly understood and properly followed, will no doubt bring about such a consummation. Let it be remembered that the ‘Kendra Prayer’ is the Life-breath of a Kendra worker.” (The Goal and The Way, A Kendra Publication, pp 2-4) To conclude, I may quote again from the Introduction of the Kendra publication ‘The Goal and the Way’. “The core ideal of the Kendra being to contribute to the process of restoration of Dharma through “Man Making and Nation Building”, the mission of nation building will be based on the eternal or Sanatana values as interpreted for the modern world by Swami Vivekananda. The Kendra Prarthana internalizes and exemplifies the Sanatana or the eternal values and ideals of this ancient nation. “Men! Men! These are wanted. Everything else will take care of itself”, said Swamiji. Shri Eknathji realised the full import of this call of Swamiji. He realized that the right type of men and women, men and women with capital “M” in them are the basic resource to undertake nation building activities, thus turning “Man Making and Nation Building” as two sides of the same coin. Eknathji has said in “Sadhana of Service”. “If we are merely a service-oriented organisation, we will have to pray to God to create cyclones, floods, famines and accidents to provide us opportunities of serve. Service with a spiritual orientation results in manmaking which is invariably and inseparably connected with nation-building. It is the core of all our thoughts behind this organization. The central message of the Kendra Prarthana is to build men and women and turn them into capital assets of India for the great task of nation building.” (The Goal and the Way pp 10-11) The Kendra Prarthana can be defined as the ‘Yuga Mantra’ that inspires us to perform the ‘Yuga Dharma’ for the sake of a ‘Yuga Nirman’. P. Parameswaran President
YUVA BHARATI
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DECEMBER 2006
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Do you hear Swami Vivekananda saying:
“Then only will India awake, when hundreds of large-hearted men and women, giving up all desire of enjoying the luxuries of life, will long and exert themselves to their utmost, for the well-being of the millions of their countrymen”. Are you among those whom Swamiji had in mind? Come, dedicate yourself for the service of the nation as a fulltime worker of Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari - a spiritually oriented service mission. It is not a career - but a mission. Your Yogakshema would be taken care of by the Kendra. Send e-mail for details at:
[email protected] OR Contact at the following address with full biodata and a postal order of Rs. 10/General Secretary, Vivekananda Kendra, Vivekanandapuram, Kanyakumari - 629702
For detailed information, visit us at www.vivekanandakendrakanyakumari.org
Calendar for Shibirs at Vivekanandapuram for 2007
Particulars Spiritual Retreat (Eng) Spiritual Retreat (Hindi) Yoga Shiksha Shibir(Eng) Yoga Shiksha Shibir(Hindi) Spiritual Retreat (Eng) Spiritual Retreat (Hindi) Yoga Shiksha Shibir(Eng) Yoga Shiksha Shibir(Hindi) Period 6-12 February 6-12 February 6-20 May 6-20 May 6-12 August 6-12 August 1-15 December 1-15 December Eligible Age Group 40-70 40-70 20-55 20-55 40-70 40-70 20-55 20-55 years years years years years years years years Donation Rs.1000/Rs.1000/Rs.1500/Rs.1500/Rs.1000/Rs.1000/Rs.1500/Rs.1500/-
For further details contact through E-mail : [email protected] visit us at www.vivekanandakendrakanyakumari.org
YUVA BHARATI
DECEMBER 2006
Successful completion of 25 This year’s Kendra Samachar comes with years of service by the Vivekananda the theme ‘Prarthana’ as ‘More things are wrought by prayer Kendra Vidyalaya, Tafrogam, Arunachal Than this world dreams of”. Pradesh and Vivekananda Kendra Mananeeya Eknathji was particular that all Vidyalaya, Dibrugarh, Asom. the Karyakartas should daily chant the R a s h t r a S e v i k a S a m i t i ’s Kendra Prarthana at the time of starting Va n d a n e e y a S a r a s w a t i b a i A p t e their work and again conclude the evening Gaurav Puraskar was awarded on 20 devotional session with it. The prayer November 2005 at Thane to Kum strengthens one’s body, mind and resolve N i v e d i t a B h i d e , Vi c e P r e s i d e n t , to work, as a chosen instrument to carry Vivekananda Kendra, for her services to out the Divine will. the society. Participation of Shri G. Vasudeo, The notable events of the year: S e c r e t a r y, Vi v e k a n a n d a K e n d r a Akhil Bharatiya Adhikari Baithak NARDEP, in a Seminar on Biogas at ‘Eknath’ auditorium, Gramodaya Park, technology in China in December 2005. Vivekanandapuram, with 200 adhikaris Vivekananda Kendra NARDEP from 17 States. was awarded the international Ashden A massive Samuhik Surya Award for sustainable energy, 2006. Namaskar by 29,973 students on 19 Akhil Bhartiya Adhikari Baithak November 2005 organized at Gwalior. was on 13&14 October 2006 at Successful completion of 10 Lucknow. years of service by Vivekananda Kendra Since 7 th January 1972 the day when Institute of Culture, Guwahati. Mananeeya Eknathji Ranade established
YUVA BHARATI
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YUVA BHARATI Vivekananda Kendra, it has marched ahead with its man making and nation building activities, with the same zeal and enthusiasm as at the beginning and has 2.9.1970 1970 7.1.1972 1972 1973 1973 1977 1981 1986 1991 1992 1993 1993 1994 1997 1997 1998 2003 2003 2004 2005
DECEMBER 2006 undertaken many new projects. It is worth recalling the important landmarks from the beginning.
Consecration of Vivekananda Rock Memorial Commencement of Arise, Awake Pictorial Exhibition, Vivekanandapuram Establishment of Vivekananda Kendra Starting of Vivekananda Kendra Patrika, English Half yearly Starting of Yuva Bharati, English monthly Training of Jeevanvrati karyakartas and commencement of organizational and service activities Establishment of first chain of schools in North East & elsewhere Commencement of Rural Development programmes in Tamil Nadu Commencement of Natural Resources Development Project, Kanyakumari Commencement of Wandering Monk Exhibition, Kanyakumari Vivekananda Bharat Parikrama for 347 days Commencement of Arun Jyoti Project in Arunachal Pradesh Establishment of Vivekananda Kendra Institute of Culture, Guwahati Establishment of VK NARDEP’s Technology Resource Center, Kalluvilai Establishment of Vivekananda Kendra Vedic Vision Foundation, Kodungallur Commencement of Vivekananda Kendra Prashikshan va Seva Prakalpa, Pimplad Revival of Kendra Bharati, Hindi monthly. Commencement of Gangotri Exhibition at Vivekanandapuram Establishment of Vivekananda Kendra International, New Delhi Establishment of Gramodaya Park at Vivekanandapuram Inauguration of Panchawati, a complex of 5 air-conditioned cottages with an open-air theatre and Sun Rise view tower.
YUVA BHARATI The Special events of the year are (1) Dr. A.P. J. Abdul Kalam, President of India, visited Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Vivekananda Kendra on 22 September 2006. Mananeeya Shri A. Balakrishnanji and Mananeeya Shri D. Bhanudasji received him with Poorna Kumbham and Nadaswaram music on arrival at Vivekananda Rock Memorial. Shri Balakrishnanji and Stapathi Shri S.K. Achari, architect of the Memorial then honoured the President with shawls. He first visited Sri Pada Mandapam and offered Pushpanjali to the footprint of Devi Kanyakumari and then went to Sabha Mandapam. There after offering flowers to the portraits of Sri Ramakrishna and Sri Sarada Devi, he moved to Mukha Mandapam and stood for a while before the beautiful statue of Swami Vivekananda and then offered his floral obeisance to Swamiji. After viewing the Sun Rise Calendar, he went to the Dhyana Mandapam and sat there alone in meditation for a few minutes and then went around the Memorial. Shri Balakrishnanji and Shri Bhanudasji explained the salient features of the Memorial in detail. He suggested that at least ten quotations of Swamiji should be displayed prominently so that the visitors could imbibe at least one of his inspiring messages. He spoke to many Jeevanvrati Karyakartas very cordially and enquired where they came from and also about their work and finally wished them well in their endeavours. He had himself photographed with them, Stapathi and Nadaswaram Vidwans. Before he boarded the boat for the shore, he wrote in the Visitors’ Book:
DECEMBER 2006 It is indeed a great spiritual experience to visit Vivekananda Rock Memorial. Swamiji said: “ My name is not important; what is important is to spread my ideas”. After fulfilling his other engagements in Kanyakumari, he came to Gramodaya Park at Vivekanandapuram where Mananeeya Parameswaranji and Susri Aparna Palkar received him. After invocation by the students of Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya, Kanyakumari, he had a lively interaction with 500 students selected from different schools at Eknath Hall and asked them to vow that they would work for the development of the nation. He wrote in the Visitors’ Book at Gramodaya Park: Delighted visit - Vivekananda Kendra. I am inspired. (2) Vivekananda Kendra NARDEP was awarded the international Ashden Award 2006 for its work on sustainable energy. (3) Decennial celebration of Vivekananda Kendra Institute of Culture and 25 years of completion of service by VKV Tafrogam and Dibrugarh. A brief report about them is given below: Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya, Tafrogam, Arunachal Pradesh – First VKV for Girls - completed 25 years of service. Sri Jarbom Gamlin, Home Minister, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, inaugurated the celebration of the happy occasion on 4 December 2005. A grand procession, a combined band display by 115 girls from VKVs of Tafrogam and Sunpura, drill, rope mallakhamb demonstration, cultural programmes and felicitation of staff members who completed 25 years were all part of the celebrations. Shri Balakrishnanji,
YUVA BHARATI Shri Bhanudasji, Susri Rekha Davey and Susri Aparna Palkar and many well-wishers from Asom, Maharashtra and Rajasthan attended the function. Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya, Dibrugarh, Asom completed twenty-five years of its useful service to the children of the city. A school, which started in a small tworoomed house with only a few students, has now 1200 students and 50 teaching and nonteaching members of staff. A series of programmes like Ganapati Homa, Seminar, arts and science exhibition, debate, Krida Mahotsav etc. were conducted to mark the occasion. Decennial Programme of Vivekananda Kendra Institute of Culture: On its completion of ten eventful years, VKIC organized at its premises a Decennial Celebration programme from 29 to 31 January. The occasion was used to ponder over the objectives of this Institute of bringing forth the unique attributes of the Northeast Indian Culture and the journey of ten years. On the occasion, Shri Narayan Chandra Goswami, Satradhikar of Sri Sri Natun Kamlabari Satra, Majuli, inaugurated a series of panel discussions on - Responses to the challenges faced by the culture of Northeast India, Cultural commonalities amongst the communities of Northeast India and Development through culture. Besides Kendra & VKIC office bearers, the galaxy of participants included Maj. Gen. (Retd) Vinod Saighal, Shri S. Gurumurthy, noted columnist, Prof. B.B. Kumar, Editor, Astha Bharati, New Delhi. Prof. Parag Dasgupta, Guwahati, Shri Shantikam Hazarika, Director, Assam Institute
DECEMBER 2006 of Management, Shri B.B. Jamatiya, President N.E. India Janjati Faith & Cultural Protection Forum, Shri Natwarbhai Thakkar, Founder of Nagaland Gandhi Ashram and many others. On 31 January – the foundation day of VKIC - the eighth VKIC Samman 2006 for outstanding contribution in socio-cultural was conferred upon Smt. Nirupama Hagjer, the noted Dimasa social worker from North Cachar Hills District, Assam. Shri Rong Bong Terong, reputed litterateur from Karbi Anglong, the chief guest, while presenting the award to Smt Nirupama Hagjer, referred to the recent clashes between the Karbi and the Dimasa, said: “Baideo is a Dimasa and I am a Karbi. How can there be quarrel between these two tribal brothers and sisters? Here, today these two tribes have been united. Vivekananda Kendra Institute of Culture, on the occasion of its Decennial Celebrations, has made these two communities to unite. That is why the significance of this day is overwhelming. Let this Institute bring peace to our hills also”. Shri Terong presented Smt Hagjer one of his novels “Kranti Kalor Ashru” written about her father. This book had been out of print for over 20 years and now he had brought a fresh copy from the printer just to present it to Smt Hagjer on this memorable occasion. Shri P. Parameswaranji, President, addressing the gathering, said VKIC must work to study, disseminate and re-establish the unifying threads of Dharma. Shri Balakrishnanji released two books (1) Traditional Systems of Tangsa and
YUVA BHARATI Tutsa, (2) Traditional Systems of the Dimasas and also a souvenir Sanskriti Vikas and spoke about Mananeeya Eknathji’s vision. The other events are: The acceleration of organizational work in Kanyakumari district through vigorous Sampark, resulted in the following programmes: Three Sanskar Vargas with 35 enthusiastic children in Kanyakumari town. A Yoga Varga at Vivekananda Library in Kanyakumari Township. Introduction of Yoga as part of in-service training programme every month to the staff members of Tamil Nadu Mercantile Bank, Nagercoil, members drawn from different branches situated all over India. A ten-day Yoga Satra at Nagercoil for 73 participants during August 2006
DECEMBER 2006 On the eve of Samarth Bharat Parva, an “Arise! Awake! Camp” was held at Vivekanandapuram on 18th December, for a group of students. They were so impressed with the camp that they wished to associate themselves with the Kendra’s activities. As an immediate step, they helped in organizing `Modern India Forges Ahead’ exhibitions at three venues - Vivekananda College, Agasteeswaram, Ayyappa College and KNSK Polytechnic,Shenbagaramanputhoor. There were about 4000 visitors mostly students. There was a good sale of compact discs and Kendra publications. The annual exhibition at Vivekanandapuram in connection with Samartha Bharat Parva – an annual feature - from 25 December 2005 to 12 January 2006 earned the visitors’ appreciation for the efforts taken to highlight the country’s achievements, both past and present.
The details of the regular Shibirs and Spiritual Retreats at Vivekanandapuram during the year are:
S.No Month Number Particular Number of participants 75 286 32 23 98 61 30 21 44
01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09
Apr- May 05 Apr 05 May 05 Jun. 05 Aug. 05 Oct. 05 Dec. 06 December February
1 1 2 1 2 1 1 1 2
Acharya Prashikshan Shibir Samskara Varga Prashikshan Shibir Yoga Shiksha Shibir Karyakarta Prashikshan Shibir Spiritual Retreat Spiritual Retreat Yoga Shiksha Shibir Vanaprasthi Karyakarta Prashikshan Shibir Spiritual Retreat
YUVA BHARATI Visitors during the year S.No
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
DECEMBER 2006
Place of visit
Vivekananda Rock Memorial Arise, Awake Pictorial Exhibition Wandering Monk Exhibition Gramodaya Park Gangotri Exhibition Lodge (Accommodation provided to pilgrims) Dispensary Health Camps at Vivekanandapuram (12) Swami Vivekananda Library
No. of visitors/ beneficiaries
1196741 22397 8491 14564 5872 157960 23194 2317 10585
The Indian Tourist Development Corporation has taken up the repairing of the break-walls of Vivekananda Rock Memorial on its western side. The health camps sponsored by 1. Central Bank of India, Nagercoil 2. Madhavarayar Palli Mantram, Kanyakumari 3. VRM & VK Employees’ Union 4. Canara Bank, Kanyakumari 5. State Bank of Travancore, Kanyakumari 6. L.I.C. of India, Nagercoil 7. State Bank of India, Vivekanandapuram 8. Shri P.H. Narayanan & family, Mumbai 9. National Insurance Co., Nagercoil 10. Sudarshan Books, Nagercoil 11.Smt Seethalakshmi & family, Vellore 12. New Surya Electricals, Nagercoil
were conducted with the help of Arvind Eye Hospital, Tirunelveli, on the first Wednesday of each month. Of the 2317 patients in the Health Camps, 393 were operated for cataract and the rest were tested for blood sugar, diabetes etc and medical advice given. G.B.K. Trust, Mumbai supplied, as in earlier years, considerable quantity of multivitamin tablets to the dispensary. Many organizations and associations conducted their meetings, conferences, seminars etc. at Vivekanandapuram. A select list of those organizations, which availed of the facilities, is given:
Published and printed by N Viswanath on behalf of Vivekananda Kendra from 5, Singarachari Street, Triplicane, Chennai-5. at M/s. RNR Printers and Publishers, 8, Thandavarayan Street, Triplicane, Chennai-5. Editor: P Parameswaran.
YUVA BHARATI
Names of the Organizations
DECEMBER 2006
No. of occasions Total participants 600 560 450 300 300 240 200 160
Messrs Unichem, Delhi Vazhka Vazhamudan, Nagercoil State Bank of India officials, Southern Zone & K’kumari Canara Bank Association, Kanyakumari VK NARDEP’s National Seminar on Varma Therapy Kamaraj Engineering College, Virudhunagar Art of Living, Nagercoil Chinmaya Yuva Kendra, Thiruvananthapuram
Once Thrice Each once Once Once Four times Once Once
The following were some of the VIP visitors to Vivekananda Rock Memorial:
Date 02.04.2005 27.05.2005 19.06.2005 24.07.2005 Name Shri Yogesh Sawhney Shri Ponnambalam Adigalar Swami Mukthananda Vice Admiral O.P. Bansal Position Minister for Youth & Sports, J & K State Kunrakudi Adheenam, Tamil Nadu Anand Ashram, Kanchangad, Kerala Flag Officer C-in-C, Eastern Naval Command 10.08.2005 30.08.2005 07.09.2005 Shri Surjit Singh Barnala Shri N. Gopalaswami Shri A.K. Suri Governor of Tamil Nadu, Chennai Chief Election Commissioner of India Director General, R.P.F., New Delhi 21.09.2005 19.12.2005 12.02.2006 14.02.2006 Lt Gen. M. Bhandari Air Marshal B.N. Gokhale Shri Kuldeep Kumar Air Marshal Ajit Bhavnani Director General, N.C.C., New Delhi Training Command, I.A.F., Bangalore Minister, Himachal Pradesh Vice Chief, I.A.F., New Delhi
YUVA BHARATI Libraries The library at Vivekanandapuram containing nearly 27,000 books continued to attract students and book lovers. On 12 October 2005 Vivekananda Kendra took over from the Public Committee, Swami Vivekananda Library at Kanyakumari, which has been functioning since 1937. It has a good collection of books on various subjects. A number of national leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Shri C. Rajagopalachari, Sri Jayaprakash Narayan, Sri Shyam Prasad Mukerjee and others had visited this library. Many visitors had expressed about the need for a memorial for Swami Vivekananda long before it was thought of during the centenary year of Swamiji’s birth.
S.No. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. Programme Workshop on cost effective construction technology Construction of toilets in Agasteeswaram block Workshop on water management Training in Bio-gas manure & Vermi compost Training & workshop on Azolla propagation/technology Workshop on Indian medical system for empowering village doctors, farmers and self help group members Patients treated at Green Health Home & 8 camp Construction of biogas plants Awareness camps on biogas technology Workshops on Sustainable Development for Presidents of Panchayat Unions of Tamil Nadu Other camps All the five Vivekananda Kendra Utsavs Sale of publications valued at
DECEMBER 2006
The programmes of this unit were Vivekananda Kendra Natural Resources Development Project Shri G. Vasudeo, Secretary, VK NARDEP, participated at an international seminar on “Biogas Technology for Poverty reduction and sustainable Development” at Beijing from 17 to 20 December 2005 and presented a paper on “Biogas Manure: a valuable input in Sustainable Agriculture – an integrated approach”. The seminar was organized by the Centre for Energy and Environmental Protection Technology Development and sponsored by the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of China, and Economic& Social Commission of Asia and Pacific, U.N. He visited London to receive on 15 June 2006, the Ashden Award for sustainable energy 2006.
Number 9 31 3 9 12 6 8 15 23 33 5 Participants 181 93 587 681 427 4507 1223 668 449 1180 Rs.1,90,000/-
A demonstration cum work shed was constructed for State Institute of Rural Development, Marimalainagar, Kancheepuram District.
YUVA BHARATI The following books were brought out 1. Gramodaya in Hindi & Tamil 2. Biogas Manure Users’ Guide3. Ferro-cement Technology 1000 copies each 3000 copies 1000 copies
DECEMBER 2006
Rural Development Programmes in Ramanathapuram, have been standardized with Tamil Nadu the experience gained over years and are well All the programmes of Rural Development in received by the public as evidenced by their the districts of Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, support and cooperation in conducting them. Thoothukudi, Virudhunagar and The highlights are as follows:
S.No 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 Programmes Balwadis at 75 places Sanskar Vargas at 185 places Competitions for students up to X standard Competitions for Plus II students Competitions for college students Competitions for lecturers & teachers Yoga Vargas/satras/camps Swadhyaya Vargas Different camps for children Camps for + 2 students (Boys: 139 & 132 girls) Camps for college students (100 boys & 198 girls) Conference of cultural class students (5) Medical care at 14 centers Eye Camps at 54 places screened 11,334 patients Aid for medicines (482) & spectacles (354) Educational, medical & Marriage aids to girls Aid under Adopt-a-Granny programme Vocational training imparted at 7 units Deepa Pujas at 258 places Cereals received under Amritha Surabhi Scheme Sale of books & other items Total Attendance at five Kendra Utsavs Beneficiaries 1,954 children 5,853 children 1,793 5,315 13,673 62 1,011 103 1233 271 298 1,695 36,682 2,320 operated 836 609 55 157 26,146 36,271 kgs Rs.4,67,318/16,709
YUVA BHARATI Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalayas
DECEMBER 2006
Kendra Vidyalayas located in Andamans, A total of 17,859 students studied during the Arunachal Pradesh, Assam & Nagaland, academic year 2005-06, in 45 Vivekananda Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. They were as under:
Location Andamans Arunachal Pradesh Asom & Nagaland Karnataka Tamil Nadu Total No. ofSchools 9 22 11 1 2 45 No. of students 2,300 7451 6282 243 1583 17,859 No. of teachers 103 297 263 16 66 745 No. of other staff members 23 136 27 5 18 209
Results in public examinations in April 2005
X Standard/Matriculation Number First Number Appeared Class Passed 88 15 19 37 22 30 14 13 23 12 34 24 18 18 21 33 63 88 37 74 44 16 86 12 85 15 19 37 22 30 14 13 23 12 34 24 18 18 21 33 63 88 37 74 44 16 84 11 56 10 15 34 19 27 13 12 21 9 28 15 18 16 20 19 32 63 34 71 27 6 76 11 School at Port Blair (Andaman) Amliang (Arunachal) Balijan Itanagar Jairampur Jirdin Kharsang Kuparijo Nirjuli Oyan Roing Shergaon Seijosa Sunpura Tafrogam Yazali Bargolai (Asom) Dibrugarh Golaghat Tinsukia Umrangso Doyang (Nagaland) Kanyakumari (TN) Valliyoor XII Standard Number Number Appeared Passed 76 73 First Class 73
31 29
31 28
27 17
24 44 60 75 47 49
24 36 51 70 39 48
24 21 41 64 16 40
YUVA BHARATI
DECEMBER 2006 schools at Banderdewa and Nirjuli secured affiliation for secondary schools. The in-service training in English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology, and Music at different venues was attended by 146 teachers of Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalayas. The teaching members of University, Central Institute of English & Foreign Languages, Shillong, Acharya Bhishmadev Sangeet Academy, Kolkata, and Ramanuja Foundation, conducted these. Similarly there were different shibirs for a total of 982 students of VIII, IX, X and XII Standards of many of our Vidyalayas were also held.
Other events at the Vidyalayas
Andaman & Nicobar Islands Prof. Ram Kapse, Lt Governor, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, was the chief guest on Guru Purnima Day. The students from the islands who scored top marks in X & XII class examinations were felicitated on the occasion. A teachers’ orientation camp was held for all the 102 teachers of our Vidyalayas for 3 days. An Arts & Science Exhibition was conducted on Sadhana Divas. A large number of well wishers and students of various schools saw the exhibition. A hostel has been started for 15 children belonging to Greater Andamanees (a primitive tribe) in Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya, Port Blair. The children are the first generation students from this tribe to receive formal school education.
Students from Vidyalayas of Itanagar, Jairampur, Kuparijo, Nivedita Vihar, Roing and Tafrogam participated in a State level Science Seminar and students from Itanagar, Jairampur and Tafrogam attended a national level Children’s Science Congress at Bhubaneswar Nivedita Vihar won the Mandakini Memorial Arunachal Pradesh Kho-kho tournament for girls for the fourth Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya, Tafrogam, consecutive year. Vivekananda Kendra completed 25 years of service. Sri Jarbom Vidyalaya, Kuparijo, won the Mananeeya Gamlin, Home Minister, Government of Eknathji Memorial Football trophy for boys. Arunachal Pradesh, inaugurated the celebration of the happy occasion on 4 December 2005. Shri Rohan Borah, a student of Standard X at A grand procession, a combined band display VKV Golaghat was awarded a Certificate of by 115 girls from VKVs of Tafrogam and Excellence for his project OU LOTA - an Sunpura, drill, rope mallakhamb demonstration, alternative source of potable water during cultural programmes and felicitation of staff World Water Week held at Stockholm, members who completed 25 years were all part Sweden from 20 to 26 August. His sister Kum of the celebrations. Shri Balakrishnanji, Shri Antora Borah was a partner in his project He Bhanudasji, Susri Rekha Davey and Susri had earlier represented his State at the National Aparna Palkar and many well-wishers from Children Science Congress in 2002 at Mysore, Asom, Maharashtra and Rajasthan attended Karnataka, and received a gold medal for the project “Bhimkol - an alternate source of food”. the function. He had also attended the Indian Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya, Roing, is ScienceCongress at Hyderabad where he had upgraded to Higher Secondary School and the
YUVA BHARATI
DECEMBER 2006
the privilege of meeting Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, senior team in volleyball and 40 mtrs relay. In the Matriculation district level the school’s President of India. senior and super senior level teams were the Karnataka winners. The students of the Vidyalaya at Kallabalu, near Bangalore City, took part in International Valliyoor Chintana Mathematics, Science and Swami Gautamananda, President, Sri Sirigannada examinations conducted by Ramakrishna Math, Chennai inaugurated on 2 Chintana Prakashan Trust, Chitradurga and June 2005 a new block of building of 5 rooms won 9 State level and 8 district level prizes. in the presence of Shri Balakrishnanji and Susri Participating in ‘Pratibha Karanji’ cultural Aparna Palkar. The students of the Vidyalaya competition conducted by the State competed in many events organized by other Government, the students won eleven first and institutions and won several prizes. two cluster level prizes, a prize at State level Vivekananda Kendra Arun Jyoti Project and 2 prizes at taluk level. Ten teachers and seventy-seven students were benefited from a This prestigious project started in 1993 is Mananeeya Eknathji’s dream come true. It has ‘Sanskruti Jnana Parichaya’ programme. 5 Vibhags located at Kameng, Lohit, Siang, Tamil Nadu Subansiri and Tirap, covering 16 districts of Arunachal Pradesh. Kanyakumari The Vidyalaya has won many trophies: the junior team in zonal level Kabaddi and super
The administrative office is located in Tinsukia and the field offices are situated at
01.Along 02.Bordumsa 03.Changlang 04.Daporijo 05.Deomali 06.Doimukh
07.Dumparijo 08.Itanagar 09.Kharsang 10.Khonsa 11.Mebo 12.Pasighat
13.Roing 14.Seijosa 15.Seppa 16.Tezu 17.Wakro 18.Ziro
YUVA BHARATI The activities were carried out under the aegis of five Manchs - Anaupacharik Shiksha Manch, Svasthya Seva Manch, Mahila Manch, Yuva Manch, Samskritik Manch, with full support and cooperation of the local people. As a result of the good work of Arun Jyoti Project, 19 youths have joined as Seva Vratis. Seventeen Karyakartas went to Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan during Samartha Bharat Parva and presented many programmes to create greater
DECEMBER 2006 awareness about the Northeastern States in general and Arunachal Pradesh in particular. Impressed by the work of the Kendra, a good many of the publicspirited persons joined Arunachal Bandhu Parivar. The trained Acharyas of the newly started Anandalayas at Lajo and Ranglamja of Khonsa Nagar spread awareness about public health and hygiene in their respective jurisdictions. The attendance at different programmes during the year was as under:
Programme Yoga Satras (15) & Vargas (2) Samskara Varga Guru Purnima Universal Brotherhood Day Sadhana Divas Geeta Jayanti Samartha Bharat Parva
Number 17 36 8 12 8 13 14
No. of participants 279 935 932 1881 238 987 3461
Sales of Kendra publications (including 16 copies of “India’s Contribution to the World Thought & Culture), novelties and handicraft products fetched a sum of Rs.7,04,472/- A Vocational on-residential Training Center has been started at Dumparijo. The visit of the Karyakartas to other States and the seminars and lecture series in the State have created a greater awareness amongst the people about the good work done by the Kendra and the benefit accruing out of them.
Vivekananda Kendra Institute of Culture, Guwahati Apart from the Decennial celebrations, the other programmes carried out here during the year were1. A CAPART (North East Zone) financed workshop-cum-exhibition on mask making and Sacipat production from 28 May to 5 June with the guidance of select Satradhikars and government institutions. There were 6 skilled artisans and 16 trainees representing 6 Sattras, Government college of Art & Craft, Assam
YUVA BHARATI
DECEMBER 2006
and Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya, 10 to 13 March 2006 held at Srirangam in midDibrugarh. Many leading luminaries on this art March 2006. At both the places, the significant participated in the programme. role of Satra institutes in promoting our culture 2. A project “Investigation and and the disturbing problems of the Northeast documentation of the Sattras of Greater region were explained. Guwahati” was taken up in 4 Sattras. Shri B.K. Eminent scholars delivered lectures at the Bora of VKIC led the team of field Institute’s ‘Samskriti Anveshak’ before investigators. discernible audience, on various aspects of 3. Dr. C.V. Nageswara, a Buddhist scholar Sattras, preservation of old manuscripts of from Bangalore, successfully completed the Assam and traditional dyeing methods in the “Documentation of Buddhist Monasteries” North East. of the Theravadi order in the eastern regions of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. The Ministry of Culture, Government of India, financed his project. Amongst the many manuscripts documented was a “Lamamang or Tai Ramayana” with photographic description, written on hand-made paper, found at Namphale Buddha Vihar of Dibrugarh District. The second volume of the book entitled “Traditional Customs and Rituals of North East India” containing papers presented in the seminars at the Institute has been brought out. Eminent scholars delivered lectures at the Institute before discernible audience, on various aspects of Sattras, preservation of old manuscripts of Assam and traditional dyeing 4. VKIC has made its mark in the commercial methods in the North East. capital of India - Mumbai - and in the spiritual Vivekananda Kendra Institute of Culture, town of Srirangam in Tamil Nadu. It Arunachal Pradesh Chapter coordinated the visit of 4 Satradhikars for the This chapter of VKIC launched an indigenous Acharya Hindu Dharma Sabha at Mumbai from study circle on 28 May 2005 to bring together 16 to 18 December 2005. Similarly, Shri the knowledgeable and the youth to understand Dipankar Mahanta, Associate Director, VKIC, one another’s rich traditional systems and took 52 Vaishnavas including 7 Satradhikaris, identify their underlying unity. Bi-monthly belonging to 26 Satras of 8 districts of Asom meetings on “Religio-spiritual movements of to the 3-day Vaishnava Maha Sammelan from Arunachal Pradesh to sustain indigenous faith
Date 28 May 06 Aug 29 Oct 7 Nov Topic Nyedar Namlo Movement of the Nyishis Meder Nello Movement of the Apatanis Kargu Gamgi Movement of the Adi-Galos The Economics of Conversion Speaker Shri Rekhi Tana Tara, Chairman, Central Nyedar Namlo. Shri Nani Tachang, Secretary, Meder Nello Society Shri Tony Koyu, President, Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh Prof. R, Vaidhyanathan, IIM., Bangalore
YUVA BHARATI
DECEMBER 2006
Prof Vaidhyanathan spoke on the subject of Vivekananda Kendra Medical Research “Economics of Conversion” at three other Foundation, VK NRL Hospital, places also. Numaligarh A Seminar on the “Wanchoo Traditional Systems - Change and Continuity” at Longding attended by 150 knowledgeable persons was held on 19 February 2006. Eight papers were presented. Many participants referred to the damage caused to traditional systems and how it should be contained. Ten members from 2 communities of Arunachal Pradesh - Akas and Tagin - and 5 full-time workers of Vivekananda Kendra attended a conference on “Spirituality Beyond Religions” of the World Council of Elders held at Jaipur from 5 to 10 February 2006. Three papers (1) on “Si-Donyl - the philosophical aspect” (by Dr. Ashan Riddi of Tagin community), (2) on Vivekananda Kendra - Arunachal Pradesh and (3) on Vivekananda Kendra International were presented at the conference. Vivekananda Kendra Rural Welfare Project, Khatkhati The residential training cum production center to train Vanvasi girls in general and Karbis in particular, functioned satisfactorily. Besides vocational training, the girls learnt martial arts and got non-formal education and instructions on health and hygiene. Their inborn talents and creativity surfaced when sufficient opportunity was given in suitable environment. Their products find ready market. Medical camps were also held to attend on them and the people living nearby. Though originally started for the benefit of the staff of the refinery here, it has extended its excellent facilities for the villagers living even in distant places. The details of service rendered and the number of patients benefited during the April 2005 - March 2006 are as under:
1. Indoor patients 2. Out door patients 3. Surgery 4. Pathology service 5. Blood transfusion 6. X-ray 7. Radiology/ultra sound 8. ECG 1041 32,472 312 50,160 198 3,870 1,451 915
Apart from this, 151 mobile camps were organized in 22 villages, which benefited 7386 patients. A survey in collaboration with a team of doctors and technicians of Dr. B. Borooah Cancer Institute, Guwahati, for detection of cancer among the people around Numaligarh Refinery and Township was held at the hospital on 18th & 19th March 2006. Five out of 100 people screened were found to have cancer at its initial stage and were given necessary medical guidance. Some doctors underwent short-term courses to improve their expertise and some others attended conferences, seminars, workshop, etc. and presented papers. A magazine has been started to bring out the creativity of the members of staff. The hospital is gearing itself up for obtaining ISO 9001 certificate.
YUVA BHARATI
DECEMBER 2006
Vivekananda Kendra Vedic Vision Vishwa Bhanu, the exhibition of mural paintings, Foundation, Kodungallur has been replicated in many institutions, Vivekananda Kendra Vedic Vision Foundation, especially schools. Kodungallur continued to spread the Vedic vision through monthly lecture series, celebration of various festivals and observation of important days like, Ramayana day, Narayaneeyam day, Sri Krishna Jayanti, etc. and through Sandeepani Gurukula and Dharma Sevika Project. The Jnana Ganga flowing from April 2004 has continued to enthrall a group of about 100 people on every second Sunday of the month. It is the only truly spiritually enlightening effort in this ancient cultural citadel. A fresh momentum has been added through highly enlightening discourses on major Upanishads by well-known scholars of Kerala, Swami Tatwamayanandaji (Katha), Acharya Narendra Bhushan (Swetaswatara) and Swami Swaprabhanandaji (Mundaka). The foundation’s bi-monthly bulletin “Vishwa Bhanu” is becoming a much-wanted home magazine in Kodungallur. Yoga satras continue to attract the general public and some of our trained yoga workers have been inducted as yoga teachers in two local schools. A little over 300 persons attended four shibirs including a personality development camp. Dr. Lakshmikumari, Director, delivered more than 80 lectures at different venues on various spiritual subjects attended by a total of 31,000 people. It is a matter of great satisfaction to record that all our Shishuvihar children and the yoga students happily enrolled themselves as patrons. Publications worth Rs.60,000/- were sold. Vivekananda Kendra Prashikshan va Seva Prakalpa,Pimplad, Nashik
Besides the Karya Paddhatis and celebration of five Utsavs, a hostel for 36 Vanvasi students, 3 Balwadis for 110 children, a medical center Four girls sponsored by the Foundation attend and mobile medical camps to provide Sanskrit studies at the Vishwa Samskrita elementary health care were the other Pratisthanam enjoying the Gurukula life at programmes. Ananda Dham. The uniqueness of Sandeepani Vivekananda Kendra International, Shishuvihar is that the parents can offer New Delhi whatever they can afford as dakshina. Vivekananda Kendra International envisaged The Dharma Sevika Project can rightly be by Mananeeya Eknathji Ranade as the third called as a “Woman Making and Home phase of Vivekananda Kendra was launched Building” endeavour as through it succour is on 23 May 2003. Within two years of its given to disturbed women, both young and old. commencement, it has organized 16 study This has recharged them with new self- meetings to understand the scope and concept of this important project to work towards confidence to face their daily ordeals. civilizational harmony through dialogues and interaction. Renowned scholars like
YUVA BHARATI
DECEMBER 2006
Dr. Lokesh Chandra, Shri Michel Danino, Maj. their whole lives for Vivekananda Kendra Gen. Vinod Saighal, Shri B. B. Kumar and Shri movement, their orientation training, and S. Gurumurthy participated in these meetings. subsequent deployment at suitable places. The building under construction to house VKI During the year 16 Shiksharthis (Sevavratis) has come up to first floor level. Many individuals, underwent orientation training for three months private and public sector undertakings, Kendra and joined their places of posting. patrons and Central Government through the Ministry of Culture as also Ministry of Urban Development have assisted through donations, sponsorship and grant-in-aid. Shri Pravinji, Joint General Secretary, toured important cities of Maharashtra and Gujarat to meet wellmeaning people and briefed them about the Vivekananda Kendra International. To meet the cost of the Yogakshema of all these whole time Karyakartas (Jeevan Vratis), a patron scheme is in force. Under this scheme, annually donating persons contribute every year a sum of Rs.100/- and above; lumpsum donating patrons make a one-time contribution of Rs.500/- and above, and the perpetual patrons make a one-time contribution of Rs.5000/- and above. There were a total of Vivekananda Kendra Pratishthan 113483 patrons on 31.10.2006 as detailed Vivekananda Kendra Pratishthan selects below. prospective Karyakartas willing to dedicate
Category Annually donating patrons Lump sum donating patrons Perpetual Patrons New patrons 1502 3820 58 Renewal and Enhancement 2529 1101 35 Total number as Total number as on 31.3.2005 on 31.10.2006 21247 81207 3930 23171 86281 4031
The patrons also sponsor or contribute to, some projects run by the Kendra. Their association with the Kendra does not end with donations. The Kendra greets them on their birthdays and also mail the annual report through its journals,
Yuva Bharati, Kendra Bharati, Vivek Vichar, Vivek Vani etc., to apprise them of its activities. Many have appreciated this gesture and recently an e-mail was sent a patron thus:
Subscriber Feedback
From Kumar Dighe, to Vivekananda Kendra [email protected] on January 10, 2006. Thank you for sending Yuva Bharati publication and also sending birthday wishes without fail, for so many years. I am recommending to the people to contribute to the publication (preferably life subscription of Rs.800/- + 30) and I am also recommending to these people to forward this request to their friends. I know you are doing such wonderful work among the youth of India and I enjoy the articles (e.g. SANKALPA) written by Shri Parameswaran, the President of Vivekananda Kendra.
YUVA BHARATI Vivekananda Kendra Prakashan Trust, Chennai The Trust publishes the following journals: From Chennai1) Vivekananda Kendra Patrika, English Half yearly, Subscribers 865 nos. 2) Yuva Bharati, English monthly, Subscribers 6424 nos. 3) Viveka Vani, Tamil Monthly, Subscribers 2763 nos. From Jodhpur4) Kendra Bharati, Hindi monthly, Subscribers 3077 nos. From Pune5) Vivek Vichar, Marathi, Thrice a year Subscribers 4411 nos. From Palitana6) Vivek Sudha, Guarati monthly, Subscribers 1220 nos. From Guwahati7) Jagriti, Asomiya & English Quarterly, Subscribers 1225 nos. From Kodungallur8) Vishva Bhanu, Malayalam, Bi-monthly, Subscribers 300 nos. There was a good demand for calendars, diaries and greeting cards as seen by bulk orders for them. A list of journals with their subscription rates, other publications and products are printed elsewhere. The following were some of the out-of-print books reprinted:
01. Bharata Panpadu 02. Bharata Nattai Uruvakkum Panbukathai 03. Biography of Swami Vivekananda 04. Desiya Kaviyam Ramayanam 05. Gita Sandesh (Hindi) 06. Golden Words of Swami Vivekananda 07. Ilainargalin Idhaya Veerar - Vivekanandar 08. Incidents in the life of Sw. Vivekananda 09. Indian Culture 10. Kalvithurayil Yoga
DECEMBER 2006
11. Kendra Unfolds 12. Kumari Munayil Vivekanandar 13. Kuzhanthi Deivathai Kondaduvom 14. Nalvali Kattum Killai Mozhi 15. Padavali (Hindi) 16. Paripoornarukke Bhakti Seithu Vazhvom 17. Personality Development 18. Rousing Call to Hindu Nation 19. Swami Vivekananda in America 20. Sri Sarada Theivamum Thozhuta Devi 21. Surya Chart 22. Surya Namaskar (English & Tamil) 23. Vidya Samskar 24. Vidyamuyarchi 25. Vivekananda Kendra Certificates 26. Yoga (in English, Hindi, Tamil & Telugu) 27. Yoga Charts 28. Yoga, the science of holistic living 29. Seva Hi Sadhana 30. Dhyeya Marga (Hindi) 31. Aise Bane Ham Bhi 32. Bachon Ke Swamiji (reprint)(Hindi) 33. Bharat Gauav Swami Vivekananda (reprint) (Hindi)
The books listed in italics are in Tamil. Branch Centers The branch centers of Vivekananda Kendra are all over the country. Mananeeya Eknathji Ranade had said: If a whole people in some corner of the globe successfully evolve a satisfactory social order that can provide abundant opportunities to each of the constituents to meet the basic needs of the body-mind complex and allow him to fulfill the inner aspirations, it would be the supreme act of service. For this purpose, he said, there should be (1) Loka Sampark (2) Lok Sangrah (3) Lok Samskar and (4) Lok Vyavastha. These are followed religiously in all Kendra activities. These are carried out regularly to help the participants to acquire an insight into the national culture and develop mutual love, and understanding. This in turn creates more
YUVA BHARATI Karyakartas and also brings out their latent leadership qualities and organizing skill. The Kendra has evolved a unique threedimensional Karyapaddhati which all branch centers carry out. They are – 1. Yoga Varga - to attract all people above 15 years for promoting yoga way of life and to motivate them to spread Vivekananda Kendra thought movement. An easy-to-follow syllabus has been drawn to guide conduct of the programme. 2. Samskar Varga - to develop the physical, mental, intellectual, emotional and spiritual faculties of children and to strengthen their love for the country and countrymen. The Vargas are held in a congenial place with the consent and cooperation of the residents nearby so that they are also encouraged to help Kendra in its programmes. 3. Swadhyaya Vargas - to bring together all for group-study of scriptures and great national literature to create a national perspective and an awareness of our achievements, past and present, in all fields. A set of books is recommended for study. The Kendra and all its branch centers celebrated the following Utsavs. 1. Guru Poornima – To popularize the healthy custom of respecting and honouring our Gurus, a prominent scholar is invited as a chief guest or lecturer to address the audience on the significance of Guru, which is “OM” in the case of Vivekananda Kendra in keeping with the ideals of Swami Vivekananda. The occasion is also used to collect books for book banks, clothes and medicines for supply to the deserving needy.
DECEMBER 2006 2. Universal Brotherhood Day is celebrated in memory of Swami Vivekananda’s epochmaking address at the Parliament of World Religions at Chicago. Many competitions for children and students are arranged days before the event and the best of them are awarded suitable prizes on the occasion by the chief guest. A prominent citizen addresses the invitees on the importance of the day. This attracts large number of people and many of them even make material or monetary contributions. 3. Sadhana Divas is observed on Mananeeya Eknathji’s Jayanti day. It is a solemn and important occasion for all Karyakartas to remember the late leader, reverentially and study excerpts from his works and review the activities undertaken and plan further. 4. Geeta Jayanti is celebrated on Marghashirsha Shukla Ekadashi to popularize the study of Bhagwat Geeta. Competitions are held in recitation for students and Karyakartas. A scholar is invited to address a function and prizes are distributed to the winners of competitions. 5. Samartha Bharat Parva & Swami Vivekananda Jayanti was observed from 25 December to 12 January. Swami Vivekananda meditated for three days, starting on 25 December 1892 on the famous Rock now known as Vivekananda Rock. Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa blessed his devotees on 1 January to achieve whatever they set toprotect and preserve Sanatana Dharma - and all his devotees consider this day as Kalpataru Day. Vivekananda Jayanti is on 12 January. Thus the period - from 25 December to 12 January - is of great significance. Our Motherland’s great strength and message for
YUVA BHARATI the world are highlighted through exhibitions, lectures, competitions, and distribution of literature. All the programmes culminate on Vivekananda Jayanti Day with public meetings, speeches by eminent guests and award of prizes to winners in the competitions. Besides these, some branch centers on their own initiative and enthusiasm conduct many events to draw people closer to the organization and thereby promote positive thinking and integrate them for national causes. Samuhik Surya Namaskar, Yoga Shiksha Shibirs, Personality Development camps and coaching camps for students, running of book stalls on local festival days, blood donation camps, mobilization of patrons and subscriptions for Kendra publications and the like are some of these. Another noteworthy event is of the conduct of essay writing and other competitions for students, about our country, its great savants and their teachings and their achievements. It is gratifying that there is a very good response for all these.
DECEMBER 2006 The report regarding Arun Jyoti Project is shown elsewhere. (b) Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalayas (22) Amliang, Balijan, Banderdewa, Itanagar, Jairampur, Jirdin, Kharsang, Koloriang, Kuparijo, Liromoba, Niausa, Nirjuli, Nivedita Vihar (Seijosa), Oyan, Roing, Seijosa, Sher, Shergaon, Sunpura, Tafrogam, Yazali & Ziro. The report relating to the Vidyalayas appears under the relevant heading elsewhere. (c) VK Vocational Training Centers (3) Dumparijo, Seijosa and Wakro. A non-residential Vocational Training Center at Dumparijo is training the first batch of girls.
Asom & Nagaland Prant
Asom (25) - Bokakhat, VKV Bokuloni, Dhemaji, VKV Dhemaji, Dibrugarh, VKV Dibrugarh, Golaghat, VKV Golaghat, VK Guwahati, VKIC, Guwahati, Jorhat, Majuli, Mangaldoi, Margherita, VK Khatkati, Lakhimpur, Lumding VKV Margherita, The office bearers were on tour to most branch Numaligarh, VK NRL Hospital, Numaligarh, centers to guide and help the Karyakartas. The Sibsagar, Teok, Tezpur, Tingrai, Tinsukia, VKV State-wise list of Branch centers and the Tinsukia & VKV Umrongsu. highlights of the work there are as under: Nagaland (1) - VKV, Doyang. Andaman Prant (9) Asom Basantipur, Chouldari, Diglipur, Hut Bay, At Dibrugarh, 69 Yoga Satras were Kadamtala, Pahalgaon, Port Blair, and Rangat. held for 1,088 people. Nine hundred children The report is recorded elsewhere. attended 37 Sanskar Vargas. More than 3000 Arunachal Pradesh Prant (43) people participated in the Utsavs during the year. Publications and novelties were sold to (a) Arun Jyoti Project (18) the tune of about Rs.4,39,000/- Nearly 800 Along, Bomdila, Bordumsa, Changlang, students appeared for cultural competitions. Daporijo, Hayuliang, Itanagar, Kharsang, At Guwahati Prof. R. Vaidyanathan, Khonsa, Mebo, Miao, Pasighat, Roing, Seepa, I.I.M. Bangalore, delivered the seventh Seijosa, Sunpura, Tezu and Ziro.
YUVA BHARATI Bhubaneswar Barthakur Memorial lecture on ‘Declining joint families, looming crisis in social security’ on 11 November 2005. The monthly ‘Soorar Deul’ completed its 100th presentation in December 2005. A pleasant musical function to mark the event was held in which the veteran artists Smt Lakshahira Das, Sri Apurva Kr. Das, Shri Mihir Bordoloi and Smt Chitrali Goswami participated and Shri Chanchal De, Soorar Duel coordinator gave a scintillating Guitar performance. There were a wall magazine competition for eleven colleges, an exhibition inaugurated by the well-known littérateur Sri Atulananda Goswami and a youth convention during Samarth Bharat Parva.
DECEMBER 2006 number of people who attended the function to celebrate the day. Skill Training Center, Kallabalu (Bangalore) The Center imparted skill training in computer and tailoring to numerous unemployed youth of 23 surrounding villages. More than 1000 boys and girls and even housewives have undergone training and are employed gainfully. Belgaum - Shri Satish Chowkulkar conducted 2 meditation programmes for 130 people from 28 January to 3 February 2006. Mysore- A mass Surya Namaskar on 19 February 2006 on the occasion of Ratha Saptami by 400 students, well attended Utsavs and recitation of Gita by students witnessed by 200 persons on Gita Jayanti Day were some of the events here. Kerala (2) - VKVVF Kodungallur & Thiruvananthapuram. Thiruvananthapuram - During December 2005, about 120 technocrats attended a 2-day meditation class in Techno Park. Twenty-five youths took the benefit of 5-day Pranayama & Suryanamaskar classes in Veda Pathasala. Forty persons attended Sanjivani Dhyana class in Pattom Thanu Pillai Nagar.
Dakshin Prant
Andhra Pradesh Hyderabad - A competitive examination based on the book ‘Vivekananda the friend of all’ was held for 2550 students from 50 Schools in connection with the celebration of Universal Brotherhood Day. Shri R. Murali Krishna, General Manager (Vigilance), State Bank of Hyderabad, distributed the prizes and mementos to 10 first and second rank performers from each school. Karnataka (5) Bangalore - Dr. M. Lakshmikumari, Director, Vivekananda Kendra Vedic Vision Foundation, Kodungallur, released a Souvenir ‘Help and not fight’ brought out on Guru Purnima Day and spoke on the significance of the day at a well attended meeting. On Universal Brotherhood day, Kum. P. Iswarya from Chennai and Kum. Manjula and Smt Nagajyothi of Bangalore shared their perception of Swamiji’s lecture at Chicago with a large
Gujarat Prant (17)
Ahmedabad, Anjar, Bhavnagar, Junagarh, Morbi, Palitana, VK Gujarati Prakashan Vibhag, Palitana, Porbandar, Rajkot, Savarkundla, Vadodara & Veraval, Surat, Anand, Ankaleshwar, Dhasa, Swmina Grudha Ahmedabad - Two thousand students from 13 schools and 10 colleges appeared for the examination on Indian Culture. Food
YUVA BHARATI material collected under Amritha Surabhi Scheme was handed to a charitable hospital. Vadodara - Three personality camps were conducted for 102 students and Shri Bhanudasji addressed one of them. In the school level Swadhyaya Kasoti examination, 1889 students took part and 260 of them attended two camps. The successful students received certificates at the time of Universal Brotherhood Day celebration. Dr. Arunaben Jadav was the chief speaker. Susri Rekhadidi addressed the students of two colleges during Samartha Bharat Parva. An exhibition was held at Nalanda College on 12 January 2006. At Surat, Vivekananda Jayanti was celebrated with Mr. Kothari, Vice Chancellor, South Gujarat University as the chief guest. Shri Binoy Bhai of RSS and Dr. Kamlesh Upadhyaya, Vibhag Pramukh, were also present. On the occasion, rectors of 18 hostels were honoured.
DECEMBER 2006 On 28 February Shri Kishore Tokekar, Joint General Secretary, felicitated 600 teachers who worked hard in organizing the massive Samuhik Surya Namaskar and also released a Souvenir ‘Apavrunu’. The students from Arunachal Pradesh who were on a cultural tour presented some cultural programmes at Bhind and Gwalior to the delight of the spectators. During a Trade Fair, a stall was run and books etc worth Rs.32,000/- were sold.
Maharashtra Prant
Goa (2) - Panaji & Vasco-da-gama Maharashtra (40) Ahmednagar, Ambernath, Aurangabad, Badalpur, Bandra, Bhandara, Borivali, Chinchwad, Chiplun, Dharashiv, Dombivali, Goregaon, Jalgaon, Jalna, Juhu, Vile Parle, Kalyan, Karmala, Kolhapur, Lonavla, Malegaon, Mumbai (Dadar), Nagpur, Nashik, VKVSP Nashik, Pandharpur, Parbhani, Pune, VK Marathi Prakashan Vibhag, Pune, Ratnagiri, Sangli, Satara, Solapur, Thane, Vashi, Wai, Walchandnagar, Wardha, Washim & Yawatmal. Mumbai - 580 persons attended Yoga Vargas and Satras during the year. Over 3000 people were present at the Utsavs. Students numbering 560 took part in the competitions on Indian culture. There were camps and shibirs for 340 of them. Nagpur - Different camps and shibirs were attended by 213 persons and Yoga Satras and Vargas by 180 persons. One hundred and seventy families participated in Gayatri Yagna on Swamiji’s Maha Samadhi Day. Two thousand students took part in cultural examinations and Quiz on Swamiji. Utsavs attracted nearly 900 people.
Madhya Pradesh Prant (9)
Bandra, Bhander, Bhind, Bhopal, Gwalior, Harda, Indore, Jhansi & Morena. Gwalior- More than 1000 college students participated in competitions during Universal Brotherhood Day celebrations. A Deepa Puja by 180 ladies was performed and Susri Rekhadidi attended the function. On Sadhana Divas, 29,973 students from 337 schools performed a Samuhik Surya Namaskar Maha Yajna in the presence of the chief guest Hon’ble Shri Babulal Gaur, the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, Shri Narayan Singh Kushwah, Hon’ble Ministers, Shri Kaptan Singh Solanki, M.P., Shri Viveknarayan Shejwalkar, Mayor and Susri B. Nivedita and a large gathering.
YUVA BHARATI Pune- Five hundred and ten people attended Yoga Satras and Vargas. A little more than 1500 students sat for cultural examinations and 450 attended personality development and other camps. Sale of books and novelties fetched over Rs.2,15,000/-
DECEMBER 2006 was observed at different places in Kolkata Mahanagar. A colourful procession by 3000 students, Yoga Pradarshan and demonstration, a drama based on Swamiji’s boyhood days by the participants of Bala Samskara Varga, distribution of books to students, lectures, presentation of VIVEKVANI, a “Geeti Alekhya” (songs interspersed with narration) on the life of Swami Vivekananda were some of the events during this period. A 3-day residential Shibir in the premises of Bharat Sevashram Sangh at Ganga Sagar for 20 participants and 4 non-residential Vyaktitva Vikas Shibirs for 160 students in different age groups were also conducted.
Orissa Prant (6)
Balasore, Baripada, Betnoti, Brahmapur, Bhubaneswar & Keonjhar At Baripada, a Prerana Shibir was held for 103 students. There was a good sale of Kendra publications and a total number of 3,500 persons attended the Utsavs organized by the branch center. At Bhubaneswar, 300 students from 40 schools and 220 students of 15 colleges took part in the competitions held for them. Thirty families participated in Amritha Surabhi scheme. Mananeeya B. Nivedita inaugurated an exhibition during Samarth Bharat Parva. More than 500 persons visited the exhibition.
Rajasthan Prant
The Kendra work in Rajasthan is carried out in 4 Vibhags comprising 7 Nagars, 32 Vistars and 13 Samparka sthans. The programmes and the number of participants were as under: Guru Purnima was celebrated at five places. Seventeen persons from Arunachal Pradesh visited Ajmer, Beavar, Bhilwara, Gulabpura, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Rajsamand and Udaipur, on a goodwill tour. (Please see also under Vivekananda Kendra Arun Jyoti Project). A bookstall was run during an International Seminar at Kishangarh. Two thousand copies of Geeta Sandesh were sold.
Purva Prant
Bihar (3) - Bhagalpur, Gaya & Mongher Jharkhand (3) -Chandil, Jamshedpur & Ranchi. West Bengal (2) - Kolkata & Suri Kolkata - Universal Brotherhood Day was celebrated at 4 places. About 200 students participated in different competitions and 155 students received prizes. A total of 750 people attended the programmes. On Sadhana Diwas, 130 people offered Pushpanjali to a picture of Mananeeya Eknathji and some Karyakartas read selections from his ‘Sadhana of Service’. Geeta Jayanti was celebrated at 3 places with modest attendance. Samartha Bharat Parva
Uttar Prant consists of three Vibhags viz.,
Delhi Mahanagar, Uttar Pradesh & Himachal. Delhi Mahanagar Vibhag has seven centers in Dakshin Delhi, Uttar Delhi, Paschim Delhi, Poorva Delhi, Madhya Delhi, Dwaraka and Ghaziabad. A personality development camp for over 100 students, purposeful Samparka with 250 students in 4 colleges, a youth meet
YUVA BHARATI
S.No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Programme Samskara Vargas Yoga Vargas (8) & Satras ( 4) Universal Brotherhood Day Sadhana Diwas Geeta Jayanti Samartha Bharat Parva Cultural competitions in Ajmer, Bhilwara & Jodhpur Vyaktitva Vikas Shibirs (9) Other Shibirs (2)
DECEMBER 2006
Participants 376 at 22 places 320 900 at 6 places 120 at 5 five places 180 at 6 places 3,770 at 19 places 5,500 students from 93 schools & 278 colleges 781 115
of 24 students of IIT Delhi, regular periodical Yoga Satras for students, faculties and their family members of IIT & Indraprastha University, sale of 250 copies of India’s Contribution to the World Thought & Culture to various institutions were the highlights of the Kendra activities in Delhi.
Pradesh, Maj. Gen. R.S. Maheta, Commander of 9 Corp and Swami Shivasevananda of Ramakrishna Tapovan Ashram in Solan District, addressed the gathering. Two very senior soldiers of Indian National Army who had fought British Forces were honoured on the occasion and everybody present was moved Himachal Vibhag has centers at Nagdandi and with patriotic feelings and emotion. A well run at Jammu in J & K, Kangra, Palampur and library at Kangra was found to be useful to Shimla in Himachal Pradesh and Dehra Dun in the public in general and youth and children in particular. Uttaranchal. UP Vibhag has centers at Lucknow, Prayag, Bareilly, Varanasi, Etah. All the Vargas, Utsavs and Shibirs were organized. At Lucknow on the occasion of Gita Jayanti a Samuhik Surya Namaskar Programme was organized. 875 students (boys & girls) from 16 colleges participated enthusiastically. Shri Venkateshwarlu, Secretary, Dept of Revenue, Govt of UP, graced the occasion and In Himachal Pradesh, a well-designed building encouraged all participants with his brief has been constructed at Shimla. A Chatravas address. A team of 18 students applied (students hostel) is run to benefit ten colleges themselves diligently to train and prepare the and University students from different parts of students and brought them closer to Swamiji’s Himachal Pradesh studying at Shimla.. During thoughts. the celebration of Vivekananda Jayanti, Hon’ble Shri V.S. Kokje, Governor of Himachal The Kendra workers and patrons from Nagdandi arranged a Bhandara during the observance and celebration of Kshir Bhavani Yatra near Srinagar (J&K) to provide food to all the pilgrims. This and the relief to the families affected by terrorism and vocational training of girls and women were the major work in Jammu & Kashmir.
YUVA BHARATI
DECEMBER 2006
Shraddhanjali
Vivekananda Kendra regrets the demise of the following personalities who were a source of great strength to the organization and to our society and offers its respectful homage to their memory.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Shri M.M. Lal, I.A.S, a close associate of Mananeeya Eknathji Ranade Shri Vishnukant Shastri, Ex-Governor of U.P. Swami Ranganathanandaji, President, Sri Ramakrishna Math, Belur Shri H. V. Seshadri, Joint General Secretary, R.S.S. Shri Satish Deshpande, Kendra Karyakarta, Bangalore. Shri Om Prakash Longoni, Shillong, a close associate of Mananeeya Eknathji. Dr. Sridhar Pai, Kendra well-wisher, who had donated a building site for Vivekananda Kendra Vedic Foundation, Kodungallur. 8. Shri K. Mahadevan, General Body Member & Vanaprasthi Karyakarta 9. Shri RMKV Viswanathan, Industrialist and Kendra well-wisher
Exercpts from the letter written by Swami Vivekananda to Alasinga Perumal
....It is not the work of a day, and the path is full of the most deadly thorns. But Parthasarathi is ready to be our Sârathi — we know that. And in His name and with eternal faith in Him, set fire to the mountain of misery that has been heaped upon India for ages — and it shall be burned down. Come then, look it in the face, brethren, it is a grand task, and we are so low. But we are the sons of Light and children of God. Glory unto the Lord, we will succeed. Hundreds will fall in the struggle, hundreds will be ready to take it up. I may die here unsuccessful, another will take up the task. You know the disease, you know the remedy, only have faith. Do not look up to the so-called rich and great; do not care for the heartless intellectual writers, and their cold-blooded newspaper articles. Faith, sympathy — fiery faith and fiery sympathy! Life is nothing, death is nothing, hunger nothing, cold nothing. Glory unto the Lord — march on, the Lord is our General. Do not look back to see who falls — forward — onward! Thus and thus we shall go on, brethren. One falls, and another takes up the work.....
YUVA BHARATI
DECEMBER 2006
An Appeal
From the report it could be seen that all activities and programmes of Vivekananda Kendra are done with the help of its well-wishers. Vivekananda Kendra continues to need their unlimited support and help. One can associate with its sublime nation building programmes in any one of the following ways: 1) An opportunity to serve the needy a) If you are a young man or woman with an urge to serve the needy, are unencumbered, at least a graduate, in good health, willing to respond to challenges in the interest of the nation anywhere, you are welcome to join Vivekananda Kendra. It offers you a life-long security to meet our basic needs so that you can devote yourself to the work assigned without any anxiety. b) If you are a retired person, in good health, wanting to place your professional experience and volunteer to serve in any branch of Vivekananda Kendra either full time or part time for a reasonable period of time, you may please contact the General Secretary for further details. c) If you are a professionally qualified person interested in teaching, a rewarding career awaits you in the educational institutions of Vivekananda Kendra. Write to the General Secretary with particulars of your credentials. d) You may also help by motivating the youth to join Vivekananda Kendra or recommend to your acquaintances to attend the camps Kendra conducts or to subscribe for its journals and publications or buy diaries, calendars and Greeting Cards. The details of the various publications brought out by Vivekananda Kendra Prakashan Trust appear elsewhere in this issue.
2.Be a philanthropist by sponsoring
Programme A Seminar Arun Jyoti activities for a month Higher education of an Arunachalee student Medical Camp Anandalaya for children’s nonformal education A Symposium National Integration Camp Maintenance of a Social Worker for a year General donation Contribution Rs.2 lakhs Rs.2 lakhs Rs.50,000/Rs.50,000/Rs.50,000/Rs.50,000/Rs.25,000/Rs.20,000/Your choice
The contributions are eligible for exemption under Section 80GAof the Income Tax Act. All remittances may kindly be made in favour of Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari 629 702, by bank drafts/cheques payable at State Bank of India,Vivekanandapuram (Kanyakumari) or through ICICI Bank Account No.
YUVA BHARATI Vivekanandapuram This is situated at the entrance to Kanyakumari, about 2 kms from the railway station. It has all facilities for a comfortable stay, i.e. good accommodation, clean canteen, a branch of State Bank of India, Post Office, Telephone booth facility, a library cum reading room, a dispensary, a Green Health Home offering Siddha Medicines twice a week. A free bus service to Kanyakumari and back at frequent intervals is available. Here are the inspiring S.No
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
DECEMBER 2006 Gangotri exhibition on the life and attainments of late Shri Eknathji Ranade, the thought provoking Vivekananda Pictorial Exhibition, Gramodaya Park with demonstration models of rural technology and a herbal nursery. Vivekananda Mandap with an imposing statue of Swamiji, Eknathji’s Samadhi and a well laid garden are on the way to the beach wherefrom one can watch the early morning sunrise and its rays on Vivekananda Rock Memorial. The tariff for the different types of accommodation is as under-
Cottages & rooms with attached bath
AC cottage with two double-bedded rooms Rs.2000/- per day + 12% tax AC double-bedded room 500/- per day + 10% tax Additional person 100/- per day Deluxe 4-bedded room 350/- per day + 5% tax Deluxe 3-bedded room 300/- per day + 5% tax Four bedded room 250/- per day + 5% tax Double bedded room 150/- per day Additional person 15/- per day Four bedded in Annex 180/- per day Additional person 10/- per day Rooms with common bath Three bedded room 45/- per day Big hall (without beds) 250/- per day + 5% tax New hall (with carpet & pillows) 300/- per day + 5% tax Small hall (without beds) 120/Hall with 6 beds 100/- per day Additional person 5/- per day Dormitory - Single bed with locker 15/- per day
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Air conditioned cottage with double bedded room – Rs.2000/- + 12.5% tax
Dormitory accommodation with locker facilities - Rs.15/- per bed. For further details: Email: [email protected]
YUVA BHARATI
DECEMBER 2006
Regular Activities of KendraThe regular work at all the branch centers engage them through the process - Lok spread across the country comprises of the Sampark, Lok Sangrah, Lok Sanskar and Lok Vyavastha following activities : 1.Karyapaddhati – Yoga Varga, 4.Karyakarta Prashikshan Shibirs- at three Swadhyaya Varga & Sanskar Varga. - levels, are organised to train the Dayitvavan These are the regular activities by which man Karyakartas so that the Kendra work will go making ( karyakarta nirman) and nation building on with one mind and in the proper direction. ( creating the ideal social order) is taking place. 5.Sales of cultural literature and enrolling 2.Utsavas – Guru Purnima, Universal subscribers and donors - is to reach the Brotherhood Day, Sadhana Diwas, Gita educated class and orient their thinking process Jayanti and Samartha Bharat Parva with in the direction of man making and nation Vivekananda Jayanti - all the Utsavs are for building. the - Shaktisamvardhan, Shaktiparikshan and 6.Enrolment of patrons - this is the monetary Shaktipradarshan. help for the full-time workers who are working 3.Shibirs – Vyaktitwa Vikas Shibir, Yuva day and night selflessly and our society is Prerana Shibir and Other Shibirs - are committed to look after their YOGAKSHEM organised for selecting the right material through by enrolling themselves as patrons and also 4 Ps - pick up, pin up, pull up and pin up and inspiring others to do so. Details are as follows Karyapaddhati
Names Prant
Arunachal Assam Purva Andaman Orissa Uttar Rajasthan MP Gujarat MahaRashtra Dakshin Grand Total
Sanskarvarga No
34 65 9 4 8 16 31 66 25 49 219 526
Swadhyayavarga No
26 23 7 2 7 7 8 14 9 24 18 145
Yogavarga No
16 27 12
Attended
1346 1675 230 82 110 280 689 1370 640 1057 7835 15314
Attended
374 246 115 48 88 56 115 132 98 274 557 2103
Attended
979 453 217
−
−
10 3 3 4 1 16 23 115
100 180 33 30 4 208 653 2857
YUVA BHARATI Sampark Tantra
Names Prant
Arunachal Assam Purva Andaman Orissa Uttar Rajasthan MP Gujarat MahaRashtra Dakshin Grand Total
DECEMBER 2006
Yoga Satra No
6 65 10
Cultural Competn… Registered
Nil 1866 2652 675 81 7638 7848 20034 6391 6927 29655 83767
Mahavidyalaeen Sampark No
7 103 6
Attended
100 1099 191
Attended
Nil 1449 2192
4 33 8 21 22 151 96 416
86 662 142 683 433 2043 2453 7892
46 6743 6642 17832 5223 3510 29603 73240
21 34 27 75 82 172 472 999
−
Names Prant
Arunachal Assam Purva Andaman Orissa Uttar Rajasthan MP Gujarat Maharashtra Dakshin Grand Total
Utsav A
Guru Purnima No
41 33 6 9 11 16 7 8 10 35 15 191
Universal Brotherhood Day No
46 30 7 9 13 7 5 5 7 33 71 233
Sadhana Divas No
32 28 8
Attended
11271 3724 456 1200 935 727 646 1467 375 1795 3106 25702
Attended
14264 8492 2605 4200 2500 875 852 425 802 4286 10052 49353
Attended
9142 5230 212
9 6 5 3 7 19 65 182
802 192 122 220 182 575 3229 19906
Utsav B
Names Prant
Arunachal Assam Purva Andaman Orissa Uttar Rajasthan MP Gujarat Maharashtra Dakshin Grand Total
Gita Jayanti No
47 31 11
Samarth Bharat Parv No
64 33 11
Attended
6029 5442 472
Attended
23984 9960 3550
11 8 7 4 9 24 21 173
825 1488 453 310 1847 1095 3184 21145
11 5 20 28 34 74 149 429
1467 1350 3803 6225 12340 18020 22636 103335
YUVA BHARATI
DECEMBER 2006
Karyakarta Prashikshan Shibir (KPS), Dayitvavan Karyakartas & Joined as Poornakaleen Samskar Varg Karyakarta Shibir(SVKS)
Names Prant Arunachal Assam Purva Andaman Orissa Uttar Rajasthan MP Gujarat Maharashtra Dakshin Grand Total KPS Sthaniya Attended 108 196 KPS Prantiya Attended 45 26 KPS Rashtriya Attended 6 3 Dayitavan Karyakarta No 737 624 74 180 70 124 119 529 161 315 224 3177
Joined as Purnakaleen
No 16 6
SVKS Attended 17 7 1
− −
49 26 62 77 44 213 119 894
− − −
− −
30 27 35 16 30 209
1 1 2 3 2 15 3 36
− − −
2 1
−
−
3 7 35
4 21 67 68 31 87 39 342
Names Prant
Arunachal Assam Purva Andaman Orissa Uttar Rajasthan MP Gujarat Maharashtra Dakshin Grand Total
Students No Attended
85 32 13 2 3 2 8 16 10 25 21 217 3119 1376 975 150 140 678 618 2828 421 1505 1111 12921
Different Shibirs Youths No Attended
12 19 3 4 2 5 1 5 24 9 84 658 646 69 259 227 279 172 90 1092 694 4186
No
8 178 1
Others Attended
603 10817 20
−
−
1 7 9 4 14 36 258
− −
30 633 1546 213 463 2098 16423
− −
Enrolment of Pariposhak, Subscribers and Arunachal Bandhu Parivar (ABP)
Names Prant Arunachal Assam Purva Andaman Orissa Uttar Rajasthan MP Gujarat Maharashtra Dakshin Grand Total Patron Enroled No 1041 5397 78 145 14 95 55 63 152 464 3276 10780 Subscribers Enroled No 561 1512 50 1000 40 82 107 52 245 212 1858 5719 ABP Enroled No 855 75 13
2 29 22 44 152 3430 4622
− −
YUVA BHARATI
DECEMBER 2006
Sales of book 'India's Contribution to the World Thought and Culture (ICWTC)' and distribution of Gita Sandesh and Sales of Publications
Names ICWTC Gita Sandesh Kendra Publication Novelties Other Publication
Prant Arunachal Assam Purva Andaman Orrisa Uttar Rajasthan MP Gujarat Maharashtra Dakshin Grand Total
Sold
No 7200 4043 1863 1180 827 2972 5305 4442 3091 5756 36679
Rs 276960 236149 72346 64000 45031 226800 64631
Rs 916298 429058
Rs 158120 69743 8000 15000 11624 104232 53015 24195 98055 611933 1153917
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7 1 4 31 11 3 4 27 34 122
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180568 472180 1307074 2945739
16000 780 120284 49005 128803 30258 201833 203602 2095921
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Branch Centers There are more than 208 branch centers including projects and schools as indicated below: S.No State Number 01. Andamans 02. Andhra Pradesh 03. Arunachal Pradesh 04. Assam 05. Bihar 06. Chandigarh 07. Delhi 08. Goa 09. Gujarat 10. Haryana 11. Himachal Pradesh 12. Jammu & Kashmir 13. Jharkand 14. Karnataka 15. Kerala 16. Madhya Pradesh 17. Maharashtra 18. Nagaland 19. Orissa 20. Rajasthan 21. Tamil Nadu 22. Uttar Pradesh 23. West Bengal Total number of branches 9 1 43 28 2 1 7 2 17 1 2 2 3 5 3 9 40 1 6 9 13 5 2 208
YUVA BHARATI
XVI THE BRIDGE IS STILL STRONG
DECEMBER 2006
The Swami was by no means unknown in the Western world. During his first visit there, which had extended from the middle of 1893 to the close of 1896, his name had become familiar to almost every newspaper-reading American. By some he had been loved and revered, by others, feared and reviled; but few, if any, had looked upon him with indifference. His talks at the august and celebrated Parliament of Religions, held in Chicago in September of 1893, had revealed to an astounded American public the moral and spiritual grandeur of India’s religious culture. He himself…his majestic presence, his keen wit and powerful intellect, his unmistakable and towering spirituality—had been no less an eye-opener. After the Parliament, the fame of the young Hindu monk (he was then thirty years old) had steadily increased, as had his influence. During the last months of 1893 and throughout most of 1894 he had traveled, lecturing, from place to place in the mid-western, southern, and eastern States of America. In 1895 and 1896 he had worked primarily in New York and London, teaching in both cities the basic ideals and practices of the Vedanta philosophy and religion and spreading the message of his great Master, Sri Ramakrishna, of whom he was the chief disciple and apostle… Over and over, in a cascade of words, he had exhorted the Hindu people to live by and for the great ideals that had sprung from he very soul of the country itself, and to make them real. “By stimulating (the Hindu people) I want to bring life into them”, he had said; “to this I have dedicated my life. I will rouse them through the infallible power of Vedic Mantras. I am born to proclaim to them that fearless message—‘Arise! Awake!” Source: Swami Vivekananda—His Second Visit to the West—New Discoveries. By Marie Louise Burke, an American author.
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