Yuva Bharati - November 2007
Founder Editor Mananeeya Eknathji Ranade Editor Mananeeya P Parameswaran . Editorial Office 5, Singarachari Street Triplicane, Chennai - 600 005 Ph: (044) 28440042 Em a i l : [email protected] Web: www.vkendra.org SingleCopy Annual For 3 Yrs Life(20Yrs) Rs. 7/Rs. 75/Rs. 200/Rs. 800/-
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CONTENTS eswaran Purusharthas P. Pa - P. P a r a m e s w a r a n
November 2007
2
Vivekananda Kendra Samachar Highlights of 2006-07: Rural Development Programme Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalayas Vivekananda Kendra Arun Jyoti Project An Appeal Inspiring Incidents 11 19 29 36 41
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This Yuva Bharati is being sent to all Patrons of Vivekananda Kendra as Vivekananda Kendra Samachar titled as PURUSHARTHAS All PURUSHARTHAS. Patrons are requested to enrol themselves as Subscribers of Yuva Bharati and other magazines of the Kendra.
VIVEKANANDA KENDRA PRAKASHAN
Purusharthas
(The dynamics of personality development with social harmony)
Our Shastras and Acharyas have always held that the fulfilment of any objective or the successful attainment of any goal, big or small, depends upon the confluence of two factors (i) sincere and whole-hearted effort from our side and (ii) the grace of God. Without either of the two, the outcome is bound to be utter failure or chaotic and confused. We must fix the goal clearly and unambiguously before us and focus our single-minded attention and pour out all our efforts for its achievement. That is the first part. Having done that in a prayerful attitude, we offer it at the feet of the Divine and rest assured that the rest will be taken care of by His grace. Without putting forth our best efforts, it is idle and futile to expect the Divine to do everything for us. It is not only sheer fatalism, but also a sin against ourselves and God. On the other hand, to imagine that our personal or collective efforts, by themselves, irrespective of the Divine factor, can achieve anything and everything is equally baseless. “Evam purusha karena vinaa daivam na siddhyati. Daive purusha kare cha karma siddhih vyavasthitaa.” The final and decisive factor is, of course, the Divine grace. Whether the grace is conditional or unconditional is a matter into which, it is not necessary to go at this point. It is enough to understand that it is a decisive factor for which we have to pray and wait. It has been the experience and the authoritative statement of realised souls that Divine Grace is present always and everywhere. Only we have to open up ourselves in a mood of humble receptivity after having done everything that is within our power. In the Bhagavad Gita, the Lord has declared that there are five factors, when combined together, bring about the successful culmination of every work. The foundations, the worker, the various instruments of action and the different activities and, finally, the invisible factor, which is described as Divine destiny. “Adhishthaanam tathaa kartaa karanam cha pruthagvidham, vividhaascha pruthakcheshtaa daivam chaivaatra panchamam.” It is clear that, out of these five, only one is beyond our control. It gives us an assurance and a certitude that the major portion of the responsibility for achieving the goal is bestowed on us and that only when we discharge our responsibilities to the fullest extent can we hope the fifth invisible factor to operate in our favour. So, in every human activity, either personal or collective, the first part, namely, total and committed effort of the highest quality offered in the spirit of worship to the Divine, is the prerequisite that we have to fulfil.
Swami Vivekananda in his famous lecture on, “Work and its Secret” has put this idea in a slightly different manner. Swamiji says that the success in any work is entirely dependant upon the importance we give to the means leading to the goal. Once the means are perfect, Swamiji says that the goal is bound to be realised. Paying single-minded attention to the means and pursuing it without fault or failure is the sure means to achieve the goal. It again means that the major portion of responsibility remains with the worker and the quality of his work. It is seen as what has been stated in the Bhagavad Gita, that “yoga is skill in action” that will lead to the attainment of the final result. So, we can rest almost assured that first of all we as Karyakartas, have to perfect ourselves by acquiring the skill, the spirit of yoga, all the required knowledge and wisdom, courage and conviction, commitment and consecration to carry out the work to its logical end and having done that, we may safely presume that the Lord will take care of the rest. We, as the perfected instrument, is the crucial factor. One of our Subhashitas tells us that “The final fulfilment of an action depends not so much on the accessories but on the manliness of the actor – Kriya siddhih sattve bhavati mahataam, nopakarane” and that is mostly within us, either inborn or cultivated with perseverance and determination. Karna, one of the most colourful characters in the Mahabharata who was low-born and therefore, ridiculed by many, retorted with a memorable and powerful reply “The clan in which I am born was decided by destiny. But, my manliness is my own creation – Daivaayattam kule janmah, Madaayattam tu pourusham”. This again confirms the fact that it is up to an earnest and committed worker to acquire the competence for the successful achievement of the chosen ideal. The ideas stated above have been part of our traditional wisdom and has been the guiding principle of our way of life. There is a unique concept evolved in our country which is denoted by the word “Purushartha” It is one of the fundamental principles of our social “Purushartha”. philosophy. The term Purushartha has many dimensions. One among them is “human effort’, “manliness”, “valour” etc. It is considered a great virtue and distinctive mark of all human beings worth the name. It is not necessarily gender specific. It is an essential quality of a human being irrespective of whether man or woman. Every human being is expected to achieve success in life by following his Swadharma to the best of his ability and thus contribute to the society. If one falls short of this standard, he is not worthy of being called a man at all. Docility and passivity, lethargy and laziness, dependence on others even for one’s primary needs is, like a parasite, totally condemnable. Exertion and excellence are recommended. Not only to earn one’s bread and maintain one’s family is what is expected of a true man. A householder must also earn name and fame, wealth and prosperity and all-round success in life. Such a man alone is alive. Otherwise he is dead even when alive. It is needless to say that a society or a nation comprising of individuals of this calibre will
be strong and powerful, enlightened and prosperous – a leading nation in its own right. It is when the number of such people dwindle that the nation becomes weak and become enslaved by aggressors. It is the sense of Purushartha coupled with love for the country that enables a nation to hold its flag of freedom aloft. Purushartha has a wider social connotation also. The term denotes the plan and purpose of human life anywhere anytime. According to Hindu Shastras, there are four objectives to be pursued by a human being worth the name. They are Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha. These are called the four Purusharthas. Together, they embrace the entire field of human life. Successful pursuit of these four objects of life as prescribed by the Shastra ultimately leads to total fulfilment of one’s earthly existence. No one is exempt from this obligation, whatever be his stature or station in life. These are universally applicable without exception. Individually and collectively, they constitute the warp and woof of Hindu social life. They give a clear direction to life not only for the individual but also for the family, society and the nation. Among the four, Dharma is fundamental to all. All the other three are based on the foundation of Dharma and should be followed accordingly. Artha deals with economics and politics and everything related to these. These conducted on the basis of Dharma ensures creation of abundant wealth, proper distribution and produces an environment where the fruits of an ordered and prosperous life would be enjoyed by all the members of the society. That is called Kama. Artha and Kama are necessary and desirable. They are restrained only by Dharma. These three Purusharthas properly followed ultimately lead to a situation where Moksha, the final goal of life, Parama Purushartha becomes smoothly achievable to those who are fit for it. Moksha is liberation from the shackles of ego and selfishness. It is experiencing oneness with all beings – humans and also subhumans. Compassion and concern for one and all, willingness to care and share equally. That state is described as “Sarva Bhuta Hite Ratah”. A society where such highly evolved souls cast their benign influence is bound to be a model and a blessing for all humanity. It was the evolution of such a society that Hindu Dharma envisaged. Such a state of affairs is the nearest equivalent to “Satya Yuga”. Our Rishis and their later-day descendants firmly believed that Bharat had a duty and mission to provide such a model for the rest of humanity. What conclusions do we draw from what all has been said above about Purusharthas? What practical guidance do we derive to help us in our day-to-day as well as overall life, especially for a Karyakarta of Vivekananda Kendra? Pursuit of Purusharthas constitutes the essence of a meaningful life of every human being and places him on a high pedestal in the evolutionary scale. They differentiate him from the animals, who also have very many things in common with the man. A Kendra worker whose life is a continuous dedication for a cause, which, he is convinced, is the greatest and the noblest, then it goes without saying that he must faithfully and strictly follow the path of Purushartha in his life. He
must not deviate even for a moment from the path dictated by the principle of Purushartha. Continuous and dedicated effort, untiring and ceaseless, undeflected by success or failure, undaunted by difficulties and dangers, should characterise the life of a true Karyakarta. The qualities of a Sattvik Karyakarta, as defined in the Bhagavad Gita and recommended by Mananeeya Eknathji Ranade (Mukta sango anaham vadi, dhrutyutsaha samanvitah, siddhyasiddhyornirvikarah, karta satvika uchyate) should be an unerring guideline for him. The goal has been clearly settled, the means towards that has been marked out and, then, he has to pursue it, knowing fully well that the path is difficult and is as sharp as the razor’s edge. He has examples of Shreshtha Purushas to inspire him who preceded him in the same path with unswerving devotion and tenacity. The Karyakarta should demonstrate to himself and others that he can also set worthy examples for his successors to emulate. Purusharthas lead to success. Success is our goal. Our concept of success is not the present-day concept of a successful career for oneself. It is both material and spiritual – Samutkarsha and Nishshreyasa. Spiritual is the ultimate reality and the goal to be realised. But, it does not stand in contradiction with material success or decent affluence. A society or a country becomes great only when material development provides a sound base for spiritual advancement. Individually and collectively, the nation should achieve material prosperity and spiritual enlightenment. Everyone has a contribution to make. The Kendra worker is no exception. But, he has to understand that success is not to be achieved at any cost by any means. Understanding of Purusharthas makes him realise that Dharma should be the basis to achieve success and excellence. This is essential to remember, because, in the globalised world in which we live where cut-throat competition is the law, Dharma is the casualty. One grows at the expenses of the other elbowing the other out of existence. It is the law of the fish where the smaller fish is eaten by the bigger one. Purusharthas do not permit it. Each one has to succeed on the basis of his Swadharma in co-operation with his fellow beings, not by pulling them down, or devouring them. Nature has provided enough space for all to succeed by dint of hard work. There is enough space at the top for people to climb by strenuous effort in a manner which is absolutely Dharmic. Here the famous verse becomes relevant: “Heights by great men reached and kept; Were not attained by sudden flight; They while their companions slept; Were toiling upwards in the night”. Such dedicated and strenuous work in whichever field is called ‘Tapas’ in the Hindu vocabulary.
Each one should succeed, not for his or her own sake, but for the sake of the Mother. Mother wants success in every sphere, all-round success. It is true that Bharat’s greatness, distinction and special destiny is in the field of spirituality. She has to lead the world by giving the message of spiritual enlightenment. But then no one will listen to spiritual sermons unless and until the requisite qualifications are in possession. They are the credentials for acceptance. India is free since 60 years. She has made enviable progress in many ways. Her children have proved their worth by taking on threatening challenges and successfully facing menacing situations. But, there are many pit-falls and lacunae in the way we have progressed. The glaring omission of which we are guilty is that we have not taken care to evolve according to our own law of growth, our own Swadharma. We have been trying to ape other countries and cultures, neglecting and forgetting, even ridiculing our own. Had we been vigilant right from the time of our independence, we would have chosen the path of Purusharthas, both as individual and national ideal. Instead of going after foreign ideologies like socialism, communism or capitalism, we would have pursued the uniquely Bharatiya way of life based on the concept of “Chaturvidha Purusharthas” Purusharthas”. Any student of comparative philosophy will know that this is the only scientific way of building up a well balanced and purposeful social life – even personal life. Ours is the only society which has evolved a comprehensive and well integrated system for a happy and contented life for one and all. While others are continuously making experiments with defective systems, without a proper understanding of the ultimate truth and thereby creating instability, disturbance and conflict all-around, India has laid the foundation and fixed the goal for man to pursue that is the raison d’etre of our immortality. Independent India should have picked up the thread and marched forward by building up a society based on the concept of Purusharthas That is precisely what Swami Vivekananda meant by the Purusharthas. term ‘Nation-building’. As we know, the Kendra has taken up the task of “Man-making and Nation-building” accordingly. The challenge before us is to put into practice this grand vision. That is the Purushartha before us. That is our commitment not only for ourselves, but for all humanity-“Krunavanto Vishwam Aryam”. The goal that we have set before us is indeed very lofty and fascinating like the Himalayan peaks. The way to achieve it is through the pursuit of Purusharthas There is no beaten Purusharthas. track for us to follow. The highways laid down by our ancestors have been covered over by wild growths. Times have changed beyond recognition. New patterns and paradigms have evolved over the centuries. Old values have been forgotten and replaced by new and alien ones. Totally different imported values have caught the imagination of people. The challenge before us is how, under the radically different situation, to adopt the concept of Purusharthas and successfully apply the same for the creation of a model which will be relevant today. No individual or group of individuals, however competent, can achieve this mighty and challenging task. The secret of success lies in our understanding that only
through hard work by committed and competent workers over a period of time, can the change become possible. It is rightly said that in Kaliyuga, the key word for success is Organisation. Organisation is the cumulative effect of sustained effort made by dedicated workers with clarity of vision and well-defined goal. Each one has to devote time and energy in a systematic and disciplined manner with determination not to rest until the final goal is reached. In an organisation, there should be no shirker of responsibility. Pregnant words like “Bhishma Pratijna”, “Bhageeratha Prayatna”, “Sugreevajna” etc. are terminologies which stir us to the bottom and make us give our best to the great task we have gladly and willingly undertaken. That is the sense and essence of the term Purushar usharthas Purusharthas for a Kendra worker.
P. Parameswaran, President, Vivekananda Kendra.
Purushar usharthas Purusharthas is the name under which Vivekananda Kendra Samachar for 2006-07 appears. Mananeeya P. Parameswaranji, President, Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari, in his lead article, has succinctly described the four steps for man’s liberation, indicative, in a way, of Kendra’s action plan. Every one does follow his Swadharma, earns what he deserves for his labour, also shares it generally with others and finally reaches his ultimate goal. But “No individual . or group of individuals, however competent, can achieve this mighty and challenging task. The secret of success lies in our understanding that only through hard work by committed and competent workers over a period of time can the change become possible. Organization is the cumulative effect of sustained effort made by dedicated workers with clarity of vision and well-defined goal. Each one has to devote time and energy in a systematic and disciplined manner with determination not to rest until the final goal is reached. …. That is the sense and essence of the term Purusharthas for a Kendra worker.
Now, the details of Vivekananda Kendra’s activities and programmes during the year are as follows:
The highlights of the year were: Vivekananda Kendra Rural Development Programmes in Tamil Nadu have completed 25 years. Five of our Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalayas in Amliang, Niausa, Shergaon and Sunpura in Arunachal Pradesh and Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu) have completed 25 years of their useful service. Two hostel blocks of buildings, one each at Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya, Balijan and Shergaon (Arunachal Pradesh), have been constructed with donations from the well-wishers. Bhoomi Puja was performed on a plot of land for Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya, Nirjuli (Arunachal Pradesh).
Kum. Nyabi Kamdek of Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya, Nirjuli, scored the highest marks amongst the students of Arunachal Pradesh in Class X 2006 examination. Sri S.N.S. Reddy, Principal, Tafrogam, received CBSE Teacher’s award for his contribution in the field of teaching. .
A team of 39 students of Classes VI to X from different Government and Private Schools in Arunachal Pradesh devoted a whole month of their vacation for purposeful social work in remote villages. Two ‘Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas’ have been started for 100 school drop-outs in Lajo and Seppa situated in educationally backward areas of Arunachal Pradesh.
The Confederation of NGOs of Rural India awarded Sri G. Vasudeo, Secretary, VK-NARDEP, the certificate ‘Servants of the poor’.
The details of activities and programmes during the year are furnished below :
Visitors to
WanderArise, Vivekananda Gramodaya Gangotri Awake ing Monk Rock Park Exhibition Memorial Exhibition Exhibition 14,00,572 7,435 12,680 13,978 10,039 Lodge 1,67,194 Cottage Dispensary 1,881 18,012
Twelve eye care camps were held in which 2,253 persons were screened of whom 416 were sent to Arvind Eye Hospital, Tirunelveli, for removal of cataract free of cost. Blood of 388 persons was tested and they were rendered necessary medical advice. The camps were sponsored by Tamil Nadu Mercantile Bank, Agasteeswaram, Madavarayar Balar Palli Mantram, Indian Bank, Canara Bank, State Bank of Travancore,
all at Kanyakumari, Sri Narayanan and family, Parvathipuram, LIC of India, National Insurance Co., Sudarshan Book Stall, all at Nagercoil, SRK Contractors, Chennai and Sri Arvind Margaret, U.K., Smt. E.Y.L. Padmini through her Eyunnie Medical Trust, Puducherry contributed a sizable quantity of general medicines and Messrs. G.B.K. Trust, Mumbai, as in earlier years, multivitamin tablets for use in our medical centers.
Kendra’s Kendra’s All India Adhikari Baithak was held at Bhopal on 31 August and 1 September 2007 in which 84 Adhikaris participated. The highlights of the same are Yoga Core Vivekananda are : The Family is the basic unit of Man-making, Yoga – the Core of Vivekananda Kendra – Rashtra Dharma Aradhana, Discussions on Vistar and Dhridhikaran, taking the Yoga to the masses. Yoga
The following organizations availed of the Lodging facilities for their conferences and meetings at Vivekanandapuram:
Sl.No. Period
Organisation
No. of persons 70 300 1,200 200 300 1,000 400 350 268 240
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
13.5.06-29.5.06 21.4.06-24.04.06 28.6.06-28.7.06 6.9.06-7.9.06 15.9.06-18.9.06 12.1.07 13.1.07-14.1.07 2.2.07-9.2.07 26.2.07-27.2.07 28.2.07-12.3.07
RMKV Textiles, Tirunelveli Tennis & Cricket Ball Association, Chennai Brahma Kumaris, Chennai Gujrat Samaj, Shenkottai Upanishad Siddhanta Acharya Peetam, Kakinada BWDA Women’s Development, Kollanvilai Dakshin Gujrat Mandal, Kochi Mata Amritananda Seva Samiti JRC Nagercoil Education District RMKV Textiles. Tirunelveli
The following were some of the VIPs who visited Vivekananda Rock Memorial: Sl. No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Date of visit 04 May 2006 10 Sep 2006 12 Sep 2006 22 Sep 2006 03 Jan 2007 06 Jan 2007 22 Jan 2007 03 Mar 2007 25 Mar 2007 Name Sri Monick Sarkar, Chief Minister of Tripura. Sri Jag Mohan Singh Kang, Minister for Tourism, Punjab. Sri Prithiviraj Chowhan, Minister, New Delhi. Dr. A.P.J. President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, President of India. Ms. Najma Heptulla, M.P. New Delhi. Sri Jagdesh Deva, Minister for Labour, Madhya Pradesh. Sri Raj Nath Singh, President, Akhil Bharat Janata Party. Kum (Dr.) Swarna,. Collector, Nagercoil. Sri R.L. Bhatia, Governor of Kerala.
8 February 2007 “I visited along with my family members, Vivekananda Rock Memorial on 2 February 2007 and I must put it on record that by seeing the overall arrangements/cleanliness and the holiness of the place you are maintaining, you and all at Vivekananda Kendra deserve compliments.
The work, which you are carrying out at Vivekananda Rock Memorial, needs to be backed by huge financial support. Considering this fact, as one of the responsible citizens of India, I wish to donate a small sum of Rs.51,000 for the maintenance and to preserve this Heritage property in memory of my father late Sri S.W. Kalvit”. Arvind Yamuna Nagar, Arvind S. Kalvit, 501, Yamuna Nagar, Sec.21, Nigdi, Pune, 411 044
The details of Patrons as on 31.3.2007 are : Category Patrons as on 1.4.06 22,750 8,530 3,988 Patrons during 4/06 - 3/07 927 3,527 92 Patrons Total Patrons on 31.3.2007 23,677 88,557 4,080
1. Annual Donating Patrons 2. Lump-sum Patrons 3. Perpetual Patrons
Shibirs & Spiritual Retreats at Vivekanandapuram
Sl.No. Month
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Apr-May 06 May 06 May 06 Jun 06 Oct 06 Dec 06 Dec 06 Feb 06 Aug 07
No Particulars
1 1 2 1 2 2 1 2 1 Acharya Prashikshan Shibir Samskar Varga Prashikshan Shibir Yoga Shiksha Shibir Karyakarta Prashikshan Shibir Spiritual Retreat Yoga Shiksha Shibir Vanaprasthi Karyakarta Prashikshan Shibir Spiritual Retreat Spiritual Retreat
Participants
110 400 44 24 89 51 31 57 100
A good rapport has been built with Kudankulam Atomic Power Project, Indian Space Research Organisation, Thiruvananthapuram, Tamil Nadu Mercantile Bank, Nagercoil and many other institutions as many of their officials attended our Yoga Shibirs or Satras. A demonstration cum lecture on Yoga was also organized at Kudankulam. Now the Russian scientists working there have also evinced interest in Yoga. The Kudankulam Atomic Power Project extended its hospitality to the students of some Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalayas of Arunachal Pradesh when they visited them during their tour to Kanyakumari. Similarly, ISRO, Thiruvananthapuram, also extended all facilities to see their installations. This may appear as a routine public relation exercise but its impact on the children coming from far off places is terrific. Sanskar Vargas functioned at 3 places in Kanyakumari. During Samartha Bharat Parva celebrations, exhibitions were organized in two colleges and about 5,000 students and the general public visited them.
All the office-bearers visited different projects and branch centers and guided the Karyakartas and also addressed the general public on the important Utsav days.
Libraries
The Library at Vivekanandapuram continued to attract students pursuing higher studies. The one at Kanyakumari is made use of by the local public and visiting tourists.
Rural Development Programme
Vivekananda Kendra Rural Development Programme is celebrating its 25th year. Vivekananda Kendra after training its earliest batches of Jeevanvratis started a Balwadi (now a higher secondary school) at Vivekanandapuram and a few Sanskar Vargas in villages surrounding Kanyakumari. Later a dispensary with a medical van provided elementary care to the villagers. These formed the nucleus for the later rural welfare programmes.
In 1982 a social upheaval erupted in
Tirunelveli district threatening to cause great danger to the society. There was a fear that it could spread unless corrective steps were taken quickly. Vivekananda Kendra stepped in and many public-spirited people and philanthropists encouraged it to provide not only immediate relief to the victims but also to undertake long-range programmes. Thus commenced Vivekananda Kendra Rural Development Programmes in 1982. First an extensive survey of the southernmost districts of Tamil Nadu, viz., Kanyakumari, the then Tirunelveli and Ramanathapuram was made to assess the social, cultural and economic needs and suitable personnel were selected and trained to undertake various programmes. Soon, Balwadis, Sanskar Vargas, cultural and human resources development activities, women’s awareness camps combined with Deepa Pujas, vocational training schools for girls and medical centers and eye-care camps, monetary and material assistance to senior citizens etc were started one after another. These had an electrifying effect of restoring the lost confidence of the people. The general public welcomed these and extended all support and cooperation. Social Welfare Department, many well-wishers and HelpAge India sponsored specified
programmes and Arvind Eye Hospital, Tirunelveli collaborated in the eye camps. The young Balwadi women teachers and social workers, by sheer dint of their hard and sustained efforts, established a reputation for the Kendra and themselves in the districts of Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Virudhunagar, Thoothukudi and Ramanathapuram. The teachers of Balwadis are treated with great courtesy and the villagers extend them all help when necessary. The parents and teachers encourage and coach their children to participate in the competitions held for students at different levels to promote patriotism, respect for our spiritual values and creativity. We feel humbled and elated simultaneously when large number of people of different walks of life and social scale attend all the functions, without any distinction. A great achievement by any standard! When its Rural Development Programmes are celebrating the completing of 25 years of purposeful activities, Vivekananda Kendra thanks and prays for the welfare of all those who have joined their hands with it and toiled to achieve such a social harmony to strengthen the society as a single entity.
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.
The following were the regular activities during the year:
Programmes
Number of places 18 191 75
Number of persons 650 6,609 356 2,026
Yoga Vargas & Satras Sanskar Vargas Swadhyaya Vargas Balwadis Essay-writing competitions for: Students of +2 level from 137 schools Students from 108 collegesProfessors & teachers
4,295 13,853 56
Other Competitions for students Camps for children Camps for +2 students from 75 schools Camps for students from 72 colleges Medical Centers Eye Camps (screened: 9,311 patients) Medical aid Educational aid Marriage aid to poor girls Girls’ Vocational Training Centers Deepa Pujas Collection of cereals under Amudha Surabhi Scheme Collection of cereals etc under Anna Puja Adopt-A-Granny Scheme Celebration of Utsavs attended by Sale of books & other items valued at Books including reprints brought out
142 2 3 14 51
26,777 764 189 327 38,767 Operated: 2,082 613 57 3
5 269
112 23,883 Kgs.10,000 Kgs. 30,479 65 29,500 Rs.15,09,000
9
BRANCH CENTERS
Vivekananda Kendra has branches spread all over India. The project centers also double as branch centers. All the branch centers conducted the prescribed programmes and celebrated Guru Purnima, Universal Brotherhood Day, Sadhana Divas, Gita Jayanti and Samarth Bharat Parva. Many leading lights addressed the invitees. The office-bearers also attended these functions if they were on visit and their presence greatly encouraged the local Karyakartas.
ASSAM
There are 11 branch centers. Work is organized in 6 Vibhag. WALL MAGAZINE COMPETITION Wall Magazine competition was organized. From 13 Districts, 68 colleges came in contact. 1200 participants took part. A 3-day Residential Youth camp was organised in Ocotber 2006 For the winners of Wall magazine competition, in Guwahati, 457 participants and 63 karyakartas took part in it. In the inaugural programme Sri.Sammujal Bhattacharya Secretary, N.E. Students Union was present and Ma. Dipok Kr. Borthakur, Anchal Pramukh welcomed the Youth. Sri D N Bezbaruah, Dr. Sanjib Kr. Borkakoty and Sri. Rajiv Dixit came to guide the youth. SURY SAMUHIK SURYA NAMASKAR - VK Chabua conducted the Samuhik Surya Namaskar Karyakrama on 3rd of March 2006. 1290 students took part. 16 schools were contacted and 4500 students were trained by 40 karyakartas. ANANDALAY ANANDALAYA - In tea garden area we run 21 ANANDALAYAs – a non-formal education, daily 2 and ½ hour activity for the age group of 10 to 14. In 3 vistars we are running this activity. Along with this, all other Kendra activities are going on smoothly. 1. Acharya Prashikshan was organized for 30 acharyas during 21 –28 May 2006. 2. P D C was organized for 39 tea-garden students.
ANDHRA PRADESH
Hyderabad The three activity centers in Ameerpet, SBH Colony, Gaddiannaram and Tulja Bhawan functioned well. A total number of 92 short-term courses in Yogasana, Pranayama, and Meditation, Spoken English, Music, Swadhyaya, Samskar Vargas etc., and functions on five important days etc were attended by 2,778 persons. The students of Classes VII and X regularly attended the free coaching classes conducted for them.
VK NRL Hospital: (Khatkhati- Assam Khatkhati- Assam) Vivekananda Kendra Women Welfare Project is specially for the rural girls. Here every year 40-50 girls are trained mainly in weaving. They are also trained in fruit processing, tailoring, marshal art, yoga etc. Those who do not know reading,writing, they are trained in that also. At present 50 girls are getting training.
3. 10 days Training of food processing was organized for 8 tea-garden sisters. Bhajan sandhya training was organized in which 15 sisters participated. Samartha bharat parva was observed by daily Bhajan sandya programme. SAMARTHA BHARAT PAR ARV SAMARTHA BHARAT PARVA - Daily Swadhyaya Varga for 19 days was organized at VK Golaghat, On 12 Jan. along with public program BHARATMATA PUJAN was done. 108 karyakartas and well-wishers were present on the occasion. At Dhemaji Daily Bharatmata Pujan was done at 5 public places. Dibrugarh and Sivasagar and Lakhimpur branch centers had daily Bhajan sandhya.
tailoring, computer and spoken English coaching classes which benefited the youth and housewives from the nearby areas. On the occasion of inauguration of the newly constructed tailoring block, 108 devotees performed a Samuhik Deepa Puja on 22nd December. Lectures by Sri Raghuchandra Guruji of Patanjali Yoga Ashram, Sri Agadruppa of Hindu Jagran Manch, Cultural programmes by 250 students from 12 Samskar Vargas and Competitions for 184 students from 16 institutions were some of the events during the Samarth Bharat Parva. Prof. H. B. Harishkumar and Sri Rajeshwar Shivacharya Swamiji of Rajapura Math were honoured guests. Dr. Rajan Sharma of Kumar Organics started a medical centre and treated the needy patients once in a week.
Mangalore The following were some of the programmes organized by this fledgling center: 15 Yoga Shibirs, and a course of Pranayama and another on Stress Management. Samskar Vargas at 8 different places in Mangalore for 600 persons. 4 non-formal education centers at Jalligudde, Kavoor, Chillimbi and Tokkottu for 85 children. 2 tuition centers for the poor children and a library. Essay writing competitions on Indian Culture for 800 students from 25 schools and 2 colleges. 3 Inter-School Cultural Competitions for 487 students from 18 Schools.
GUJARAT GUJARAT
Ahmedabad Nine Yoga Satras with moderate attendance, distribution of 650 copies of Gita Sandesh to educational institutions, a Yuva Shibir for 32 youths and celebrations of the prescribed five important Utsavs were the events here. Students (960) from many schools and colleges appeared for an essay writing competition based on the teachings of Swamji and the winners received certificates. Visiting students from Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalayas presented a beautiful variety programme about the culture of North East region during Samarth Bharat Parva celebrations before a gathering of 50 people.
KARNAT KARNATAKA
Kallabalu (Bangalore) The Skill Training Project conducted
3 Personality Development camps for 96 children. A medical camp with the help of Dr. R. M. Shenoy at Chillimbi Gudde for 62 patients. Competitions for students, skits by them, Arise, Awake exhibition during Samartha Bharat Parva, were some of the events in all the Utsavs. About 10,000 people attended these events. Prominent citizens attended many these programmes and addressed the gathering. 57 families participated in the Amudha Surabhi and their contributions were utilized to provide evening mini-meals to the children of non-formal schools.
who in turn taught the students in all schools to perform Surya Namaskar with precision. There was wide coverage in print and electronic media. A Youth Shibir was also held for 92 selected students. Gwalior Dhyan Satras and Yoga Satras during the year attracted 250 participants. About 200 ladies attended a Deepa Puja and 2,650 students for personality development camps. A Quiz and question and answer programmes based on the life of Swamiji and his rousing call to the youth were held for 14,000 school and college students. On the Gita Jayanthi day, Dr. Michel Danino made an audio-visual presentation on the ‘Recent Findings on Indian Civilization’ before 100 teachers and Karyakartas. Harda
MADHYA PRADESH MADHYA
Bhind & Morena In a Quiz and question and answer test based on the teachings of Swamiji and his rousing call to the youth, 1500 students took part. Bhopal More than 57 lakhs of students took part in a massive Samuhik Surya Namaskar programme under the sponsorship of the Madhya Pradesh Education Department, on the auspicious Rath Saptami day (25 January) all over the State. Sri Shivraj Singh Chauhan, Chief Minister was the chief guest at the main function in Bhopal. The Karyakartas of the Kendra worked hard to train 700 teachers Yoga Satra for 90 persons and competitions based on Swamiji for 300 students were the chief events here. Indore Personality development camps for 543 students were held. Smt.Bina Nagpal, wellknown writer and Sri S. S. Tomar, Dean, Agricultural College, were amongst the other distinguished guests at the valedictory function. The quiz based on Swamiji’s life attracted 3200 students. Jabalpur This centre has established contacts in 25
other towns through various activities and programmes. More than 600 students from 15 schools participated in quiz and question and answer competitions. A workshop to help students to write their examination without tension was conducted. Leading citizens and high officials were the chief guests in many functions held. Programme 1. Sanskar Vargas 2. Swadhyaya Vargas 3. Yoga Vargas & Satras 4. Guru Purnima 5. Universal Brotherhood Day 6. Sadhana Divas 7. Gita Jayanthi 8. Samartha Bharat Parva There were lectures by Swami Nikhileshwarananda, Sri Shivajirao Bhosale and Sri Bhalerao, a well-known orator and C.D. and slide show presentations during Samartha Bharat Parva at different places before large gatherings of the students and the general public were arranged.
MAHARASHTRA
There location of the branch centers in Maharashtra is listed elsewhere. The centers carried out all the Karya Paddhatis as prescribed and celebrated the prescribed Utsavs with enthusiasm. The statistical data relating to these are furnished below:
Number / Places 47 18 71 21 21 22 59
Participants 833 246 1,005 1,173 2,710 679 1,119 15,377
ORISSA
Yoga Satras at 10 places benefited 257 persons. There was moderate attendance at 7 Samskar Vargas, 15 Yoga Vargas and 15 Swadhyaya Vargas. Four Personality Development camps were attended by a total of 190 children. Forty-six students appeared in the essay writing competition and the best of them attended a camp specially held for them. All the five Utsavs with a total attendance of about 4,800 were celebrated with enthusiasm. Vivekananda Kendra has started a service
project – Vivekananda Kendra Utkal Seva Prakalpa in January 2007. Under this project, 24 Anandalayas manned by 18 trained youths, have been started in Keonjar, Deoband and Devagiri blocks of Keonjar district. A total of 840 students attended daily 2-hour programmes of non-formal education, learn hymns and patriotic songs and play games. The Anandalayas seem to have made a good impact as seen by the villagers’ enthusiasm in sending their children to them. A Homoeopathy dispensary worked for 213 days and treated 12,005 patients. An eye camp was also held which treated 70 persons. RAJASTHAN There are 4 Vibhags here covering 8 districts, viz., Ajmer, Bhilwara, Chitorgarh, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Nagaur, Rajasmand and Udaipur. The activities in all these were as under:
Programme
Samskar Vargas Swadhyaya Vargas Yoga Vargas & Satras (4 & 6) Guru Purnima Viswa Bandhutva Diwas Sadhana Diwas Gita Jayanthi Samartha Bharat Parva Essay competitions for school students Essay competition for college students Camps for the best of the above students Personality Development camps Other camps Sale of Publications & other items Mananeeya Nivedita Bhide, VicePresident, during her visit to Rajasthan, addressed a patrons’ meet at Jaipur, officers and union leaders of HMT workshop on ‘stress management’, and the elite at Ajmer on ‘Prabuddha and Samartha Bharat’ and 130 families at Bhilwara on ‘Ideal Hindu Grih’ .
Number
25 7 10 8 7 7 7 30 139 56 7 3 14
Participants
633 60 127 970 915 144 210 3,793 2,293 1,239 844 268 1,536
Value
Rs.1,78,232 in the patriotic and quiz competitions in connection with the celebration of 150th year of war of independence. In the essay writing competitions on Indian Culture, 153 students from 13 colleges took part. A total number of 800 persons attended the functions in connection with Guru Purnima, Universal Brotherhood Day, Sadhana Diwas etc. Shri Raghuraman, Reader in Tamil, AM Jain College, Shri R. Ramachandran, General Secretary, Samskrita Bharati and Dr. Lakshmi Narayani, Reader, Guru Nanak College were some of the prominent persons who participated in these events. Madurai Some of the main programmes here were: – A Yoga Satra for 29 persons. A 2-day residential personality perfection camp for 41 non-teaching staff of TVS Lakshmi Higher Secondary School.
TAMIL NADU
Chennai Yoga Satras were held in three places in which 600 persons were benefited. Yoga classes were also held for 15 staff members of KLA-TENCOR software firm and 25 staff members of Automotive Ancillary India (Private) Ltd. Samskara Vargas held at 3 places attracted 1,218 children. Forty-five students of IX - XII Standards attended Abhaya Pratishtha camp to learn how to face their public examination without tension. Two personality development camps were attended by 100 students and 75 participated
A cyclic meditation camp for 100 staff members of Arvind Eye Care Systems Hospital and a Motivation camp for its staff. A Personality Development camp for 33 children; a Yuva Prerana Shibir for 51 youths, and 3 Chintan Camps; and a residential personality development camp for 30 IX standard students of TVS Lakshmi Hr. Sec. School, Karupayoorani, Madurai. Cultural competitions for 400 students from 13 colleges. The best of them attended a 3-day residential camp. Swami Kamalatmananda of Sri Ramakrishna Math, Madurai, Shri R. Srinivasan, Director, TVS Schools, Sri Srinivasan of Swadeshi Academy Council, Sri Rajasekhar, Principal, Amrita Vidyalaya and Smt. Chitra Ramaswamy, Madurai Nagar Pramukh, were some of the VIPs who were the chief guests and main speakers at the annual functions.
seashore, bathed in the holy Gangasagar and offered worship at Kapil Muni temple. Four non-residential Vyaktitva Vikas Shibirs for a total of 160 students at Hotor, Howrah, Michael Nagar and Vivekananda Nagar. A five-day Purva Prant Karyakarta Prashikshan Shibir at Suri for 24 Karyakartas from Bhagalpur, Gaya, Kolkata and Suri. A 3-day Sanskar Varg Prashikshan Shibir at Suri for 46 students who had performed well in the Bharatiya Sanskriti Gyan Pariksha. All the prescribed Utsavs with varied programmes at different places of the Mahanagar.
The Secretary, Bharat Sevashram Sangh, Swami Advaitananda of Chinmaya Mission, Prof. Somnath Bhattacharya of Jadhavpur University, Dr. Arun Upadhyaya, Swami Vamanananda of Sri Ramakrishna Math, Baranagore, were a few of the important persons who participated in the programmes.
WEST BENGAL
Kolkata Mahanagar The following were some of the main events here: A 3-day residential Yuva Prerana Shibir for 15 children and 5 Karyakartas at Bharat Sevashram Sangh, Ganganagar. The participants performed Yogasanas on the
VIVEKANANDA KENDRA ALAY VIDYALA VIDYALAYAS
Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalayas in Andamans, Arunachal, Assam & Nagaland, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are listed below and the students’ performance in the Public Examinations were also good.
Him I call a Mahatman whose heart bleeds for the poor; otherwise he is a Duratman. -Swami Vivekananda
Details of Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalayas : Location 1. Andamans 2. Arunachal Pradesh 3. Assam & Nagaland 4. Karnataka 5. Tamil Nadu Number 9 23 165 1 2 Students 2,376 8,537 6,517 284 1,584 Teachers Other staff 102 36 336 165 407 115 17 3 66 17
Results in the Public Examinations, April 2006 :
X Standard/Matriculation
Appeared Passed 1st Class 105 16 30 35 34 19 17 42 9 31 36 24 19 27 24 51 110 44 73 41 9 75 12 103 16 30 35 34 19 17 42 9 31 36 24 19 27 24 51 110 44 73 41 9 73 11 68 11 28 34 29 15 13 41 8 17 23 22 11 25 17 30 71 43 71 32 5 60 9
School at
XII Standard
Appeared Passed 1st Class 47 23 24 9 11 36 45 63 21 44 3
Port Blair (Andamans) Amliang (Arunachal) Balijan Itanagar Jairampur Kharsang Kuporijo Nirjuli Oyan Roing Shergaon Seijosa Sunpura Tafrogam Yazali Bargolai (Assam) Dibrugarh Golaghat Tinsukia Umrangso Doyang (Nagaland) Kanyakumari Valliyoor
66 29 32 22 26 50 74 76 36 51 5
57 26 32 21 22 49 71 76 35 48 5
VIVEKANANDA KENDRA PRATISHTHAN PRATISHTHAN TRUST Vivekananda Kendra Pratishthan work is carried out through 211 branch centers all over India and with 170 Poornakalin Karyakartas. The main work of this trust is to mobilize the manpower through Sampark, advertisement, various Shibirs and also mobilize funds. It also takes care of the training part of Poornakalin Karyakartas including Jeevan vrati, Shiksharthis, Seva vrati, Vanaprasthis and their placement in various branch centers and giving specific responsibility. During the above mentioned period 1 0 1 people enquired about Poornakalin Karyakarta scheme. Bio-data forms were sent to 55 of them. 23 were
interviewed in various places by our Adhikaris. 17 were selected out of which 10 joined. Kendra Shiksha Shibir – 19th April to 22nd August 2007 was conducted for 13 Shiksharthis. They were posted to different places for the further training in the field. Vanaprasthi Karyakarta Prashikshan Shibir, SamskarVarga Prashikshan Shibir, Karyakarta Prashikshan Shibir are being conducted every year and Kendra Shiksha Shibir, Kendra Abhyas Shibir are being conducted every alternate year. For mobilizing moneypower for maintenance of Poornakalin Karyakartas, Patron scheme is there, about which you all know.
The details of Patrons during the period :
Type
Annual Donating Patron Lump-sum Donating Patron Perpetual Donating Patron Total Renewal/Enhancement Grand Total
No.
1493 3786 99 5378 9037 14415
Amount
Rs. 185781.00 2071992.00 557457.00 2815230.00 2965738.94 5780968.94
The only service to be done for our lower classes is to give them education, to develop their lost individuality.
Vivekananda -Swami Vivekananda
The Statement of Patrons’ beginning from 01.01.1973 to 31.07.2007:
Type
AD LD PP Total Renewal\Enhancement Grand Total
No.
24563 89795 4124 118482 27163 145645
Amount
Rs.
2014911.00 27660307.17 12506767.22 42181985. 39 9685069.07 51867054.46
Apart from this, All India Level Spiritual Retreats and Yoga Shiksha Shibirs were conducted at Kanyakumari from September 2006 to August 2007. Two Yoga Shiksha Shibirs and Three Spiritual Retreats were conducted.
organized by Indian Naval Command based here. Similarly they won many prizes in the quiz organized by Naval Women’s Welfare Association, in Vanamahotsava Quiz by the Forest Department and in the painting competition organized by Canara Bank. Sri Md. Salmon won the first prize in the State Level Photography Contest based on ‘Waste Management” organized by Port Blair Municipal Council & OXFAM, an NGO. The students, Sri Advitiya and Sri Ananya won both the State Junior and Senior Level Chess Championships. The school band troupe with another contingent of our students demonstrated their skill at the Republic Day Parade and later on the day of beating the retreat, they presented a skit based on ‘Vande Mataram’ in the presence of the Lt. Governor and many prominent citizens here and won their praise. Sri A. Balakrishnanji, Susri B. Nivedita, Sri D. Bhanudas, Dr. H.R. Sudarshan of
Vidyalayas, Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalayas, Andamans
Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya, Port Blair, has now at its entrance a newly constructed Vidya Vinayak Mandir. Its Kumbabhishekam was performed preceded by the Ramayan Path, on 7th and 8th November 2006. The students of Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya, Port Blair, participated almost in each and every inter-school competition in Andamans and won accolades. To name a few of their achievements: Kum. Supriya Nandi who was adjudged 1st at the State Level Children’s Science Congress represented Andaman and Nicobar Islands at the National Level Conference held at Sikkim. 1 prize in inter-school science quiz
st
Vivekananda Girijan Kalyan Kendra, B.R. Hills and Swami Advaitanandaji of Chinmaya Mission, Kolkata, addressed the students during their visits.
Two students of VKV, Nirjuli, brought great credit to it: Kum. Nyabi Kamdek passed in Class X CBSE examination 2006, scoring 93% marks (the highest for an Arunachalee student) and received Amul Shakti Shree, a national award for academic excellence. Sri Pradeep Kumar, Editor, Arunachal Times, while handing over the award to Kum. Nyabi, at Nirjuli said: “We journalists used to say that Arunachal is a “Noindustry State“, but I feel we are wrong. Here is an industry with 22 branches (alluding to VKVs) which converts the most valuable raw material – the children of Arunachal – to be the best human beings and citizens of this nation”. Her classmate Kum. Masanda Pertin who scored 92.3%, qualified in the 2006 National Talents Scholarship Competition to receive an annual scholarship till Ph.D. level. Sri S.N.S. Reddy, Principal, Tafrogam, received CBSE Teacher’s award for his contribution in the field of teaching. Sri S. Muralidharan and Sri K. Veluswamy, Principals, went to IIM, Ahmedabad and CBSE, New Delhi, respectively to attend training programmes. Messrs Broadways Counseling Services, Mumbai, conducted an aptitude test and career counseling for 282 students of X standard. Sri Vivek Pongshe and Sri Surendra Thakurdesai from Jnana Prabodhini, Pune, Dr. T.K.N. Pillai of Kendriya Sansthan (Hindi) and Dr.
Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalayas, Vidyalayas, Arunachal Pradesh
Of 8,417 students, 6,010 belong to 44 different tribes of Arunachal Pradesh and they received value education from the dedicated teachers drawn from the different States of India. A perfect example of unity in diversity and a process of national integration! Four Vidyalayas at Amliang, Niausa, Shergaon and Sunpura conducted many programmes to mark their 25 years of valuable service. VKV, Amliang conducted Amliang, Eknathji Football tournament as part of the celebration. Sri Newlai Tingkhatra, Minister for Environment & Forests, Sri Thangwang Wangham and Sri Thajam Aboh, MLAs of Arunachal, attended the celebrations at VKV, Niausa. Shergaon gaon, Niausa VKV, Shergaon organized the first inter-VKV Volleyball tournament. Sri R. Khirmey, MLA, and Sri T.K. Thongdok, a former MLA, were present. VKV, Sunpura’s Sunpura’s programmes included Mandakini Memorial Kho-Kho tournament for girls. Sri Chowna Mein, Minister for Education and Sri Prashant Lokhande, Deputy Commissioner, Lohit District attended the function. Many former students and the parents of all children expressed their solidarity with Vivekananda Kendra by attending these programmes in large numbers. The Band Troupes of Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalayas, Nirjuli, Tafrogam and Sunpura demonstrated their skills at many public functions.
Sampadananda of Aurobindo Ashram, Puducherry, were the resource persons at the Orientation camps for teachers. Two hostel blocks of buildings, one each at VKV, Balijan and Shergaon, were constructed with the generous donations from the well-wishers. A plot of land was purchased for VKV, Nirjuli and the Bhoomi Puja was performed in Nysihi traditions. Other events were: Gita chanting competitions for 650 students from all VKVs; Students’ Camp for 73 from 4 VKVs; Personality Development Camps for 691
students from 16 VKVs; Utsarg Samaroh for 475 Class X students from 18 schools; Prachodaya, a camp for 71 high achievers from 16 schools.
Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalayas, Vidyalayas, Assam & Nagaland
Sri Chandan Brahma, Minister, Government of Asom, inaugurated the 13th Vidyalaya under the Vivekananda Shiksha Prasar Vibhag, on 10 January 2007. The following were the extra-curricular activities in the Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalayas in Assam & Nagaland:
Event
1 Personality Development Camp 2. Utkarsha Shibir 3. Acharya Prashikshan Shibir 4. Theatre Workshop 5. Science Seminar & Exhibition 6. Srimanta Sankardev Natya Pratiyogita 7. Veenapani Lalit Kala Samaroha 8. Badminton Competition for 16 teachers 9. Bhagini Nivedita Elocution Competition
Participants
460 students of VI Standard from 5 VKVs. 28 Bhaiyas & 14 Ayah Didis. 79 teachers. 18 teachers. 54 students 10 VKVs VKV, Bokuloni won the first prize. 161 participants. Sri Rana Pratap & Kum. Baijayanti won 1st prizes. Sri O.P. Rai 1st out of 18 teachers from 12 Vidyalayas. 141 including Principals.
10. Palak Shibir for parents of students
Many senior government officers and public sector undertaking executives, renowned artists and a former student who won an international award were present in these events. Many persons were honoured at Veenapani Lalit Kala Samroah for their commendable contributions in the cultural field.
Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya, Vidyalaya, Kallabalu, Bangalore
A Science & Crafts Exhibition was held on World Science Day. The school children won many gold medals and certificates for their performance at the district and the State level competitions organized by other organizations. Kum. Aparna Palkar, Akhil Bharatiya Vyavastha Pramukh, released the school magazine, Narendra Vani on the occasion of Suvarna Karnataka celebrations. Prof M.R.Nagaraju, Sri Y.S.Mahadev, VicePresident, Jigani Industrialists Association and Managing Director, and Sri S. Divakar, Director, Megamiles Bearing Cups Private
Ltd, were some of the prominent visitors to attend the annual functions here.
chanting competitions of Chinmayananda Mission, three others in events of Sports Authority of Tamil Nadu, to mention a few.
Vivekananda Kendra Arun Jyoti Project Arun Jyoti Project of Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari is serving the people of Arunachal Pradesh through Panch Manch Vyavastha along with Kendra’s regular Karyapaddhatis. Till date it has covered nearly 100 villages of 10 Districts. New five Sevavratis have joined the Project this year. There are at present 142 Dayitvavan Karyakartas, 5 Jeevanvratis, 3 Shikshartis, 3 Vidyarti Karyakartas, 31 Sevavratis and 200 Honorary workers. During the year, five Karyakarta Prashikshan Shibirs at Sthanik level were held for 122 karyakartas and a Prant level Shibir for 44 karyakartas. Five karyakartas went for Rashtriya Level Shibir and 10 for Sanskar Varga Prashikshan Shibir at Kanyakumari. The following were the other activities: 17 Sanskar Vargas in 10 districts for 396 students. 3 Swadhyaya Vargas in 3 Districts with 34 Youths participating in them. 2 Yoga Vargas and 5 Yoga Satras for nearly 100 persons. 5 Utsavs (74 programmes) in which 11,261 took part. On Guru Purnima Day, the local priests and the students who passed in X Class examination creditably were felicitated.
Vidyalayas, Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalayas, Tamil Nadu
a, Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya Kanyakumari, Kanyakumari considered one of the premier higher secondary schools in the district completed 25 years. Many former students were looking for this and formed an Alumni Association in the beginning of the year and helped to celebrate the occasion in a befitting manner. A 3-day (10-12 January 2007) function was arranged. The students, past and present, exhibited their excellent team spirit and organizing skill in conducting all the events and the campus presented a pleasant festive atmosphere during these 3 days. The highlights were a procession of the students with the school band in attendance from Gandhi Mandapam to Vivekanandapuram, inter-school competitions, exhibitions in nearby villages and speeches by Lt. Cdr. S. Mohan of NCC, Sri Gopal Dhas, Forest Range Officer, Sri R. V. Perumal, Director, ISRO, Valiamala and many others. The concluding function was held on the auspicious Vivekananda Jayanthi Day. Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya, alliyoor, Valliyoor, is developing to be an excellent institution in the region by its consistently good performance. There is a good public support. A new block of 2 rooms and a large hall are being added. The laboratory facility has been further improved and books added to the library. Its students are regularly winning in competitions organized by other institutions. Three students won prizes in Gita
A Gujarat Yatra of 18 members of the Ignited Youth Forum during Samartha Bharat Parva to discover the commonalties between northeastern and western Bharat. Sales of Kendra Publications etc., amounting to Rs.7,25,454 and Vocational Training Center’s products amounting to Rs.1,34,455/Enrolment of 85 patrons and 84 subscribers for Kendra journals. The programmes under different Manchs were as under: PA 1. A N A U P A C H A R I K MANCH: SHIKSHA
Competitions were held in 20 schools in which 886 students took part. Two Sanskar Varga Prashikshan Shibirs were organized at Prant level for 95 participants. The highlight of the year was the response of a team of 39 Alpakalin karyakartas to the call of Prant Sangthak to devote their one-month vacation for the service to the people in villages. These 39 students of Class VI to X in 11 teams walked 5 to 15 kms. a day lugging their luggage to clusters of seven villages in each of 8 Districts where they conducted Personality Development Camps for village children and awareness programmes. These created a tremendous impact on the village folk and incidentally the Karyakartas also gained self-confidence to organize programmes. A more challenging project was starting of 2 ‘Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas’ for 100 school dropouts in Lajo and Seppa, which are educationally backward areas and where gender gap is very high. These students received vocational training besides literary education. SWASTHY SEVA ASTHYA 2. SWASTHYA SEVA MANCH: During the year, this unit’s 130 medical check-up camps and health awareness camps were conducted for 7896 patients in the remotest Bastis of Tirap and Changlang
In 88 Balwadis, 1739 students received basic education based on latest methods from 169 trained Balsevikas and 10 Prabandhikas guided by Sevavratis. A 2-day camp for Prabandhikas and a one-day meeting of Balsevika were regularly held every month. Parents’ meetings were held 12 times in which 231 parents took part. Three Prant level Balsevika Prashikshan Shibirs (one for new and two for old Balsevikas) were conducted for 172 Balsevikas. In 12 Anandalayas, 12 Acharyas and 3 Prabandhikas took care of 238 children. An Acharya Prashikshan Shibir was conducted and attended by 17 participants.
districts. Our camps have brought about diminishing incidents of scabies in Senua village of Longding Circle of Tirap, diarrhea in Niausa village of Tirap, and in Sohelaktong and Chinsa villages of Changlang District more pregnant women were taking iron tablets than earlier. An inspiring incident:-
candle making, jute articles, embroidery, decorative articles and food processing. Of 15 girls who joined the Vocational Training Center, Wakro, 4 have completed their training and the rest are continuing. Two of them have joined as Balsevikas. Of 29 girls who joined the Vocational Training Center, Seijosa, 13 completed their training, 2 have joined as Seva Vratis and 11 are in production units. Others are continuing their training. YUVA 4. YUVA MANCH: A 3-day Shibir was conducted to brief 18 college youths on the eve of their Gujarat Yatra. During the three days of Parashuram Kund Mela, 48 young Karyakartas worked day and night and won the praise of the pilgrims whom they helped to reach the Kund and return safely. MANCH: 5. SANSKRTIK MANCH Vivekananda Kendra has started the practice of sending Greeting Cards to people on the eve of Arunachali festivals. During the year under report, 27,800 cards were distributed during 13 such festivals. Rakshabandhan was celebrated as Mahasamparka Abhiyan and Rakhis and Greeting cards were sent to well-
Whenever our workers visited Yanman, a Basti, 16 km from Changlang, they found the small rural health centre closed. During a recent visit, they saw a different picture. The health centre was clean and the health assistant was also present. It appears that the villagers pointed out to him that when Kendra workers were coming every month regularly to serve them from long distance, why he (a local person) neglected his duty. If he could do nothing, he could at least keep the premises clean and assist them. Thus the good work of the Kendra Karyakartas
MANCH: 3. MAHILA MANCH A new non-residential Vocational Training Center was started in Wakka in the most interior circle headquarters near Myanmar border. Fifteen Mahila Jagriti Shibirs were conducted for 325 mothers of Balwadi children. Three special 7-day Residential Vocational Training Camps were conducted by Vocational Training Center, Dumporijo in which 101 village girls/ladies got training in
wishers and acquaintances in Arunachal and also to all the Arunachal Bandhus all over the Bharat. Through this Abhiyan, more than 55,000 persons were greeted. On invitation, Shri Rajeev Dixit, a well-known proponent of “Azadi Bachao Andolan” addressed 3 meetings - (1) For Engineers Association at Itanagar; (2) Students of Donyi Polo Government College, Kamba; and (3) Parents and Students of Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya, Oyan and members of Ignited Youth Forum, J.N. College Pasighat. These were attended by a total of 432 persons. He explained the motto Development Through Culture and how to stand on one’s own feet through indigenous techniques. A seminar on the topic “Traditional Culture and Faith of Nyishi – Change and Continuity” was organized under the combined banner of Vivekananda Kendra Institute of Culture and Nyishi Indigenous Faith and Culture Society at Itanagar. Nineteen papers were presented. There was an exhibition of traditional instruments, dresses, utensils, valuable artifacts and even animal traps. More than 300 people participated in the seminar and 500 witnessed the exhibition. Vivekananda Kendra Institute of Culture, Guwahati
importance of Satra institutions of Asom, the Institute organized a series of programmes of Satra Darshan at three centers in New Delhi, on 25, 26 and 27th November 2006. For the first time Satradhikars of 15 different institutions came together on a common platform to educate the people about the relevance of Srimant Sankardeo’s teachings of universal brotherhood. Swami Dayananda Saraswati, Gen. S.K. Sinha and many eminent scholars from Asom were present. The Institute conducted a seminar on 2 & 3 December at Guwahati on the traditional culture and faith of Nyishis. The Institute’s Arunachal Pradesh chapter conducted a 2day programme at Itanagar on 1 & 2 December to bring together a large number of ‘Nyishi’ community to deliberate on the various aspects of their social problems.
VK--Natural Resources Development Project A cost effective circular building with fly ash bricks and roofing channels was constructed for the Amudha Surabhi Trust under a project sponsored by the Department of Science & Technology. Eight houses and seven toilets were built in Agasteeswaram block in Kanyakumari district. A biogas manure users’ guide and reprints of three other titles in Tamil were published. The personnel of VK-NARDEP attended eight meetings convened by the Department of Science & Technology, Ministry of Rural Development, etc. The Confederation of NGOs of Rural India awarded to Sri G. Vasudeo, Secretary, VKNARDEP, the certificate ‘Servants of the
To commemorate a decade of its service and to apprise the people in general and particularly those of northeast, of the cultural
Poor’ and he received it from Dr. Raghuvansha Prasad Singh, Central Minister for Rural Development, at a function in New Sl. No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Delhi. The other regular activities were as under: Participants 34 430 605 813 754 76 138 1,400 Rs.90,000/-
Particulars of seminars/workshops Numbers Cost effective construction technology 2 Water management 6 Biogas manure & Vermi compost 5 Sustainable agriculture 21 Indian medical systems (Patients treated: 3367) 25 Sustainable development 3 Other camps 7 Functions/Jayanthis Sale of Publications
Vivekananda Kendra NRL Hospital, Numaligarh The fully equipped Vivekananda Kendra NRL Hospital, Numaligarh has been awarded the prestigious ISO certificate (ISO 9001 : 2000) Service 1. Outpatients 2. Inpatients 3. Operations 4. Radiology & ultra-sound 5. Pathology service 6. Medical camps 178 & Surveys 21 Vivekananda Kendra International, New Delhi On the auspicious day of Yugadi, the main entrance door to the building under construction was fixed after consecration and a Ganesha Puja in the presence of close wellwishers and Karyakartas. Mananeeya Nivedita requested the gathering to help to complete the third phase of Kendra successfully.
for providing outpatients and inpatients medical care in medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics, gynaecology and general surgery. The hospital has rendered medical services during 2006-07 as under: Beneficiaries 30,312 1,002 254 5,410 60,081 10,715 VK Prashikshan va Seva Prakalpa, Pimplad The hostel for economically deprived students benefited 25 children and about 1,000 persons per month received medical attention at the branch center and the mobile medical camps run by it in villages around Pimplad.
Ve Vi V i v e k a n a n d a K e n d r a Ve d i c V i s i o n Foundation, Kodungalloor
Two children’s camps, monthly Satsanghs, special puja to Vinayaka temple on the premises, celebration of Onam with 50 children at VKVVF and distribution of food packets to 40 families, dolls exhibition during Navaratri, a training camp for the staff of VKNARDEP, a youth convention coordinated by Sri S. Jayasooryan, advocate, from Palai, Speaker Dr Suvarna Nallapad Sri K.P.C. Anujan Bhattatripad Dr. Aravindakshan Swami Nirmalananda Giri Swami Purnananda Sri T.R. Somasekharan Sri Radhakrishnan Sri T.R. Ramanathan Sri K.R. Nambiar Smt. Rukmini Mukundan Dr. N. Gopalakrishnan Dr. Geeta Suaraj Sri T.S. Vijayan Tr Vivekananda Kendra Prakashan Trust The Trust besides bringing out much-inFrom Chennai Journal
attended by 300 young men and women as part of Samarth Bharat Parva were the main events. Smt. Radha Soman, retired Headmistress, Government Girls’ High School, addressed the children of Sandeepani Shishuvihar during its annual day celebrations. Many scholars delivered lectures as under: Subject of Lecture Isavasopanishad Taitriyopanishad Kaivalyopanishad Kathopanishad Mundakopanishad Mandukyopanishad Ramayana Devi Mahatyamam Bhagawat Gita Conducted classes on Narayaneeyam Value based education Pindanandi a composition of Sri Narayana Guru Anushthanas demand calendars, diaries, greeting cards, etc., publishes the following popular journals: Language English English Tamil Hindi Marathi Gujarati Asomiya & English Malayalam Periodicity Half-yearly Monthly Monthly Monthly Monthly Quarterly Quarterly Bi-monthly
Vivekananda Kendra Patrika Yuva Bharati Viveka Vani Jodhpur Kendra Bharati Pune Vivek Vichar Palitana Vivek Sudha Guwahati Jagriti Kodungalloor Vishva Bhanu
The Trust brought out reprints of 32 titles in different languages and the following 8 new publications:
English: 1) Expressions of Christianity. 2) O India! Wake up! 3) Pranayama. 4) Story of Rock Memorial. 5) Yoga. Tamil 6) Karma Yoga 7) Niraivana Vazhkaiyai Nokki. 8) Surungathey, Virivagu.
Shraddhanjali Vivekananda Kendra regrets at the demise of the following persons who were a source of great strength to the Hindu society and places on record its appreciation of their contribution: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Sri S. Sampathkumar, Chennai, Managing Committee Member. Sri S.C. Bhandari, Jodhpur, General Body Member. Swami Gokulananda, Sri Ramakrishna Math, New Delhi. Swami Satyananda Saraswati, Sri Ramdas Mission, Chengotaikonam, Trivandrum. Shri Chanderbal Balajee, Shimla, Kendra well-wisher.
India has given to antiquity the earliest scientifical physicians, and, according to Sir William Hunter, she has even contributed to modern medical science by the discovery of various chemicals and by teaching you how to reform misshapen ears and noses. Even more it has done in mathematics, for algebra, geometry, astronomy, and the triumph of modern science —mixed mathematics —were all invented in India, just so much as the ten numerals, the very cornerstone of all present civilization, were discovered in India, and are in reality, Sanskrit words. -Swami Vivekananda
AN APPEAL Vivekananda Kendra’s all programmes and activities are carried out with the help and goodwill of its well-wishers. To continue these and extend them to new areas and fields, it needs unlimited support and resources. One can associate with its sublime nation building programmes through any one of the following methods: 1. If you are young, unencumbered, in good health, preferably a graduate or at least have passed XII Standard or a diploma holder in any trade with an urge trade, to serve the society in any part of our motherland, you can join Vivekananda Kendra as a Seva Vrati. Vivekananda Kendra offers life-long security to meet your basic needs so that you can devote yourself fully to the work assigned without any worry about your future. 2. If you have retired from any service and in good health, within the age of 60 years and willing to serve anywhere in India either full-time or part-time, for a reasonable period, you may please contact the General Secretary with particulars of your credentials. 3. If you are young, healthy and with degrees to teach in CBSE syllabus schools located in remote areas in Andamans, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, or else in the country, you may write with your bio-data, to the General Secretary. citizen, 4. As a socially-conscious citizen you can motivate and recommend to suitable youths of your acquaintance to attend camps organized by Vivekananda Kendra or patronize its journals, publications, and diaries, etc., listed elsewhere in this issue. philanthropist supporting more You can be a philanthropist by supporting any one or more of the following: Programme Contribution
A Seminar Rs. 2 lakhs Arun Jyoti activities for a month Rs.2 lakhs Higher education of an Arunachalee student Rs.50,000 A Medical Camp Rs.50,000 An Anandalaya for non-formal education of children Rs.50,000 A Symposium Rs.50,000 National Integration Camp Rs.25,000 Maintenance of a social worker for a year Rs.20,000 General donation or contribution for a specific purpose According to your choice
All contributions to Vivekananda Kendra are exempt under Section 80GA of the Income Tax Act and may be remitted in favour of Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari, 629 702, by bank drafts/cheques, on State Bank of India, Vivekanandapuram Branch at Kanyakumari or through ICICI Bank account.
WHERE TO STAY IN KANYAKUMARI?
This question arises in the minds of the first time visitors to this holy place. Vivekanandapuram, where the headquarters of Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari, is located in a 100-acre campus, two kms from the railway station. It has all facilities for a comfortable stay, i.e., good accommodation, a clean canteen, a free bus service to Kanyakumari township and back at regular intervals, a branch of State Bank of India, Post Office, Telephone booth, a library-cum-reading room, a part-time dispensary, and a Green Health Home offering Siddha medicines twice a week. The inspiring Gangotri exhibition on the life and achievements of Sri Eknathji Ranade, the thought-provoking Vivekananda Pictorial Exhibition, Gramodhaya Park with demonstration models of rural technologies and a herbal nursery, Vivekananda Mantapam with an imposing statue of Swamiji, Sri Eknathji’s Samadhi and a well-laid out garden on the way to the beach from where one can watch the Sun rise and its rays setting aglow Vivekananda Rock Memorial in mid-sea. The tariff per day for the different types of accommodation is as under: Accommodation with attached bathrooms AC cottage with 2 double-bedded rooms AC double bedded room Deluxe 4-bedded room Deluxe 3-bedded room Four bedded room Double bedded room 4-bedded room in Annexe 3-bedded room Large hall with carpets & pillows Large hall Small hall without beds Hall with 6 beds Dormitory with locker – Single bed Rate per day Charges for additional person Rs.100/-doRs.15/-do-do-doRs.10/Rs.5/-do-do-do-doN.A.
Rs.2,000/- + tax Rs.500/- + tax Rs.350/- + tax Rs.300/- + tax Rs.250/- + tax Rs.150/Rs.180/Rs.45/Rs.300/- + tax Rs.250/-+ tax Rs.120/Rs.100/Rs.15/-
For Reservation and other details, please contact: Campus-in-charge, Vivekanandapuram, V ivekananda Kendra, V ivekanandapuram, Kanyakumari, 629 702. Phone: (04652) 246 250 E-mail: <[email protected]>
Retreats Yoga Shibirs and Spiritual Retreats Vivekananda Kendra conducts every year 7-day Spiritual Retreats and 15-day Yoga Shiksha Shibirs in May and December in both Hindi and English mediums. The response for these has been good as seen from the feedback received from the participants and many of them have attended the courses again. The details are as under: KANYAKUMARI VIVEKANANDA KENDRA - KANYAKUMARI SHIBIR CALENDAR - 2008
NAME OF THE SHIBIR Spiritual Retreat (English) Spiritual Retreat (Hindi) Yoga Shiksha Shibir (English) Yoga Shiksha Shibir (Hindi) Spiritual Retreat (English) Spiritual Retreat (Hindi) Yoga Shiksha Shibir (English) Yoga Shiksha Shibir (Hindi)
DATES DATES 07th - 13th Feb. 07th - 13th Feb. 05th - 19th May 05th - 19th May 07th - 13th Aug. 07th - 13th Aug. 1st - 15th Dec. 1st - 15th Dec.
AGE 40 + 40 + 18+ 18+ 40+ 40+ 18+ 18+
DONATION CAMP DONATION Rs. 1000/Rs. 1000/Rs. 1500/Rs. 1500/Rs. 1000/Rs. 1000/Rs. 1500/Rs. 1500/-
For further details: E-mail: [email protected] / Fax: 04652-247177 / Phone:247012. Vivekananda Kendra, Vivekanandapuram, Kanyakumari - 629 702. www.vkendra.org www.vkendra.or .vkendra.org
OUR BRANCH CENTERS :
State
1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands 2. Andhra Pradesh 3. Arunachal Pradesh
Branch Centers
Basantipur, Diglipur, Hut Bay, Kadamtala, Pahalgaon, Port Blair, Chowldari, Ranghat. Hyderabad. VKVs at Amliang, Balijan, Banderdewa, Itanagar, Jairampur, Jirdin, Kharsang, Koloriang, Kuporijo, Liromoba, Niausa, Nirjuli, Nivedita Vihar, Oyan, Roing, Seijosa, Sher, Shergaon, Sunpura, Tafrogam, Yazali, Ziro. VKVAP Trust DibrugarhVK Arun Jyoti Project at: Along, Bordumsa, Changlang, Daporijo, Deomali, Doimukh, Dumporijo, Itanagar, Kharsang, Khonsa, Mebo, Pasighat, Roing, Seijosa, Seppa, Tezu, Wakro, Ziro.
4. Assam
Bokakhat, Dhemaji, Dibrugarh, Golaghat, Guwahati, VKIC., Guwahati, Jorhat, Khatkhoti, Lakhmipur, Lumding, VKNRL Hospital, Numaligarh, Sibsagar, Tezpur, Tinsukia.VKVs at Bargolai, Bokoloni, Dhemaji, Dibrugarh, Kajalgaon, Majuli, Golaghat, Nalbari, Silchar, Tingrai, Tinsukia, Umrongso.
5. Bihar 6. Delhi Mahanagar 7. Gujarat
Bhagalpur, Gaya, Munger. Dwaraka, Dakshin Delhi, Paschim Delhi, Poorva Delhi, Uttar Delhi, VK International. Ahmedabad, Ankleshwar, Bharuch, Bhavnagar, Dharmaj, Junagarh, Kadi, Palitana, Porbandar, Rajkot, Savarkundala, Surat, Vadodara,Veraval. Panaji, Vasco. Kangra, Shimla. Jammu, Nagdandi Ashram. Jamshedpur.
8. Goa 9. Himachal Pradesh 10. Jammu and Kashmir 11. Jharkhand
12. Karnataka
Bangalore, Belgaum, Kalburgi, Kallabalu (Bangalore), Mandya, Mysore.
13. Kerala 14. Madhya Pradesh
Kodungalloor, Thiruvananthapuram . Bhander, Bhind, Bhopal, Dhar, Harda, Gwalior, Indore, Jabalpur, Jhansi, Morena. Mumbai Nagar Vibhag: Ambarnath, Badarapur, Dadar, Dombivli, Vashi, Thane; Nasik Nagar Vibhag:: Aurangabad, Jalgaon, Jalana, Malegaon, Nasik, Parbhani; Pune Nagar Vibhag: Chinchwad, Dharashiv, Karmala, Kothapur, Pune, Satar, Solapur, Wai; Vidharbha Vibhag: Amaravati, Bhandara, Chandrapur, Nagpur, Yeotmal VKV, Doyang. Balasore, Baripada, Betnoti, Brahmapur, Bhubaneswar, Keonjhar, Kusupur. Ajmer, Beawar, Bhilwara, Dungarpur, Jaipur, VK Hindi Prakashan Vibhag, Jodhpur, Kota, Rajasamand, Shahpura, Udaipur. Chennai, VK Prakashan Trust, Chennai,
15. Maharashtra
16. Nagaland 17. Orissa 18. Rajasthan
19. Tamil Nadu Tamil
Kanyakumari, VK-NARDEP, Kalluvilai, VK Vidyalaya-Kanyakumari; Madurai, Thoothukudi, Valliyoor, VK VidyalayaValliyoor; VK Rural Development Programmes - Kanyakumari, Karankadu, Kovilpatti, Paramakudi, Rameshwaram, Sattur, Thoothukudi.
West 20. West Bengal
Kolkata, Rampur Hat, Suri.
Sethu Samudram Project
Resolution passed by the All India General Body of Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari, in its meeting held at Chennai on Sunday the 15th April 2007 . The All India General Body of Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari, by a resolution voices its strongest protest against the proposed Sethu Samudram Project for the reason that it is impracticable, unwanted and a security risk, political project hurting Hindu sentiments. The General Body of the Vivekananda Kendra, which met at Chennai on Sunday the15th April 2007, discussed the nature and ramifications of the project. The General Body, after deep deliberations, has felt that the fears and concerned expressed by various knowledgeable persons and organizations about the ongoing RAMA SETHU project is well founded and based on irrefutable facts. The proposed project will destroy the most ancient Hindu relic of Heritage – the RAMA SETHU – linking Sri Lanka and Rameshwaram, traditionally believed by all Hindus to have been built by LORD SRI RAMA and hence accepted to be a matter of National Pride. At a time when the whole world is becoming more and more aware of the need for preserving their ancient heritage and even the UNESCO is liberally funding the preservation of such heritage sites, it is inconceivable, even sacrilegious for India to destroy the world’s most ancient heritage by a wilful act of wanton destruction. The project will have serious consequence on the security of the country. It will also throw open India’s national waters for international navigation. The large-scale Thorium deposits in the coastal area will be washed away with the result that our nuclear potentialities will be radically destroyed.
Inspiring Incidents
ANAUPACHARIK 1. ANAUPACHARIK SHIKSHA MANCH Alpakalin Sevavratis: In response to a call, 39 school going karyakartas came forward to devote their month-long vacation for the service of the motherland. Lugging their luggage over uneven roads, they walked daily about 5 to 15 kilometers and visited
many interior villages to contact people. They apprised the villagers about Kendra activities, conducted one-day camps for children and also performed dramas relating to health, education and cultural awareness. Here are some incidents narrated in their words: IX): i. Kum. Chalak Lowang (Class IX) It was a month of great learning. In many villages there was great scarcity of water and even food in many houses. But the large-hearted villagers wanted to share their meagre fare with us even foregoing their own hungry needs. We had to walk endless kilometers without water and with only two packets of biscuits. No toilet facilities anywhere. A real great challenge at first! But when we realized that the villagers have been enduring this for years, it was not difficult to bear the inconvenience for a mere month. Now I learnt not to let any food go waste or leave a tap running. ii.Kum. Necha (Class VIII) One of the elders in a village did not get prior VIII): information about our programme, he felt offended and therefore refused to give permit to conduct it. Other villagers were unable to intervene in this mater on our behalf fearing his short-temper. We had to face the situation ourselves. When we called on him and sought belatedly his permission, he saw our earnestness and not only agreed to allow it but was with us during entire duration of the programme. This incident gave us the strength and faith in the words - Come what may, do not give up hope. IX): iii. Iha Mili (Class IX) Many villagers were surprised to learn that we were working voluntarily on this tour and questioned us: “If you are not getting money, why are you going from village to village facing such hardship during your hard earned vacation?” Some even tried to divert us from our mission. But we were very clear in our mind. Spending our vacation purposefully was better than wasting it on useless pursuits. After all we are serving our own people and it gives us great joy. Our didis and bhaiyas are working hard for Bharatmata. Why should we also not come forward to do our bit? iv. Tayu VIII): iv. Dipa Tayu (Class VIII) As I am staying in town, away from villages, I generally speak in Hindi. But in this one-month long village tour, I could speak in my own IDU dialect fluently and now I understand the importance of mother tongue. Kum.Thoyon, Balwadi: Kum.Thoyon Balsevika told us of an interesting experience. On a chill wintry day she had gone for samparka work to some children’s home. She noticed lot of mud and dirt in and around the house. Her observant eyes soon found the cause. A small child entered the house with muddy hands and was about to eat
something given to him. She stopped him from eating and brought water to clean his hands but the child was reluctant to have his hand cleaned, with the cold water. She then heated the water in the fire near the chang-ghar (hearth), which was continuously burning to keep the house warm. Soon another child with muddy hands came in, from the field where he was working. He was also hungry and immediately set about to eat some boiled potatoes. Our Balwadi Prabandhika asked him also to wait and brought hot water to wash their hands. Both the children were happy to get hot water to clean their hands and enjoyed their food better. Their mother was watched all this and vowed to herself that she would not only keep the children clean but her house also. Thus, the Karyakarta taught the importance to the children and their mother. A silent constructive revolution is on! 2. Swasthya Seva Manch: This unit is conducting medical camps in the remotest Bastis of Tirap and Changlang districts. The workers regularly visit Yanman, a Basti, 16 kms. from Changlang. The village has a small rural health centre which remains closed most of the days. When our medical team went there recently to arrange a camp, we saw a different picture. The health centre was clean and the health assistant was also present. Surprised, our karyakarta asked the Swasthya Rakshak how the change has taken place. He said that the villagers pointed out that the Kendra people were coming every month regularly to serve them from long distance but he (a local person) neglected his duty. If he could do nothing, he could at least keep the premises clean and assist them. Thus the good work of the Kendra Karyakartas made health assistant change his previous attitude. 3. Mahila Manch: This year a new Vocational Training Center started in Wakka, near Myanmar border. Rupa, had in her mind a beautiful picture of the place before she took charge of the center. As she reached Wakka with Didi late in the evening, she could not see any beauty of the area. Next morning, she could not resist coming out the house at dawn to see the place. What she saw from the valley made her spectacles almost fall off. She wondered whether a girl like her from the plains of Assam could manage to work in the midst of such lofty peaks and low valleys. Observing her fear, the circle officer who was a former student of Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya, encouraged her to overcome her fear and soon she started on her own to climb the mountains to visit villages. She noticed that the trainees were coming late almost daily. As a disciplinarian, she scolded them for coming late. They explained that, as they were from far away places, were staying in their relatives’ houses in Wakka so that they could trained. Further, in return for the facilities received, they had to complete some household duties and
then only could come to attend the training. Rupa appreciated their difficulties much more so their desire to be trained and in spite of them, to be self-sufficient. She took extra interest in training them as a token of her love for them. 4. Yuva Manch: Yuva i) Once a few sister Karyakartas in Seijosa fixed a programme on a particular date at a village 10 kilometers from the centre after consulting the villagers. But unfortunately a sudden ‘Assam Bandh’ was declared on that day. The villagers naturally thought that the programme would be called off. But a brother was optimistic and came to the venue with a friend to see if our sisters were coming and were in need of any help. They were relieved to see the sisters coming in unmindful of the scorching heat. He remarked to his friend: “Look at these Kendra Karyakartas. Nothing, not even an Assam Bandh can stop them from reaching their goal” and then rushed to them with some refreshments.
ii) A Sevavrati Karyakarta of Doimukh attended a Sanskar Varga Camp at Kanyakumari. He was assigned the duty to take care of the rooms of the participants and water supply. He at first felt it was a small job and that he would rest the whole day. But when camp started with hundreds of children he was so busy to direct the participants to their rooms and to maintain water supply system smoothly, that he hardly had anytime to think about himself. Then only he realized that every assignment was as important as any other and our only duty is to carry it out sincerely. Manch: 5. Sanskritik Manch The Karyakartas in Seppa were busy with the initial work of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya. Shri W. Khimunji, Project Director of Seppa, had arranged that they should have lunch at his house regularly. One day they were very late to reach his house, and saw nobody in the dining room. They thought that the family members had finished their lunch and were resting. Not to disturb them, the Karyakartas chanted Bhojan Mantra in a low voice before taking food. Within minutes Sri Khimunji came there and asked them why they did not chant Bhojan Mantra. The Karyakartas explained that they did not chant loudly in order not to disturb the inmates. He was not satisfied with their explanation and said that actually he was waiting for the sound of Bhojan mantra to join them for lunch. He requested them to chant it again loudly as usual to make him feel like he was a Kendra Karyakarta. This reminded the Karyakartas of Mananeeya Eknathji’s words: “We see the world with our two eyes but the world looks at us with hundreds of eyes”.
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