Certificate awarding function for the Tailoring Unit's first batch students

On 26th September, 33 ladies from the localities around Kendra, initially registered their names for the tailoring class named as “Nivedita Swasraya Parisheelana Kendram” which started with a meeting on 30th September. The first class was on 1st October. Two teachers Smt Jalaja and Smt Sajitha both of them being parents of Sandeepani Sishuvihar, and Sri Udayan as supervisor were taking care of the centre. Total 45 ladies mainly home-makers, were present from day one. The course was of 6 months duration, and free of cost. This training centre was planned for a year for the time being, with the idea of rehabilitating the ladies (housewives) who have suffered much losses due to the floods. 5 single machines, 5 double machines, 2 cover machines and one rock machine were provided in the centre for training the students.

The students were divided into 3 batches of 15 each and taught in two batches ,one in the morning from 10 am to 1.30 noon and the other from 1 pm to 3.30 pm.Every class started with prayer. Apart from learning tailoring, the students also took part in various activities of the Kendra including Samatva Yoga Sangamam.

At the end of six months a practical exam was conducted by the 2 internal teachers and Smt Prabha as an external examiner. 20 out of 30 students appeared for the exam out of which 10 came out successful.

On the 5th of June the successful students were lucky to receive the pass certificates from the hands of Ma. Bhanudasji in the concluding function kept for the students. Ma. Lakshmi Didi and Ma. Bhanudasji also presented 4 sewing machines to the most needy and deserving students from out of the 10 students.

SAMSKARVARGA PRASHIKSHAN SHIBIR

Samskarvarga prashikshan Shibir was organised at Anandadham, Kodungallur, from 22nd May to 26th May.

Mananeeya Lakshmi Didi inaugurated the Shibir. This being the prashikshan shibir, there were more of practical sessions rather than lectures. The participating children came in and around Kodungallur and couple from Thrissur. The Organizing team consisted of 12 members.

Daily routine started with prayer session taught by Kum.Sreelakshmi, followed by patriotic songs in Hindi, Sanskrit and Malayalam by Su. Kalyani Didi, Su.Sutapa Didi, Kum. Sreelakshmi and Smt Padmaja. Games and Agnyas were taught by Su. Bhuvaneswari Didi, Kum. Sreelakshmi, Kum Unnimaya and Kum. Anushree. The Art of Storytelling Classes were conducted by Sri Ashokanji, Ma. Lakshmi Didi, Sri Sudhakarji and Su. Radha Didi. Overall guidance was given by Su. Radha Didi.

The camp  concluded on 26th in which Ma. Lakshmi Didi advised the children to equip themselves and then guide the youngsters who would draw inspiration from their Varga shikshaks. All the children took the sankalpa of starting Samskarvarga in their localities as early as possible. In all 54 children and 5 parents participated all the 5 days

STHANIK KARYAKARTA PRASHIKSHAN SHIBIR

From 17th May, to 21 St May , 2019 

Sthanik KPS was organised from 17th to 21st at Kodungallur. Along with local Karyakartas, welwishers, Yoga varga and  and Sanskar Varga students attended the shibir. During the games session Sishuvihar children too participated.The daily routine started with prayers followed by Bhagavad Gita chanting. There were two lecture sessions in a day. Daily Swadhyaya Varga and bhajan session were also part of the schedule.

The camp witnessed the active participation of 30 Karyakartas of  in and around Kodungallur who were  motivated and committed.There were overall 5 members in the organising team. The five day shibir was inaugurated by Mananeeya Lakshmi Didi. In her adresse, she highlighted the unique features of Indian Culture and how one should make it part of their lives. She appraised all about the need of spreading the message of Bharat in a big way and appreciated the participants for their willingness to come and attend the shibir.

Adaraneeya Radha Didi, Dakshin Prant Sanghatak, briefed the objectives of the camp followed by the singing of Shibir Geet by Adaraneeya Kalyani Didi from V.K. Thiruvananthapuram branch. The first day made the participants to ponder over the qualities of a true worker of Kendra and the discussion among them drove home the work of Karyakartha is the journey from unreal to real and death to immortality.

The Kendra Varga sessions specially planned by Kumari Bhuvaneswari Didi from VK Nagercoil branch, on all the days provided an exposure to all about the objectives of the Kendra varga and the methodology of conduction as it is one of the main karyapadhati of Kendra.

The remaining days Mananeeya Lakshmi Didi spoke in detail about the Holy Trio throwing light upon the significance of studying their lives by a Karyakarta. since their life and message are based on the realisation of the highest truth. She requested every Karyakartha  to imbibe the spirit and ideals for which they stood for and work for the Nation.

Adaraneeya Radhadidi spoke on Kendra prarthana and VK activities and Adaraneeya Sudhakarji led the two sessions on Man. Eknathji and the Story of Rock Memorial respectively. The participants had an in-depth study of shaping a karyakarta as the backdrop of the vision of Vivekananda Kendra that was really visible in the question and answer sessions and presentations.They took a vow to take up the works by adopting  one of the kendra paddhati in the Ahuti Satra.The whole camp reverberated with the chanting of prayers, patriotic songs and bhajans at the Bhajan Sandhya.

On the concluding day, the report of the shibir was presented and Man. Lakshmi Didi gave her blessings. The Shibir concluded with Kendra Prayer.

Vishwabhanu February '19 - March '19

Vishwabhanu February '19 - March '19

GITANJALI

1^st May a Gita class has started for children from classes I to class X. Mananeeya Lakshmi Didi is handling the class. 15 children are regularly coming for the class. At the end of May, almost all the children can chant the entire first chapter of the Gita. Some of their parents and grandparents are also seen some days attending the class. Daily from 10am to 11am from Monday to Friday is the time kept for the class. From June onwards it will be converted to a Sunday class as all other days will be schooldays. Didi uses this class to acquaint the children with the major characters and their life stories 

3 DAYS WORKSHOP

                                Know India , know your culture
                         

                       WORKSHOP FOR BOTH CHILDREN AND THEIR PARENTS

As many as 70 participants were present for the workshop on 'Know India, know your culture',on 11th April ( Thursday).Almost all the parents, either mother or father of the children were present.
Programme started at 9.45 am after prayer session, Prof Aravindakshan, the resource person for first day's topic- ' Indian culture'.
He spoke about the importance of prayer which can be sitting while at home,standing  while in a temple or lying down before sleeping.Our culture is highly scientific.The Yama and Niyama of ones dinacharya was also discussed. There was a question session after his talk.The programme concluded at 12.15 noon with chanting of Shanti mantra.

On 12th February, the topic of discussion was Ramayana. Prof.Shanthakumari from Sanskrit University Puranattukara,Thrissur was invited as Guest speaker. 87 people attended. How the swadhyaya on Ramayana can purify one, one's family atmosphere and the atmosphere of the surroundings where one lives, was logically explained in details by the Professor.

On the third day , the topic of lecture was Mahabharata. Acharya Sri Vinod sharmaji of Malappuram was the resource person.92 people attended. Nicknamed as 'Gnyana Hamsa' by Srimad Swami Chidananda Puri of Kozhikode, Sri Sharma elaborately explained about the text in his flawless speech. All the participants were extremely benefited by the valuable class taken by the Acharya.
During  all the  three days in the three hours workshop, participants got the opportunity to interact with the invited Guests and clear their doubts and queries a the end of each session.

BHAGAVATHA SAPTAHAM

Seven days Bhagavata Saptaham started on 9th March with chanting and explanation of the Mahatmyam or the glory of Srimad Bhagavatam by the Acharya, Brahmasree Kurumballoor Hari Namboothiri. His assistants were Kunambilli Narayanan Namboothiri and Brahmasree Puzhalipuram Krishnan Namboothiri.

Ma. Didi's 83rd birthday was celebrated on 13th March with a sumptuous meal for all who had come to meet her and for those who were attending the Saptaham. 14th morning being our Ganapathi pratishtha divas, there was Ganapathi homam and Sree Chakra Puja apart from the usual Saptaha prabhashanam. 

On the 16th it was the concluding day.All those who attended the saptaham were captivated by the lucid accounts of the 'puranic kathas' of Srimad Bhagavatam,narrated by the Acharya. 

YOGA SANGAMAM

            

Yoga sangamam organised by Vivekananda Kendra Vedic Vision Foundation as a preamble to International Yoga Day  celebrations. As scheduled the Program started at sharp 6 am under the presidentship of Man Lakshmi Didi. The Chief Guest of the programme was Yogacharya Sri Narayanji from Perumbavoor. Maj Gen. Dr. Vivekanandanji was also present to give his blessings.

The programme started with invocation  followed by presidential address by Lakshmi Didi. In her address she highlighted the significance of yoga in day today life. Yogacharya Narayanji spoke on the need to practice 'Tapas' and  swadhyaya which are very essential for on to attain the spiritual benefits of Yoga. He made an appeal to all who were present at the function to do swadhyaya to reap the rich benefits of Yogic practices.

Samuhika surya namaskar programme came next and the baton was changed to the hands of Sri Joshi who handled it with ease in guiding the participants to smooth performance of Suryanamaskar. Sri Premnath, the Chief Coordinator gave the vote of Thanks.

The programme concluded with sankalpa and shanti mantra. Two hundred and forty participants took part.

x

Vishwabhanu October '18 - January '19

Vishwabhanu October '18 - January '19

ANNUAL DAY OF SANDEEPANI SISHUVIHAR

        23rd February was the Annual Day for the tiny tots of Sandeepani Sishuvihar. Apart from a colourful cultural programme by the tiny tots as well as their mothers who performed in the Thiruvadira group dance, there was mini convocation for the outgoing UKG students. A certificate, a lighted small brass  lamp, a shawland a book on quotations of Swami Vivekananda, were handed to each of the 7 students by the Guests who had come to attend the function and by Ma.Didi.

        Smt Rema Menon an educationist and counsellor for students was the Chief Guest. Other Guests were the ward councillors Smt Rekha Satprakash and Smt Parvathy Sukumaran were the other invited Guests.The programme 4pm and concluded at 7pm. The parents took full responsibility of the expenses of the programme.

REPUBLIC DAY& KUTUMBA SANGAMAM

The children and parents of Sishuvihar every year have been organizing the kutumba yogam with participation of all. This time teachers and parents tried to involve the yoga students and tailoring unit students and well-wishers to bring everyone under the umbrella of Kendra Kutumbam.

Being the 70^th Republic Day, the programme started 9.30 a.m with National Flag Hoisting at Ananda Dham by Man. Lakshmi Didi with children chanted the pledge, and sang the National Anthem.

All the children and parents moved into Dakshina Hall for the yogam to start.

Didi lighted the lamp inaugurating the yogam. Kum Kokila set the tone with her devotional bhajans. Sri Joshi gave simple exercises making everybody active and on their toes. Sutapa Didi gave an action song for all to make everyone attentive and active too. It was time to honour all those who stood totally with Kendra throughout the relief activities that Kendra undertook in the recent floods. Sri Udayan, Sri Joshi and Smt Lany were honoured with a shawl. Apart from these three all those who have been participating in all Kendra Activities right from its inception shared their experiences and how associating with Kendra has helped them to change the direction of their lives.

Man. Lakshmi Didi in her Republic Day speech highlighted the effect of Tyaga in our lives, (tyage neke amrithatwa manasahu)and how Karma Yoga can help everyone to transform themselves.

There were games for parents and children.

All the participants participated actively creating a festive atmosphere with songs, games and Hindustani music and folk dance programme by our ex-Sishuvihar students who have grown up. The whole day was really a Kutumba yogam, learning,sharing and above all enjoying the bliss of togetherness.

VIVEKNANDA JAYANTHI

12^th JANUARY-National Youth Day

 Samatva Yoga Sangamam started on dot at 6 a.m on 12 th January at Anandadham. Dr. M.V. Natesan Professor from Sri Sankara Sanskrit University, Kalady, Dr. Vivekanandan Retd Major General and Man. Lakshmi Didi were on the dais for the program. The program started with Vedic Hymn setting the tone of the program, followed by Ma. Lakshmi Didi’s welcome address. While talking to the students of yoga she highlighted Swami Vivekananda's concept of yoga and Ma.Eknathji contribution, making yoga as the core of Vivekananda Kendra in all its activities.

The talk by the distinguished Professor let the tune for the flow of Samatva yoga. He did it effortlessly filling the minds of Samatva yoga students and made them feel the necessity for making yoga as part of their life, by giving number of similes. Given the minimum time for him, he did justice and filled their minds with inquisitiveness.

The bonus came from retired Major Gen. Vivekanandan who  spoke from his rich experience and encouraged one and all to make yoga a part of their being.

This was followed by Samuhika Surya Namaskar led by Sri Joshi. To the tune of the ambience that was set by the distinguished guests, he created the tune of Samatva yoga and made everyone follow with breathing practices and Surya Namaskaram. The atmosphere was filled with vibrations of pranava chanting.285 members constituting yoga satra, varga, tailoring unit students and parents and students of Sandeepani Sishuvihar, took part.

 On the same day, Swamiji’s Jayanthi celebrations at Ananda dham, Kodungallur was planned at 10 am. Dr. Lakshmi Piyush, HOD of Sanskrit department, Sri Krishna College, Guruvayur was the Chief Guest. She inspired the prize winners who had come for the celebration, with her fiery speech. Talking to the parents and teachers, she said that giving the powerful thoughts of Swamiji and other inspiring thoughts vibrating with truth to their wards right from their childhood, it could mold their wards’ characters, thereby making them good citizens. Prize winning students were awarded. This time Amrita Vidyalayam received the rolling trophy for patriotic group song whereas the Trophy for folk group song was shared by Shantiniketan International School and GUPS Konathukunnu. Eleven poor but meritorious students of GGHSS Kodungallur, five of them from class X and five from the XIth class were awarded scholarships worth Rs 500/- each and Kum.Nasreen of class Xi received the Sridevi Namboodiripad memorial scholarship worth Rs 1000/- for being best in studies. As usual prasadam(sumptuous lunch) sponsored by Mr and Mrs Murali, our close wellwishers, was distributed to all after the programme.

On the 13^th January Sishuvihar children along with SamskarVarga children celebrated Swami Vivekananda Jayanthi in their own special way.

Dr. Sukumaran, an ayurvedic physician and a longtime associate of Kendra, was the Chief Guest. All we're blessed to have the august presence of a Swami from Ramakrishna Math Sri Satyatmakananda to bless the children. The program started with prayer and lighting the lamp by Ma Lakshmi Didi and Chief guest and little Ananth dressed as Swamiji. Didi addressed the parents emphasizing the need to sustain the values that are nurtured in Sishuvihar. Dr. Sukumaran too stressed the need for cultural education to be preserved for posterity.

Rev Swamiji too gave his blessings. He appreciated the efforts taken by the parents and teaching staff in dressing up each kid as symbolic characters from the puranas e.g, Siva-Parvati, Rama-Sita Devi and Lakshmana with Hanuman, a dedicated farmer and his wife’s dinacharya, Sri Krishna,Sri Sankaracharya and so on.

A Tableau by Samskara Varga children was highly appreciated by all. The theme was jala pralayam and the relief work by the voluntary organizations. Then each child presented their talents by uttering the sayings of Swamiji. The efforts taken by the parents and teaching staff was highlight of the day. The program ended with Shanti mantra.

On 3^rd February, Swamiji Jayanthi was celebrated jointly by Sri Ramakrishna Math Thrissur and Vivekananda Kendra Vedic Vision Foundation-Kodungallur at Vivekananda Vijnana Bhavan, Punkunnam Thrissur.

The programme started at 4pm.with Vedic prayers followed by deepa prajwalanam by Rev Swami Nandatmajananda, Dr Jijin Krishna and Mananeeya Lakshmi Didi.

 Dr Jijith Krishnan (Associate Professor of Medicine, Govt.Medical College, Thrissur) was the Chief Guest. Mananeeya Lakshmi Didi presided over the function.Sreemad Swami Nandatmajanandaji gave the benedictory address.

In her presidential address Lakshmi Didi introduced Vivekananda Kendra and its activities and thanked Sri Ramakrishna Math for giving an opportunity to start the activities at Thrissur. She drew the attention of the parents and teachers in inculcating the values in the students so that strong foundation is laid down in them.

 The Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Pottore school children who presented an excellent patriotic song we're the first prize winners in patriotic song competition. Dr. Jijin Krishna, Asst. Professor at Thrissur Medical College, gave an inspiring speech drawing number of incidents from Swamijis life, gave titbits to mould the life so that all can become worthy children of Swamiji.

Second prize winners .Sandeepani Vidya Niketan, Thrissur presented their song to the accompaniment of  by music instrument which  was appreciated by one and all

Paramekkavu Vidya Mandir was in the third position.

The winners of Quiz competition were Paramekkavu Vidya Mandir in the first position, Chinmaya Vidyalaya in the second position and Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Poochatty in the third position. The best all round rolling trophy for the best performing school went to Paramekkavu Vidya Mandir.

While giving his benediction Sw. Nandatmajananda encouraged the children to adopt the teachings of Swamiji and mould their life so that they become ideal children of Mother India.

SAMARTHA BHARAT PARVA

As a part of Samartha Bharat Parva, the YCC participants planned to conduct a number of Satras to prepare the students from December for Samuhika Surya Namaskar programme for the 12^th of January. Sri Joshyji conducted 3 satras at Kara D.J.Hall, Kirtoli D.J.Hall and at Paramkulangara N.S.S.hall, totaling 30 members in all. Besides the 3 satras 25 ladies and 15 Sishuvihar parents were also trained by Joshiji.Smt Suja conducted 3 satras with 13 students at Valsalayam, 10 members at Edavilangu and 6 members at Thrissur. Smt Mani conducted a satra with 32 members at Elthuruthu. Sri Udayan conducted a satra at Vinayakapuram with 6 members.

Folk and patriotic group song competitions were held for the junior and senior students of various schools of Kodungallur, on 4^th January 2019. 50 students from six schools participated.

As part of spreading the activities  of Kendra to Thrissur town this year. In collaboration with Sri Ramakrishna Math we organized the patriotic song and quiz competition on the eve of Swamiji Janma Thithi.

The Patriotic group song and quiz competitions were held on 25^th January for schools at Thrissur. 12 schools took part. 150 students along with their escort teachers were present on that day. The competitions were held in Vivekananda Vijnana Bhavan, Punkunnam Thrissur.