Reception Accorded To Mananeeya Lakshmi Didi at Kodungallur

   Programme started at 10.30a.m. with Shishuvihar UKG students leading the prayer which was followed by the lighting of lamp by the Chief Guest and the members on stage. Dr. M.S. Muralidharan, Director of Hindi Prachar Kendra, Kodungallur, was the Chief guest for the programme. The whole programme was conceived and executed by the parents of Sandeepani Sishuvihar.

The Chief Guest in his speech stressed the importance and need of the hour for value education which would help children in the long run as they grow up and start planning for their future and goal in life.  They would then effortlessly use their discriminative power to follow the path of sreyas rather than fall prey to the numerous evils of the present. Hence more and more children should be introduced to spirituality and not mere academics. He was full of praise for the selfless service rendered by Mananeeya Didi who is a friend, philosopher, and guide for the people who approach her.

Others on the dais were Sri Gopalankutty Menon, a retired teacher and poet, Smt Anandavalli, retired teacher of OK school,Kodungallur, Dr. Sanjeev Prabhu Parent representative, Major Gen. Dr. Vivekanandan (Retd) a close well-wisher of Vivekananda Kendra and  Mananeeya Lakshmi Didi.

Didi was honoured with a Ponnada by the Chief Guest and 'Mangalapatra' by Sri Gopalankutty Menon a well-known poet, popularly known as 'Nimisha Kavi'(one who can compose poems instantly). Many well-wishers expressed their happiness that Ma. Didi was chosen for the AmritaKeerti Award. Among them who congratulated her, were counselors of Kodungullur Municipality Smt Asha Latha, Smt Parvathy, Smt. Rekha, Sri Shaji principal of HDPY School, Andipilikavu,  Sr Venugopal, President OKAY Yogam, etc. The representative of the parents Dr Sanjeev Prabhu, informed of the plan to build a small children's' park in the premises of Anandadham campus for the Sandeepani Sishuvihar children as a tribute to Ma. Didi. Everyone was requested to contribute wholeheartedly to this Project. The first contribution was by Smt. Shanta Devadas and Sri Devadas, parents of Kum. Lakshmi an alumnus of Sisuvihar(first batch).

Sri Shally introduced Ma. Lakshmi Didi to everyone present. Kum. Drishya and Smt. Jaya Radhakrishnan meticulously anchored the program.

Ma. Didi expressed her gratitude for the love and affection showered on her. Didi emphasised on the opportunity that she got to play(even though trivial) in the conservation of the India's culture and heritage. She requested one and all to give a portion of each of their time for the welfare of others, and join them in their times of joy and be a pillar of comfort and hope in times of sorrow.

The programme concluded with Shantimantra. Everyone dispersed after a sumptuous lunch.

AMRITA KEERTI PURASKAR

Service, though selfless, should be duly recognized and encouraged. If the knowledge, wisdom, and talent of those who serve society are ignored and left to languish, it is society’s loss. In order to prevent such tragedy, the Mata Amritanandamayi Math has conferred its annual Amrita Keerti Award since 2001, distinguishing people who have made significant contributions to Indian Culture and the Vedic tradition. The goal is to assist the preservation of the ancient and enduring human values of Sanatana Dharma.The awards are presented each year on Amma’s birthday. 

Two categories of people are eligible to receive the award: those engaged in writing original, in-depth studies of India’s spiritual texts and those dedicated to constructive social or national service. Sannyasins are not eligible for the award, as their service is part of their spiritual practices. 

This year the awardee has been selected by the five-member committee and decided to honor a woman who has dedicated her life for spreading the message of Swami Vivekananda throughout the country for the last four decades. Ma. Lakshmi Didi has been selected unanimously for the Puraskar this year. The same was awarded to her this year AMRITHAVARSHAM64 by Mata Amrithanandamayi Devi on 9th October in a function wherein top dignitaries from all over the world participated. This is a happy occasion for all the workers of Vivekananda Kendra and its well-wishers for whom Ma. Lakshmi Didi has been a source of inspiration 

Sri Jual Oram, Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, presenting the Amrita Keerti Puraskar to Dr. M. Lakshmi Kumari in the presence of Mata Amritanandamayi on Monday.

Man. Lakshmi's Didi reply after receiving the award

My most humble Pranaams to most revered Mother Mata Amritananda Mayi Devi, her huge retinue of highly devoted and dedicated disciples, sevikas and sevakas, most respected dignitaries on the stage, and brothers and sisters who have assembled here to partake the Prasad which Amma distributes on her birthday everywhere.

All of us have heard the story of the squirrel who helped Sree Rama during the construction of the Great Ramasethu, how, picking up sand grains and putting up in the Sethu he made himself immortal receiving the grace of Sree Rama. Amma’s contributions to the welfare of humanity and preservation of Hindu Dharma cannot be described even by thousand tongued Anantha. What wonders me is how in this mammoth service programmes she could recognize this small squirrel and confer her blessings on it. I humbly accept the award, taking it to be recognition by the Divine Mother Herself executed through our beloved Mother.

Such an occasion demands that I express my gratitude to all those who were responsible for making me what I am today. First in the line is my adorable father who put up the strikingly attractive picture of Swami Vivekananda in Chicago posture in our home and opened up the spring of guru-bhakti when I was just 12 or 13 years old. It was he who lighted up the Vivekadeep in my heart. Later my mother saw to it that this Vivekadeepa doesn’t get extinguished and when the call came permitted me to offer my life at the feet of my master at Vivekananda Kendra. It was Swargeeya Agamananda Swami who awakened in me the very first waves of spiritual yearnings. Those were further nourished by the two great teachers of modern India, Swami Ranganathanandaji and Swami Chinmayanandaji. It is through them that I tasted the practical Vedanta of Swami Vivekananda.

Even with such a treasure chest in my possession, the attractions of materialistic life kept their grip on me like an octopus. It was none other than Swargeeya Eknathji Ranade, the Master Builder of Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Founder of the spiritually oriented service mission Vivekananda Kendra, who pulled me out of that mire and handed over the responsibility of looking after Vivekananda Kendra as its Mother. Thus was fulfilled my dream of surrendering my life for the service of Swami Vivekananda. This award reminds me of the magnificent gift which Eknathji gave me by which I rediscovered myself. The cumulative effect of all the love and respect with which the well-wishers of Vivekananda Kendra all over India received me have now become consolidated in Mata Amritananda Mayi’s choice of me to receive the Amrita Keerthi Puraskar.  This will definitely add a special glow to the evening of my life. To mother, I offer my shathakodi pranaams.  My thanks also to the selection committee for choosing me. Last but not the least, once again I assert ‘Apara Mahima Guru Mahima’. 

STHANIK KARYAKARTA PRAKSHISHAN SHIBIR

(Kodungallur from 30.09 2017 to 2.10 2017)

KPS at the Sthanik level started at 3 p.m. on 30.09.2017 with the registration of the shibirarthis. 26 of them registered out of whom, 7 karyakartas were from Thiruvananthapuram, 1 from Aripalam, 6 from Edavilangu, 2 from Thrissur, and 10 were from Kodungallur . 10 members were present in the organizing team.  Mananeeya Lakshmi Didi addressed the Karyakartas after lighting the lamp.  Su.Radha Didi, Prant Sanghatak of Dakshin Prant talked to the shibirarthis on the objective of KPS. There was groupwise Ice breaking so that most of them could feel at home. Bhajans, supper and in the end a powerpoint presentation on Vivekananda Kendra and its activities- Kendra Parichay was beautifully explained by Ma.Sudhakarji.

The second day started with wake up at 4.30a.m. Morning prayer at 5.15 a.m, followed by yoga, pranayama, shramanubhav, sessions by Ma.Lakshmi Didi, and Su. Radha Didi, group discussion,  practice of chantings and songs, games and agnyas, breaks for breakfast, lunch, tea, and supper. A number of video clippings on the inspiring lives of well-known young achievers and discussions based on the clippings, was the last item of the day before they went to bed.

On the third day, usual routine was followed up to lunchtime. After lunch preparation for the concluding session was kept to get maximum participation from the shibirarthis. Concluding session was from 3 pm to 4 pm. In her concluding address Ma.Didi talked on the qualities needed for a

 karyakarta.In revealing their shibir experience many of them felt that they should put more effort on practicing what the have learned in the Shibir, so as to gain confidence at the same time experience the thrill of 'seva'.  Ahuti satra was arranged so that all the Karyakartas could take the resolve for their future work and offer it at the feet of the Holy Trio.

NAVARATRI AND VIDYARAMBHAM CELEBRATION

Navratri started on 21st September.Navratri, the nine-night festival, honours Goddess Durga, Goddess Lakshmi, and Goddess Saraswathi in the South. It is known as Bomma Koluvu in Andhra Pradesh and Navarathri in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.  Navratri is observed as Dusshera in Karnataka, where it is observed for ten days. The main event during Navrathri is the display of dolls and idols – Kolu and the placing of Kalash, which represents Goddess.
At Anandadham too there was a beautiful decoration of the stage with bommas of different types, including the dashavatars.Daily chanting of the Devi Mahatmyam and puja and offerings to the Devi during all the nine days was observed by the inmates.
On Maha Asthami day a bhajan session was arranged for all the students who had come in the evening to offer their books for Mother Saraswathi's blessings.
On the Maha Navami day, Deepa pooja with pushpaarchana was performed by all the students and their mothers who had come the previous day.
 On Vijaya Dashami day, Vidyarambham (Ezhuthiniruthu) is performed in many temples of Kerala. It is believed that it is the most precious day to write the first letter by a child. Parents brings the small children of two to three years to temples to perform Vidyarambham (Ezhuthiniruthu). It is a grand festival in Panachikkada Saraswathi temple in Kottayam, Thiruvullakkavu in Thrissur and Mookambika Temple of Vadakkan Paravur. Vidyarambham is also performed in Guruvayur temple and many other temples of Kerala. In general older children have  to write the alphabets on rice or sand and according to custom only after this ceremony child becomes entitled to take the books offered at the feet of Mother Saraswathi and write or read. The tiny tots children sit on the lap of the guru and the guru writes ‘Hari Shree Ganapataye ’ on the child’s tongue with a golden ring. Then, the child writes ‘Hari Shree Ganapathye Namaha’ in Malayalam with the right index finger, with the help of the Guru, on a bed of raw rice. 
At Anandadham too, it was a sight to watch all the tiny tots of Sishuvihar come and all the other children from the neighbourhood come and write on rice and take their books which they had offered for puja.About 50 children and their parents had come altogether out of which 30 of them were the tiny tots of Sishuvihar and the neighborhood. Ma. Didi and Sri Sudhakarji wrote on their tongue and made them write on rice. After this, all received payasam prasadam. 

SRI KRISHNA JAYANTI

SREEKRISHNA  JAYANTHI CELEBRATIONS

The much-awaited Sreekrishna Jayanthi was celebrated on  12^th  of Sept ’17at Anandadham.    Mananeeya Lakshmi Deedi along with one of the 'tiny Krishna started the celebration by lighting the lamp.    She gave a short speech on how celebrations like this get imprinted on the children's mind and it helps them to think positive and live a life of values. The hall was buzzing with the sounds of the naughty Krishnas, dressed by their mothers. Some girls were also dressed as  Radhas.  There were a total of 32 Krishnas (including 7 babies) and 8 Radhas. All the children dressed nicely came on the stage and posed as Krishnas with their flute in hand or Radhas with their earthen pots on their heads.  It was a really beautiful sight to see the children happy and smiling.  After their posing was over and the judges had given their comments, children were treated with sweets and prasadam.  `Uriyadi`or 'breaking the pot', a traditional challenging game was the next item.  The children participated in it enthusiastically. At the last was the most interesting part. All the children received small gifts from Didi for their achievements!  

CHOWMASIK BAITHAK DAKSHIN PRANT-20TH AUGUST 2017

CHOWMASIK BAITHAK DAKSHIN PRANTH-20TH AUGUST 2017

Vivekananda Kendra Dakshin Pranth Chowmasik Baithak was held on 19th and 20th August 2017 at Vivekananda Kendra Vedic Vision Foundation, Kodungallur. Apart from karyakartas of Kodungallur, there were 31 karyakartas who had come for the Baithak. 21 members were from Tamil Nadu, 7 from Karnataka and Mysore, and 3 from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

The baithak began with Bhajan Sandhya in the evening at 6.30pm. At 7.30 Su. Radha Didi welcomed all karyakartas and introduced Ma. Hanumantha Raoji, Ma.Lakshmi Didi and Ma.Sudhakarji. It was an informal session in which self-introduction of all the workers was  followed by a sharing of experiences by the Ma. Didi and other elders.

On the 20th, the morning sessions included report reading of the various branch and project centres. After lunch session was kept for planning for the next four months. Concluding session was from 3.30 p m to 4.15 p m. Ma.Didi blessed all the karyakartas with tokens of her affection. Almost all the karyakartas left by 20th night.

GANESHA CHATURTHI AND ONAM AGHOSHAM-25TH AUGUST

On the auspicious day of Ganesh Chaturthi, there was Ganapathi Homam and Sri Chakra puja, by the students of at Anandadham.

Just as ' Onam' is celebrated in every schools and institutions, on the closing day of  10 days Onam vacation, here at Anandadham too there was 'Onaghosham' for the Shishuvihar tiny- tots, on the Ganesh Chaturthi day. The parents took full responsibility of the 

'pookalam' and also  'saddiya' or feast.

From 10 am in the morning preparations started.Yoga Varga group was also invited. All the ladies together created a beautiful pooklaam. From among the LKG kids, one was dressed as King Mahabali and another as Vamana. Next followed community feast. Each mother had cooked some delicacy, so there were many items.

100  coupons were distributed among the local poor residents on the occasion of Thiru Onam. Each coupon was worth Rs 300/-, with which the recipient could buy what they wished from a particular  Consumer shop directed by Vivekananda Kendra. Ma.Lakshmi Didi gave away the coupons.

RAKSHA BANDHAN, INDEPENDENCE AND RAMAYANA SAMAPANAM

RAKSHA BANDHAN DAY (7th August) 

Early morning, on the occasion of Rakhi Poornima, Ganapathi Homam and Sri Chakra Pooja were performed by Sri Sivanji and his assistant from Karumatra Matham.

Ma.Didi tied Rakhi on the hands of Sishuvihar Kids and their parents.What Raksha Bandhan really means, was explained by Didi.This was followed by prayer and distribution of sweets.

15TH AUGUST & RAMAYANA MONTH CONCLUDING PROGRAMME

This time Independence Day celebration and concluding programme of Ramayana month was clubbed together. The National flag was hoisted by Ma.Didi. The tiny-tots of Sishuvihar along with their parents and inmates of Anandadham were all present. Samskar Varga children too had come to watch the hoisting. For all children, the best part of Independence Day celebration is when they receive laddoos after singing of National anthem Ma. Didi spoke to the children and their parents regarding the speciality and importance of attending the Independence Day celebration.

The next programme was at 10 a.m as a part of concluding of the Ramayana month, a talk on the need to know Ramayana was arranged. The talk was delivered by Prof. Shantha Kumari of Rashtriya Samskrita Pratisthan, Puranattukara, invited as Chief Guest. She started with the Karma Theory and how one is responsible for one's own karma. For example, Sita Devi was kept enclosed in Ashoka vanam because she had kept a pet bird enclosed in a cage. She stressed the importance of perseverance and contentment.She gave the example of Sumitra who received the yajna Prasad from both queens Kausalya and Kaikeyi because she showed no reaction when King Dasaratha forgetting her, divided the Prasad between the first two queens. With examples from Ramayana, she tried to convince the audience, the need for studying Ramayana and conveying the message to the next generation, in order to build up a healthy environment.

After the talk, prize distribution followed. On the 13th August (Sunday), a quiz competition on

Ramayana was conducted at Anandadham. It was in three categories. For the first category, it was an oral quiz for the children, right from Sishuvihar to the Samskarvarga group i.e. from UKG to class IX.The second category was kept as a detailed narration of all the 35 panels of the mural painting showing some of the scenes from Ramayana which was kept in the hall. This was for class XI and above including SKIE children. The elderly ladies and gents fell in the third category and they were given a questionnaire on the whole of Ramayana, which they had to answer in writing. Thus all people could participate. Master Abhiram of class III, Samskar Varga participant, won the first prize in the first category level I and Kum.Anushree of Class VII, Samskar Varga Shikshak, won the first prize from level II. Kum Drishya again Samskar Varga Shiksak, of class XI, got the first prize in the second category and Kum Bindu, Sishuvihar teacher and one behind popularizing Ramayana Parayana house to house during the Ramayana month, received the first prize in the third category. Ramayana parayanam was also kept for those who were interested in chanting from Adhyatma Ramayana. Prasad distribution was done at the end of the programme.

UNIVERSAL BROTHERHOOD DAY CELEBRATION

On the auspicious day of 11th September in the morning hours, the inauguration of the six-month Yoga Certificate Course in Malayalam, under Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, was done by deepa prajwalanam from the hands of Mananeeya Lakshmi Didi. 10 participants (7 ladies and 3 gents) were enrolled. The last day of registration is  30th September. The course begins from 7th October

Ma. Didi spoke to the participants regarding the uniqueness of this course. It will not only give an opportunity for systematic study but also unfold the inner capacities or potentials of the practitioners and expand their outlook. It would give them an opportunity to come out of their individual shells and become a part of the society, understand their relationship with the society.

They were given a brief explanation about the 6 months course and introduced to the organizing team by the course coordinator Sri P.C.Sudhakaran, a close well-wisher of Vivekananda Kendra Vedic Vision Foundation.

In connection with the U. B. Day, a series of competitions for school students were held at Anandadham, after the Onam vacation on the 18th, 19th and 20th of September. 20 schools (CBSE and State board) were approached out of which 15 responded. 150 students took part in various competitions in the junior and senior level.

On  18th September, there was painting competition for students from classes V to X. 40 children took part.The topic for the juniors was ' My beloved Pet' and for the seniors ' Water'. 

On  19th  September, English and Malayalam elocution for the Junior and senior sections were conducted. 114 students were present to participate.

On 20th September, two quiz contests were conducted.One for the high school level students, the topic for which was 'India's contribution to space science'. The second was for the Upper Primary level and the topic was 'Ramayana'. Seven schools were present for the quiz meant for seniors, whereas twelve schools were present for the junior quiz contest.Total 95 students participated.

Concluding programme of UB Day celebration was on Wednesday, 27th September. Srimad Swami Sadbhavanandaji, Mathadhyaksha of Ramakrishna Math Thrissur, was the Chief Guest.The programme included a short prayer by the UKG tiny-tots followed by a short speech by Master Ananthashree of UKG, dressed as 'Chicago Swamiji' from Kendra's balwadi-Sandeepani Sishuvihar; speeches of Swamiji recited in English and Malayalam by the prize winners of the elocution competitions held for the juniors and seniors on 18th September and Swamiji's quotations recited by the tiny tots of Sandeepani Sishuvihar. Revered Swami Sadbhavananda and Mananeeya Lakshmi Didi spoke to the children about the significance of Universal Brotherhood day.At the end, prizes were given away to the winners by the Chief Guest. This year, because of their excellent performance and total participation, students of SN Vidya Bhavan, Chentrapinni, were the winners of the rolling shields for both Malayalam and English elocution competitions.Hira School, Kaipamangalam from the junior group and SN Vidya Bhavan, Chentrapinni from the senior group were the first prize winners in Painting competitions.The group from Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Kodungallur were the winners of seniors Quiz contest and S N Vidyalayam were the winners from the junior group.

Doll making introduced in Samskarvarga

   6th AUGUST 2016 (SUNDAY)

Among the regular activities of Vivekananda Kendra Vedic Vision Foundation, Samskar Varga is one. Every Sunday morning from 9.30 to 11.30 a m, children gather at Anandadham to take part in Samskarvarga. Su Gayatri  Didi from Bangalore was on a fortnights visit at this centre. Children were lucky to have her teach them doll-making out of plastic spoons.

Vishwabhanu

Vishwabhanu June - July 2017   

YOGA FOR STRESS MANAGEMENT

The National Productivity Council, Guwahati (Under Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Govt of India), invited Vivekananda Kendra to conduct a class on Stress Management for the employees of OIL( Duliajan), during a five-day workshop held in Kochi from 9th to 14th July.

On 11th July Sushree Lalitha in charge of Vivekananda Kendra's Thiruvananthapuram branch and Su. Sutapa from VK Vedic Vision Foundation Kodungallur together conducted a Stress Mgt class for an hour and a half for 23 OIL employees from 11 a.m to 12.30 noon.

Su. Lalitha explained the main reason for stress and its remedy while Su.Sutapa conducted the practice session. The feedback after the class was very encouraging.All the OIL employees promised to contact the local branches of Vivekananda Kendra at Duliajan, Assam.

GURUPOORNOMA CELEBRATION

GURUPOORNIMA CELEBRATION

On 9th July, the auspicious day of Gurupurnima,  there was the usual Ganapathy Homam and Sreecakra puja, in the early hours of the morning as performed in all Purnima days.The inmates of Anandadham and a few well wishers were present.
At 10 a.m Pada Pooja of Mananneeya Lakshmi Didi by the tiny tots of Sandeepani Sishuvihar and their parents was arranged.The children came with their parents for the programme. Along with them, Samskarvarg children and SKIE students too took part in the programme.

In the evening on the same day at 3.30p.m,. the Yoga Varga and Yoga Satra participants and well wishers took part in chanting of Guru stotram lead by SKIE student Srilakshmi of class X. Ma.Didi explained the Guru Stotram and relevant stanzas from the Kendra Prarthana to clarify the idea of surrender or 'atmanivedanam'. Each of the participants offered flowers in front of  OM. Swami Vanishanandaji of  Ramakrishna Math Kayankulam was the Chief Speaker. He spoke on the importance of 'Guru' quoting from the Kathopanishad. A video of Sri Narayan Guru's Daivadashakam was shown after that.  75 people attended the evening programme.
                                                                                On 10th July, as a part of Gurupurnima celebration, inauguration of a yearlong certificate course on yoga for the degree students of SNM, College  Maliankara, was organised by the teachers of the college who are members of the Vivekananda Yoga club which was started five years ago by Vivekananda Kendra Vedic Vision. Sri Sudhakarji and Su. Sutapa along with two Yoga Varga karyakartas who will be handling the classes, were present for the inauguration session.
Fifty II and III-year Degree students, who showed interest in the course were present.
Classes are to start from 11th July-Tuesday.
Every Tuesday and Thursday there will be classes.