Our Journey

The Beginning

In its early days, Vivekananda Darshanika Samajam (VDS), led by its founder Sri. Jayakumar Ramakrishnan, took an active role in organizing a wide range of intellectually stimulating and socially meaningful programs. These included regular reading and discussion sessions, seminars, awareness programmes, competitions, exhibitions, book fairs, newsletters, and souvenir publications. Through these initiatives, VDS has consistently worked to inspire values such as discipline, social responsibility, teamwork, harmony, and ‘Shraddha’ in young minds, while also nurturing qualities like courage, mental strength, purpose, purity, and a spirit of selfless service—core ideals promoted by Swami Vivekananda.

In the initial phase, VDS organized several talks and discussions focusing on Swamiji’s teachings and their relevance to today’s youth. These were held across schools, colleges, and workplaces in and around Palakkad. Eminent personalities from diverse fields participated and contributed to these events, including Dr. K.S. Radhakrishnan (former Vice Chancellor, Sri Sankara University), Dr. P.V. Krishnan Nair (former President, Kerala Sahitya Academy), Dr. P. Achuthan (writer and thinker), Dr. Lakshmi Kumari (Director, Vivekananda Vedic Vision Foundation), Shri C. Radhakrishnan, Shri Asha Menon, Dr. Kadheeja Mumthaz, Sri M.P. Veerendra Kumar, Sri Alankode Leelakrishnan, and Smt. Beena Govind, among others.

VDS also regularly organized competitions such as essay writing, elocution, drawing, painting, and sports to further promote the noble values and teachings of Swamiji. These activities deeply influenced many young participants, inspiring them to learn more about Swami Vivekananda and, through him, about the greatness of our motherland. They helped shape positive ideals and a clear sense of individual, social, and national responsibility. Today, many of these young minds continue to lead and actively contribute to the work of the Samajam.

The Outreach

The organization continued its public initiatives, focusing primarily on Palakkad, with special emphasis on youth-centered activities. As a generous gesture, the late Dr. K. K. Velukutty, a trustee of Vivekananda Darsanika Samajam, donated four cents of land along with a building named ‘Sahithi’ on Hari Shankar Road, Tharekkad, Palakkad, which became a key center for the Samajam’s activities. Starting in 2011, the center became a vibrant hub for daily practices including Mangalarathy in the early mornings, Sri Ramakrishna Arathrikam in the evenings, and regular reading and discussion sessions based on the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Swami Vivekananda. These activities continued consistently for over a decade.

Our founder, Sri. Jayakumar Ramakrishnan, also conducted monthly and fortnightly classes for students from nearby educational institutions, focusing on various spiritual and value-based topics. Signature annual events such as National Youth Day celebrations and the commemoration of Swami Vivekananda’s Chicago speech were regularly organized, enabling the Samajam to connect with and inspire a wider public audience.

Key Milestones: Forging the Path

Vivekananda Darshanika Samajam has consistently extended its reach to a broader audience through initiatives aimed at inspiring the youth and serving the general public. Over the years, several key milestones have shaped the Samajam’s path and deepened its impact.

National Youth Day Celebrations

Since 2007, the Samajam has been actively organizing National Youth Day programmes to commemorate the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. These events, designed to ignite the spirit of youth, have featured enlightening lectures, interactive discussions, meaningful exhibitions, and the distribution of literature centered on Swami Vivekananda's ideals. The celebrations were enriched by the participation of several eminent dignitaries. Among them were Mr. Binoy Viswam, former Kerala State Minister, Prof. Pramod Kumar M, former Coordinator of the Vivekananda Study Circle at IIT Madras, and Sri. M. Anilkumar, District Coordinator of Nehru Yuvakendra. The events also witnessed the presence of Sri. S. Sureshraj Purohith IPS, Inspector General of Kerala Police and Director of the Kerala Police Academy, Sri. Sridhar Chamakuri IAS, Assistant Collector of Palakkad, and Dr. P. B. Sunilkumar, Director of IIT Palakkad. The enthusiastic involvement of such distinguished figures consistently elevated the significance and reach of these programmes.

Chicago Speech Commemorations

The Samajam has also taken pride in organizing Chicago Speech Commemoration Programmes over the years to honor Swami Vivekananda’s historic address at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in 1893. These events became platforms for celebrating Vivekananda’s universal message and attracted the attention and participation of several respected personalities.

Among the notable guests were Sri. M. P. Veerendrakumar, Managing Director of Mathrubhumi Publications, Padmasri Dr. P. R. Krishnakumar, Managing Director of Arya Vaidya Pharmacy, and renowned orator Sri. Alankode Leelakrishnan. The programmes also welcomed Prof. Thuravoor Vishwambharan, a distinguished scholar and cultural leader, as well as Swamini Shivanandapuri of Advaita Ashram, Kolathur. Adding further prestige were the contributions of Smt. Indira Krishnakumar IPS, Board Member of the Indian Postal Service, Dr. Lakshmi Sankar, Sri. V. K. Sreekandan MP, Smt. Prameela Sasidharan, Municipal Chairperson of Palakkad, and Kumari Ramya Haridas MP. Their collective presence and insights enriched these commemorations, reinforcing the enduring relevance of Swami Vivekananda’s message.

Involvement in Kalpathy Car Festival

For nearly fifteen years, Vivekananda Darshanika Samajam has maintained an active and meaningful presence in the renowned Kalpathy Radholsavam, the grand car festival celebrated in Palakkad. The Samajam has consistently organized photo exhibitions and book stalls during the festival, offering the public an opportunity to engage with the life and teachings of Swami Vivekananda. Beyond these efforts, the Samajam has embraced a cherished tradition of gifting the Dhwajam, a ceremonial flag crafted from Kashi Banaras silk, to one of the chariots each year. This contribution has become a symbolic gesture of reverence and a meaningful part of the festival’s enduring cultural and spiritual fabric.

Vande Vivekanandam: 150th birth anniversary celebrations of Swami Vivekananda (2011-2014)

Vivekananda Darsanika Samajam put together an Executive Committee to celebrate the 150th Birthday of Swami Vivekananda in the District of Palakkad under the Chairmanship of Sri Palat Mohandas, I.A.S. (Former Chief Information Commissioner and Chief Secretary of Kerala). Vivekananda Darshanika Samajam conducted projects such as national seminars, study classes for students, a youth meet, teachers’ orientation camps, youth camps, awareness campaigns, publication of newsletters, books, souvenirs, social service work etc.Programmes were under the guidance of Sri Ramakrishna Math and was financed by the State government of Kerala. A mammoth youth camp and seminar was conducted by Vivekananda Darshanika Samajam at Palakkad on January 12th, 2014 and was inaugurated by the renowned ‘Metro Man’, Padmavibhushan Dr. E. Sreedharan.

Samarpanam: Commemorating 150th birth anniversary of Sister Nivedita

Vivekananda Darsanika Samajam's year-long celebrations, 'Samarpanam', in 2016-17, were a tribute to Sister Nivedita's 150th birth anniversary. An organizing committee was formed by VDS in this regard, which was headed by Dr. M. Lakshmi Kumari, the Chairman of Vivekananda Kendra Vedic Vision Foundation The concluding ceremony of 'Samarpanam' featured a symbolic gesture, where India's gift to Ireland was graciously received by Hon. Mr. Peter McIvor, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Ireland. This poignant moment highlighted the strong bond between India and Ireland, as well as the enduring legacy of Sister Nivedita.

Flood Relief Activities

The Samajam has also been actively involved in providing relief efforts during times of natural disasters. In 2018 and 2019, VDS participated in flood relief and landslide relief efforts in Wayanad and Kottayam, providing aid and support to affected communities. More recently, in 2024, the Samajam again actively participated in relief activities during the floods in Wayanad.

Nachiketa Youth Camp

Vivekananda Darshanika Samajam organised an Two Day Youth Camp for Boys in between age group 15-30 at Sivanandasram Palakkad in the month of December, 2019. Sri.M.ANILKUMAR, District Youth Coordinator, Nehru Yuva Kendra, inaugurated the programme. The Camp attracted a participation of 28 youngsters who were involved in active training sessions related to Disaster Management, Yoga & Meditation, Martial arts etc. The Camp also witnessed sessions related to Indian History, Vivekananda Literature, Public Speaking and Spiritual Discussions.

Activities during Pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the VDS established a ‘Pariraksha’ helpline for food and medicine, distributed sanitary equipment to public and private stakeholders, and organized a community kitchen, under the project ‘Annadhanam’ at Palakkad. The community kitchen served food to over 57,000 people during a 30-day period, demonstrating the Samajam's commitment to serving the community and upholding the ideals of Swami Vivekananda.

Other Activities

• VDS felicitated Dr. P. Achuthan, disciple of Tulsi Maharaj-Swami Nirmalananda, at the “Dhanyoyam” event, Music College, Palakkad. Swami Chidananda Puri inaugurated the function, presided over by Sri Palat Mohandas. Representatives from Sri Ramakrishna Ashram, Chinmaya Mission, and others honoured Dr. Achuthan.

• In multiple years, VDS celebrated International Yoga Day with Yoga Exhibitions at Palakkad Indoor Stadium to promote yoga among local communities.

• On January 1, 2014, Vivekananda Darshanika Samajam (VDS) initiated the establishment of a Vivekananda Corner at the District Library, Palakkad. The corner, featuring books and photographs contributed by the VDS, was inaugurated by Sri. Shafi Parambil, MLA.

Tadvanam Ashramam: Embracing the Spiritual Path

In 2020, the founder of Vivekananda Darshanika Samajam (VDS), Sri. Jayakumar Ramakrishnan (Swami Jayaramakrishna), renounced his career in the Department of Civil Judiciary, Government of Kerala, to embrace a life of asceticism. This marked a significant new chapter in the history of VDS, leading to the establishment of Tadvanam Ashramam. Situated atop the secluded Kalladikode Hills of Palakkad, the ashram remains a pristine sanctuary dedicated to meditation and self-inquiry.

Tadvanam Ashramam has published two works in Malayalam: Sivakavacha Stotram and Kenopanishad. The Kenopanishad was narrated by Swami Swaprabhananda of Sri Ramakrishna Math. Tadvanam also initiated the translation of the Kenopanishad into Italian, which was undertaken by Cristiana Dallio.

The public engagement of the Samajam also continued actively under this new spiritual center. In the spiritual phase of VDS, the Sivarathri Maholsavam stands as the sole annual public event of Tadvanam Ashramam, preserving its tranquil and contemplative environment throughout the rest of the year. Parallelly, VDS continues its mission of public service, focusing on the dissemination of Swami Vivekananda’s teachings and nation-building ideals.

The Road Ahead

During the Sivarathri Maholsavam of 2025, Tadvanam Ashramam expanded its outreach by establishing a new center at Varani, near Malampuzha, Palakkad. This center conducts daily spiritual discussions led by Swami Jayaramakrishna, along with weekly classes for children and monthly medical camps specifically aimed at supporting women's health. The Samajam aims to initiate nation-wide programs to channelize the youth towards nation-building ideals. Organizing the event Tattva at the University of Delhi is considered a significant step in this direction.