Vande Vivekanadam

VANDE VIVEKANANDAM

150th Birth Anniversary Celebrations of Swami Vivekananda Organized by Vivekananda Darshanika Samajam, Palakkad

Vivekananda Darshanika Samajam, Palakkad, embarked on an extraordinary journey to commemorate the 150th Birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda through a series of transformative events held from 2011 to 2014. The celebrations were meticulously coordinated by an Executive Committee consisting of 150 members from diverse backgrounds, chaired by Sri Palat Mohandas, IAS (Retd), former Chief Secretary and Chief Information Commissioner of Kerala.

The celebrations sought to not only honor Swamiji’s life and teachings but to inspire the youth and society towards a path of self-realization, national service, and moral resurgence.

Key Milestones and Highlights

Inaugural Function and Project Launch

The grand opening session emphasized the urgent need to absorb and spread Swamiji’s message. Poojya Swami Golokanandaji, President of the State-level Celebrations Committee, and Vice Chairman Prof. S. Radhakrishnan, stressed the significance of youth-driven social transformation. Sri. Jayakumar Ramakrishnan, the founder of VDS, outlined 18 majo projects, including national seminars, youth meets, teacher orientation camps, study circles, publications, and social outreach programs.

Major Events and Initiatives

1. National Youth Day Celebrations

2012 (08.01.2012): Held at Swami Sakrananda Hall, Palakkad, with addresses by Poojya Matha Tapapranaji, Dr. P. Achuthan, Prof. S. Radhakrishnan, and others.
2013 (12.01.2013): ‘Vande Vivekanandam – 2013’ at Radhika Auditorium, Vadakkanthara, featuring renowned personalities like Padmashree O. N. V. Kurup and writer Sri C. Radhakrishnan.
2014 (12.01.2014): Grand finale youth camp at Palakkad Town Hall, inaugurated by Padmavibhushan Dr. E. Sreedharan, attended by over 1,000 youth.

2. Swamiji’s Kerala Visit Commemorative Meeting (29.01.2012)

Held at Shoranur, the place where Swamiji first set foot in Kerala in 1892. The meeting featured Poojya Swami Sandeepananda Giri and other prominent speakers.

3. Three-Day Seminar by Sri M (27–29 March 2012)

Sri M, renowned mystic and author of Apprenticed to a Himalayan Master, delivered captivating discourses on the life of Swami Vivekananda, his inspiring letters, and the profound teachings of Raja Yoga. The sessions, presided over by distinguished dignitaries, drew large, attentive audiences throughout. The event was further graced by the participation of Justice Chettur Sankaran Nair, adding to its significance.

4. Hatayoga–Rajayoga Kendra (20.02.2012)

A dedicated yoga center was launched at Ramanathapuram, offering classes in various educational institutions.

5. Mobile Bookshop Launch (14.04.2012)

A mobile bookstore was inaugurated at Sri Sarada Math, Thrissur, to facilitate the wide distribution of Sri Ramakrishna–Vivekananda literature.

6. Vivekananda Literary & Photo Exhibition (12.11.2012)

Held during the Kalpathy Car Festival, this five-day exhibition, inaugurated by Sri Ananthanarayanan (Addl. Commissioner of Income Tax), drew a significant public response and participation of distinguished leaders.

7. Chicago Speech Commemorative Meetings

2012 (11.09.2012): Meeting at Town Hall, Palakkad, addressed by Swami Chidananda Puri. The book Chicago Calling by Prof. S. Radhakrishnan was released.

2013 (11.09.2013): Follow-up commemorative event at Fine Arts Hall, Palakkad, with Dr. P. Achuthan as the main speaker.

8. Vivekavahini (01.01.2013)

A unique world record event featuring over 1,500 school children dressed as Swamiji at Rappadi Open Air Auditorium, in collaboration with Bharatiya Vidya Niketan.

9. Role Model Award (09.03.2013)

A special award instituted in Swamiji’s name in association with Vidyapradaan Vidyalaya, Kottekkad, to honor exemplary role models.

10. Educational Programmes (2012–2013)

Formation of six Study Circles for continuous learning and discussions.

Seven Youth Camps for students across disciplines.

District-level and educational competitions held in Palakkad and Ottapalam with cash awards and Vivekananda books distributed to winners.

Joint initiatives with the Department of Sports & Youth Affairs and Ramakrishna Math & Mission.

11. Swami Vivekananda Corner (01.01.2014)

Inaugurated by Sri. Shafi Parambil MLA at the District Public Library, Palakkad, with a comprehensive donation of Swamiji’s books and pictorial biographies.

12. E-Magazine Launch (01.01.2014)

A fortnightly E-Magazine under the editorship of Prof. S. Radhakrishnan was launched by Swami Swaprabhanandaji Maharaj.

13. Viveka Vilambara Prayaan (05.01.2014)

A grand 30-km procession featuring an 8.5-foot-tall idol of Swamiji, inaugurated by Sri Mohan Menon, ADRM, Palakkad Division, greeted by enthusiastic public participation across Palakkad town.

Concluding Ceremony (02.02.2014)

The formal conclusion of the celebrations was held at Top in Town Auditorium, Palakkad, with all 150 committee members present. Presided over by Sri Palat Mohandas IAS, the event was lauded by Swami Sadbhavanandaji of Sri Ramakrishna Math, Thrissur, as one of the finest celebrations organized in Kerala in honor of Swamiji. The committee reported that the number of executed programs expanded from the initial plan of 18 to 21, thanks to the dedication of a vibrant team of young volunteers and overwhelming public support.

Summary

The Vivekananda Darshanika Samajam’s 150th Birth Anniversary Celebrations of Swami Vivekananda were a monumental success, marked by inclusive participation, educational enrichment, youth mobilization, and widespread dissemination of Swamiji’s timeless message. Each event stood as a testimony to Swamiji’s call: “Arise! Awake! and stop not till the goal is reached.”