MATRU POOJA

On the occasion of Sri Sarada Jayanthi, the birth anniversary of Sri Sarada Devi the Holy consort of Sri Ramakrishna, every year here in Anandadham Matrupooja is conducted for the mothers of the tiny tots of  Sandeepani Sishuvihar and the neighbourhood children.

This year too, the tradition was followed. Twenty five children and their mothers and grandmothers took part in the pooja.The programme started with deepa prajwalan by the Chief Guest Smt Jayashree, a senior teacher of Amrita Vidyalayam, Kodungallur.This was followed by pushparchana and arati at the feet of Sri Sarada Ma.

The tiny tots, their siblings sat at the feet of their mothers. The youngest of them was Master Abhijit who is two years old. Mananeeya Lakshmi meticulously guided the children in performing the pada-pooja of their mothers. With tiny fingers they washedthe feet of their mothers, applied  sandal paste and kumkumam, offered flowers and deepa aradhana and lastly fed their mother with ladoo and got a share of the offered laddoo sitting on the lap of their mothers! It was indeed an emotional moment for both the mothers and their children.  From this tender age, this samskara of worshipping their mother is being inculcated into these children so that this attitude of reverence remains till they are matured.

While talking to the mothers, Smt Jayashree, narrated about her own life and how she was chosen as a teacher of Amma's school. Good samskaras always help individuals to take up the right path. Mananeeya Didi in her speech asked the mothers to meditate on their motherhood and expand themselves so that they could understand their children better. The programme ended with prasad vitaranam. 

Satsanga Prabhashana Parampara

വിവേകാനന്ദ കേന്ദ്ര വേദിക് വിഷന്‍, ഫൗണ്ടേഷന്‍

ആനന്ദധാം, ശൃംഗപുരം, കൊടുങ്ങല്ലൂര്‍

ഫോണ്‍  : 0480 2803349

സുഹൃത്തുക്കളേ,

"ആപദി കിം കരണീയം....

സ്മരണീയം പാദയുഗളമംബായാഃ  എന്ന വാക്കുകളിലെ പൊരുള്‍ നമുക്ക് വെളിപ്പെടുത്തുന്നതാണ് ഈ മാസം മുതല്‍ ഇവിടെ പുനരാരംഭിക്കുന്ന ആചാര്യന്‍ ഗിരീഷ്കുമാറിന്‍റെ സത്സംഗ പ്രഭാഷണങ്ങള്‍. മേല്‍പ്പറഞ്ഞ  സത്യത്തിനെ അടിവരയിട്ട് ഉറപ്പിക്കാനായി ശ്രീ ഗിരീഷ്ജി, പരാശക്തിയുടെ അടിയന്തിര സന്ദേശമായ ശ്രീദേവീമാഹാത്മ്യമാണ് ഇത്തവണ പ്രഭാഷണ പരമ്പരയ്ക്ക് തിരഞ്ഞെടുത്തിരിക്കുന്നത്. ഡിസംബര്‍ 30,31 തിയ്യതികളില്‍ വൈകുന്നേരം 4 മണി മുതല്‍ 6 മണിവരെയാണ് പ്രഭാഷണം. കുടുംബസമേതം, സുഹൃത്തുക്കളേയുംകൂട്ടി പരിപാടികളില്‍ പങ്കെടുത്ത് അനുഗൃഹീതരാകാന്‍ സാദരം ക്ഷണിക്കുന്നു.

വിധേയ

എം. ലക്ഷ്മികുമാരി

                                                    

പ്രത്യേകശ്രദ്ധയ്ക്ക്  :

ഈ മാസം 23-ാം തിയ്യതി ശനിയാഴ്ച, ശ്രീശാരദാ ജയന്തിയോടനുബന്ധിച്ച് നടത്താറുള്ള മാതൃപൂജ രാവിലെ 9.30 മുതല്‍ ഇവിടെ നടത്തുന്നതാണ്. എല്ലാ രക്ഷകര്‍ത്താക്കളും ഇതില്‍ പങ്കെടുത്ത് ആനന്ദനിര്‍വൃതിയടയാനുള്ള അപൂര്‍വ്വ അവസരത്തെ ഉപയോഗപ്പെടുത്താനപേക്ഷ.

Vrindavanam in Ananda Dham

"The ideal of all education, all training, should be this man-making" and keeping in line with the words of Swami Vivekananda is Sandeepani Sisu Vihar, at Vivekananda Kendra Vedic Vision Foundation, Kodungallur.

Sandeepani Sisu Vihar is the courtyard of Happiness (Ananda) at Ananda Dham, in Kodungallur. Children from nearby homes are initiated into the rich and traditional culture and practices of our nation. Sisu Vihar's has the warmth and affection of a home, combined with the spiritual energy of an ashram, which ensures that the children put in to practice their day to day learnings both at school and home. Thus each child becomes a torch bearer to the eternal or absolute set of duties or dharma (Sanathana Dharma) bringing forth a new light in the day to day lives of their parents, family, and friends.

A children's park (playground) is vital for a child's cognitive, emotional, physical, and social development. Keeping this in mind is the current initiative to build a children's park.

The building of the proposed park is by the Parents of Sisu Vihar children & Sisu Vihar Alumni, Yoga Varga Students and Well Wishers. The combined effort from these different groups should bring in considerable momentum for the successful completion of the Park. However, we require assistance by way of Funds

We need your SUPPORT! Please consider making a tax-deductible donation right now. Please send us your PAN details at vkvvf@vkendra.org post your online payment, bank and account details are given below.

Account Name: VIVEKANANDA KENDRA VEDIC VISION FOUNDATION

Bank Name : CANARA BANK

Branch: KODUNGALLUR 

IFSC Code : CNRB0000758

Account no: 0758101127166

Alternatively, you can also Sponsor an item in the Playground. All ` 25,000/- and above donations will have business/family name on permanent plaque displayed at the park

Please send your PAN No along with a letter mentioning the purpose of the same for the above project

Vishwabhanu

When the announcement came that this year’s ‘Amrita keerthi’ award is to be presented to me, the first question that arose in my mind was whether I deserve it. That led to an exercise of looking back as to how I came to deserve this honour. I thought I should share my thoughts with our friends and well - wishers at this momentous occasion. 

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. Thecumulative 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 Amritakeerthi 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’

---

CELEBRATION OF 125TH YEAR OF SWAMI VIVEKANANDA'S VISIT TO KODUNGALLUR

           CELEBRATION OF 125TH YEAR OF SWAMI VIVEKANANDA'S VISIT TO KODUNGALLUR

In order to celebrate Swami Vivekananda's 125th year of visit to Kodungallur, a committee 'Swami Vivekananda Smarak Samity was formed by the like-minded Hindu organizations of Kodungallur. Mananeeya Lakshmi Didi was made ONE OF the patrons  A month-long programme from 1st November to 3rd December, mainly consisting of a series of competitions for the school children from LP level to Higher Secondary level and also for the youth was chalked out. To coordinate in the conducting of the various programmes, Vivekananda Kendra Kendra Vedic Vision Foundation,  Tapasya, Bharateeya Vichara Kendram, Vishwa Samskrta Pratishthan and Nehru Yuva Kendra also participated.
Apart from competitions, a seminar in Malayalam and Sanskrit, Yuva Sammelan, Parikrama and Pushparchana and various other programmes were conducted.
School children many of them dressed as Swamiji took part in the Parikrama programme.  After offering flowers at the feet of  Swamiji (Photo), there was parikrama of the Bhagavathi temple from outside. Amrita Vidyalayam children had their band troop also. Sandeepani Sishuvihar LKG and UKG students also took part.

The month-long programme came to an end with the concluding programme held at Navaratri Mandapam, Kodungallur on 3rd December, Kartika Pournami evening. In the presence of the General Convener and Chairman of the Swami Vivekananda Smarak Samity Sri D.Sundareshan and  Sri  M.P. Venugopal, and other members of the team including the audience, Mananeeya Lakshmi DIdi was felicitated by Rev.Swami Nandatmajanandaji, editor of Prabuddha Keralam-Ramakrishna Math Thrissur who was also one of the patrons of the above Samity. Prize distribution and talks by Sri K.B.Surendren of Bharatiya Vichar Kendra and Rev Swami Nandatmajanandaji, Smt Saraswathy -principal of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan-Kodungallur, formed part of the evening programme.

SADHANA DIVAS

On the auspicious morning of 19th November, a session was kept for the Yoga Certificate Course students along with Yoga Varga participants, with Mananeeya Lakshmi Didi. She explained the significance of the day and also the purpose of choosing yoga as a  way of life. The herculean task was performed by Mananeeya Eknathji in the construction of the Mighty Rock Memorial and after the construction of the Memorial nowhere was there a mention of his name and even during the inauguration of the memorial, he was behind the screen. This was what is called as a Karmayogi, a silent worker.

Yoga Varga participants  and YCC students
performing Kriya

Ma.Didi with the coupons for fund collection

A group of Sishuvihar parents along with Sri Sudhakarji and Sushree Bindu began the first door to door collection of funds for the creating a children's park the cost of which will exceed rupees ten lakhs.

Ma.Didi talking to the participants

A donor( Sri Ramankutty Master) handing the money for Children's park

BALA-SAMARPAN

                      SWADHYAYA EXAMINATION AT SCHOOLS 
                                            ON THE OCCASION OF  
BHAGINI  NIVEDITA 150TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

              

In connection with Bhagini Nivedita 150th Birth Anniversary,  a swadhaya examination was conducted in Malayalam based on the book on Bhagini Nivedita. Around 300 students from 6 schools registered. 280 students wrote the examination which was held in their own schools on 7th November. Out of the total of 280, 55 students who had scored average marks, were invited to Anandadham on 14th November, for an inter-school quiz competition on life and messages of Swami Vivekananda and Bhagini Nivedita.  

On the morning of 14th November, Children's  Day, two programmes were simultaneously conducted on the campus, one of the successful students of Swadhya competition and the other of Shishuvihar tiny tots. Lighting of the lamp was done by Little Aradhya of LKG dressed as Bhagini Nivedita and little Achut dressed as Chacha Nehru. Prayer was chanted by the UKG tiny tots. The tiny tots and their parents and teachers went for campus cleaning ('Swaccha Bharat Abhiyan'), a one hour programme on 14th November, every year which they had taken up from last year onwards.
The other group of older children coming from different schools got the opportunity to listen to the talk by Mananeeya Didi on Bhagini Nivedita's life and message and why they should know about this great personality who had given her all for the sake of the Indian masses. The students also got an opportunity to listen to the Chief Guest for the occasion, none other than India's  first female  Merchant Navy Captain Radhika Menon, and who had received the  Exceptional Bravery award by International Maritime Organisation(IMO). All potential is within us, the need of the hour is to have the confidence in one's own self and determination to keep going till the end and to be able to practically apply the knowledge acquired in any field in life, was what the Captain advised the students.Captain Radhika gave away the prizes and certificates to the successful students of the swadhya examination.
The second part of the programme was the inter-school quiz on Swamiji and Bhagini Nivedita.The students of Shantiniketan International school received the trophy for best performance in the quiz. All the students had a sumptuous lunch after the programme concluded.

Concluding Program - Samarpanam

Concluding Function Of Sister Nivedita Birth Anniversary

The Chembai Sangeetha college auditorium was the venue to the culmination of the one year long celebrations in conjunction with the 150^th birth anniversary of Sister Nivedita. The events were jointly organised by Vivekananda Kendra Vedic Vision Foundation and Vivekananda Darshanika Samajam.  On the occasion were distinguished guests from different walks of life.   On the dais were :

• Hon. Justice  K P Jyothindranath - High court of Kerala,
• Param Poojya Pravrajika Ajayaprana Mataji - Vice President, Sri Sarada Math, and the Ramakrishna Sarada Mission,
• Hon. Mr. Peter McIvor, Deputy Head of the Embassy of Ireland in New Delhi,
• Mr. François Gautier, editor in chief of the Paris-based La Revue de l’Inde and   trustee founder of FACT – India(_http://www.fact-india.com/ ) and
• Mananeeya. Dr. M. Lakshmi Kumari, Chairperson 'Samarpanam',  Past President of Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari and Chairman of Vivekananda Kendra Vedic Vision Foundation , Kodungallur.

Revered Swami Golokananda Maharaj of Sri Ramakrishna Math, Kalady, also graced the occasion.

The lighting of the Bhadra deepam was carried out by Justice Jyothindranath.(🎧 https://goo.gl/wJkX5e )

Post this Lakshmi Didi's opening address stressed upon "Shraddha/avivesha " with references from Kathopanishad and throwing light upon the thoughts for choosing Margaret Elizabeth Noble to be Sister Nivedita whose life was dedicated to the people of India, especially in the upliftment of women. (🎧 https://goo.gl/c3EZbU )

'Thank you Ireland for having produced such a wonderful Lady' said Mataji in her address to the gathering. Towards the end of her address she asked everyone to remember the 5 words 'Mother's heart', 'Hero's will', 'the leader, servant and friend in one'. She ended the talk by saying "Try your best to nourish those ideals within you, as much as you can for God's children, that will be the highest homage we can give to Sister Nivedita."(🎧 https://goo.gl/BoUkp1 )

Hon. Mr. Peter McIvor spoke on the contribution of Sister Nivedita, her lifetimes work, education and empowerment of young women. He continued, 'She was an important interpreter of India to the outside world. Informing a western audience about India of all it wonderful phases -  It's history, it's heritage, it's mythology, it's religions and it's cultural reawakening of that times. Later she was also to write about the life of  her master and his master Shri Ramakrishna, for whose life and teachings she had developed a strong attachment.' (🎧 https://goo.gl/KK41yr )

As a token of India's love and respect for Sister Nivedita's sacrifice for our motherland, Justice K.P.Jyothindranath presented a memorabilia to Hon. Peter McIvor who represents Ireland, the motherland of Sister Nivedita.

Mr. François Gautier in his talk started off by saying 'I am not a knowledgeable man of Sister NIvedita" but I have always admired her and this is why I accepted this invitation, for most of the time I refuse invitations to this type of conferences.' He continued 'Sister Nivedita is a special person to me, because she is one of the very very few westerners who come to India not to give something but because India gave here something. Sister Nivedata had a rare intuition when she met Swami in London that there is a rare knowledge in India that she needed.' He talked off a similar intuition that he had when he came to India many years back.(🎧 https://goo.gl/fvQDxH )

Sister Nivedita award was presented to Smt. Uma Preman, Founder, Santhi Medical Information Centre, Guruvayur By Mrs. McIvor  & the Citation for the same was read by Shri. Arun. A.  In response to the award Smt. Uman Preman  thanked the organisers and shared her experiences.

Prize distribution for Quiz competition winners were given by Shri N. Nandakumar, 

President, Vivekanada Darsanika Samajam.

Vote Of Thanks was given by Ms. Beena Govind.

A sanyasini and non-sanyasini listening

From R to L : Mr. François Gautier, Mr. Peter McIvor, Justice  K P Jyothindranath, Pravrajika Ajayaprana Mataji, Dr. M. Lakshmi Kumari

Deepa prajwalanam by Justice  K P Jyothindranath 

Rev. Swami Golokananda Maharaj 

Justice K.P.Jyothindranath presented a memorabilia to Hon. Peter McIvor

Smt. Uma Preman and Mrs. McIvor

Panoramic view of the auditorium

Vishwabhanu

Vishwabhanu August - September 2017
 

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.