GOKULASHTAMI AND RAKSHABANDHAN CELEBRATION REPORT 2025

 Date          : 18-08-2025

Time          : 2.00 PM.

Venue         : V.K.V. SCHOOL, KANYAKUMRAI

Chief Guest : Sri. N. NEELAKANDAN, Headmaster (Rtd.),

Kottaram Govt. Hr. Sec. School

Presided by : Aa.Radha Didi, Admin Secretary, VRM & VK

 

    Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya celebrated two important functions Gokulashtami as well as Rakshabandhan.

Krishna Janmashtami also known as Krishnashtami, Janmashtami, or Gukulashtami.  It is an annual Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu.

Raksha Bandhan is a popular and traditional Hindu annual ritual.  On this day, sisters of all ages tie a amulet called rakhi around the wrists of their brothers and do arati and pray for their good health and long life.  Raksha Bandhan means a bond of protection.

The programme was compered by Kum. Saranya of XI standard.

ØInvocation

We initiated the programme by an invocation song sung by 6^th and 7^th standard students melodiously.

ØWelcome Address

A warm welcome address was presented by Mathivathan Gaurav of 7^th Standard.

ØDevotional Song

A devotional Krishna song was presented by the girls of Class 7^th and 8^th.  Their melodious voices filled the atmosphere with divine energy.

ØImportance of the Day

Following the devotional song, the next programme was ‘Importance of the Day’ presented by D.B.Shobana of class VII.  She delivered her speech in Tamil, highlighting the significance of Gokulashtami and Raksha Bandhan.  Her words reflected both devotional and cultural pride.

ØChief Guest Address - Sri.Neelakandan, Retd. Headmaster, Govt.Hr.sec.school, Kottaram

· The chief guest then addressed the gathering with inspiring words.

· He elaborately explained about the cultural and spiritual significance of celebrating festivals like Gokulashtami and Raksha bandhan.

·  He emphasized that the birth of Lord Krishna.  He advised the students to read Sivapuranam and Vinayagar Agaval.  

· Noting that such sacred books provide inner peace and help in developing a neutral and disciplined mind.  

· He highlighted the importance of education through spiritualism, reminding the students that true learning is not only about academics but also about values and character.  

· He quoted Swami Vivekananda’s message.  

· He said that spiritual education is only possible in India, where culture and tradition are deeply rooted in daily life.  

· He illustrated his speech with thought-provoking incidents from the Ramayana and Mahabaratha, and captured the interest of the students by narrating many enchanting stories of Lord Krishna as well as the divine tale of Ulagalanda Perumal.

·  He further informed the audience about the Krishna Bakthi Movement (ISKCON) in London.  

· He shared how ISKCON has inspired people world-wide and even mentioned the visit of Prince Charles, who wrote that ‘Hare Rama’ Chanting gave him great solace and confidence.  

· The chief guest beautifully conveyed that if we have bakthi in our mind, life automatically becomes smooth.  

· Comparing life to an ocean, he explained that with Bakthi we can cross it without difficulty and by God’s grace, our lives will continue to move peacefully.  

· He also spoke about the significance of Raksha Bandhan, recalling how Subhadra, the wife of Arjuna was the first to tie the sacred thread to Lord Krishna, considering him as her brother.

·  His entire address was deeply inspired by the audience.

ØRakhi tying Ceremony

· The next program was the Rakhi tying ceremony.

·  In this, T.N.Ritu of class XI tied the Rakhi to her younger brother Saravanan of Class VII as a symbol of love and protection.  

· This touching moment reflected the true spirit of Raksha Bandhan.

· Following this, dignitaries also received Rakhis, tied by students and made the occasion a memorable one.

ØGreetings – Aa.Radha Didi

· Aa. Radha Didi greeted everyone on the occasion of Gokulashtami and Raksha Bandhan.  

· She emphasized that we should take a pledge to protect our Nation and Culture while focusing on developing ourselves.  

· She reminded us that, just like Lord Krishna, who faced many challenges yet tackled them with a smiling face, we too should learn to face our problems with courage and positivity.

ØUriyadi 

· The programme was beautifully highlighted with the traditional Uriyadi celebrations.  

· A boy dressed as Lord Krishna, accompanied by many girls dressed as Radha, performed graceful dances.  

· The celebration reached its climax when Krishna enthusiastically began the Uriyadi, broke the hanging pots and joyfully obtained the curd.

ØPrize distribution Ceremony

Following this, the prize distribution ceremony for Academic topper.  The prize list was read by Smt. Menaga Devi, teacher of V.K.V.

ØPresenting Memento

After the prize distribution a memento was presented to the Chief guest which was handed over by Hon. Radha Didi.

ØVote of Thanks

The program concluded with the vote of thanks, delivered by Kum. Harshithasri of Class VII.

ØShanti Mantra

The program ended on a peaceful note with the chanting of the Shanti Mantra.

 

79th INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION REPORT - 2025

    

Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya Matric. Hr. Sec. School, Kanyakumari celebrated the 79^th Independence Day on its premises on 15^th August 2025 beginning at 8.30 a.m.  A total of 1250 students participated in the celebration. Parents, teachers, staff from the Vivekananda Kendra Headquarters and Kendra Karyakarthas were also present.

          The Chief Guest was Col. Ravi RajendranB.Tech,MBA.,PG Diploma in Electrical Safety & Safety Management,Indian Army., and the special guest was Sri.V.Bala Murugan, Assistant Professor, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University.  The programme was presided over by Mann. Rekha Didi, Joint General Secretary, VRM &VK. The ceremony was hosted by Kum.Rashmitha from class XI.

Ø  Invocation - Vande Mataram

          The programme commenced with the melodious Vande Mataram sung by the students of Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya.

Ø  Flag Hoisting - National Anthem - Pledge

          The National Flag was hoisted by Man. Rekha Didi, followed by the National anthem.  The National Pledge was was led by Arul Raj, a student of 8^th standard.

Ø  Welcome Address

          A warm welcome address was presented by Kum. Infant Fiano, a student of class XI extending greetings to the chief guest, special guest, dignitaries and all the participants of the celebration.

Ø  Mass Drill

          Mass drill was performed by the students of Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya in a co-ordinated and harmonious manner.

Ø  Patriotic Song
    The students of Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya performed a melodious patriotic song that inspired the audience.

Ø  Importance of the Day

          Kum. Roshiana, a student of 8^th standard eloquently explained the importance of Independence Day, recalling the struggles of freedom fighters and urging all to value and uphold the freedom achieved through their sacrifices.

Ø  Special Guest address - Prof. V.Bala Murugan

§  Prof. V.Bala Murugan, Assistant Professor, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, delivered an inspiring address. 

§  He emphasized that it is the duty of every citizen to honour freedom fighters for their sacrifices.

§   He recalled the patriotic leaders such as V.O.Chithambaram Pillai, Mahakavi Bharathi, Vanchinathan, Bala Gangathara Tilak, whose courage and vision shaped our Independence movement.

§   He highlighted the bravery of soldiers in the Kargil war and strategic importance of the Indian Navy and Air Force in protecting the Nation.

§   He also spoke about India’s economic development and encouraged students to contribute to Nation’s growth through hard work and unity.

§   He quoted Dr.A.P.J.Abdul Kalam - “Do not take rest after your first Victory, if you fail in the second attempt more lips are waiting to say that your first victory was just luck”.

§   He explained that this quote is a lesson for students to strive continuously with perseverance. 

§  He concluded by reminding everyone that unity, culture and courage are India’s strength which must be preserved by all the students.

§   He proudly pointed out that with nearly 65% of India’s population being youth, he hoped that India will soon emerge as a fully developed country.

Ø  Hindi Speech

          Selvan. Sanjeev a student of VII Class delivered a confident Hindi speech on patriotism.

Ø  Chief Guest Address - Col. Ravi Rajendran

§  Col. Ravi Rajendran a distinguished officer inspired the gathering with his words on the importance of Independence Day. 

§  He urged everyone to salute the mighty warriors of Indian Army, who stand as true inspirations for the nation. 

§  He spoke about the qualities that every citizen must cultivate for personal growth and national development. 

§  He further mentioned that India is admired and appreciated across the world for its rich heritage, deep wisdom and contribution to humanity. 

§  He reminded the audience that Indian Culture is one of the oldest in the world, with a history going back more than 5000 years.

§   He pointed out that India has always been a giver, offering spiritual knowledge, Science, Mathematics and especially yoga which has now become a gift of India to the entire world. 

§  He strongly emphasized the need for unity among all Indians.  He pointed out the development of India in Agriculture, Education, Medical field, Space research and part of Indian Army.

§   He concluded his speech that freedom is not merely political Independence but a journey of self-discovery.

Ø  Patriotic Bharathiyar Song

          The students of classes VII and VIII performed a Bharathiyar song, reviving patriotic fervor and inspiring the audience.

Ø  Presidential Address - Man. Rekha Didi

§  The presidential address was delivered by our Man. Rekha Didi.  She reminded everyone of the struggles and sacrifices that won us our freedom.

§   She quoted Swami Vivekananda who travelled from Kolkatta to Kanyakumari with a vision for India’s progress and inspired the people to dedicate themselves to the service of the nation.

§   She spoke about the teachings of Sri.Aurobindo, inspired by Swami Vivekananda.  She stressed that every nation should protect three things;

1.        The land          2.  The people       3.  The Culture.

§  She emphasized the importance of reading authentic history book to understand India’s rich heritage and encouraged students to become disciplined and culturally grounded individuals.

Ø  Tamil Drama

          Students of class IX performed a Tamil drama based on Operation Sindhoor, portraying the valour and sacrifices of Indian Soldiers.

Ø  Dance Perfomance

          Girls of classes VII and VIII performed dance, inspiring patriotic feelings among the audience.

Ø  Pyramid

          Boys from classes IV to IX performed a dance inspiring the confidence among the students.

Ø  Band performance

          The school Band Team delivered a rhythmic and disciplined band performance adding grandeur to the celebration.

Ø  Prize distribution

          Academic Toppers of 2024 were honoured with the prize.  List read by Smt.A.Ajitha, Teacher of Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya.  Winners were celebrated with applause and encouragement.

Ø  Memento presentation

          Mementos were presented to the Chief guest and Special guest by the President, reflecting gratitude for their presence.

Ø  Vote of thanks

          Kum. Angelin, student of class VII proposed the vote of thanks, acknowledging all dignitaries, teachers, parents and students.

Ø  Conclusion - Shanthi Mantra and Kendra Prarthana

          The celebration concluded with Shanthi Mantra Prarthana, leaving the campus filled with peace, devotion and Patriotic spirit.