Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya (VKV), Itanagar, celebrated Universal Brotherhood Day on September 11, 2025, with great enthusiasm and devotion to Swami Vivekananda’s ideals. The event brought together 158 parents, 60 teaching staff, and around 250 students, along with distinguished guests and Karyakartas of Vivekananda Kendra. The program was led by the head of the institution, Principal, Sri A. Krishnan and coordinated by Sri Anjan Purkayastha, with teachers assigned specific duties to ensure smooth conduct.
The program commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp and chanting of Omkaras with “Sahanabhavatu” by the chief guest, Sri Jummar Basar, SP Itanagar Capital Complex Police, along with Principal Sri A. Krishnan, Adarniya Reena Didi, Education Officer of Papum Pare cluster, Sri Kalyan Dutta, Junior Engineer, and other dignitaries.
As the programme started, the honorable Chief guest and Guest of Honour were felicitated by the head of the institution, Principal, Sri A. Krishnan sir with traditional mufflers. Moving forward, the special highlight of the day was the releasing of the annual magazine of VKVAPT, "Arohi - The Ascent", by the guest of honour Sri Taba Tatup ji along with the chief guest and the principal, in front of the gathering. The release of the magazine added academic and cultural significance to the occasion.
In his welcome address, Principal, Sri A. Krishnan highlighted the works of Swamiji, the inspiration of Eknathji Ranade, and the purpose of celebrating the day. Sri Keshab Upadhyay, teacher at VKV delivered a detailed speech on Swamiji’s life, his spiritual growth under Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa, the discovery of the Rock Memorial, and the historic 1893 Chicago address that proclaimed the universal message of brotherhood.
A student impressed the gathering by enacting Swamiji’s Chicago Speech and wore attire like Swamiji. Guest of Honour, Sri Taba Tatup ji, Karyapadhati - Prant Pramukh, delivered Kendra Parichay, explaining the mission of “Man-Making and Nation-Building,” the establishment of VKVs in 1977, women empowerment initiatives, youth programs, and the concept to lead an ideal life, the six “Bha’s”—Bhasa, Bhusa, Bhojan, Bhajan, Bhraman, and Bhavan.
Adding to the inspiration, Tailyang Rilung, a Class IX student, recited Vivek Vani with interpretation.
Addressing the gathering, chief guest Sri Jummar Basar praised the school for instilling values among students and urged them to live by Swamiji’s call to “Be and Make.” Speaking to the senior students (Gen Z), he emphasized their responsibility towards society and cautioned against distractions, while encouraging the younger ones (Gen Alpha) to first become good human beings. Referring to recent events in Nepal, he reminded all that real change begins with self-transformation.
The formal program was followed by a series of cultural performances, including action songs, Bharatnatyam, dramatizations of Swamiji’s life, patriotic dances, and vibrant presentations of Nyishi, Apatani, Manipuri, Galo, Bangla, and other traditional dances. Students also presented Swamiji’s message in local dialects, winning applause from the audience.
The program concluded with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks and the chanting of 3 Omkaras with “Bhadram Karnehvih” and Kendra Prarthana of Vivekananda Kendra. In the Vote of Thanks, Vice Principal, Sri VN Utthaman, acknowledged the contributions of dignitaries, parents, staff, and students in making the celebration a success. The event was anchored with confidence by Class X students—Jessica, Tumyir, Sanvi, and Gichik.
The celebration not only honored Swami Vivekananda’s immortal message of universal brotherhood but also inspired the younger generation to uphold values of unity, service, and cultural pride.
