Universal Brotherhood Day, commemorating Swami Vivekananda’s historic address at the Parliament of Religions in Chicago on 11th September 1893, was celebrated with fervour and devotion at Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya, Jairampur. The school auditorium radiated an aura of cultural pride, youthful energy, and spiritual harmony as the entire VKV family came together to honour the message of global oneness.
Inaugural Ceremony
The programme commenced with the Lighting of the Lamp and Mangalacharan, invoking divine blessings. The solemn glow of the lamp symbolised the eternal flame of knowledge and unity.
The Welcome Address was delivered by the Principal, VKV Jairampur, who extended a heartfelt welcome to all dignitaries, guests, parents, teachers, and students. He proudly mentioned the celebration of the five Utsavas at VKV and highlighted the timeless relevance of Swami Vivekananda’s teachings that continue to inspire the world.
Guests and Felicitation
• Distinguished guests graced the occasion —
• Sri Izmir Tikkhak, Chairman, SSG, VKV Jairampur
• Sri Lekhandu Thungan, ADC, Jairampur
• Sri Tumken Lollen, Executive Engineer, PWD Division Jairampur
Several HoDs, parents, and representatives from six neighbouring Government schools also attended the event.
The principal felicitated the guests, and also released the House Magazine AROHI. A special felicitation was done for Sri Anand Mohan Mishra, Senior Teacher who received the prestigious State Teachers’ Award this year.
Prize Distribution
Prizes were awarded to students from nearby Government schools who had participated in various outreach programmes especially Vivek Vani Recitation organised by VKV Jairampur, showcasing the school’s commitment to community engagement.
Inspirational Speeches
• The highlight of the day was the address by Sri Tumken Lollen, who began with a soulful rendering of Vakratunda Mahakaya. He eloquently spoke about the greatness of Swami Vivekananda, quoting Roma Rolan, Subhas Chandra Bose, and JRD Tata. He reminded the students that even Swami Vivekananda was an ordinary human who became extraordinary through purusharth (self-effort). He emphasised that every soul is potentially divine and stressed the importance of curiosity, discipline, and resisting distractions like mobile phones.
• Sri Lekhandu Thungan, ADC Jairampur, spoke about the purpose and legacy of VKVs. He traced their origin to the initiative of Lt. Governor K.A. Raja and the sacrifices of leaders like Man. A. Balakrishnan and Man Bhanudas ji. He nostalgically recounted how the early teachers focused not just on academics but on all-round development, discipline, and values. He urged that VKVs must adapt with time—improving infrastructure, integrating computer education, and providing NEET-JEE coaching—while keeping alive the spirit of man-making and nation-building.
• Sri Izmir Tikkhak, Vice Chairman, DoTCL and Chairman SSG VKV Jairampur, appreciated the role of the school in shaping generations of bureaucrats and technocrats. He underlined the value of discipline for both students and parents, and spoke about handwriting as a mirror of character. He proudly called VKV Jairampur an “asset of society” and exhorted students to carry forward its rich legacy.
Cultural Programme
A vibrant cultural programme followed, brimming with youthful energy and creative expression. It included:
• Recitations of Vivek Vani by students from Classes IV and V
• Kendra Parichaya, a visual presentation on the activities of Vivekananda Kendra
• Kids’ Action Song by Classes I & II
• Patriotic Song by Junior Girls
• Traditional Dances by Primary Boys and Junior Groups
• Thematic Drama depicting the values of Universal Brotherhood
• Vandemataram Dance by Primary Girls
• Yoga Demonstration by Primary Boys
These performances beautifully conveyed the ideals of unity, discipline, and cultural pride that Swami Vivekananda stood for.
One more student from Government Higher secondary school Jairampur also delivered The Chicago Address.
The programme concluded with heartfelt Vote of Thanks by Sri Sudip Paroi, acknowledging the contributions of everyone involved. The event ended on a serene note with the collective chanting of the Shanti Mantra — “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah”, praying for peace and harmony for all.
The Universal Brotherhood Day celebration at VKV Jairampur was not just an event—it was an awakening. It rekindled in every heart the timeless message of Swami Vivekananda: “Each soul is potentially divine.” The day infused new vigour among students and teachers alike to dedicate themselves to the noble mission of Man-Making and Nation-Building.
