Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya, Nirjuli, celebrated Universal Brotherhood Day on 11th September 2025 with great devotion and enthusiasm, marking the 132nd anniversary of Swami Vivekananda’s historic address at the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893. The celebration witnessed the gracious presence of distinguished dignitaries, the active participation of students, and the wholehearted involvement of parents and teachers, making the event a memorable and inspiring one.
Attendance:
• No of Students : 1260
• No of teaching Staff : 45
• No of non-teaching Staff : 12
• No of parents and well-wishers : 543
CHIEF GUEST:
Su. Vishakha Yadav, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Papu Pare District, Yupia
GUEST OF HONOUR:
1. Sri. Pelbang Tayang, Joint Registrar (Establishment), Office of the Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Govt of A.P., Naharlagun
SPECIAL INVITEE:
2. Dr. Minggam Pertin, Assistant Professor of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, TRIHMS & Chairman, VKV Alumni Association.
The programme began with the lighting of the lamp by the invited dignitaries, symbolizing the dispelling of darkness through the light of wisdom. This was followed by the chanting of Mangalacharan by the Km. Lucy Dai (IXC) and Km. Changtam Phassang (VIIIC), which created a serene and divine atmosphere.
The release of Arohi, the house magazine of Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalayas themed “I am India”, was one of the significant highlights of the programme. The dignitaries present on the dais had the honour of unveiling the magazine, thereby marking its formal launch. The event was not only a symbolic gesture but also an acknowledgment of the collective efforts of students and teachers in bringing forth a publication that reflects creativity, critical thinking, and cultural values. The dignitaries, while appreciating the initiative, emphasized that Arohi serves as a meaningful platform to showcase the talents, aspirations, and intellectual growth of the students across the VKVs. The moment of release was greeted with admiration by the audience, adding grace and dignity to the proceedings.
Sri. K. Jaisankar, Principal of the Vidyalaya extended a warm welcome to the Chief Guest, Guest of Honour, Special Invitee, parents, teachers, and students. After introducing the dignitaries, he also felicitated the dignitaries with mementoes and highlighted the importance of observing Universal Brotherhood Day, reminding everyone that it is not just a commemoration but an occasion to absorb and practice the values of unity and service championed by Swami Vivekananda.
The programme continued with an address on the Significance of the Day by Dr. Minggam Pertin, Assistant Professor of TRIHMS and Chairman of VKV Alumni Association. He elaborated on the relevance of Swamiji’s message in the present context and motivated students to live a disciplined and purposeful life rooted in Indian values.
One of the most inspiring moments of the celebration was the recitation of Swamiji’s Chicago Address, presented by Kr. Kingsom Gammi (VI C), Kr. Dishant Bezbaruah (X C), Kr. Tarh Takar (XI A), Kr. Techi Luj (VIII A), and Km. Rijium Nomuk (XI A). Their powerful presentation captured the very spirit of Swamiji’s speech, bringing alive the historical event when Swamiji introduced India’s message of tolerance and brotherhood to the world.
The programme commenced with the presentation of Vivek Vani in three languages by the students. In English, the readings were shared by Kr. Abhiraj Barman (Class II A), Km. Omeremi Mibang (Class VIII B), Kr. Torep Saroh (Class III A), and Kr. Tejas Singh (Class X B). In Hindi, Vivek Vani was rendered by Kr. Limuk Gadi (Class III A) and Km. Annika Ghosh (Class VI B). The Sanskrit and English rendition was presented by Kr. Gabriel G. Kadu (Class III C) and Kr. Tarh Bathe (Class IX C), while the Hindi and Sanskrit version was delivered by Km. Nishipriya (Class VI B) and Km. Abhilasha Bora (Class IX C). These quotations reminded everyone of the power of Swamiji’s words and their relevance in shaping character and building a strong nation.
The cultural segment of the programme added vibrancy and colour to the occasion. Students of Class IX C presented a melodious patriotic song in Sanskrit, which was followed by a thought-provoking revisit to the history of North East on Swami Vivekananda’s visit to Assam in 1901 with His Mother. This drama, enacted by the students of Balvatika and Classes II & III, vividly depicted Swamiji’s inspiring journey and his meaningful interactions with the people of Assam and Shillong. The drama was prepared and directed by Su. Aparajita Gupta Choudhury Didi.
Further, a Power Point Presentation on the Life of Swami Vivekananda, meticulously prepared by Sri. Ashish Kumar Shukla and presented by Smt. Ruma Nath, provided the audience with a visual and informative journey into Swamiji’s life. It highlighted His struggles, achievements, and vision, thereby enriching everyone present with deep insights into his enduring message for humanity.
The cultural richness of the event was further enhanced by a traditional dance performance presented by the students of Class III. A skit on the life of Swami Vivekananda, performed by the hostellers of VKV Nirjuli, dramatized important milestones of Swamiji’s life, leaving a deep impression on the audience. The incidence was in connection with prayers to Maa Kali.
The Guest of Honour, Sri Pelbang Tayang, in his address, expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the programme and the values it sought to convey. He emphasized the importance of following the ideals of Swami Vivekananda, which continue to serve as guiding principles for leading a purposeful and meaningful life. He further highlighted that the values inculcated among the students through the teachings of Swamiji and the dedicated efforts of the Vidyalaya are a source of strength and character-building. Sri Tayang also remarked that witnessing the flourishing growth of Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalayas across the state gives immense pleasure and satisfaction, as these institutions stand as centres of learning, discipline, and cultural preservation. He commended the teachers and students for carrying forward the noble mission with sincerity and dedication.
The Chief Guest, Su. Vishakha Yadav, IAS, Deputy Commissioner of Papum Pare, delivered an inspiring keynote address that left a deep impact on students, parents, and teachers alike. She began by reminding everyone that the occasion was not merely a celebration but a day to remember and reflect upon the life and teachings of Swami Vivekananda. She emphasized the spirit of humanity that Swamiji stood for, where all are equal and the greatest religion is unity. True progress, she noted, lies not only in material achievements but in building strong foundations of character and morality.
Highlighting the importance of education, she stated that real education must combine knowledge with values, and nurture both unity in diversity and harmony among people. She described Swamiji as a living example of courage, vision, and universal brotherhood, whose message continues to inspire generations. Acknowledging the contribution of Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalayas, she appreciated the way these institutions have preserved cultural roots while imparting modern education, instilling pride, values, and moral strength in young learners. Her words carried a powerful message for students, parents, and teachers alike, emphasizing the need to live fearlessly and with purpose, drawing inspiration from the life of Swami Vivekananda.
She further advised students to remain steadfast in their dreams, irrespective of the profession they choose, and to set smaller goals that ultimately lead to a larger vision in life. Stressing the balance of body, mind, and emotions, she reminded them that failures are part of life and should be accepted as stepping stones toward success. She concluded her address by urging everyone to take a Sankalp in the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world is one family—and to dedicate their lives to unity, service, and higher ideals.
Finally, the programme concluded with the collective chanting of the Shanti Mantra brought the event to a solemn and peaceful close, followed by the distribution of sweets among all present.
A special highlight of this year’s celebration was the subject-wise exhibition stalls arranged by the different academic departments of the school. Stalls for English, Hindi, and Sanskrit together, Science, Mathematics, and Social Science and Primary Classes were set up, where students displayed a variety of models, charts, and creative projects. Each stall reflected not just the academic concepts taught in classrooms but also connected them to real-life applications, traditional wisdom, and cultural heritage. The exhibitions were thoughtfully designed to be in line with the Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) as envisaged in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, thereby blending modern scientific understanding with India’s age-old traditions of learning. Students confidently explained their exhibits, demonstrating not only their grasp of subjects but also their ability to integrate them with holistic and value-based knowledge. The exhibition drew enthusiastic responses from parents, and guests, becoming one of the key attractions of the day.
The Universal Brotherhood Day celebrations at VKV Nirjuli this year not only paid homage to Swamiji’s message but also inspired the gathering to practice his ideals in their daily lives. In particular, the exhibitions aligned with NEP 2020’s vision of integrating Indian Knowledge Systems with modern education, serving as a practical example of how learning can be both innovative and deeply rooted in Indian ethos. The entire event reaffirmed the school’s commitment to nurturing students who are rooted in Indian culture while being global citizens in outlook. It stood as a glowing reminder that Swami Vivekananda’s message of oneness, service, and harmony continues to light the path of humanity.
Jai Hind!
