
From the roaring Siang to the sacred Lohit, five rivers flowing through Arunachal Pradesh became part of an unusual and poignant farewell to veteran social worker and educationist A Balakrishnan, whose final wish was to become one with the land he had chosen as his Karmabhumi nearly five decades ago.
Between October 1 and 4, Balakrishnan's ashes travelled across Arunachal before being immersed in the Tirap, Lohit, Subansiri, Siang and Kameng rivers - a symbolic final journey through a state where he had spent a large part of his life taking education to some of its remotest corners.
Balakrishnan, former All India president of Vivekananda Kendra and one of the pioneering figures behind the Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya (VKV) movement in Arunachal and the Northeast, died at Kanyakumari on August 27. He was 88.
But even in death, his connection with Arunachal remained.
His final wish, according to those associated with him, was that his ashes be brought back and immersed in the rivers of the state where he had devoted decades of his life to education and social service.
Following his cremation, members of the Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya Alumni Association (VKVAA) carried his ashes from Kanyakumari to Arunachal. They were divided into five urns, each beginning a separate journey to one of the state's major rivers.
One urn reached the Tirap at Changlang, another the Lohit at Parshuram Kund. The remaining three travelled to the Subansiri at Kuporijo, the Siang at Komolighat in Pasighat and the Kameng at Seppa.
At each riverbank, alumni, Vivekananda Kendra workers and well-wishers gathered in silence and prayer. Indigenous shamans joined the ceremonies, offering traditional prayers alongside tributes by those whose lives had been touched by the institutions Balakrishnan helped build.
At Komolighat, John Pada led the immersion along with VKVAA chairman Dr Minggam Pertin, Dr Amin Tayeng and others. Moshaso Minin led the ceremony at Parshuram Kund, while Lardak Murtem led the proceedings at Kuporijo.
Lardak and Basang Wage led the farewell on the banks of the Kameng in Seppa, while Kamjai Taisam led the ceremony on the Tirap at Changlang, where deputy commissioner RD Thungon also joined the gathering.
Members of VKVAA, Vivekananda Kendra, Arun Jyoti and other organisations participated in the ceremonies.
The journey carried a deeper meaning for those who knew Balakrishnan's story.
Arriving in Arunachal in the 1970s as a Jeevanvrati, or life worker, Balakrishnan ventured into remote and border areas at a time when roads and communication networks were sparse. Much of the journey had to be undertaken on foot through difficult terrain.
His efforts helped lay the foundation of the VKV movement in the state. The first VKV was established at Sher near Kimin in 1977, alongside the early expansion of schools to places including Balijan, Roing and Jairampur.
Over the decades, the schools became an important part of Arunachal's educational landscape, while generations of students came to know the man who had helped take the movement into the state's distant corners.
In recognition of his contribution to education, the Arunachal Pradesh government honoured Balakrishnan with a State Award in 2014.
Nearly half a century after he first came to Arunachal to serve its people, his last journey brought him back once again — not to a school or a remote village, but to its rivers.
As the final urn was immersed and the four-day tribute concluded on Sunday, the farewell fulfilled the wish of a man who had arrived in Arunachal as a worker from another corner of India but came to regard the state as his own.
From Tirap in the east to Kameng in the west, the five rivers carried away his ashes.
The land he had chosen for his life's work had become his final resting place.

Venue: Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya, Pasighat, East Siang, Arunachal Pradesh
Participants: 101 Sankul Members
A workshop for Sankul Pramukhs was organized with a focus on orientation, yoga, interaction, discussion, and sharing.
The programme began with Shanti Path, followed by the welcome address by Smt. Bindu D. Nair. Participants introduced themselves, sharing their profession, associated VKV, Sankul, and experience as Sankul Pramukh.
Sri Khirud Borgohain, Teacher, VKV Oyan, conducted sessions on Yogabhyas, Pranayama, and Khel. The game “Main, Parivar, Samaj, Rashtra” encouraged team spirit and reflection on individual and social responsibilities.
A group discussion and sharing session provided an opportunity to exchange experiences and ideas. Su. Sujata Nayak Didi, Secretary, VKVAPT, spoke about the extended family system and encouraged participants to take a meaningful Sankalpa in consultation with their family members.
The programme concluded with the Shanti Mantra – “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah”, followed by refreshments. The workshop was enriching and strengthened fellowship, collective responsibility, and a shared sense of purpose among the Sankul Pramukhs.

Glad to inform you that the State Level Science Seminar 2026–27 was held at Itanagar on the theme:
“India’s Energy Basket 2047 – Prospects and Challenges”
We are delighted to share the following results:
🥇 1st Place: Kr. Rubu Daniel, VKV Oyan
🥈 2nd Place: Kr. Aryan Parasar, VKV Itanagar
🥉 3rd Place: Kr. Kipa Lakibai, EMRS Nyapin
Hearty congratulations to all the winners, their proud parents, and their teachers!
Special appreciation to the respective VKV teams for their dedicated efforts in preparing, mentoring, and encouraging the students to perform at their best.
Wishing all the students continued success in their academic journey and future endeavours! 🌟

Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya, Pasighat, celebrated the 80th Independence Day of India on 15th August 2026 with great enthusiasm and patriotic fervour.
The celebration began with a soulful rendition of Vande Mataram, followed by the Flag Hoisting Ceremony at 7:00 a.m. and the National Anthem. A floral tribute was offered to the brave freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the nation.
The Principal addressed the gathering, inspiring students to uphold patriotism, discipline, responsibility and national unity. Students presented patriotic songs and speeches, while the Mega Dance Performance by Classes III, IV and V was a major highlight.
The programme also included a quiz, prize distribution and an exhibition of students’ embroidery work featuring the National Flag and the map of India. The celebration concluded with the distribution of jalebi among the students.
The programme was a memorable celebration of freedom, patriotism and national responsibility.

The 44th Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya (VKV) was formally declared open with Varshaarambha by Sri Manjunath R., IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Shi-Yomi District, on 28 June 2026 at Tato Headquarters, Shi-Yomi District.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by the presence of Sri Tanya Rinya, ZPC, Sri Tade Dabi, DDSE, Sri Jaisankar, Cluster In-charge, Siang & Subansiri Clusters, VKVAPT, Sri Raju Diru, President, Ruto Ao Welfare Society, along with other prominent district leaders, dignitaries, and members of the local community.
The event marked the formal commencement of the academic session, reflecting the collective commitment of the administration, educational fraternity, and community towards strengthening quality education and holistic development in the district.

Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya, Pasighat celebrated International Yoga Day 2026 with great enthusiasm under the theme *“Practice Yoga, Protect Health.”* Students, parents, teachers, and guests participated in yoga practice sessions, promoting health, discipline, and inner peace.
As part of the IDY Outreach Programme organized by AYUSH, NEIAFMR Pasighat, the school also participated in a Mass Yoga Session. A proud moment for the school was when **Gesi Bagra (Class V)** secured **Second Prize** in the Yoga Posture Competition.
The celebration concluded successfully, inspiring everyone towards healthy living and healthy ageing.

Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya, Pasighat, celebrated the 77th Republic Day with great patriotism on 26 January 2026 in the school premises. The programme began with the hoisting of the National Flag by the Principal, followed by the singing of the National Anthem.
A short speech highlighting the significance of the Indian Constitution, the sacrifices of freedom fighters, and the duties of citizens was delivered. Patriotic slogans and a melodious patriotic song presented by students added enthusiasm and national spirit to the celebration.
A Prize Distribution Ceremony was held to honour students for their achievements in various competitions conducted on the eve of Republic Day. The celebration concluded with the distribution of sweets and a vote of thanks.