Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya (VKV), Balijan, celebrated Universal Brotherhood Day with great enthusiasm and patriotic fervour to commemorate Swami Vivekananda’s historic Chicago Speech.

The programme was graced by Sri Khopey Thaley Ji, Honourable State Information Commissioner, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, as Chief Guest; Sri Pema Norbu Thongchi Ji, Special Secretary, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, as Guest of Honour; and Sri Taba Tatup Ji, Karyapaddhati Pramukh, Arunachal Pradesh Prant, as Special Guest. The celebration was attended by 52 parent-alumni members, four Sankul Pramukhs, three SSG members and 687 parents and guardians.

The programme began with the traditional lighting of the lamp and Mangalacharan, followed by the welcome address and felicitation of the dignitaries. The school magazine “Arohi” was inaugurated and distributed among parents. Prizes were also presented to students who excelled in the ABVP quiz competition and the Independence Day skit on “Polio-Free India.”

A vibrant cultural programme featured action songs, patriotic songs, Gita shloka chanting, drama, multicultural dance and Swami Vivekananda’s Chicago Speech. Alumni also presented traditional and cultural performances and shared inspiring experiences.

Sri Taba Tatup Ji spoke on Kendra Parichaya, explaining the vision and activities of Vivekananda Kendra. An awareness session on HPV vaccination was also conducted for students and parents.

Addressing the gathering, Sri Pema Norbu Thongchi Ji highlighted the impact of Swami Vivekananda’s Chicago Speech and urged the youth to serve society and contribute towards a developed India. Sri Khopey Thaley Ji appreciated VKV’s contribution to quality and value-based education and encouraged parents to preserve indigenous culture, identity and moral values.

The event was covered by The Arunachal Times, IANS and All India Radio. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks and the collective chanting of the Shanti Mantra, inspiring all to uphold the ideals of universal brotherhood, peace and mutual respect.

Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya, Balijan celebrated the Dree Festival, the premier agrarian and cultural festival of the Apatani community, with immense joy, vibrant colours, and traditional fervour on 5th July 2026. The primary objective of the celebration was to familiarize students with the rich indigenous heritage of Arunachal Pradesh and to foster a deep respect for agricultural traditions and harmony with nature.

The celebration was led by the students of VKV Balijan. A brief speech highlighting the significance of the festival was delivered by Km. Hane Chochang, a student of Class XI. In her address, she emphasized the sacredness of agriculture and vegetables in Apatani culture and explained that the festival is celebrated with prayers and hope for a bountiful harvest and prosperity.

A mesmerizing cultural programme showcased the remarkable artistic talents of the students, who were beautifully dressed in traditional Apatani attire adorned with authentic ornaments. Students from different mandals presented vibrant cultural dances reflecting the rich traditions of the Apatani community. Both primary and senior students enthusiastically participated in the performances, and their presentations were judged separately according to their respective categories, adding a spirit of healthy competition to the celebration.

The celebration concluded on a joyful note, leaving students with a deeper appreciation of the cultural richness of Arunachal Pradesh and the importance of preserving its indigenous traditions.

Prerana Shibir 2026–27 for the students of **Class VII** was conducted on **27 and 28 June 2026** under the coordination of **Smt. Nirmala Tamang** and **Smt. Anjani Rai**. The camp aimed to promote the holistic development of students by nurturing their intellectual, physical, emotional, spiritual, and cultural values.

A total of **52 participants**, including **38 students** and **14 resource persons**, attended the camp. Registration was managed by **Su. Sneha Gogoi**, followed by **Gan Vibhajan**, where students were divided into five Ganas—**Arun, Kiran, Kamchi, Donyi-Polo,** and **Turung**—with group leaders and assistant leaders appointed to encourage leadership and teamwork.

The programme was inaugurated by **Shri Kesaw Gogoi**, Principal of Green Meadows Residential School, by lighting the ceremonial lamp. **Smt. Anjali Das**, Principal I/C, VKV Balijan, welcomed the gathering and felicitated the Chief Guest.

### Day 1 Highlights (27 June 2026)

The inaugural session included the teaching of the **Shibir Geet** by **Su. Sneha Gogoi**. The day featured a series of value-based sessions on the **importance of Shibir**, **self-confidence**, **concentration through the life of Swami Vivekananda**, **life lessons from the Bhagavad Gita**, and **the festivals and culture of Arunachal Pradesh**. Students also participated in **Geet Abhyas**, games and physical activities, an inspiring documentary on **Eknathji**, interactive group discussions, and fun-filled team-building activities. The day concluded with **Avalokan** and the **Shanti Mantra**.

### Day 2 Highlights (28 June 2026)

The second day began with **Morning Prayer**, **Gita Chanting**, **Yoga**, **Pranayama**, and **Shramdan**. The academic sessions covered **safe and responsible internet usage**, **Indian culture through group activities**, **personal health and hygiene**, **India's achievements in space science**, and **career guidance**. Each session was interactive and encouraged active participation and value-based learning.

### Valedictory Function

The valedictory programme began with **Manglacharan**. The Chief Guest, **Shri Ramprakash Yadav Ji**, Retired Principal of Mahatma Gandhi Rashtrabhasha School, Dufflaghar, inspired the students with his address on nature and Indian culture. The Ganas presented patriotic songs, and the camp report was presented by **Smt. Anjani Rai**. The programme concluded with **Aahuti Satra**, **Shanti Mantra**, and **Kendra Prarthana** at **4:30 p.m.**

### Conclusion

The two-day **Prerana Shibir 2026–27** concluded successfully with enthusiastic participation from students, resource persons, guest speakers, and organisers. Through educational sessions, cultural programmes, spiritual practices, and physical activities, the camp achieved its objective of fostering discipline, confidence, teamwork, patriotism, and holistic development among the students.

The much-awaited inauguration of the newly constructed school building of Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya Balijan was held on 17 June 2026 with great enthusiasm and active community participation. The project was undertaken under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative of [NTPC Limited](https://www.ntpc.co.in?utm_source=chatgpt.com), Bongaigaon, reflecting the organization's commitment to strengthening educational infrastructure in remote regions.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by Shri Nabam Vivek, Hon'ble MLA of 14-Doimukh Constituency, as the Chief Guest, and Shri Takar Rava, ADC Balijan, as the Guest of Honour. Representing NTPC Bongaigaon were Smt Debaleena Das, DGM-HR, and Shri Rounak Kundu, Senior Assistant Engineer, CCD.

The programme was attended by Aa. Sujatha Nayak, Secretary, VKVAPT, and Aa. Rupesh Mathur, Prant Sangathak and Joint Secretary, VKVAPT. Also present were the building contractor Sri Nikam Beyang, Chief Engineer Sri Rajkumar Roy, local dignitaries, SSG members, Sankul Pramukhs, teachers, students, and parents.

The inaugural ceremony commenced with a traditional local puja conducted by the Nyader Namlo team, followed by a Vedic puja performed by Panditji, invoking divine blessings for the new beginning. The Principal of VKV Balijan delivered the welcome address, followed by words of blessing from Aa. Rupesh Mathur Ji.

On behalf of NTPC, Smt Debaleena Das shared her thoughts on the importance of educational development and community partnership. Aa. Sujatha Nayak Didi, in her address, highlighted how a long-cherished dream had finally taken shape and become a reality through collective efforts and support.

The occasion was further enlivened by a series of cultural performances presented by the students of VKV Balijan. The programme featured a mesmerizing traditional dance, a patriotic song, and a classical dance performance, which were warmly appreciated by the audience.

In his address, the Chief Guest emphasized that education is the cornerstone of social transformation and stated that the upgraded facilities would provide a better learning environment for the children of Balijan and the surrounding areas. The new building, equipped with spacious classrooms, a library, and science laboratories, is expected to significantly enhance the quality of education and student engagement.

The management of VKV Balijan expressed heartfelt gratitude to NTPC for its generous support and reaffirmed its commitment to providing value-based education inspired by the ideals of Swami Vivekananda. The event concluded with a vote of thanks, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the growth and development of the institution.

The upgraded infrastructure is expected to benefit hundreds of students annually, fostering academic excellence, holistic development, and stronger bonds between the school and the local community.

The VKV Balijan Band Team won first prize in the State-Level Brass Band Competition, organized under the theme ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ by Samagra Shiksha, Arunachal Pradesh, on 5th December 2025.