Vivekananda Kendra

{{Infobox organisation

| name = Vivekananda Kendra

| native_name =

| logo =

| caption =

| abbreviation =

| motto =

| formation = {{Start date and years ago|df=yes|p=y|1972|01|07}}

| extinction =

| parent_organization =

| founder = Eknath Ranade

| status = Active

| purpose =

| headquarters = Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, India

| region_served = India

| membership =

| general =

| leader_title = President

| leader_name = A. Balakrishnan

| leader_title2 =

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| website = {{url|vrmvk.org}}

}}

Vivekananda Kendra is a spiritually-oriented service mission founded in 1972, based near the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari ( Tamil Nadu, India ).

It focuses on "Man Making and Nation Building" through various activities, including education, women's empowerment, rural development, promoting Indian culture, as well as youth empowerment and free yoga classes for all ( to promote healthy mind + body )

Established in 1972

Founded by Eknath Ranade as a "living memorial" to Swami Vivekananda's vision, following the construction of the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari.

Headquarters

Located in Kanyakumari ( Tamil Nadu, India ) adjacent to the Vivekananda Rock Memorial

Recognition

Vivekananda Kendra received the Gandhi Peace Prize for 2015 for its contribution to rural development, education and development of natural resources.{{cite news |title=President confers Gandhi Peace Prize |url=http://www.newsonair.com/News?title=President-confers-Gandhi-Peace-Prize&id=360273 |website=All India Radio |date=26 February 2019 |access-date=1 March 2019 |archive-date=21 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221184324/http://www.newsonair.com/News?title=President-confers-Gandhi-Peace-Prize&id=360273 |url-status=dead }}

Core Philosophy

Based on the principles of "Man-Making and Nation-Building", emphasizing spiritual growth and selfless service

Non-Monastic Organization

Operates as a lay service organization, promoting spirituality without a monastic structure approach

Educational Initiatives

Runs Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalayas (VKV), a network of 84 schools across states like Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Tamil Nadu, and the Andaman Islands, focusing on holistic education inspired by Swami Vivekananda's teachings.

Social Service

Engages in various activities including rural development, healthcare, environmental conservation, and disaster relief, aiming to uplift underprivileged communities.

Spiritual Training

Offers programs and workshops to instill values of self-discipline, patriotism, and service among youth and volunteers.

Cultural Integration

Promotes national integration by celebrating festivals, organizing cultural programs, and conducting interfaith dialogues.

Publications and Research

Publishes literature on Swami Vivekananda's philosophy & conducts research to further his vision of a spiritually awakened and socially responsible society.

Programs Being Conducted

In order to help Children & Youth to achieve overall Physical, Mental & Spiritual well being, Vivekananda Kendra regularly conducts free of cost Sanskar ( aka Upbringing and Cultivation ) Varg ( aks class ), Swadhyay ( aka self-study or self-reflection ) Varg & Personal Development camps as well.

= [[Samskara (rite of passage)|Sanskar]] ( Sanskrit Word ) =

Cultivation of good virtues, ethical principles, and values in School going students ( secondary grade )

= [[Svādhyāya|Swadhyay]] ( Sanskrit Word ) =

Involves the study and contemplation of sacred texts and teachings, often including introspection and self-inquiry. ( college grade students )

Vivekananda Kendra as well caters the need of well being of Pregnant women, adolescent girls and child - parent healthy relationship by conducting classes like