Dec 2017 – Jan 2018

Volume 6 Issue 5
A Bi-monthly bulletin of Vivekananda Kendra Vedic Vision Foundation

In this Issue

 Editorial
 125th year of Swamiji’s visit to Kodun-
gallur
 Vrindavan in Anandadham
 Matrupuja

 Sai Ratna Puraskar

 Participation in Yoga Sastra Sangamam,

Kanyakumari
 Samartha Bharath Parva and Swamiji
Jayanthi
 Two days residential camp for YCC
students
 Kutumba Sammelan

 Regular Activities

 Article By Ma. Lakshmi Didi

 Volume 6 Issue 5 -2- December 2017 - January 2018

EDITORIAL

Blue boy of Vrindavan v/s Blue whale of internet

One of the tragedies confronting the youth today is the unnatural self-destroying
temptations they are forced into by which they are caught in the internet fantasy of the
blue whale addiction which would ultimately end up in self-annihilation. If only they
would, instead, turn towards the Blue Boy of Vrindavan, as we all did as children they
would be spared the tragedy of ‘blue whale’ addiction. Turning towards the Blue Boy of
Vrindavan would effortlessly land them at the very fountainhead of India’s spiritual
heritage, to that source of Satchidananda, which pulsates in every atom in the universe,
surrender to which ideal would lead them from darkness to light to knowledge from
ignorance and to immortality from mortality.

Mysterious indeed are the ways in which our great rishis anticipated such man killing
onslaughts of ‘blue whales’, (unbridled sensual gratifications leading to ultimate expressions
of human depravity) and created ideals of cosmic proportions, transcending space and
time, which could withstand such attacks by man-made idiocies. The Blue Boy of
Vrindavan is such an Icon, an epitome of all that is best in creation of enchanting beauty,
power, love, knowledge, practical wisdom and above all a source of super intelligence.
Indian folklore has any number of songs, dramas, sculptures and temples woven round
him and stories, told and retold over centuries and yet remaining as fresh and
illuminating as ever.

The Blue Boy Krishna of Vrindavan started his life as a cowherd adored by his
community at Gokula and grew in stature to become a counsellor, a king maker and so on
finally revealing Himself as the Universal Being and as Yogeswara.By following this growth
and expansion of Sri Krishna our young finite minds slowly learnt to identify with the
Infinite and acquired a wholesomeness which no other religion or culture could ever
provide their followers. The great Indian hero Arjun is a typical example of a young mind,
caught in the web of misunderstanding and misinterpretation of Truth. The result was his
“Vishadaroga” which almost led him to the ultimate point of self-destruction, yet,
through the spiritual counselling and revelations, he received from his friend, philosopher
 Volume 6 Issue 5 -3- December 2017 - January 2018

and guide, Arjuna was cured of his “Vishadroga” and excelled himself as a warrior par
excellence. These exhortations of Sri Krishna have come to us in the most beautiful
Bhagavad Gita, following which thousands and thousands of young people have pulled
themselves out from their depressions and depravations and moved on to a fulfilling life.
The lives of many of our national heroes like Swami Vivekananda, Mahatma Gandhi,
Acharya Vinobha Bhave, Dr. Radhakrishnan, Dr Abdul Kalam, to name a few can
vouchsafe for the efficacy of Sri Krishna’s supreme advice which continue to inspire all
discerning minds even today, not only in India but outside as well.

Mothers who complain about the unhappy, mental state of their children, their
disobedience and lack of enthusiasm to acquire spiritual values in life, beware, you are by
your ignorance, neglect and misdeeds pushing your children into the mouth of the “Blue
Whale” to the path of self-annihilation. The best way out is to introduce into the finite
minds of your tiny tots the Infinite potential that exists within them, by implanting in
them the enchanting all powerful personality of the Blue boy of Vrindavan who
epitomized in himself all that is best in the universe so that within them will start
unveiling the essential divinity, that is their real nature.

Blue denotes the infinite, the unlimited and is the colour of the of the sky, of the ocean.
We may call that Infinite Rama, Krishna, Shiva or Kali. What is important is to implant
this infinitely potent and powerful “Blue Light” in the minds of our children from the
childhood. Fortunately, our spiritual literature is abundant with the stories of these blue
icons. Our tiny tots should be taught to rely on them as their friend, philosopher and
guide like Arjuna or as the saviour as in the case of Prahlad or as the all-pervading Lord
of Universe as prince Dhruva worshipped him.

There is no other way but realizing the Infinite within, to escape from the finite jaws of
the Blue Whale.
 Volume 6 Issue 5 -4- December 2017 - January 2018
Celebration Of 125th Year Of Swami Vivekananda's Visit To Kodungallur
In order to celebrate Swami Vivekananda's 125th year of visit to Kodungallur, a committee 'Swami
Vivekananda Smarak Samity was formed by the like-minded Hindu organizations of Kodungallur.
Mananeeya Lakshmi Didi was made one of the patrons.A month-long programme from 1st November to
3rd December, mainly consisting of a series of competitions for the school children from LP level to
Higher Secondary level and also for the youth was chalked out. For conducting of the various pro-
grammes, Vivekananda Kendra Vedic Vision Foundation, Tapasya, Bharatiya Vichara Kendram, Vishwa
Samskrta Pratishthan and Nehru Yuva Kendra jointly worked.
Apart from competitions, a seminar in Malayalam and Sanskrit, Yuva Sammelan, Parikrama, Push-
paarchana and various other programmes were conducted. School children dressed as Swamiji took part
in the Parikrama programme. After offering flowers at the feet of Swamiji (Photo), there was a
parikrama of the Bhagavathi temple from outside. Amrita Vidyalayam children had their band troop also.
Sandeepani Sishuvihar LKG and UKG students also took part.
The month-long programme came to an end with the concluding programme held at Navrat-
ri Mandapam, Kodungallur on 3rd December, in the evening of Kartika Purnima. In the presence of the
General Convener and Chairman of the Swami Vivekananda Smarak Samity Sri T.Sundaresan and Sri M.P.
Venugopal, and other members of the team including the audience. Mananeeya Lakshmi Didi was felici-
tated for being awarded the Amrita Keerthi, by Rev. Swami Nandatmajanandaji, editor of Prabuddha Ker-
alam-Ramakrishna Math Thrissur who was also one of the patrons of the above Samity. The main speak-
er was Sri K.B. Surendren of Bharatiya Vichara Kendra. Besides Rev Swami Nandatmajanandaji, Smt Saras-
wathi -principal of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan-Kodungallur and Lakshmi Didi also spoke on the occasion.
 Volume 6 Issue 5 -5- December 2017 - January 2018

Vrindavanam In Anandadham

"The ideal of all education, all training, should be this man-making" and keeping in line with the
words of Swami Vivekananda is Sandeepani Sishuvihar, at Vivekananda Kendra Vedic Vision Foundation,
Kodungallur.

Sandeepani Sishuvihar is the courtyard of Happiness (Ananda) at Ananda Dham. Children

from nearby homes are initiated into the rich and tradi- tional culture and
practices of our nation. Sishuvihar is filled with the
warmth and affection of a home, combined with
the spiritual energy of an ashram, which en-
sures that the children put in to prac- tice their
day to day learnings both at school and home.
Thus each child becomes a torch bearer of the San-
atana Dharma bringing forth a new light in the day to day lives
of their parents, family, and friends.

A well planned children's park is vital for a child's cognitive, emotional, physical, and so-
cial development. Keeping this in mind is the current initiative to build a children's park. This is also
meant to commemorate the great event, 125th year of Swami Vivekananda’s sojourn in Kodungallur.

The proposed park would be sponsored by the Parents of Sishuvihar children & Sishuvihar Alumni,
Yoga Varga Students and Well Wishers. The combined effort from these different groups should bring in
considerable momentum for the successful completion of the Park. However, we require assistance by
way of Funds from the general public as well.

The laying of the first brick of the park was done on 3 December, Kartika Purnima day by the children
of Sishuvihar. Well-wishers and parents of the children were present on the occasion.
 Volume 6 Issue 5 -6- December 2017 - January 2018
Matrupuja

On the occasion of Sri Sarada Jayanthi, the birth anniversary of Sri Sarada Devi the Holy Consort of Sri
Ramakrishna, every year here in Anandadham Matrupooja is conducted for the mothers of the tiny tots
of Sandeepani Sishuvihar and the neighbourhood children.

This year too, the tradition was followed. On 23rd December, Saturday, Matrupooja was conducted.
Twenty five children and their mothers and grandmothers took part in the pooja.The programme started
with deepa prajwalanam by the Chief Guest Smt Jayashree, a senior teacher of Amrita Vidyalayam, Ko-
dungallur. This was followed by pushpaarchana and arati at the feet of Sri Sarada Ma.

The tiny tots, their siblings sat at the feet of their mothers. The youngest of them was Master Abhijit
who was just two years old.
Mananeeya Lakshmi Didi
meticulously guided the
children in performing the
pada-pooja of their moth-
ers. With tiny fingers they
washed the feet of their
mothers, applied sandal
paste and kumkumam, of-
fered flowers and deepa
aradhana and lastly fed
their mother with ladoo and
got a share of the offered
laddoo sitting on the lap of
their mothers! It was indeed
an emotional moment for
both the mothers and their
children. From this tender age, this samskara of worshipping their mother is being inculcated into these
children so that this attitude of reverence remains all through their lives.

While talking to the mothers, Smt Jayashree, narrated about her own life and how she was chosen as
a teacher of Amma's school. Good samskara always help individuals to take up the right path. Mananee-
ya Didi in her speech asked the mothers to meditate on their motherhood and expand themselves so
that they could understand their children better. The programme ended with prasad distribution.
 Volume 6 Issue 5 -7- December 2017 - January 2018
Sai Ratna Puraskar

The Sai Ratna Puraskar by Baba Sai Educational Trust and Sri Satya Sai Seva Organisation Kerala,
Thrissur, for this year was conferred on Mananeeya Lakshmi Didi on 6th January 2018, for her
wholesome contribution in the fields of Spirituality, Philosophy, and Social Service rendered to
humanity. The award consisted of a memento, a citation and a cheque for 50,001/- rupees.

Participation In Yoga Sastra Sangamam, Kanyakumari

A team of 17 members which included 10 ladies and 7 gents, attended the Yoga Sastra Sangamam
held at Kanyakumari from 6th to 8th January. It was a good experience for the entire team and exposure
for the 9 Y.C.C students. Separate classes exclusively for them alone were arranged with Mananeeya
Raghuramji who is the International Coordinator and senior yoga teacher of SVYASA Bengaluru,
Mananeeya Raghunandanji and Mananeeya Krishnamurtiji- senior jeevanvrathis of Vivekananda Kendra,
in between classes during the free hours. These interactions were very fruitful for the entire group.
Volume 6 Issue 5 -8- December 2017 - January 2018
 Volume 6 Issue 5 -9- December 2017 - January 2018
Samartha Bharat Parva

On 12th January on the 155th birth anniversary of Swamiji, a pradakshina around the campus of
Anandadham was arranged. Sandeepani Sishuvihar children, their parents, teachers and the inmates of
Anandadham took part. This was followed by speeches on Swamiji by the tiny tots, a short talk by
Mananeeya Didi and pushpaarchana in Dakshina hall. Sweet distribution followed after the children's
programme.

On the same day, power point presentation of Samartha Baharat Parva was conducted in two school
in P.Vemballur viz. M E S Asmabi High School and Sri Sai Vidya Bhavan. Hundred students of class VIII
attended.

Patriotic and folk group song competitions were conducted in Anandadham, on 17th and 18th Janu-
ary. A total of 80 students from the schools participated.

Samuhika Surya Namaskar competition was held in Anandadham on 19th January. The students
demonstrated 6 rounds of Surya Namaskar in groups of 12 each. Boys’ and girls’ groups were separate. 6
schools, totaling 142 students participated. The creative skills of each group was beautifully projected.
Each school performed the same steps in different formations, It was a real treat to the eyes.
 Volume 6 Issue 5 -10- December 2017 - January 2018
Swami Vivekananda Jayanthi Celebration

The 155th birth anniversary was celebrated at Anandadham, on 21st January, Sunday. Srimad Swami
Veerabhadranandaji Maharaj, Head of the Haripad Ramakrishna Math, was the Chief Guest. 200 people
attended.

The programme started with a song on Swamiji by Kum. Sree Lakshmi, who conducts Samskarvarga
on every Sunday at Anandadham. Mananeeya Didi welcomed the Chief Guest. Swami
Veerabhadranandaji spoke on the need of focused mind not
only for the students but for all in order to create an ideal so-
ciety, free from hypocrisy and filled with love for themselves,
others around, their society, and country.

The winners of Patriotic and Folk songs, both juniors and

seniors presented their songs on the stage. Prizes were given
away by the Chief Guest. The Rolling Trophy for the best Pat-
riotic Group Song went to Amrita Vidyalayam, Kodungallur
whereas the Trophy for Folk song went to Shantiniketan In-
ternational School, Kodungallur, for the second time.

A special prize was given to Sri Udayan, Kendra Karyakarta

for the essay he wrote on “Swami Vivekananda’s love for In-
dia.”There was a sumptuous meal sponsored by Sri Murli and
his wife Rema, of Irinjalakuda, close well-wisher.

Educational scholarships for financially backward, high-

grade holders of classes X and XI and Late Sridevi Memorial Scholarship for the best student of class Xi
were given to the students on the occasion.
Volume 6 Issue 5 -11- December 2017 - January 2018

Make a Difference, Donate Generously for Vrindavanam

 Volume 6 Issue 5 -12- December 2017 - January 2018
Two Days Residential Camp For YCC Students

Students of Yoga Certificate course in Malayalam under Kanyakumari Centre, were in-
vited for a two day residential camp in Anandadham, to get accustomed to the regular
routine of the usual Kendra Shibirs. The camp started from Bhajan Sandhya on Friday
evening and concluded on Sunday evening. Su Radha Didi- Dakshin Pranta Sanghatak
and Sri Raghuji- Asst PRO from Kanyakumari, were there to guide the students on the
Kendra activities and Kendra Paddhaties, challenges and their responses etc. At the con-
cluding programme, the students expressed their feedbacks to Su. Radha Didi regarding
their experience in Yoga Sastra Sangamam and also in the two days’ residential camp.

Kutumba Sammelan

Students 26TH January is the day fixed for Kutumba sammelan, at Anandadham every
year. On this day, all the parents of Sishuvihar students and ex-students, well-wishers, yo-
ga satra and Varga, Samskarvarga members, close well-wishers all come together along
with their family members to spend the day as one family. Games for all ages, talks and
lastly eating together, sharing the items brought by each family makes every body’s day
slightly different from the other days filled with monotony.

This year too, there was a gathering of a mixed group. Members of Samskara varga of
Aripalam and Edavilangu too joined this time. After the flag hoisting by Mananeeya Lak-
shmi Didi, people started pouring in. Each member with some packets or containing some
eatables.
Su.Bindu and Samskarvarga leaders conducted games for the different age groups.
Having lunch together gave that feeling of ‘samgacchachtwam, samvadattwam’.
 Volume 6 Issue 5 -13- December 2017 - January 2018

REGUL AR ACTIVITIES

Yoga Satra
9 members were enrolled in the monthly Yoga Satra during December and January out of which 7were
ladies and 2 gents.

Yoga Varga

As usual, 10 ladies and 10 gents regularly attended the Yoga Varga every day.
Samskar Varga

10 Samskarvarga classes with an average of 15 children are being weekly conducted at Aripalam, 1 each
at Edavilangu and Kodungallur with an average of 20 children in Edavilangu and 8 children in Kodungal-
lur.

Ganapathi Homam and Sricakrapuja

The months of December and January had 3 pournamis- 3rd December, 2nd January and 31st January.
As per the regular ritual, Ganapathy Homam and Sree Cakra Puja was conducted by Dr Vijayan Karuma-
tra.

YCC
Yoga Certificate course classes is regularly being conducted five days a month on all Saturdays and last
Saturday Sunday. A two days residential camp was conducted for the students from 19th to 21st January.

We need your SUPPORT! Please consider making a tax-deductible dona-

tion right now. Please send us your PAN details at vkvvf@vkendra.org
post your online payment, bank and account details
This is a project for the children, of the children, by the children. Get
blessed by sharing the joy of building this Children’s’ Park. Your contribu- ‘Leave your mark in
tion may be directed to:
the Annals of Time’
Account Name : VKVVF
Account Number: 0758101127166
Bank Name : Canara Bank, Kodungallur Branch
IFSC Code : CNRB0000758 for

Alternatively you can also Sponsor an item in the Playground.

Vrindavanam
All `10,000/- and above donations will have business/family name on
permanent plaque displayed at the park.
 Volume 6 Issue 5 -14- December 2017 - January 2018
HOLY MOTHER ---PURITY INCARNATE
Dr. M. Lakshmi Kumari

If you want peace of mind, do not find fault with others. Rather see your own faults. Learn to make
the whole world your own. No one is a stranger, my child; the whole world is your own.
Holy Mother
22nd December 1853:
Like the proverbial ray of the full-moon which, reaching inside the shell of an oyster in the depths of
the blue sea, is said to condense into an exquisite priceless pearl, so did on that auspicious day, Divine
Grace descend into the noble Mukherjee family at Jayarambati near Calcutta and condensed into the
immaculate gem ‘Sarada’, who was to bless the world later as the Divine Consort of Bhagavan Sri
Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. Blessed became Jayarambati, nay the whole of Bharatvarsha: blessed
became Indian womanhood receiving this priceless jewel: blessed indeed became millions who called her
Mother and entered through her into the Sanctum Sanctorum of the Divine Mother.

Sri Ramakrishna found in her the personification of Prakriti and Shakti and bestowing upon her the
Divine Motherhood, he created for generations of suffering humanity, a haeven of Peace and Solace, an
oasis in the arid desert of worldly life. Sri Ramakrishna considered her as an incarnation of Saraswati,
born to bestow knowledge on others. Swami Vivekananda saw in her the nucleus of Shakti, out of whose
blessings would once again grow Gargis and Maitreyi.

To Sister Nivedita, she was Sri Ramakrishna’s final word, as to the ideal of Indian womanhood, his
own chalice of his love for the world, a token, left with his children. In Mother’s own words: “Iam the
Mother of the virtuous; Iam the mother of the wicked; when you are in distress, say to yourself, ‘I have a
mother!’’ To a world crying for love and understanding, here is the message, simplest, yet the most
sublime.

Born and brought up in rural surroundings, her life was totally devoid of any artificiality. Added to
this, came her intimate association with Sri Ramakrishna, from whom she imbibed the rarest of spiritual
qualities and lessons in worldly wisdom. She remained, throughout her life, immaculately pure, an open
window to Divinity. She was a model wife, mother, friend, philosopher and guide, all in one. ‘Milk of
human kindness ran rich and abundant in her heart,’ Compassion, tolerance and acceptance of one and
all arising out of infinite love and mercy, were the hallmarks of her life. Despite her own orthodox
upbringing, despite being surrounded by orthodox elderly lady - disciples of Sri Ramakrishna, she never
had any hesitation to accept the foreign disciples of Swami Vivekananda into her home. Even dacoits
found a place in her heart.
 Volume 6 Issue 5 -15- December 2017 - January 2018

The polluting influences of baser human emotions, such as lust, anger, hatred, etc., could never gain
entry into her heart. From childhood, it was her constant prayer that she should remain unsullied by evil
thoughts even. How practically successful she had been is borne out by the spontaneous adoration of
Swami Abhedananda:
pavitram caritam yasyah, pavitram jeevanan tatha
pavitrata swarupinyai, tasyai Devyai namo namah.
Whose character is immaculate.
Whose life is pure.
Who is the personification of purity,
To that Devi my prostration.
Little wonder than that she became the chosen bride of Sri Ramakrishna and received from him in
abundance that training, discipline and self- knowledge which were meant not only to raise herself to the
ultimate, in self- realization, but were also intended to impart knowledge and guide hundreds to the
same goal. That years after her passing away, her name, her simple life and teachings continue to inspire
and guide many, in ever increasing intensity, bears testimony to the truth and purity that she personified
and which she emanated from within.

Swami Vivekananda set Sita and Savitri as examples to be emulated by Indian women. What
distinctive features of this great heroine’s did he want the Indian women to emulate? The Holy Mother’s
life is an answer to these questions. It is not beauty, scholarship or royalty, which makes Sita and Savitri
endearing to Indian people. It is their faith in our dharma and the strength derived from this faith that
gave them the confidence to face adharma and adhere to truth, purity and chastity. Therein lay their
strength, their power. This is the message Sri Saradamani Devi reiterated, living in our midst apparently
the same monotonous life that any Indian woman is destined to live. That she could crystalize out of her
so called mundane activities-kitchen work, household duties, serving her husband, mother-in-law, a host
of relatives and numerous guests-a divine personality inspiring, adorable and supremely lovable and
leave behind her own life of simplicity, renunciation and service as the greatest message-that is
greatness, that is the glory of a life which had attuned itself to the Supreme.

Mothers of India, whatever may be our distractions, may our homes remain centres radiating peace
and harmony. May Mother Faith be ever singing and dancing in our homes. May the light of our dharma
shine forth from every window of our homes. May our children be the recipients of the best of love and
guidance and prove themselves to be worthy inheritors of the immortal strength and glory of our
dharma. Then, then alone, is there hope for India; then alone can our sick society be cured; then alone
can mother India raise her head again and smile at the world.

May the Holy Mother’s grace and blessings descend on us again and again, bringing fresh hope
strength and glory to Indian womanhood.