Universal Brotherhood Day was celebrated in Odisha Pranta with all gaiety and show.
Bhubaneswar branch celebrated it at Engineer’s Association. Swami Atmaprabhananda, Secretary Ramakrishna Mission Bhubaneswar, was the chief guest and Shri. P. Brahmananda was chief speaker. Swamiji emphasised on the applying the thoughts of Swami Vivekananda in today’s scenario where religious intolerance is visible in the Middle East. Swamiji also told the importance of all speeches delivered by Swami Vivekananda in The world Parliament of Religions. Shri. Brahmananda told the greatness of Swami Vivekananda as he was the first person to talk about Universal Brotherhood from the western platform. A skit was presented by the Karyakartas of Vivekananda Kendra on the theme, “Relevance of Swami Vivekananda’s Message in today’s context”. Also the prizes were distributed to the winners of “Samartha Yuva Karyakrama” and “Chicago Speech Recitation Competition”.
Brahmapur Branch organised a “Chicago Speech Recitation competition” for school students on 7th September. 43 students from 10 schools participated in it. The prize distribution and Universal Brotherhood Day function was organised on 11th September. Su. Anjana Panda, Commissioner, Brahmapur Municipal Corporation was present as Chief Guest and Prof. Madan Mohan Mahapatra was the Chief Speaker. Prof. Mahapatra focussed on Swami Vivekananda’s teaching of Practical Vedanta and concept of Oneness. He also emphasised on the need and relevance of Swamiji’s message of universal brotherhood in present scenario when the world is facing religious fanaticism. Swami Vivekananda wanted India’s conquest of the world by the power of Spirituality and by not muscle power. Su. Anjana Panda told that she is very happy to attend the function as she was the one who got her first prize in her school days on the same occasion. Also shared that Swami Vivekananda will help us to lead to success in life. Dr. Gopal Krishna Panigrahi, Nagar Pramukh Vivekananda Kendra welcomed the guests and Nagar Sanchalak, Prof. Kishore Ch. Raut told the importance of the day. Kum. B. Harisha and Kum. Srabani Panda, the winners of recitation competition recited the famous Chicago Speech in English and Odia.
Banpur Branch organised a motivational programme for youth from 3 colleges in the vicinity. 200 youth and 40 well-wishers participated. Dr. Debadatta Sahani, Social Worker from Kendujhar was Chief Speaker and Prof. Vijay Kumar Nanda was Chief Guest. Prof. Nanda, detailed about the Chicago Speech, the context, the meaning and the impact. He also told the youth about their duties towards society. He said, Success in Life is not enough but Successful Life is important. In continuation with this thought Dr. Sahani gave a beaconing call to youth to work for national regeneration. Su. Pranjali, Vibhag Sanghatak also motivated the participants to work for nation and how we can start it with our college, our town and our state.
Gunupur branch organised a Prize Distribution programme for the winners of “Uttishthata! Jagrata! Yuva Pratiyogita”. Dr. Jawahar Choudhury was the Chief Guest and Shri. Ravi Naidu, Pranta Sanghatak, VK Odisha Pranta was Chief Speaker on the occasion. Shri. Jawaharji told about the glorious Indian History and Swami Vivekananda’s Love for the country while Shri. Raviji focussed on the message of Universal Brotherhood and ‘acceptance not tolerance’, ‘Help not Fight ’. He also cited the events from Sri Ramakrishna’s of Universal Acceptance and intense love for Human Kind.
Baripada Branch organised a function at Rotary Bhavan where 150 people participated. Chief Guest was Dr. Damayanti Besara, a Sahitya Academy winner on Vanavasi (Tribal) Literature and Chief Speakerv was Manoranjan Mohanty, Reader in English at Jaraka college. While speaking he explained how Bharatiya Sanskrirti and Sanatan Dharma are all Inclusive and there is no word like exclusive approach in our literature. He also explained Swamiji’s great contribution to humanity by participating in World Parliament of religions.
