Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu Prant), celebrated Gokulashtami and Rakshabandhan on 18th August 2025 at 2.00 p.m. in the school ground. A total of 1,320 students actively took part in the celebration.
The programme was presided over by Aadharneeya Radha Didi, Tamil Nadu Prant Sangathak, VRM & VK, with Sri. N. Neelakandan ji, Retd. Headmaster, Kottaram Govt. Hr. Sec. School as the Chief Guest. The programme was compered by Kum. Saranya of Class XI.
The celebration began with an invocation song by students of Classes VI and VII, followed by a welcome address by Sri Mathivathan Gaurav of Class VII. A devotional Krishna song presented by the girls of Classes VII and VIII filled the atmosphere with divinity. The importance of the day was highlighted in Tamil by Kum. D. B. Shobana of Class VII, who explained the cultural and spiritual significance of both Gokulashtami and Rakshabandhan.
The Chief Guest, Sri. Neelakandan, then addressed the gathering with an inspiring speech. He emphasized the spiritual and cultural values of the festivals and advised students to cultivate discipline through spiritual learning. Quoting Swami Vivekananda, he reminded everyone that true education includes both academics and values. He narrated stories from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and the life of Lord Krishna, also sharing insights from the Krishna Bhakti Movement (ISKCON) in London. He explained that devotion makes life smooth, comparing bhakti to a boat that helps us cross the ocean of life with ease. He further highlighted the significance of Rakshabandhan, recalling the divine bond between Subhadra and Lord Krishna. His words left a lasting impression on the students and audience.
The Rakhi tying ceremony followed, where Kum. T. N. Ritu of Class XI tied Rakhi to her younger brother Saravanan of Class VII, symbolizing love and protection. Students also tied Rakhi to the dignitaries, making the occasion memorable. Aa. Radha Didi then greeted everyone, urging them to pledge to protect the Nation and Culture while developing themselves. She reminded the students to face challenges like Lord Krishna, with courage and positivity.
The programme gained festive vibrancy with the Uriyadi celebration. A boy dressed as Krishna, accompanied by girls as Radha, performed graceful dances. The highlight was the joyful breaking of the pot by “Krishna,” symbolizing victory and devotion. This was followed by the prize distribution ceremony for academic toppers, announced by Smt. Menaga Devi, teacher of VKV. A memento was then presented to the Chief Guest by Aa. Radha Didi.
The celebration concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Kum. Harshithasri of Class VII, followed by the chanting of the Shanti Mantra, leaving the gathering with a sense of devotion, festivity, and cultural pride.
