Every year, Vivekananda Kendra Rural Development Programme (VK-RDP) observes Swami Vivekananda’s Mahasamadhi Day on 4th July as Vivekananda Kendra Volunteers Day. On this occasion, Anna Puja and cultural programmes are organised by the dedicated Kendra volunteers as a mark of devotion and service.
To mark the Mahasamadhi Day of Swami Vivekananda, Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu Prant, Rural Development Programme (VK-RDP), Thoothukudi organized a Grand Anna Puja on 4th July 2025 at Swami Vivekananda Sabhagriham, Vivekanandapuram in Kanyakumari.
Under the Amudha Surabhi Scheme, a total of 22 tonnes of rice was collected from the districts of Tirunelveli and Tenkasi, out of which 3.5 tonnes was offered during the Anna Puja. The sacred offering symbolized gratitude and reverence to Annapurna Devi.
The celebration witnessed the heartfelt participation of over 1000 people, including Kendra Karyakartas, Well wishers, Balwadi teachers, Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya students, and the general public.
The event was graced by Shri N. Thalavai Sundaram ji, MLA, Kanyakumari, as the Chief Guest. Mananeeya Kum. Rekha Davey didi, Joint General Secretary of VRM & VK, presided over the function. Adarneeya Kum. Radha Devi didi, Tamil Nadu Prant Sanghatak and Secretary – Administration (Headquarters) and Adarneeya Shri Ayyappan ji, Tamil Nadu Prant Sah Sanghatak and Secretary – VKRDP, were also present.
The puja began with lighting of the lamp by Mananaeeya Rekha Didi, Smt. Akilandeswari akka, Pullukkattuvalasai, Smt. Tamizharasi akka, Surandai, Adarneeya Radha didi, Smt. Susheela Amrut Patel akka, Piranoor Border, Shri N. Thalavai Sundaram ji, MLA and Shri. Krishna Jagannathan ji, well-wisher while Kendra Sister Smt. Shanthi akka, Pacheri chanted the prayer. Shri Ayyappan ji delivered the welcome address, explaining the spiritual and social significance of the Anna Puja, a tradition that upholds the value of “serving man as God.”
The spiritual ambience deepened with the chanting of Annapurna Stotram and the 11th Chapter of the Bhagavad Gita – Vishwaroopa Darshana Yoga, by Kum. Nagajyothi akka, Senior Volunteer from Ramanathapuram.
A symbolic murti of Annapurna Devi was installed on stage, and Mangala Arati was performed as part of the ritual worship by Smt. Shanthi akka, Well Wisher from Vallioor.
Well Wishers Shri. Azhagu Sundaram ji and Shri. Annaiya Pandian ji offered the rice collected through the Amudha Surabhi Scheme, which was graciously received by Mananeeya Rekha Didi on behalf of Vivekananda Kendra.
Adarneeya Shri Krishnamoorthi Ji, Senior Jeevanvrati Karyakartha, Vivekananda Kendra, delivered the Āshirvachan, sharing his blessings and profound spiritual insights. The Chief Guest, Shri Thalavai Sundaram ji, then addressed the gathering, commending Vivekananda Kendra’s dedicated efforts in preserving and promoting India’s rich cultural heritage through such purposeful initiatives. This was followed by an address from Shri Krishna Jagannathan Ji.
Subsequently, educational financial assistance amounting to ₹1,30,000 was distributed to 31 deserving students from four districts. The assistance was offered by the Mananeeya Rekha didi, Adarneeya Radha Didi, Shri. Thalavai Sundaram ji, Shri. Krishna Jagannathan ji, Smt. Janaki Pushpam akka, Tirunelveli District Incharge, VKRDP and Kum. Saraswathi akka, Thoothukudi Imayam Sevalaya.
Smt. Saraswathi akka, Ambani, proposed the vote of thanks, acknowledging the contributions of all involved—donors, participants, and organizers.
Smt. Vasanthi akka from Vallioor conducted the programme with grace and clarity. The event concluded with the chanting of the Shanti Mantra by Smt. Janaki Pushpam akka, invoking peace and harmony. All the participants then performed pradakshina of the Annapurna Devi, seeking blessings for abundance and spiritual upliftment. Annadhaanam was served to 2500 people.
This sacred celebration reflected Vivekananda Kendra’s spirit of Seva, Tyaga, and Samskara, and served as a reminder of Swami Vivekananda’s eternal message: “They alone live who live for others.”
