The Arunachal Prant of Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, a spiritually oriented service mission working on the principles of Man-Making and Nation-Building, has engaged the entire nation — including karyakartas, well-wishers, and students of various Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalayas (VKVs) across Assam and Arunachal Pradesh — in the installation of a twelve-foot Murti (statue) of Swami Vivekananda at Kaho, the first village of Bharat, located in Kibithoo Circle, Anjaw District, Arunachal Pradesh, at the northeastern frontier of India bordering the Tibet province of China.
The entire journey of transporting the Swamiji’s murti across Assam and Arunachal Pradesh to its final destination at Kaho was named Vivekananda Yatra. This Yatra served as an awakening call to the people of the state, inspiring them to stand tall in the face of challenges posed by neighboring nations — a message that continues to hold deep significance.
Vision Behind the Yatra
The Vivekananda Yatra, a significant journey symbolizing national unity and spiritual awakening, commenced from Anandalaya Bhawan in Dibrugarh on January 28, 2025. The inspiration for this journey originated three years ago when Kendra Karyakartas visited Kaho. The residents expressed their desire to have Swami Vivekananda’s presence in their village, just as he is present at the southernmost tip of Bharat (Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Kanyakumari). Their vision was to have Swami Ji symbolically embracing Bharat from both its southern and northeastern boundaries.
Journey and Key Events
The Yatra was a spiritually and culturally significant journey that aimed to spread Swami Vivekananda’s message of national unity, selfless service, and spiritual awakening. The Yatra was meticulously planned and executed by Vivekananda Kendra, Arunachal Prant, with the goal of carrying Swami Vivekananda’s Murti to Kaho, the first village of Bharat
Furthermore, the murti reached at Kaho passing through Dirak gate in Mahadevpur, Namsai District, Namsai Nagar, Chongkham Circle and Roing, Lower Dibang Valley District on 28th Jan’2025.
On 29th Jan’2025, the Yatra resumed its journey from Roing Nagar to Digaru check gate, and Lohit Valley School at Tezu Nagar, proceeded towards VKV Tezu where a formal reception of the murti was performed by the Karyakartas, well-wishers, and students of VKV Tezu and VKV Tafrogam with band troop.
On 30th Jan’2025, the Yatra reached to VKV Amliang, then to Hayuliang town and finally reached Hawaii, the district headquarters of Anjaw District. Again, the Yatra began its final journey from Hawaii to Walong town, and finally reached its destination, Kaho on 31st Jan’2025 with warm reception from the Karyakartas, well-wishers, and army personnel stationed at Kaho. Above mentioned are the routes of journey undertaken by the Vivekananda Yatra from Assam to Kaho, the first village of Bharat located at Indo-China border.
- The Yatra commenced from Anandalaya Bhawan in Dibrugarh on January 28, 2025, with great enthusiasm and participation from devotees, scholars, and local communities.
- The journey covered multiple locations across Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, where cultural programs, discussions, and spiritual gatherings were held to educate people about Swami Vivekananda’s teachings.
- The Murti was welcomed with traditional rituals at various stops, symbolizing the deep respect and admiration for Swami Vivekananda’s contributions to India’s spiritual and intellectual heritage.
- The Yatra culminated in Kaho, a village located in Kibithoo Circle, Anjaw District, near the Line of Actual Control (LAC), reinforcing the message of national integration and cultural preservation.
Unveiling of Swami Vivekananda's Murti
On May 13, 2025, the Honourable Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Pema Khandu ji, in the presence of the Honourable Deputy Chief Minister, Shri Chowna Mein ji, and a host of cabinet ministers, unveiled the murti of Swami Vivekananda at Kaho — a village near the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The ceremony was graced by Mananeeya Shri Hanumantarao Ji, All-India Vice President of Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, along with Kendra Karyakartas, alumni of VKVs, General Body memebers and the general public, Army personnel, among others. The event was a profound statement of Bharat’s commitment to national integration in the border areas of the northeastern state.
During the unveiling ceremony, the Chief Minister Shri Pema Khandu ji emphasized the significance of Swami Vivekananda’s teachings, stating that the murti would serve as a guiding light for generations, reminding people that true patriotism begins with the upliftment of villages, people, and values.
This significant event marks a historic moment, reinforcing the message of strength, service, and spiritual awakening at the easternmost frontier of India. The Yatra and the installation of the murti symbolize the eternal guidance and inspiration Swami Vivekananda provides to the nation.
Community Participation and Impact
- The Yatra saw active participation from local villagers, students, and spiritual leaders, who engaged in discussions about Swami Vivekananda’s vision for a strong and self-reliant India.
- Educational institutions and youth organizations played a crucial role in spreading awareness about Swami Vivekananda’s ideals, ensuring that his teachings continue to inspire future generations.
- The journey was not just about transporting a murti—it was a symbolic movement that encouraged people to embrace self-discipline, service, and patriotism.
Strengthening National Identity
- The Yatra reinforced the idea that every corner of India, including its border villages, is integral to the nation’s identity.
- The participation of armed forces personnel and ITBP members in welcoming the Murti highlighted the spirit of unity and patriotism.
- The event emphasized the importance of uplifting remote communities, ensuring they remain connected to the broader national consciousness.
The unveiling of Swami Vivekananda’s murti at Kaho on May 13, 2025, by Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, marked the culmination of this historic Yatra, leaving a lasting impact on the region and the nation. The murti now stands as a beacon of inspiration, reminding people of Swami Vivekananda’s timeless wisdom and his call to serve humanity with strength and dedication.
The Vivekananda Yatra was more than just a journey—it was a movement of awakening, leaving a lasting impact on the people it touched. It strengthened cultural pride, national unity, and spiritual awareness, ensuring Swami Vivekananda’s legacy continues to inspire generations.
