Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu Prant), celebrated the 79th Independence Day on 15th August 2025 with great patriotic fervor. The programme commenced at 8.30 a.m. in the school premises with the enthusiastic participation of 1250 students. Parents, teachers, staff from the Vivekananda Kendra Headquarters, and Kendra Karyakarthas also graced the occasion.
The celebration was presided over by Mananeeya Rekha Davey Didi, All India Joint General Secretary, VRM & VK. The Chief Guest was Col. Shri. Ravi Rajendran (B.Tech, MBA, PG Diploma in Electrical Safety & Safety Management, Indian Army), and the Special Guest was Shri. V. Bala Murugan, Assistant Professor, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University. The ceremony was hosted by Kum. Rashmitha of Class XI.
The programme began with a soulful rendering of Vande Mataram by the students. Mananeeya Rekha Didi hoisted the National Flag, followed by the National Anthem and the National Pledge led by Sri Arul Raj of Class VIII. A warm welcome address was delivered by Kum. Infant Fiano of Class XI, after which the students showcased a well-coordinated mass drill. A patriotic song performed by the school’s choir inspired devotion and pride among the gathering. Kum. Roshiana of Class VIII eloquently spoke on the significance of Independence Day, recalling the sacrifices of freedom fighters.
The Special Guest, Prof. Bala Murugan, delivered an inspiring speech highlighting the duty of citizens to honour the sacrifices of freedom fighters and remember leaders like V.O. Chidambaram Pillai, Mahakavi Bharathi, Vanchinathan, and Bal Gangadhar Tilak. He praised the bravery of soldiers in the Kargil War and stressed the strategic importance of the Indian Navy and Air Force. He encouraged students to contribute to the nation’s progress, quoting Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam on perseverance and continuous effort. He concluded with the hope that the energy of India’s youth would lead the nation to become a fully developed country.
This was followed by a Hindi speech on patriotism by Sri Sanjeev of Class VII. The Chief Guest, Col. Ravi Rajendran, then addressed the gathering with a stirring message. He paid tribute to the soldiers of the Indian Army, spoke of India’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage, and emphasized the qualities of unity, discipline, and personal growth for national development. He reminded everyone that freedom is not only political independence but also a journey of self-discovery.
The students of Classes VII and VIII revived patriotic fervor with a Bharathiyar song. In her presidential address, Mananeeya Rekha Didi recalled the sacrifices of countless patriots and quoted Swami Vivekananda’s vision for India’s progress. She also highlighted the teachings of Sri Aurobindo, stressing the importance of protecting land, people, and culture, and encouraged students to study authentic history and grow as disciplined, culturally-rooted individuals.
The cultural programme included a Tamil drama on Operation Sindhoor, a traditional Bharatham dance, a patriotic dance, a pyramid display, and a band performance that added grandeur to the event. Students who excelled in academics in 2024 were honoured with prizes, and mementos were presented to the Chief Guest and Special Guest as tokens of gratitude.
The programme concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by Kum. Angelin of Class VII. The celebration concluded with the chanting of Shanthi Mantra and Kendra Prarthana, filling the atmosphere with devotion, peace, and patriotic spirit.
