Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu Prant, Thoothukudi Branch conducted a Personality Development Camp from the 1st to 7th of May 2025 at the Kendra Karyalaya in Thoothukudi, with enthusiastic participation from 37 children. This week-long camp aimed to imbibe in young minds the values of patriotism, discipline, teamwork, and moral integrity inspired by the teachings of Swami Vivekananda.
The camp was inaugurated on 1st May 2025 in the presence of esteemed dignitaries: Sri Ayyappan Anna, Tamil Nadu Prant Sah Sangathak and Prakalpa Sangathak of VK-RDP, Smt. Subhatra Vetrivel, Thoothukudi Nagar Sanchalak, and Sri Veluswamy ji, Yoga Pramukh, VK Kovilpatti. They addressed the young participants with motivational words highlighting the importance of self-development, cultural pride, and spiritual discipline.
Each day of the camp was structured to balance physical activity, intellectual stimulation, moral education, and cultural engagement and it included Prayer & Patriotic Song, Group Discussion & Groupwise Presentation, Agnyabhyas, Games, Storytelling & Discussion on Moral Values, Shanti Mantra & Prasad Distribution.
To facilitate deeper learning and effective participation, the children were organized into four groups: For brothers (Bhagavan Shri Ramakrishna & Swami Vivekananda), for sisters (Maa Sarada Devi & Sister Nivedita)
Each group engaged in topic-based discussions and presentations reflecting the lives and ideals of these great personalities.
The camp culminated in a grand Concluding Program attended by the parents of the participants and distinguished guests. Children showcased their talents through traditional dance forms and a skit based on Pundalika Carita, portraying devotion and values from Bharatiya heritage. Participants from each group delivered speeches on their respective group personalities, expressing their understanding and admiration for the ideals they represented.
A touching and spiritually enriching ceremony where the children performed puja to their parents, seeking blessings and expressing gratitude, reinforcing the value of Matru Devo Bhava. Sri Ranganathan Vathiyar, a renowned Vedic scholar, graced the occasion, offered his blessings, and emphasized the importance of continuing the values learned at the camp in everyday life.
All took a group photograph capturing the joyful moments. The camp concluded with the Kendra Prarthana,
