Sri Ramakrishna Sangha celebrates first Annual Day of Vivekdeep- a social outreach program for underprivileged children

In his Welcome Address, Managing Trustee Shri Arun said that Sri Ramakrishna Sangha has been conducting religious discourses every year for the past 11 years. However, the trust felt the need for making a positive contribution to the lives of underprivileged children and hence Vivekdeep was formed a year ago. The primary objective of Vivekdeep is to instill self-confidence and compassion in its students through value based education. Sri Arun further said that the initial problems of shortage of funds and resources have not been able to dampen the spirit and Vivekdeep’s journey continued unhindered. He appealed to the audience to come forward and contribute to this noble cause in all possible ways.

Vice President Shri Rajib Roy presented the Annual Report. While explaining the genesis of Vivekdeep, Shri Roy said that with the light of conscience, the learner will easily distinguish between right and wrong, true and false and never falter in the walk of life. Vivekdeep’s moral education has three-pronged approach of Physical, Intellectual and Spiritual development of the students. This will act as complementary to the formal education being received in the schools and create responsible citizens of the society. In this short span of 1 year, the program has met with resounding success with a learning and development curve that is acknowledged by the students, teachers and parents alike. He explained the future plan of Vivekdeep of starting similar Classes for girls, Computer training and spoken English- which received a thunderous applause from the audience.

Thereafter, the students of Vivekdeep gave a sterling performance that included group songs, recitations, a one act play and a mime act. The theme and topics were inspired by Swami Vivekananda’s life and holistic learning. In addition, socio-environmental messages such as conservation of natural resources like water were also brought to the fore through the performances. Each student of Vivekdeep was felicitated with prizes.

In his address of Chief Guest, Swami Shantatmanandji Maharaj, Secretary, Ramakrishna Mission, New Delhi said, “Each child has a special talent that is complementary to regular academics. Our education system and outreach programs like Vivekdeep should aim to instill self confidence in the child to nurture and hone this special talent so that they become better citizens and contribute effectively towards nation building.”

The evening saw a big gathering of parents and families of the students, members of the trust, friends and patrons. The audience was visibly moved by the performance and profusely thanked Vivekdeep for such an innovative initiative.

Guided by Swami Vivekandanda’s philosophy, “They alone live who live for others, the rest are more dead than alive”, Vivekdeep was launched on April 14, 2014 with 25 children from Dwarka’s Matiyala region. The parents of these children contribute to the society as masons, gardeners, vegetable vendors, domestic helps etc. The aim of this program is to instill human values in the learner, in the form of self- confidence and compassion. The program focuses on holistic personality development through spiritual awakening, value based education on language, humanities and science, performing arts like music and drama, regular health check-ups and nourishment.

About Sri Ramakrishna Sangha:
Sri Ramakrishna Sangha is a charitable trust based in Dwarka, New Delhi. Founded in 2004, it is registered Trust. The trust has been organizing several socio-religious activities for the residents of Dwarka regularly. Its yearly ‘Ramcharitmanas Pravachan Srinkhala’ is a hugely popular program that draws audience from far and near. Contributions to Sri Ramakrishna Sangha are exempted from Income Tax under Sec 80G of Income Tax act 1961. (Please add anymore information)