Concluding ceremony of Sister Nivedita’s 150th birth anniversary celebrations

October 29, 2017 by Admin

Palakkad: Samarpanam, a year-long celebration of Sister Nivedita’s 150th birth anniversary came to an official close on October 29, 2017. The ceremony was held under the auspices of Vivekananda Darsanika Samajam. Mr. Peter McIvor, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Ireland, was the chief guest at the function. A memento was awarded to Sister Nivedita by her most grateful adopted homeland; it was fitting that Mr. McIvor accepted it on behalf of her native Ireland. The award was presented to him by Hon. Justice K. P. Jyotindranath who inaugurated the event. Global Vice President of Sri Sarada Math, Parama Poojya Pravrajika Ajayaprana Mataji delivered a speech and blessed the event. The famous French journalist Mr. Francois Gautier delivered the keynote address. He observed that the birth of Sri Ramakrishna marked the beginning of India’s independence. Mr. Gautier also noted that Sister Nivedita’s realization very early on that foreigners should travel to India not to offer India anything, but to learn from this wise and magical land, is her most remarkable quality. The Sister Nivedita prize for excellence in social service was awarded to the Chairperson of Santhi Medical Information Centre, Ms. Uma Preman by Dr. M. Lakshmikumari, Chairperson of Samarpanam. Samarpanam, jointly organized by Vivekananda Darsanika Samajam and Vivekananda Kendra Vedic Vision Foundation was officially inaugurated on October 28, 2017 by Former Chief Justice, High Court of Kerala Smt. K.K. Usha. In the past one year, Vivekananda Darsanika Samajam was able to spread messages of Sister Nivedita’s life and work not only in Kerala and other regions of India but also in the US, Germany and other countries. Inspired by her life, many individuals and respected organizations all over the world came forward to join this noble endeavour. Samarpanam got an auspicious start with an exhibition on Sister Nivedita’s liiustrious life at the SVYASA university, Bangalore. After that, this exhibition was replicated in many cities in India and abroad. A seminar about her life was organized at one of the largest girls’ colleges in Kerala, Mercy College, Palakkad. Samarpanam was involved with various cultural programmes organized in temples in and around Palakkad during the time of Navratri and awarded the kids who participated in these events a book called ‘Nivedita as I saw her’. Other Samarpanam events included a free medical camp for women at Akathethara, Palakkad and an All India quiz contest called ‘Prajnanam’ at Govt. Victoria College, Palakkad. Samarpanam was very honoured to receive a congratulatory letter from the Irish ambassador to India, H.E. Mr. Brian McElduff. As a result of these activities and events all year long, Samarpanam was able to provide a new direction and purpose to the cultural milieu of India. The concluding ceremony on October 29, 2017 was also graced by the presence of Mr. T. Sathyanand, General Secretary, Vivekananda Darsanika Samajam, Mr. Arun CA, Chairman, Award Committe, Samarpanam. Both gentlemen spoke at the function. Winners of the Samarpanam quiz competition were awarded cash prizes by Mr. N. Nandakumar, President of Vivekananda Darsanika Samajam.