A Historic Milestone

This year’s celebration held profound significance as it marked the Golden Jubilee of the consecration of the Ashrama’s Universal Temple (1976–2026). To commemorate the occasion and usher in a year of prosperity, Swami Srividyananda, the Adhyaksha, distributed Vishukkaineettam (symbolic monetary blessings) to the gathered devotees.

Highlights of the Celebration

• Sacred Feast: A traditional Vishu Sadya was served as Mahaprasadam to all attendees.
• Evening Procession: The festivities continued at dusk with a devotional procession around the temple grounds, where monastics and devotees carried the sacred image of Bhagawan Sri Ramakrishna.
• Cultural Legacy: The event served as a beautiful testament to the Ashrama’s commitment to upholding Kerala’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.

Vishu Celebrations: Kalady, April 2026

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Day 1: Youth and Values (25 March)

The celebrations began with a focus on the next generation and spiritual foundation.

• Youth Convention: Sessions led by Smt. Divya S. Iyer, IAS, and various monastics emphasized character building and “Value-Based Education.”
• Panel Discussion: Former Chief Secretary V. P. Joy, IAS, and Padmashri K. K. Muhammed discussed the role of youth in nation-building.
• Cultural: The day concluded with a Hindustani vocal performance by Sri Dattatreya Velankar.
• Prelude: Notably, on 15 March, 50 nearby temples were gifted Rudraksha saplings and commemorative plaques.

Day 2: Spiritual Integration & Sadhu Sangamam (26 March)

This day highlighted the unity of various spiritual lineages in Kerala.

• Rituals: Included Ganapathi Homa (by Sringeri Math priests) and a discourse on Sri Ramakrishna Bhagavatam.
• Sadhu Sangamam: A major gathering of heads from various organizations, including Mata Amritanandamayi Math, Sivagiri Mutt, and Chinmaya Mission, discussing the legacy of the Holy Trio.
• Releases: Most Revered President Maharaj released the souvenir Sreepadahavyam, a history booklet of the Kalady Ashrama, and a video on Swami Agamanandaji.
• Procession: A grand Ratha Yatra (chariot procession) of Sri Ramakrishna traversed the area, accompanied by traditional Kerala percussion.

Day 3: Devotee Convention & Valedictory (27 March)

The final day focused on the laity and the broader message of Indian unity.

• Bhakta Sammelan: Inaugurated by Chief Justice Soumen Sen, featuring seminars on Western Philosophy vs. Vivekananda and Motherhood as a spiritual ideal.
• Nara-Narayana Puja: 50 individuals were ceremonially worshipped as embodiments of the Divine and offered dakshina and gifts.
• Valedictory Session: Inaugurated by the Governor of Kerala, Sri Rajendra Arlekar, with a special address by former Governor Sri Arif Mohammed Khan. Both leaders emphasized the message of oneness inherent in the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna.
• Ram Navami: As the date coincided with Sri Rama Navami, special pujas and Rama Nama Sankirtanam were performed to conclude the three-day event.

Golden Jubilee & All Kerala Bhakta Sammelan: Kalady, March 2026

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Dignitaries and Tributes

The ceremony was graced by distinguished veterans of the Indian Armed Forces:

• Chief Guest: Col. Jayabalan (Retd.), Technical Officer, Artillery Bofors Regiment, Indian Army.
• Guest of Honour: Maj. K. S. Narayanan (Retd.), former NCC Officer and Associate Professor, U.C. College, Aluva.

In observance of Martyrs’ Day (Shaheed Diwas), Swami Srividyananda (School Manager) and the visiting dignitaries offered floral tributes to the Kargil martyrs and observed a moment of silence to honor those who sacrificed their lives for the nation.

Ceremony Highlights

• Flag Hoisting: Col. Jayabalan hoisted the NCC flag and received the ceremonial salute from the cadets during the parade.
• Official Welcome: The gathering—comprising cadets, students, teachers, parents, and PTA members—was welcomed by Sri Rajith Sankar (Associate NCC Officer).
• Presidential Address: The function was presided over by Sri Jayakumar, Headmaster of Brahmanandodayam High School.

Inspirational Addresses

• Swami Srividyananda delivered a motivating message, urging the students to integrate the spirit of service and strong moral values into their daily lives.
• Col. Jayabalan inspired the cadets with his address on discipline and patriotism, emphasizing the importance of placing “Nation First” in all endeavors.
• Maj. K. S. Narayanan commended the cadets for their exceptional performance under the leadership of Platoon Leader Kum. Kalyani.

Awards and Conclusion

The event featured the distribution of mementos to high-achieving cadets. The program concluded on a high note with a vibrant cultural presentation, followed by the spirited singing of the NCC Song and the National Anthem.

Passing Out Parade of NCC (2024-26): Kalady

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Certificates and prizes were presented to students who excelled in the 64th Kerala School Kalolsavam at Thrissur, as well as in various competitions conducted at the national, state, district, and sub-district levels during the academic year 2025–26.

Sri Rajesh, Principal In-Charge, welcomed the gathering and commended the sincere efforts of the students and teachers. Sri Damodaran Namboodithiri, PTA President, also graced the occasion with his presence.

Achievements at the Kerala State School Kalolsavam: Kalady, January 2026

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• The Commemoration: The day began with a spirited procession through Kalady town, followed by a formal public meeting.
• Inaugural Highlights: Former Indian football captain and Padmashri awardee, Sri I. M. Vijayan, inaugurated the session. His presence and message of simplicity resonated deeply with the youth in attendance.
• Discourses: Swami Srividyananda (Adhyaksha) presided over the event, emphasizing Vivekananda’s call for selfless service. Swami Nandatmajananda (Editor, Prabuddha Keralam) delivered the keynote, focusing on mental discipline and positivity. In a unique tribute, he also performed a live painting of Swami Vivekananda on stage.
• Reflections were shared by Smt. Maya Sajeev (Ward Member) and Sri Benny P. (PTA President, BSUPS). The event was facilitated by Sri Jayakumar K. (Headmaster, BHS) and Smt. Revathy K. K. (Programme Convener).
• Educational & Cultural Sessions: The afternoon featured an insightful talk titled “Viswa Vijayi Swami Vivekananda” by Sri Mahesh Mohan, followed by a showcase of talent through cultural performances by the students of Brahmanandodayam Schools.

National Youth Day 2026: Morabadi, Ranchi

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Students showcased their talents in various disciplines, including elocution (tri-lingual: Malayalam, Sanskrit, and English), quiz, drawing, painting, and storytelling based on the life of Swami Vivekananda. The winners will be honored with cash prizes and certificates during a public function on January 12th, 2026, at the Swami Agamananda Open Auditorium.

Inter-School and Inter-Collegiate Youth Competitions: Kalady, January 2026

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A Value Education Class for Plus One students of Brahmanandodayam Higher Secondary School, a unit of Ramakrishna Advaita Ashrama, Kalady, was conducted on 5 December 2025 at the Universal Temple of Sri Ramakrishna.

The session was led by Swami Brahmaparananda, and 150 students attended and benefitted from the programme.

Values Education: Kalady, December 2025

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Participants from various districts of Kerala took part in this unique initiative, with around 100 children attending. Certificates and prizes were distributed to encourage the study and application of Gita teachings in daily life.

The programme was inaugurated by Swami Srividyananda, Adhyaksha of Kalady Ashram, who lit the lamp and addressed the gathering, explaining the significance of the Gita with selected ślokas.

All participants were served noon prasadam at the Ashram.

Gitotsavam: Kalady, November 2025

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Revered Swami Akshayatmananda inaugurated the retreat with a discourse on the divine birth and early life of Sri Ramakrishna. Swami Kritanjananda spoke on Vivekananda Panchakam, highlighting the connection between Swami Vivekananda, Sri Ramakrishna, and Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi, and emphasized the importance of self-enquiry in spiritual life.

Swami Brahmaparananda elaborated on the practice of Keertanam as a means for inner transformation and conducted a guided meditation on “Sakshi Bhava”—the witness state of consciousness.

The retreat concluded with noon prasad distribution. Around 60 devotees and Gurukulam students participated, benefitting immensely from the serene and elevating atmosphere.the attendees. Noon Prasad was served, and the retreat was attended by around 60 participants, including Gurukulam students.

Spiritual Retreat: Kalady, November 2025

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Discourses and Sessions

The retreat featured illuminating talks by several revered Swamis:

• Revered Swami Akshayatmananda opened the retreat with a discourse focusing on the divine birth and early life of Sri Ramakrishna.
• Swami Kritanjananda spoke on Vivekananda Panchakam, drawing connections between Swami Vivekananda, Sri Ramakrishna, Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi, and Nachiketa. He emphasized the crucial need for ego transcendence and detachment from worldly illusions.
• Swami Brahmaparananda elaborated on the practices of Padasevanam and Archanam as effective tools for inner growth. He then led the participants in a powerful guided meditation on Sakshi Bhava (the witness state of consciousness).
• Swami Aptalokananda, Adhyaksha of Ramakrishna Ashram, Vallicode, concluded with a talk on the value of Satsanga (spiritual fellowship) in shaping a selfless and liberated life.

Conclusion

The program successfully offered a deep spiritual experience for the attendees. Noon Prasad was served, and the retreat was attended by around 60 participants, including Gurukulam students.

Spiritual Retreat: Kalady, October 2025

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