Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama, Kozhikode, marked National Youth Day 2026 with an extensive and vibrant series of events that combined academic competition, cultural splendor, and patriotic inspiration.
Pre-Event Competitions and Sports
The celebrations commenced early in the month to engage the student community:
- Inter-School Competitions (Jan 6–7): Students competed in essay writing, elocution, poetry recitation, quizzes, storytelling, and drawing.
- Athletics (Jan 10): A spirited football match was organized to promote physical fitness and teamwork.
The Grand Procession (Jan 9)
A massive procession involving over 400 students marched through the city.
- Participants: Students from the NCC, Scouts and Guides, SPC, JRC, and NSS units of Ramakrishna Mission Higher Secondary School were joined by teachers and parents.
- Cultural Elements: The march was accompanied by traditional Kerala percussion, including Chenda and Shingari Melam, alongside ceremonial umbrellas.
- The Chicago Tableau: A major highlight was a moving tableau depicting the 1893 World’s Parliament of Religions. It featured a visual representation of the Art Institute of Chicago and students portraying Swami Vivekananda alongside representatives of various world religions.
Main Programme Highlights (Jan 12)
The final day of celebrations began at 9:30 a.m. and concluded at 8:00 p.m., drawing an audience of over 2,000 attendees.
- Cultural Showcase: The day was filled with classical and group dances, music, and speeches. In a unique educational touch, teachers dressed as Swami Vivekananda and Sister Nivedita appeared at intervals to recite their transformative teachings.
- Inauguration: The public meeting was inaugurated at 3:30 p.m. by Padma Shri Kaithapram Damodaran Namboodiri, the renowned Malayalam lyricist and musician.
- Speakers: Swami Narasimhananda and actress Sneha Sreekumar shared inspiring messages.
- Subedar Major Manesh (Shaurya Chakra) and Subedar Major Akhilesh—both commandos who served during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks—addressed the youth on bravery and service.
Honours and Felicitations
The event served as a platform to recognize excellence and dedicated service:
- Retiring Staff: Nine teachers retiring this academic year were formally honoured for their lifelong contribution to education.
- Student Achievement: Ayisha, winner of the Kerala State Government’s “Ujjvala Balyam” award, was felicitated.
- Awards: Winners of the earlier inter-school competitions received their prizes during the ceremony.
More than 2,000 students, teachers, and parents attended the programme. Lunch and dinner were served to all the participants and attendees.
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