Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Chandigarh organised Vivek Mahotsav on 11 September 2026 to commemorate the 133rd Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda’s historic Chicago Address, with preliminary competitions held on 29 and 30 August 2026.
The preliminary rounds were conducted in two categories under the theme “Swami Vivekananda’s Messages and Viksit Bharat 2047.” The voice-expression category comprised a Speech or Group Discussion Competition, while the talent-expression category included a Bhajan/Desh Bhakti Singing Competition and a Poster Making Competition. Around 61 students from 20 colleges of Chandigarh participated in the preliminary rounds.
The concluding programme was held on 11 September 2026 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. The proceedings included recitations of Swami Vivekananda’s Chicago Address in Hindi, Punjabi, and English; Vedic chanting; rendition of Shri Mahishasura Mardini Stotra; speeches, poems, and singing performances by participants from the colleges, including NCC and NSS students. An exhibition of posters made during the Poster Making Competition, themed “Swami Vivekananda — the friend of all,” was also displayed.
The Chief Guest, Hon’ble Ms. Justice Kirti Singh, Judge, High Court of Punjab and Haryana at Chandigarh, addressed the gathering. More than 180 persons attended the concluding programme, including 150 college students from 20 colleges (including NCC/NSS students), along with devotees, volunteers, and teachers.
Winners were awarded cash prizes, literature on Swami Vivekananda, and certificates. All student participants received participation certificates and a laminated photograph of Swami Vivekananda. Students, volunteers, and participating colleges and institutes were presented with specially designed laminations of Swami Vivekananda’s Chicago Address and laminated appreciation certificates respectively. Lunch Prasad was served to all at the conclusion of the programme.
The programme was attended by monks, teachers, students, trainees, devotees, and distinguished guests. Total participation exceeded 300 persons.
