The Village Development Centre of Ramakrishna Math, Thanjavur conducted a programme titled ‘Sevaiyaatruvorukku Sevai’ (சேவையாற்றுவோருக்கு சேவை’) for employees of Sevalaya registeredcharitable trust on 4 and 5 October 2025. The aim of the programme was to provide motivation and engagement via self-improvement sessions, yoga and various team building activities. 44 staff members from Sevalaya participated in the two day residential programme. Swami Vimurthananda, Head,Ramakrishna Math, Thanjavur presided over the events. Starting with a bath in the river Kaveri and yoga, the programme was inaugurated by lighting the kuthuvilakku. This was followed by a music performance by Vishnampettai sisters who sang patriotic and spiritual songs.
Bhaskar from Thirubhuvanam welcomed the gathering. V Muralidharan, Founder and Managing Trustee, Sevalaya delivered an introductory speech. Bhuvaneshwari S, Shalini and Anandan M T, Sevalaya staff members gave speeches highlighting why they were proud to work for Sevalaya. Ramanathan, Deputy Head, ‘Ennangalin Sangamam’ NGO, delivered a motivational speech. This was followed by a question and answer session. A prayer, a Pushpanjali and an interactive discussion between the staff followed soon after. The discussions covered topics such as, Sevalaya’s role in society and the responsibilities of its staff, How to overcome fatigue while serving people, The art of motivating yourself and Essentials of Effective Service. A seminar was held on the topic, ‘Service That Lifts Us Up’. Swami Vimurthananda in his speech encouraged Sevalaya staff to work like a leader, and not like an employee. He also outlined various qualities of a true leader- as one who promotes curiosity, increases the overall strength of his team, works with a mission, removes obstacles, receives support and also
pays it back. The day ended with an awareness video, a satsang, an aradhana, sports activities and a walk in Saradha vanam. Staff members also shared personal experiences about fellow employees who inspired them. On the second day, the events started off with an aradhana, yoga and meditation sessions. Dr L S Sathyamurthy, District Judge, Mayiladuthurai delivered a speech on the topic, ‘Vivekananda- the diamond in the golden crown of service’. Sevalaya staff delivered performances showcasing their talents. In his speech on the second day, Swami Vimurthananda said, “Serve everyone wholeheartedly . Work for a great goal and not for ordinary goals. Remember that patience is an important quality of those who serve”. He also narrated incidents from the lives of Swami Vivekananda and Sri Ramakrishna
Paramahamsa that highlighted the need to learn everything deeply, ensuring an element of Indian-ness in everything we do and keeping one’s intellect and mind focused in our day to day work.This was followed by a satsang and a lecture on health by Dr Kalaimagal, Naturopathy practitioner. She shared advice on what to eat, what not to eat and on choosing the right food for each of our daily
meals- breakfast, lunch and dinner. A prayer session and pushpanjali was followed by a special address by Kowdasi Karunamoorthi. The two
day event wrapped up with the participants sharing their experiences in the camp. Swami Vimurthananda presented the book “Enadhu Bharatham, Amara Bharatham” to Sevalaya staff members and requested them to read it regularly. Bhanu Niveditha, Volunteer from Ramakrishna Math, Thanjavur coordinated the two day programme.
