Vivekananda Jayanthi was celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda at Sevalaya’s centre in Kasuva village near Thiruninravur, Tiruvallur on 22 Jan 2026. Swami Satyajnananandaji Maharaj, Adhyaksha of Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
Addressing the gathering, he said, “It is a great pleasure to see you all. Swami Vivekananda’s birthday is celebrated as National Youth Day to convey a positive message to the youth. Sevalaya exists today because its founder once bought and read a book that cost just 10 paise. If you study well and put in sincere effort, you too can reach great heights. You can choose any profession: doctor, IPS, IAS, or engineer and succeed. Confidence and continuous effort are essential. Unlimited potential lies within each of us, and we must bring it out. “You are the ones who must focus your minds and achieve great things. Even if you fail ten times, you must try again the eleventh time. With such perseverance, you can succeed in life,” he said.
Dr Narmada Inbaraj, alumnus of Sevalaya, shared that by following Swami Vivekananda’s golden words, ‘You become what you think,’ she was able to become a doctor. She reminded the students that while they are receiving prizes today, they should aspire to return to the same stage in the future as donors or as leaders in high positions, presenting prizes to others.
As part of the celebrations, 1,713 students from 11 districts participated in speech, quiz, and drawing competitions conducted on the occasion. The Chief Guest presented prizes to the 24 winners and congratulated them.
Earlier, Sevalaya Murali, Founder and Managing Trustee, welcomed the gathering. He spoke about the three leaders who inspired him during his childhood and highlighted the activities carried out at Sevalaya. S Divyadharshini, a Std IX student of Sevalaya, presented a portrait of Swami Vivekananda drawn by her as a memento to Swami Satyajnananandaji Maharaj. Colourful cultural performances by students added to the vibrancy of the celebrations.
The monthly handwritten magazine Vidiyal, prepared by students under the guidance of teachers, was released during the event. The vote of thanks was delivered by S Mariammal, Teacher, Sevalaya.
