HISTORY OF VIVEKANANDA YUVA MAHAMANDAL MOVEMENT
IN ANDHRA PRADESH
[Unit wise details are furnished below for information of readers. The units mentioned may be now continuing or not the history of the units and activities conducted will give one the spread of Yuva Mahamandal movement in Andhra Pradesh over a period of 50 years.]
1. BAPATLA (Guntur Dt.)
The first unit in the name of Vivekananda Yuva Jana Sangham has been started in Bapatla as a Youth wing of Sri Ramakrishna Seva Samithi, Bapatla on 7th March 1970 under the guidance of late Sri B.S.R. Anjaneyulu with weekly study circle at Bhava Narayana Swamy temple. The students of Agricultural College and Arts & Science College are the main participants of the study circle but students of Agricultural College have played the main role. After visit of late Sri Nabaniharan Mukhopadhyay, Founder and General Secretary of Akhil Bharat Vivekananda Yuva Mahamandal, Kolkatta to Bapatla on 9th September 1970 the unit has been affiliated to ABVYM in January 1971.
Even after affiliation all activities of Yuva Mahamandal carried out in the name of Vivekananda Yuva Jana Sangham only but as per ideals and objectives of ABVYM. After Sri Ramakrishna Seva Samithi has taken premises in LIC office road, Bapatla the weekly study circle regularly has been conducted at Samithi premises only.
Sri B.V. Krishnam Raju, a 2nd year student of agricultural college has
taken initiative to coordinate the activities of the unit when it was formed but subsequently taken over by Sri K.P.Subbaraya Sastry, a class mate of him. Even Sri K.P.Subbaraya Sastry has left Bapatla in 1972 after completion of his studies continued contact with the unit by frequently visiting and also through letters. Thereafter Sri V.V. Sastry, Dr P. Shyamasundara murthy, Sri B. Punnaiah sastry, Sri Someswara Rao, Sri Gunneswara Rao, Sri M.V. Ramana Reddy and Sri Ramgopal Verma have taken the responsibility of organizing/assisting the activities of the unit till 1987.
After Sri B.S.R.Anjaneyulu moving to Bangalore permanently and students who were managing the unit till then left for their jobs the unit became defunct after 1987. However Yuva Mahamandal in these 16 years has prepared and inspired many number of students and youth of Bapatla and other surrounding places to work for spreading ideas of Swami Vivekananda. By the youth thus trained at Bapatla the Mahamandal work continued in some other places silently. Some of the members of the unit had taken active role in Sri Ramakrishna Vivekananda Bhava Prachar Parishad through Seva Samithi Centers.
(History of Vivekananda Yuva Mahamandal Movement in A.P. Page 1 of 36)
On 24-01-1971 the Bapatla unit has been inaugurated by Dr A.Adivi Reddy, Principal, Agricultural College, Bapatla (who was also President of Sri Ramakrishna seva Samithi, Bapatla) at Samithi premises and since then activities are carried out as mentioned below.
Weekly study circle on Vivekananda: Every Saturday evening at Samithi Premises Weekly study circle has been conducted regularly as per guidelines of ABVYM.
Service activities: For some weeks in the initial period cleaning of premises in Bhavanarayana Swamy temple and also in the main streets is a regular activity and which only aroused interest in youth to form themselves into Vivekananda Yuva Jana Sangham. Later on every Sunday members of the unit participated in service activities of Sri Ramakrishna Seva Samithi. Poor feeding is regular activity of the Samithi. Rice collected from members of the unit as well as from members of Sri Ramakrishna Seva Samithi and also local public and the rice was cooked and Food packets were prepared mixing with curd and are distributed to poor in slum areas in the town. Collection of old clothes and distribution of the same to cyclone and fire victims in Bapatla and surrounding places also became a regular activity every year.
10-05-71: Members of the unit collected old clothes from public and distributed to 34 inmates in Vivekanandanagar Colony, Chirala which was constructed by Ramakrishna Mission accompanying Srimath Swami Uddhavananda and Srimath Swami Yathirajananda.
25-07-72: 43 clothes collected by the members are distributed to the needy in Vivekananda Nagar colony Chirala.
14-08-72: Members of the unit participated for rural development work in Saradapuri colony of Bapatla (the colony constructed by Ramakrishna Mission as rehabilitation for cyclone victims) along with members of Samithi.
31-07-73: Members of the unit participated for distribution of old and new clothes to inmates of Vivekananda Nagar colony, Chirala by Sri Ramakrishna Seva Samithi, Bapatla.
9-02-74: As a part of Swami Vivekananda Jayanthi celebrations in the morning poor feeding activity has been conducted to benefit 525 local poor collecting rice and other items by youth and Bala Vihar children from door to door in Bapatla and Vetapalem. Most of the expenditure for this activity was contributed by Sri Malladi Surya Prakash Rao of Bapatla and Sri V. Sathyanarayana of Visakhapatnam.
1974: The members of the unit participated in distribution of 94 newgarments to 80 fire victims of Bestavaripalem village near Bapatla within a week of the accident. Members also worked as volunteers for ‘Sahasra Deeparchana festival’ in a local temple of Bapatla.
(History of Vivekananda Yuva Mahamandal Movement in A.P. Page 2 of 36)
1975: The members attended to earth work, digging of a drainage channel and cleaning in one of the slum area of Chirala where poor lives. The members gave Free Coaching to a poor student who has been accommodated in Samithi premises only for completion of his Matriculation exam. He is an active member of the unit who managed Bala Vihar in Railpet. Later he got employment in Railway Department.
1982: The members participated in carrying out various rural development activities like manufacturing cement bricks, dairy, fishing in Saradapuri, a tribal colony rebuilt by RK Mission in 1977-78 under Cyclone relief.
Viveka Margamu: Starting from January 1971 till December 1976 a cyclostyled manuscript magazine named “Viveka Margamu” has been released every month regularly. This is edited and published by Sri K.P.Subbaraya Sastry for most of the period where ever he was by colleting articles from good eminent writers in Andhra Pradesh and also translating editorials of Vivek Jivan, a monthly organ of ABVYM. Activities conducted by the unit as well as Sri Ramakrishna Seva Samithi and visits of Swamijis of Ramakrishna Mission are also published in this magazine. This was a major activity of the unit then and about 100 copies are released every month and dispatched to institutions in Bapatla and surrounding places. Copies are also dispatched to Sri Ramakrishna Seva Samith centers in Andhra Pradesh and which helped to spread Yuva Mahamandal movement in Andhra Pradesh.
Bala Vihar: A Bala Vihar has been organized regularly in Railpet of Bapatla. The members assisted Samithi in organizing a Bala Vihar at samithi premises also. Sri A.Nataraj (the present secretary of Sri Ramakrishna seva Samithi, Bapatla) and his brothers are also products of this Bala Vihar only.
Book Stall: A book stall has been organized at local temples during the festivals and special functions of the temples. A book stall at Ramanaman Kshetram, Guntur every year for a week has been conducted and which has been managed by Sri K.P.Subbaraya Sastry only till he left Guntur. Book Stall has been organized near public meetings conducted during visit of Ramakrishna Mission Swamijis and also Jayanthi celebrations. This became a good platform to spread Yuva Mahamandal movement by selling Mahamandal booklets also. For first time from 2-05-71 to 12-05-71 book stall has been organized in Bhavanarayana Swamy temple and thereafter it was regular activity of the unit every year. On Maha Shivarathri day 20-02-74 at Kotappa Konda a book stall has been arranged.
Swami Vivekananda Jayanthi Celebrations: Swami Vivekananda Jayanthi has been celebrated every year in coordination with Sri Ramakrishna Seva Samithi, Bapatla with competitions for students in essay writing, elocution, recitation, singing and drawing, a public meeting, a procession with students in the streets of Bapatla in befitting manner. Details of such celebrations are mentioned below:
(History of Vivekananda Yuva Mahamandal Movement in A.P. Page 3 of 36)
23-01-72 & 6-02-72: 110th Vivekananda Jayanthi celebrations with competions in Elocution and Essay writing for college students, Recitation competition for High school students have been conducted. A public meeting has been arranged in Annavarapu Girls School premises to celebrate first anniversary of Vivekananda Yuva Jana Sangham for which Sri Yadavalli Adinarayana, Principal, Womens college presided and Dr Boddupalli Purushotham, Nagarjuna University, Guntur gave an inspiring speech to youth. Smt. Utukuri Lakshmikanthamma, a poet of Bapatla participated and distributed prizes to winners for competitions held earlier for students. An Art exhibition was arranged at the same premises by the unit on life and teachings of swami Vivekananda.
9-02-74 to 11-02-74: On 9th evening special meeting has been arranged in Samithi premises in which Srimath Swami Swathmananda, Rajamundry math, Sri P. Balakrishna Rao, Muncipal Commissioner, Bapatla and Sri Kotamraju Sathyanarayana Sarma, Advocate spoke. Sri Sishtla Rajasekharam, Fidelist gave music concert. On the occasion an Art Exhibition also has been arranged on life and teachings of Swami Vivekananda. On 10th morning a Rally has been conducted with 400 students. Youth from Guntur, Ongole and Tenali also participated. It is a memorable event. In the evening meeting at Samithi premises children and youth spoke and sang songs. In the same meeting prizes are awarded to winners of competions in recitation and elocution held earlier. A film show on Sister Niveditha has been screened. On 11th night Harikatha on Swami Vivekananda by Sri Yallabandi Tata Rao has been arranged in Samithi premises.
8-03-75 to 9-03-75: Swami Vivekananda Jayanthi is celebrated with competitions for students in Essay and Elocution and prizes are distributed.Total 520 students took part. Procession with 200 youth conducted. Poor feeding has been done for 350 persons. Srimath Swami Amruthananda, Rector, Vivekananda College, Chennai participated in the celebrations as Chief guest and addressed the youth. Sri N.Rajeswara Rao, Economics Lecturer, Arts & Science college, Bapatla also spoke on the occasion. Other guests of the occasion were Smt. B.Varalakshmi (Principal, Womens college,Bapatla) and Sri J.C.Hari Vithal (Head of Zoology Dept., Government College, Vijayawada). An Exhibition and Book Stall on Swami Vivekananda also has been arranged.
6-02-83: Swami Vivekananda Jayanthi with competitions for school and college students, a procession in the streets, a meeting in Samithi premises is celebrated. The meeting was presided over by Sri Achanta Ranganayakulu,MLC, Bapatla and Sri Polapragada Sathyanarayana Moorthy, Lecturer, Arts & Science College, Bapatla and Dr K.Ramasubbaiah, Professior, agricultural college, Bapatla spoke on the occasion.
(History of Vivekananda Yuva Mahamandal Movement in A.P. Page 4 of 36)
12-01-85 t0 3-02-85: Swami Vivekananda Jayanthi as National Youth Day with competitions for school and college students, a procession in the streets, a public meeting in Samithi premises has been celebrated. Lectures by Srimath Swami Jitatmananda have been arranged for students at Engineering college, Arts & Science College, Womens Junior College and Rotary Auditorium in collaboration with Sri Ramakrishna Seva Samithi.
7-03-87: Swami Vivekananda Jayanthi has been celebrated as National Integration Day with special youth meet in the morning at Rotary Kalyana Mantapam for which Ramakrishna Mission Swamijis Srimath Swami Pithambarananda (Madras), Srimath Swami Swatmananda (Rajahmundry), Srimath Swami Paramarthananda (Hyderabad) participated as main speakers. Dr. V.Brahmaji Rao (Associate Professior, Engineering college, Bapatla also spoke. Youth Procession from Bhavanarayana Swamy temple to Ramakrishna cultural and spiritual complex has been arranged. Dr U.Venkateswarlu, MLA, Bapatla also participated in the celebrations as one of the guests. After the meeting cultural programmes are also rendered by ome youth members. Then Secretary of the unit was Sri S V Ramana Reddy.
Training in First Aid : Training in First Aid to members of the unit has been arranged with the help of local Medical Practitioners and certificated have been issued by St.John Ambulance Association (India), Guntur to all the participants.
14-05-72 to 14-06-72: Training in First Aid with classes on every Sunday are conducted for 22 youth who are mostly students of agricultural college and Arts & Science college and the training given by Dr M. Sesha Sai, and Dr K.Seshagiri Rao both Government Medical Practitioners.
8-07-74 to 28-07-74: 2nd batch of Training in First Aid has been conducted to 25 youth participants.
Youth Camps: As directed by ABVYM half day to three days youth camps have been conducted. During quarterly organizers meetings also half day youth camps have been conducted to attract local youth. All these camps are mostly supervised by Sri K.P.Subbaraya Sastry.
30-01-72: A local youth camp which was first for the unit has been arranged in Eastern choultry of Bapatla for which 18 youth mostly teachers of Vivekananda Centenay High School and Sri Ramakrishna Vidyalaya run by Sri Ramakrishna Samithi, Vijayawada and 15 local youth mostly students of agricultural college and Arts & Science college participated. The camp was conducted from morning 5 AM to night 9 PM as guided by Sri Nabaniharan Mukhopadhyay. Sri M.Punnaiah Sastry, lecturer, Junior college, Chebrole, Sri B.S.R. Anjaneyulu and Dr S.V.Chalapathi Rao, were other speakers in the camp. This Camp has created good interest in Akhil Bharath Vivekananda Yuva Mahamandal.
14-03-73: Half day local youth camp is organized at Samithi premises with Sri B.S.R.Anjaneyulu as chief guest for which 15 youth took part.
( History of Vivekananda Yuva Mahamandal Movement in A.P. Page 5 of 36)
28-10-73: A half day local camp is organized at Samithi premises with Sri B.S.R.Anjaneyulu as chief guest.
15-09-74: A local youth camp is conducted at the premises of Sri Sathyanarayana swamy temple, Bapatla for which Sri Tadepalli Rammurthy was the chief guest and 20 youth took part. Speakers of the camp were Sri B.S.R.Anjaneyulu, Sri K.P.Subbaraya Sastry, Dr P.Shyamasundara Murthy, Sri V.R.S.Sarma, M.A., and students of Agricultural College Sri K.R.Vidya Sagar,Sri B.someswara rao and Sri S.Gunneswara rao.(who was secretary of the unit then)
10-01-75 to 12-01-75: An Youth camp for 3 days at NR & P Muncipal High School, Chirala in coordination with Chirala and Vijayawada units has been arranged for which Sri Nabaniharan Mukhopadhyay along with one Yuva Mahamandal worker Sri Promod Ranjan Das of Himachal Pradesh attended and conducted the programme as per ABVYM guidelines only for the first time in Andhra Pradesh. Total 25 Students from Bapatla, Chirala and Vijayawada participated in this camp. Srimath Swami Swathmananda, Ramakrishna Math, Rajahamundry and Sri B.S.R.Anjaneyulu have been invited as special guests. Other guests of the camp were Sri Acharya Nagendra Guptha (Prardhana sangham, Chirala) and Dr Solasa Sathyanarayana (a VIP of Chirala town and Philonthropist). During the camp Elocution competition was held for the campers. Film on Sri Ramakrishna hasbeen screened during this camp. As a part of the camp the campers attended to construction of drainage canal, slum clearance in a poor colony near Chirala. An Exhibition and Book stall on Swami Vivekananda has been arranged at the venue of the camp.
6-06-76: A local youth camp for full day is conducted under the supervision of Sri K.P.Subbaraya Sastry.
23-08-82: A local camp and quarterly organizers meeting has been conducted for which Sri B.S.R. Anjaneyulu was the chief guest.
30-10-83 to 1-11-83: Members of the unit participated in First State Camp of ABVYM conducted at Sri Ramakrishna Samithi, Guntur.
(History of Vivekananda Yuva Mahamandal Movement in A.P. Page 6 of 36)
9-08-85 to 11-8-85: Members of the unit have participated in Second State camp of ABVYM conducted at Vijayawada.
2-03-86: A local camp and quarterly organizers meeting has been conducted at Sri Ramakrishna Public School for which Sri B.S.R.Anjaneyulu was the chief guest.
Special Meetings: During visit of Sri Nabaniharan Mukhopadhyay and
Ramakrishna Mission swamijis and also on special occasions Special
meetings have been arranged.
27-12-71: An inspiring speech by Sri N.R.Achanta, Squadron Leader, Air Force Station, Bapatla on “Responsibility of youth after Pak war” has been arranged at Samithi Premises. 100 youth took part.
29-01-72: A meeting of Sri Nabaniharan Mukhopadhyay at Bendapudivari thota in Agraharam of Bapatla addressing Bala Vihar children and local youth has been arranged in the evening. Afterwards a meeting of youth in Samithi premises has been conducted.
31-01-72: Lecture by Sri Nabaniharan Mukhopadhyay has been arranged in Chirala Arts College during his visit to Vivekananda Nagar Colony constructed by Ramakrishna Mission for 1969 cyclone victims. He also addressed a public meeting arranged by Samskruthi Mandali, Chirala in Government Girls High School, Chirala.
29-03-72: A special meeting with all members of the unit along with advisory members Sri B.S.R.Anjaneyulu, Sri A.G.K.Murthy and Sri N.Gurnatham who were also executive members of Sri Ramakrishna Seva Samithi, Bapatla on organizational matters to strengthen the movement has been arranged.
13-12-74: A meeting in connection with visit of Sri Nabaniharan Mukhopadhyay has been arranged to address all members of the unit.
13-01-75: A meeting for members of Bala Vihar and Yuva Mahamandal unit has been arranged at Bapatla Samithi premises in which Sri Nabaniharan Mukhopadhyay spoke.
13-11-75: Srimath Swami Bodhaswaroopananda addressed the youth on his visit to Bapatla and encouraged the youth to take up more constructive activities.
30-10-79: A meeting in connection with visit of Sri Nabaniharan Mukhopadhyay has been arranged to address all members of the unit.
(History of Vivekananda Yuva Mahamandal Movement in A.P. Page 7 of 36)
22-02-81: A public meeting of Sri Nabaniharan Mukhopadhyay has been arranged in Kanyaka Parameswari temple for which Sri M.V.Reddy, Principal, Agricultural College, Bapatla has presided.
11-09-82: A meeting in Samithi premises has been conducted to celebrate Swami Vivekananda’s participation in Parliament of Religions, Chicago in which Swami Thanmayanandaji spoke.
4-11-84: A meeing of Si Nabaniharan Mukhopadhyay has been arranged at Kanyakaparameswari temple in the evening and for which Dr K.Ramasubbaiah, Professior, agricultural college, Bapatla presided over the meeting.
27-03-85: Photo exhibition depicting Relief and Rehabilitation work of Ramakrishna Mission for 1978 cyclone victims of Girijans housed in Saradapuri colony in Bapatla has been displayed by the unit during visit of Srimath Swami Ranganadhananda.
16-03-86: During visit of Swami Jithatmananda to Bapatla an youth convention has been arranged.
2. VIJAYAWADA (Krishna Dt.)
Teachers of Vivekananda Centenary High school and Sri Ramakrishna
Vidyalaya of Sri Ramakrishna Samithi, Vijayawada derived inspiration from Bapatla unit by attending to a local camp at Bapatla on 30-01-72 and also by reading Viveka Margamu, and Viveka Jivan, a monthly journal of ABVYM. Sri P.Bapi Raju, founder of Sri Ramakrishna Samithi, Vijayawada also encouraged the youth to start a Vivekananda Study circle at Vivekananda Vignana Kendram, Vijayawada. On 11th September 1974 the teachers and youth who were gathering earlier started Study circle in the name of Vijayawada Vivekananda Yuva Mahamandal and got affiliated to ABVYM later. However Sri Ramakrishna Samithi and Yuva Mahamandal unit worked in coordination with each other.
Sri T.Lakshminarayana Rao of Nellore is mainly responsible for formation of Vijayawada unit and who only conducted the activities till 1978 and thereafter by Sri A.Durga Prasad, Sri M.A.H.Subrahmanyam and Sri Vijayakumar of Vijayawada. The main participants were teachers of Educational Institutions of Sri Ramakrishna Samithi, Vijayawada and also a few employees from Vijayawada town. The unit functioned till 1992 with following mentioned activities.
Weekly study circle on Vivekananda: At Samithi Premises (Vivekananda Vignana Kendram) Weekly study circle has been conducted regularly on every Wednesday and discussion forum on every Saturday. Since 1982 Study circle has been conducted on every Sunday evening. An effort has been made to conduct a study circle for a few weeks in 1980 in Rayanapadu Wagon Work Shop locality which is 14 miles far away from the center.
(History of Vivekananda Yuva Mahamandal Movement in A.P. Page 8 of 36)
Service activities: The members of the unit along with members of Sri Ramakrishna Samithi took part in all service activities of Samithi. The members mainly participated in Cyclone relief activities of Ramakrishna Mission in Krishna District. In 1985 Free Coaching classes for 10th Class students has been conducted especially to poor students. Adult education center has been organized in Azithsingh nagar on 12-03-76 members of the unit have participated in Gramashree camp conducted by Samithi at Sathavahana college.
Bala Vihar: A Bala Vihar in the name of Vivekananda Balak Sangh has been organized regularly at Vivekananda Vignana Kendram since December 1975 and which has been supervised by Sri A.Durga Prasad.
Book Stall: A book stall at Shiva Ramakrishna Khsetram, every year for a week has been conducted. Book Stall has been organized near public meetings conducted during visit of Ramakrishna Mission Swamijis and also Jayanthi celebrations. This became a good platform to spread Yuva Mahamandal movement by selling Mahamandal booklets also. In the months of May and june 1975 door to door campaign to sell literature of Sri Ramakrishna and Vivekananda has been conducted by the members.
From 8-01-78 to 9-01-78 a book stall has been arranged at the venue of Rotary International 31th District conference in Vijayawada.
Swami Vivekananda Jayanthi Celebrations: Swami Vivekananda Jayanthi has been celebrated every year in coordination with Sri Ramakrishna Samithi with competitions for students in essay writing, elocution, recitation, singing and drawing. Details of such celebrations conducted are mentioned below:
12-01-76: Competitions for students have been conducted in Essay writing and Elocution. A procession with 400 students has been organized.
23-01-78 to 29-01-78: Swami Vivekananda Jayanthi and anniversary day of Mahamandal unit has been celebrated with competitions for High school and college students in Essay writing and Elocution. 220 students from 24 educational institutions attended. 0n 26th public meeting has been conducted for which Srimath Swami Bodhaswarupananda (Rajahmundry) participated as chief guest. On 29th a procession with 400 students has been organized.
17-03-1980: Swami Vivekananda Jayanthi and anniversary day of Mahamandal unit has been celebrated with competitions for High school and college students in Essay writing, music and locution. Swami Virupakshanandaji has been the chief guest of the day.
(History of Vivekananda Yuva Mahamandal Movement in A.P. Page 9 of 36)
26-02-85: A Photo Exhibition on life and teachings of swami Vivekananda has been arranged at Siddhardha B.Ed Training College, Vijayawada.
28-04-85: A Photo Exhibition on life and teachings of swami Vivekananda has been arranged at Nuzvidu.
8-02-86 to 9-02-86: Competitions for students in Essay writing, Elocution and Karnatic Music (vocal) has been conducted and a public function for distribution of prizes at Tagore Memorial Library.
Youth Camps: As directed by ABVYM half day to three days youth camps have been conducted. During quarterly organizers meetings also half day youth camps have been conducted to attract local youth. All these camps are mostly supervised by Sri K.P.Subbaraya Sastry or Sri T.Lakshminarayana Rao. Some details of the camps conducted are mentioned below:
7-06-76: A half day local camp at Vivekananda Vignana mandiram with Sri K.P.Subbaraya Sastry as chief guest has been conducted.
30-10-83 to 1-11-83: Members of the unit participated in organizing First State Camp of ABVYM conducted at Sri Ramakrishna Samithi, Guntur.
9-08-85 to 11-08-85: Second state camp of ABVYM has been conducted. Sri Nabaniharan Mukhopadhyay has participated in the camp as chief guest. The organizers of the Camp are Sri A.Durga Prasad, Sri K.P.Subbaraya Sastry and Sri T.lakshminarayana Rao. Other guests or speakers who took part in the camp were Srimath Swami Virupakshananda, Srimath Swami Srirangananda, Sri B.S.R.Anjaneyulu, Sri P.Bapiraju, Sri G.Venkata Ramana Reddy and Sri Biren Kumar Chakravarthy (Asst.Secretary, ABVYM, Kolakatta) and Dr P.Shyamasunder Murthy. Slide show on Aims and objectives of ABVYM has been arranged. The venue for the camp was Vivekananda Vignana mandiram, Vijayawada.
20-02-83, 12-08-84, 7-04-85, 24-11-85, 15-11-87, and 13-08-89: On these days half day local camp with Organizers meeting has been conducted.
Special Meetings: During visits of Swamijis of Ramakrishna Order and Sri Nabaniharan Mukhopadhyay special meetings have been arranged by the unit in coordination with Sri Ramakrishna Samithi, Vijayawada. Such meetings conducted are mentioned below: Date Venue Guest/Speaker 24-04-1976 /Vivekananda Vignana mandiram Swami Ranganadhanandaji/ 27-10- 1979 Do Sri Nabaniharan Mukhopadhyay 22-02-1981 Do Sri Nabaniharan Mukhopadhyay
02-11-1984 Do Sri Nabaniharan Mukhopadhyay.
(History of Vivekananda Yuva Mahamandal Movement in A.P. Page 10 of 36)
11-09-1980 : Sarada College, Vijayawada Sri Gopireddy (Principal of the college) and Sri T.S.Ramachandra rao (President of the unit). This is to celebrate Chicago Parliament of religions day.
3. CHIRALA (Prakasham Dt.)
The formation of unit in Chirala of Prakasham District of Andhra Pradesh took place when Sri K.P.Subbaraya Sastry was assigned with supervision of Pilot Crop Insurance Scheme of General Insurance Company on groundnut crop at Kothapet, a hamlet of Chirala and nearer to Vivekananda Nagar colony, a colony reconstructed by Ramakrishna Mission for cyclone victims of 1969.The place became sanctified by many Swamijis of Ramakrishna Order since 1969 Sri K.P.Subbaraya Sastry has taken this opportunity to start a Vivekananda Study Circle in Chirala on 11-09-74. This unit functioned till end of 1975 and conducted following mentioned activities. The work done by Yuva Mahamandal unit Chirala gave inspiration to form Sri Ramakrishna Seva Samithi at Chirala thus benefited to spread Ramakrishna Vivekananda Bhava Prachar movement.
Weekly study circle on Vivekananda: Every Sunday morning at ILTD colony in the room of Sri K.P.Subbaraya Sastry weekly study circle has been conducted regularly. This colony is nearer to Arts College, Chirala on the way to Odarevu hence some students staying in this colony have been attracted.
Service activities: The members of the unit along with members of Sri Ramakrishna Seva Samithi and Yuva mahamandal unit in Bapatla took part in service activities rendered at Vivekananda Nagar Colony, Chirala.
Youth Camps: No information on record with regards to local camps conducted specifically for the unit. However Sri K.P. Subbaraya Sastry has taken entire responsibility of organizing a three day youth camp at Chirala from 10-01-75 to 12-01-75 in coordination with Bapatla unit. All members of Chirala unit also participated in this camp. Sri Nabaniharan Mukhopadhyay, Sri B.S.R.Anjaneyulu, Srimath Swami Swathmananda (Rajahmundry) and Dr. Solasa Sathyanarayana were the special guests of the camp. Other details are given under Bapatla unit.
(History of Vivekananda Yuva Mahamandal Movement in A.P. Page 11 of 36)
Special Meetings: During visits of Swamijis of Ramakrishna Order special meetings have been arranged by the unit in coordination with Sri RK Seva Samithi, Bapatla.
16-09-74: A meeting in Municipal High School, Chirala has been arranged during visit of Srimath Swami Nandananda (Rajahmundry). Sri V.V.Sastry, Secretary, Bapatla unit of Mahamandal also spoke.
17-09-74: A meeting in Arts College, Chirala has been arranged in which Srimath Swami Nandananda was the chief guest. Other speakers participated are Sri K.R.V.Sagar and Dr.P.Shyamasundar Moorthy who were members of Bapatla unit then.
10-03-75: A meeting has been arranged in Vivekananda nagar Colony during visit of Srimath swami Amruthananda, Rector, Vivekananda College, Chennai.
4. VINUKONDA (Guntur Dt.)
Sri T.Lakshminarayana Rao when he was working at Vinukonda started a study circle in the name of Vivekananda Sahitya Vedika at N.S.Canal colony in 1978 (exact date not known) and which was supported by Sri K.P.Subbaraya Sastry from Darsi which is nearby Vinukonda. Though the unit has not continued for a long the following activities have been conducted as per records available. Weekly study circle has been conducted till end of 1981.
15-03-80: During visit of Srimath Swami Virupakshananda a public meeting has been conducted at Jashuva Kalamandir. A film on Swami Vivekananda also has been screened.
24-02-81: During visit of Sri Nabaniharan Mukhopadhyay to Andhra Pradesh a special meeting has been arranged at Saibaba Mandir to celebrate Swami Vivekananda Jayanthi
5. MARKAPUR (Prakasham Dt.)
Sri V.S.S.Sarma who happened to be a member of Vivekananda Yuva Jana Sangham, Bapatla from 1972 taken initiative to start the unit in Markapur with a study circle on 11-07-76 when he was working as lecturer in Government junior college, Markapur. The activity has been continued till 27-03-77 till he left Markapur. A written magazine in the name of Viveka Jyothi also has been published by the unit for 7 months.
6. RENTACHINTALA (Guntur Dt.)
Sri Y.Ramasubbaiah, founder of Sri Ramakrishna Seva Mandali, Rentachintala during his visit to Vijayawada Samithi came to know about Yuva Mahamandal activity started at Bapatla and Vijayawada and encouraged their youth members to start Yuva Mahamandal unit at Rentachintala also taking guidance of Sri K.P.Subbaraya Sastry. Subsequently a few students of Rentachintala attended annual youth camp of ABVYM and which also inspired them. Finally formation of unit has taken place on 14-10-78 with a study circle at Sri Ramakrishna Dhyana Mandiram by Sri P.Kesava Reddy, first President of the unit. As per information available through proceedings of quarterly organizers meetings held the following activities have been conducted since then.
(History of Vivekananda Yuva Mahamandal Movement in A.P. Page 12 of 36)
Weekly study circle on Vivekananda: Every Sunday morning at Samithi Premises (Sri Ramakrishna Dhyana Mandiram) weekly study circle has been conducted regularly.
Service activities: The members of the unit along with members of Sri Ramakrishna Seva Mandali took part in all service activities of Samithi. In1978 for an year adult education classes have been conducted in one poor colony.
Youth Camps: During quarterly organizers meetings half day youth camps have been conducted to attract local youth. All these camps are mostly supervised by Sri K.P.Subbaraya Sastry or Sri T.Lakshminarayana Rao. Some details of the camps conducted are mentioned below:
12-04-84: Meeting of quarterly organizers meeting with local camp has been conducted for which Srimath Swami Jithatmananda was the chief guest.
13-06-92: Meeting of quarterly organizers meeting with local camp has been conducted.
Special Meetings: During visits of Swamijis of Ramakrishna Order special meetings have been arranged by the unit in coordination with Sri Ramakrishna Seva mandali. Such meetings conducted are mentioned below.During visit of Srimath swami Bodhaswarupananda a special meeting for youth at Sri Ramakrishna Dhyana Mandiram has been arranged on 31-10-78.
7. DARSI (Prakasham Dt.)
Sri K.P.Subbaraya Sastry when working at Darsi started a study circle for youth on 11th September 1982 in coordination with Sri Ramakrishna Seva Samithi, Darsi and continued till 1984. As per records the following activities have been conducted.
25-09-82: World brotherhood day has been celebrated at Government Junior college, Darsi in which Dr Dhara Ramanadha Sastry, world famous Natyavadhani and lecturer of C.S.R.Sarma College, Ongole, Md.Hyder Hussain, Advocate, Podili and Father from Saint Xavier Church participated and spoke on different religions.
(History of Vivekananda Yuva Mahamandal Movement in A.P. Page 13 of 36)
7-11-82: A local half day camp along with organizers meeting has been conducted at Sri Raghavendra Convent, Darsi under supervision of Sri K.P.Subbaraya sastry. Sri T. Lakshminarayana Rao , Sri K.S.R.Anjaneyulu(Retired Inspector of Schools, Darsi) and Sri P.V.Subba rao ( President, Sri Ramakrishna seva samithi, darsi) also spoke during the camp.
8. NELLORE (Nellore Dt.)
Sri Turlapati Lakshminarayana Rao hails from Nellore town and when he was working at Vijayawada as a teacher in Sri Ramakrishna Vidyalaya of Sri Ramakrishna Samithi, Vijayawada in 1974 got in touch with Vivekananda Yuva Jana Sangham, Bapatla, and the first unit of Yuva Mahamandal in Andhra Pradesh and got inspired and started Yuva Mahamandal unit at Vijayawada.
Thereafter he was instrumental in starting different units of Mahamandal and associated with Mahamandal movement in Andhra Pradesh and he is one of the key persons to conduct many local camps and two State camps. When he has moved to Nellore being his native place and started working in Nellore in Pay & Accounts office and also associated with Sri Ramakrishna Seva Samithi, Nellore taken initiative to start a study circle for youth at Samithi premises on 07-09-1982 assisted by Sri A.Jayachandra, who is still continuing as an active member of the unit.
Letters of Nabaniharan Mukhopadhyay writing to then State Coordinator Sri K.P.Subbaraya Sastry who started the first unit in Bapatla clearly indicates Nellore unit is functioning since 1982 till date with a gap of 18 years for various reasons. It was dormant for 18 years only because of required youth and the youth present continued their work as a part of Sri Ramakrishna Seva Samithi of Nellore which has gone to the stage of applying for affiliation with Ramakrishna Math, Belur to work as a branch and it is under process.
Because of the efforts of Sri N.Lakshminarayana and Sri T. Lakshminarayana Rao (the first Secretary of the unit) the unit has been activated again in October 2018 and Sri R.B.Maninadh Singh who started the unit on 14-10- 2018 in the name of Nellore Vivekananda Yuva Pathachakra with youth who attended 6th Interstate Camp at Visakhapatnam and got inspired. Many youth from Nellore attended Annual Camp of ABVYM also. Many youth from Nellore again started attending Annual Camp of ABVYM since then. As per procedural norms of ABVYM this unit to be treated as a new unit but as per history available this is continuation old unit started in 1982. The following are activities conducted :
Weekly study circle on Vivekananda: Every Sunday morning at Samithi Premises (Sri Ramakrishna Dhyana Mandiram) weekly study circle has been conducted regularly since 1982 till 2000. After a break of 18 years the study circle in the same premises regularly conducted now. Sri A.Jayachandra and Sri T.lakshminarayana Rao are also members of this unit and guiding the study circle with their participation.
(History of Vivekananda Yuva Mahamandal Movement in A.P. Page 14 of 36)
Service activities : The members of the unit along with members of Sri Ramakrishna Seva Samithi took part in all service activities of Samithi. After revival of the unit in 2018 the unit has conducted a Blood Donation Camp at Pogathota Nellore on 25-01-2020 with the help of Indian red Cross Society and 34 youth participated.
Viveka Bharathi: Since 1988 March a quarterly bulletin in the name of Viveka Bharathi has been printed in telugu every quarter till December 1994.
Youth Camps: During quarterly organizers meetings half day youth camps have been conducted to attract local youth. Some details of the camps conducted are mentioned below:
12-06-83: Quarterly meeting of organizers of Yuva Mahamandal units in A.P. has been conducted along with local camp at Kalyana nilayam, No.II of Madhavapativari strret. For this Sri B.Yellamandaiah, founder of Vivekananda Vidya Parishad, Nellore presided and Sri K.P.Subbaraya Sastry participated as main speakers. Sri Raya venkateswara Rao, lecturer, Veda Samskruthi college and Sri Sarada Kumar, Secretary, Sri amakrishna seva Samithi, Nellore were other speakers. Total 40 youth participated in this camp.
30-10-83 to 1-11-83: All members of the unit participated in first state camp of Yuva Mahamandal conducted at Guntur and secretary of the unit Sri T.Lakshminarayana Rao was one of the organizers of the camp and who was responsible to bring out a Souvenir to mark the occasion.
9-08-85 to 11-08-85: All members of the unit participated in second state camp of Yuva Mahamandal conducted at Vijayawada and secretary of the unit Sri T.Lakshminarayana Rao was one of the organizers of the camp.
9 th June 1990: A local camp for youth has been conducted under supervision of Sri T.Lakshminarayana Rao (then State Coordinator for AP).
Special Meetings & Celebrations : During visits of Swamijis of Ramakrishna Order and Sri Nabaniharan Mukhopadhyay and also celebrations special meetings have been arranged by the unit in coordination with Sri Ramakrishna Seva Samithi. Such meetings conducted are mentioned below:
1-11-82: Birth day of Sister Niveditha has been celebrated at Vivekananda Vidyanikethan, Mulapet, Nellore in which Sri T.Lakshminarayana Rao spoke.
May 1983: On three consecutive Friday evenings a book stall has been conducted at Rajarajeswari temple to sell literature on Sri Ramakrishna and Vivekananda.
(History of Vivekananda Yuva Mahamandal Movement in A.P. Page 15 of 36)
15-5-83: A special meeting with Sri K.P.Subbaraya Sastry has been conducted.
5-11-84: On the occasion of Sri Nabaniharan Mukhopadhyay’s visit to Andhra Pradesh a special meeting for youth has been arranged.
12-01-85: Swami Vivekananda Jayanthi has been celebrated at D.P.W. library hall and the meeting was presided over by Sri P.H.J.Sarma and the speakers are Sri R.Venkateswara Rao and Sri V.Somasekhar. English documentary film on Swami Vivekananda has been screened by Field Publicity Department of Government of India on this occasion.
12-01-86: National Youth Day has been celebrated at Sri Saraswathi Vignana Vihar in which Sri C.Sivaiah, lecturer and Sri K.P.Subbaraya Sastry, State Coordinator spoke on Swami Vivekananda.
8-02-87: Swami Vivekananda Jayanthi has been celebrated with competitions for students in Essay writing, Elocution, Recitation and music and a public meeting at Thikkana library.
9. GUNTUR (Guntur Dt.)
After completion of studies in Bapatla Sri K.P.Subbaraya Sastry has moved to Guntur where his father was working at that time and tried to form a unit of Yuva Mahamandal in Guntur but it has taken shape in October 1979 during the visit of Sri Nabaniharan Mukhopadhyay to Guntur on 27-10-79. However a regular study circle has been started in January1983 at Sri Ramakrishna Vidyalaya of Sri Ramakrishna Samithi, Guntur under the guidance of Dr.C.Ramdas, founder of Sri Ramakrishna Samithi with Sri M.V.Dasaiah as Secretary. As per reports and letters available the activities of the unit have continued till end of 1988 and this unit has a special prominence as venue of first state camp of ABVYM in Andhra Pradesh conducted and which inspired to form units in different parts of Andhra Pradesh. Members of the unit have participated in all activities conducted by Samithi as volunteers. Activities conducted are as follows:
27-10-79: During visit of Sri Nabaniharan Mukhopadhyay a meeting for youth has been arranged at Sri Ramakrishna Vidyalaya.
30-10-83 to 1-11-83: Members of the unit participated in organizing First State Camp of ABVYM conducted at Sri Ramakrishna Vidyalaya, Guntur with cooperation of Sri Ramakrishna Samithi, Nagarampalem, Guntur with active involvement of all Mahamandal units in Andhra Pradesh. About 200 youth from 32 places covering whole united Andhra Pradesh were participated this is being first of its kind especially for youth of Andhra Pradesh. The Camp is for three full days with public meetings also on every day evening. Pujya Swami Ranganathanandaji (then President, RK Math, Hyderabad) has been the Chief guest of the camp.
(History of Vivekananda Yuva Mahamandal Movement in A.P. Page 16 of 36)
Sri Nabaniharan Mukhopadhyay has guided the organization of camp to conduct all proceedings as per ABVYM guidelines besides taking classes to the youth on varied subjects. Sri Birendra Kumar Chakravarthy (present General Secretary, ABVYM), Sri Digambara Patra (secretary, Orissa State branch of ABVYM, Bhubaneswar), Dr P.Shyamasundara Murthy, Sri K.P.Subbaraya sastry, Sri T.Lakshminarayana Rao, Sri G.Sreedhara Murthy, Sri M.V.Dasaiah and Sri A.Durga Prasad assisted in conducting the proceedings as per time schedule chalked out.
Other guests of the camp are Swami Amruthanandaji (then Rector, Vivekananda College, Chennai), Swami Jithatmanandaji (RK Math, Hyderabad), Sri G.Venkata Ramana Reddy (Retd., Additional Secretary, Muncipal Administration, AP Government), Sri B.S.R.Anjaneyulu (Bapatla), Sri P.Bapiraju (Vijayawada), Sri M.J.Raghavendra Rao (Divisional Forest officer, Flying Squad, Guntur and a Ramakrishna devotee from Kakinada), Sri V.P.B.Nair (DIG of Police, Guntur), Sri I.Narasimha Rao (Dt. Collector, Guntur) and Dr. C.Ramdas (Guntur).
Other guest speakers of the camp are Dr.C.N.Sastry Amarendra (Principal, JKC College, Guntur), Dr P.Hanumantha Rao (Principal, Hindu College, Guntur), Dr Boddupalli Purushotham (Professor, Nagarjuna University, Guntur), Dr Prasadrai Kulapathi (Lecturer, Hindu College, Guntur), Sri K.Anil Kumar (Lecturer, AC College, Guntur) and Dr.Kamala Jaya Rao. The venue for the Camp was Sri Ramakrishna Vidyalaya of Sri Ramakrishna Samithi and for public lectures in the evening were A.D.Hall of hindu College and Bharathiya Vidya bhavan.
A youth Rally and Blood Donation camp also has been conducted on 2nd Day as a part of the Camp. A Play let by Students of Ramakrishna Vidyalaya exhibited and songs by the campers as a part of Cultural programmes. This Camp helped to draw attention of all Ramakrishna seva samithi Centers in AP and created good enthusiasm and interest in spreading Ramakrishna Vivekananda Movement.Teachers of educational institutions of Ramakrishna Samithi, Vijayawada actively participated to conduct physical exercises and drill for the campers.
25-12-83: A local half day camp along with organizers meeting has been conducted at Ramakrishna Vidyalaya for which Dr C.Ramdas was the chief guest. In the evening Public meeting of Samithi First State Youth Camp 1983 Souvenir has been released by Sri Kundurthi Venkata Narasaiah (SriRamasaran)
20-01-85: A local half day camp along with organizers meeting has been conducted at Ramakrishna Vidyalaya under supervision of Sri K.P.Subbaraya sastry.
11-10-87: A local half day camp along with organizers meeting has been conducted at Ramakrishna Vidyalaya under supervision of Sri K.P.Subbaraya sastry.
(History of Vivekananda Yuva Mahamandal Movement in A.P. Page 17 of 36)
12-01-88: National Youth day has been celebrated with competitions for students in Quiz and Elocution. Sri B.B.K.Sarma was the secretary who organized the celebrations.
10. AMARAVATHI (Guntur Dt.)
Students and teachers who attended First State Camp of ABVYM in Andhra Pradesh conducted at Guntur got inspired and started study circle 4-03-84 in coordination with Sri Ramakrishna Seva Samithi, Amaravathi. Though the unit has not continued for a long the following activities have been conducted as per records available.
11-04-84: During visit of Srimath Swami Jithathmananda a special meeting has been arranged at Gita Mandir for inauguration of the unit. Sri K.V.Koteswara Rao, founder of Sri Ramakrishna Seva Samithi and Sri K.P.Subbaraya Sastry also spoke.
11-09-84: Training in Yogasanas started.
October 84: Homeopathy medicines have been distributed to 1000 children for prevention of Brain Tumor disease in and around Amaravathi.
3-11-84: During visit of Sri Nabaniharan Mukhopadhyay to Andhra Pradesh a special meeting has been arranged at Githa Mandir.
11. CHILAKALURIPET (Guntur Dt.)
For formation of Chilakaluripet unit the youth who attended first State Camp of ABVYM in Andhra Pradesh conducted at Guntur derived inspiration. Supported by Sri Ramakrishna Seva Samithi, Chilakaluripet Sri Majeti Hari Prasad, the first president of the unit started Study Circle on 1-07-84 and which has been inaugurated by Srimath Swami Ranganadhananda. Since then activities have been conducted by the unit as mentioned below as per reports available.
7-10-84: A local half day camp along with organizers meeting has been conducted at Prardhana Sangham under supervision of Sri K.P.Subbaraya sastry. Sri Gouri Sankar (SBI, Vijayawada) was the chief guest.
4-11-84: On the occasion of Sri Nabaniharan Mukhopadhyay’s visit to Andhra Pradesh a special meeting for youth has been arranged at Prardhana Sangham.
16-09-84: Chicago Parliament of Religions has been celebrated with competitions for students in debate and prizes are distributed by the chief guest Sri A.V.Rathna Reddy.
(History of Vivekananda Yuva Mahamandal Movement in A.P. Page 18 of 36)
14-10-84: Homeopathy medicines have been distributed to 3000 children for prevention of Brain Tumor disease in and around Chilakaluripet.
9-08-85 to 11-08-85: All members of the unit participated in second state camp of Yuva Mahamandal conducted at Vijayawada.
12. THIRUPATHI (Chittoor Dt.)
Dr CBGS Sundaram and Dr P.Muralikrishna (Both are Ayurvedic Doctors in Thirupathi) who attended First State Camp of ABVYM in Andhra Pradesh conducted at Guntur got inspired and started study circle on 11-09-84 in coordination with Sri Ramakrishna Seva Samithi, Thirupathi. Though the unit has not continued for a long the following activities have been conducted as per records available.
6-11-84: During visit of Sri Nabaniharan Mukhopadhyay to Andhra Pradesh a special meeting has been arranged for youth.
23-04-89: A local half day camp along with organizers meeting has been conducted at Malayala Sadguru Samajam Mandir under supervision of Sri K.P.Subbaraya sastry.
13. NAIDUPET (Nellore Dt.)
Sri V.Sreenivas, teacher of Sri Ramakrishna English Medium School, Naidupet attended First State Camp of ABVYM in Andhra Pradesh conducted at Guntur got inspired and started study circle 11-09-87 in coordination with Sri Ramakrishna Seva Samithi, Naidupet. The unit has continued till 1996 but the following activities have been conducted as per records available. Every year National youth Day with competions , Public meeting and youth rally has been conducted.
27-03-88: A local half day camp has been conducted at Sri Ramakrishna English Medium school under the supervision of Sri T.Lakshminarayana Rao and Sri A.Durga Prasad.
16-10-88: A local half day camp along with organizers meeting has been conducted at Sri Ramakrishna English Medium school under the supervision of Sri K.P.Subbaraya Sastry.
1-10-89: A local half day camp has been conducted at Sri Ramakrishna English Medium school under the supervision of Sri T.Lakshminarayana Rao. Sri M.Gangadhara Prasad, Secretary, Vivekananda Kendra, Thirupathi was the chief guest for the camp.
January 1991: A medical camp in Chittamur village has been conducted in coordination with Syndicate Bank and treated 350 patients.
(History of Vivekananda Yuva Mahamandal Movement in A.P. Page 19 of 36)
14. CHITTOOR (Chittoor Dt.)
When Sri K.P.Subbaraya Sastry was working at Chittoor the unit in the name of Viveka Bharathi has been started with a study circle on 11-09-88 at Ramakrishna Ashrama temple of Sri Ramakrishna Seva Samithi, Chittoor. Sri P.R.Babu, Correspondent of Ravindra Vidya Nikethan, Iruvaram has taken initiative to conduct activities of the unit as secretary. Though the unit has not continued for a long the following activities have been conducted as per records available.
12-01-89 to 29-01-89: Swami Vivekananda Jayanthi has been celebrated with competitions for high school and college students, a procession in the main streets and a public meeting. Sri S.Baldwin Raju, Youth Coordinator, Nehru Yuvak Kendra, Chittoor has presided over the meeting and Sri Rajagopala Rao, lecturer, PCR Government Junior college, Chittoor, Sri M.Gangadhara Prasad, secretay, Vivekananda Yuva Kendra, Thirupathi, Sri A.Lokanatham, Secretary, Sri Ramakrishna seva Samithi, Chittoor and Sri K.P.Subbaraya Sastry are other guests participated and spoke. A documentary film on Swami Vivekananda has been screened by DPRO, Chittoor.
12-03-89: A local youth camp has been conducted at Ravindra Vidya Nikethan, Iruvaram village which is nearby Chittoor and which was supervised by Sri K.P.Subbaraya Sastry. Total 30 students have participated. Sri Jayarami Reddy, Head Master, Government Elementary School, Iruvaram, Sri S.Munirathnam, President, Harijana Seva Samithi, Iruvaram and Sri M.Gangadhara Prasad were other guests of the camp. In the camp Yogasanas have been performed by Sri Ravi, a diploma holder in Yogasanas.
15. VISAKHAPATNAM (Vizag Dt.)
Sri N.Lakshminarayana, the present President of the unit has taken inspiration from Sri Turlapati Lakshminarayanarao of Nellore unit when he was taking coaching for EAMCET for Engineering in 1988 at Nellore. He started a study circle in Andhra University hostel campus on 6-11-88 when he was studying First year engineering at Visakhapatnam with the support of Sri R.Chandra Sekhar. Lt R.Viswanadhan, working in Indian Navy, former member of Jalpaiguri Vivekananda Yuva Mahamandal visited hostels and encouraged the students to attend annual camp of ABVYM and which also helped Sri N.Lakshminarayana and his friends to take active part in Yuva Mahamandal movement. Sri K.P.Subbaraya Sastry is also responsible directly or indirectly in motivating the unit to take up many activities such as conducting youth camps, printing of Mahamandal booklets in Telugu and publishing of Viveka Bharathi. The unit has expanded gradually with study circles at different places in Visakhapatnam with cooperation also rendered by Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama,Visakhapatnam and conducted many activities as mentioned below.
(History of Vivekananda Yuva Mahamandal Movement in A.P. Page 20 of 36)
This unit is following organizational discipline as prescribed by ABVYM conducts Annual General Body Meeting every year and submits audited accounts with Annual report on activities and proposed activities in the meeting and got approved. Since 2008 this AGM has been conducted for a half day since founder and senior members and also new members meet.
All the activities of the unit are posted in their blog (www.vvym.blogspot.com) and videos got uploaded in YouTube for information of all. Hence details of activities have been given in brief only because of the space and this is not to belittle anybody.
Weekly study circles on Vivekananda: The unit has laid more stress on conducting study circles at various places of the city and in other places nearby Visakhapatnam from 1988 and these study circles are responsible to create a good number of active members for the unit to conduct many service activities, Free coaching classes, youth camps in these 32 years of existence and proved itself as an active unit in Andhra Pradesh. During this period about 12 study circles have been promoted but as on date there are 4 study circles functioning actively as on date. However history and details of all study circles have been given below for information of readers to know how the unit has developed gradually.
S.No./Period/Location of Study Circle/History & details :
1. 1988-2013 AU Engineering Hostel : The First study circle has been started on 6.11.88 by Sri N.Lakshminarayana in Block No.I of hostel on every Sunday morning and later on shifted to Block No.IV. After 2 months it is shifted to hostel office premises in open place beside water tank. After 1997 there was a break for 30 months. It has been restarted on 27.01.2000 by the initiative taken by M.Com students Sri Shanmukeswara Rao and Sri Mallikharjuna Rao and the study circle has been conducted at Ambedkar PG Block Hostel and continued till 2013. The youth who are influenced by this study circle are -- Sri GVL Swathi Babu, Sri Ramkumar Kakani, Sri P.Sudhakar, Sri Ch.Sree Ram kishore, Sri Hara Gopal, Sri Peela Ravisankhr, Sri Attada Sanjay Kumar, Sri Poorna Singh, Sri Peddiraju Srinivas, Sri Lakshmi Kanth, Sri Shankararao besides above.
2. 1989-1991/RK Mission old ashrama (now Library)
This has been blessed by Swami Yathiswaranandaji. Sri PSN Raju, Sri S.Srinivasarao, Sri B.Rudramurthy, Sri N.Prasanth and Sri E.Govindaraju are the members who are influenced by this study circle.
3. 1992 AU North Campus of Engineering
To facilitate day scholars, NCC students and absentees of First study circle this circle has been started in January in the park opposite to Block No.I Hostels. and this continued for a few weeks only.
(History of Vivekananda Yuva Mahamandal Movement in A.P. Page 21 of 36)
4. 1992-2014 Industrial Estate Ramamandir Complex / Sri Ganapathi Seva Samithi, Railway Goorkha line: Started on 15-03-1992 by Sri S.Krishnan, President of the unit who has been associated with Yuva Mahamandal in Bhilai when he was working there.It went well till 1994. Sri M.Govindarao, Sri V.Deepak Kumar, Sri Satayarao and Sri M.Ravi were the regular participants. This was moved to Vivekananda Memorial Club, Reddy Kancharapalem in 1994 where office and library of the unit also has been started functioning and continued till end of 1995.The office and the study circle were shifted to the premises of Sri Ganapathi Seva Samithi, Railway Goorkha line in 1996 and since then all activities of the unit have been conducted there only till 2014. Sri B.Rudramurthy garu (Rly Executive and Devotee of RK Mission) and his team fully supported VVYM in carrying out various activities.
5. 1999-2000 AU South Campus
This was started on 2-10-1999 by Sri V.Sreenivasa Rao at AU Sathavahana Hostels which was held on every Thursday evening. During this period Sri K.P.Subbaraya Sastry and Sri T.lakshminarayana rao also visited this Study circle. This continued till April 2000.
6. 2004-2020/Sri Vivekananda Type Institute, Buchirajupalem, NAD Jn.
This has been started by Sri Ch.V.K.N.Somaraju on 22-02-2004 on every Sunday morning. After closure of the type institute the study circle was moved to Sri Soma Raju’s house and it was converted into evening study circle and later it was moved to Sitaramaraju park, Susarla Colony. Chy Hruday and Sri Nandamuri Nageswarao are conducting this study circle. Sri JS Reddy, Sri K.Vidhadhar Singh, Sri N.Sunil ,Chy K.Hrudhay, Sri M.Shanmukh, Vinayakumar, Chy Vivek are the youth influenced by this circle and who are now taking active role in conducting activities of the unit. This is now a functioning study circle as on date.
7. 2008-2020 /Govt.Polytechnic/Prashanthi Spiritual Park,
Muralinagar
This was started by Sri M. Govindarao on 18-12- 2008.This was discontinued after some weeks and was again activated at Muralinagar Prasanthi Spiritual Park on 23-02-2012 (Sri Ramakrishna’s 177th Birth Anniversary) with the great courtesy by Sri Vyasam Sree Ramamurthy Since then the study circle has been regular. VVYM Office also has been shifted to this park by 2014.
8. 2011 ANITS Eng College,Thag arupuvalasa
Mr P.V.Yashwanth started this study circle on 11.09.2011 and continued for one year only.
9. 2011-2020 Online Study Circle
Sri Peddiraju Sreenivas who is a product of First study Circle has taken the initiative to start online study circle, a new innovative on 11.09.2011 on every Thursday from 9 PM to 10 PM through Skype. For various reasons this has been discontinued in March 2015 and again reactivated on 31st March 2020 as there is no alternative to have any other study circles due to Covid 19. This is being conducted through Zoom app on every Sunday from 7 PM to 8.30 PM. This is an ongoing Study Circle.
(History of Vivekananda Yuva Mahamandal Movement in A.P. Page 22 of 36)
10. 2013-2020 Gurukula Patasala, Adivivaram, near Simhachalam.This Circle has been started by Sri D.Venkata rao on 21.07.2013 for 8 to 10th class students of A.P.Gurukula Patasala,Adavivaram. Sri P.Muniswamy and Sri T.Venkatarao are conducting the classes and it is being continued.
11. 2014-2020 BC Boys Hostel,Pendurthi :This Circle has been started by Sri D.Venkata rao on 24.12.2014 for 8 to 10th class students of BC Boys Hostel, Pendurthi. Sri D.Venkatarao, Sri P.Muniswamy, Chy Biswajit Bage and Chy OM Prakash (Bilaspur) are conducting the classes with Yogasans.
12. 2015 Sri Sreenivasa High School, Gajuvaka : It was started on 30.8.2015 by Chy Bandaru Appalraju but discontinued afterwards. Sri A.Srinivas and Chy D.Padmakar are beneficiaries of this circle.
Apart from the above some special study circles were held in the form of Mahamandali Parichaya Vedhika at the houses of Sri P.Muni Swamy, Sri Soma Raju, Sri D.Venakatarao, at Ajanta Park etc., where new young men from the locality are invited to explain Mahamandal Method.
Service activities:
1) Free Coaching Classes:1988 to 92: Free coaching classes have been conducted to children of AU Engg. hostel canteen staff who are mostly muslims. One of the students who have taken this coaching got Engineering rank also.
1994 to 95: Free coaching classes have been conducted for school children at Vivekananda Memorial club, Reddy Kancharapalem.
1988 to 92: One of the members Sri D.Appala Naidu (now associate professer, chemical Engineering in AU) maintained a lending library to lend subject books to the needy students who cannot afford to purchase.
2) Environment Protection:10-06-2012: Members of the unit along with committee members of Prashanthi Park participated in planting trees in and around the park.
3) Relief to Victims of Natural Calamities: May 1990: Participated in relief work as volunteers in cyclone relief shelter at Repalle undertaken by Ramakrishna Math, Rajamundry for 14 days.
(History of Vivekananda Yuva Mahamandal Movement in A.P. Page 23 of 36)
October 2014: Members of the unit have participated for Relief work in Visakhapatnam and surrounding places to the victims of Hudhud Cyclone and clearing debris and trees fallen on roads.
4) Medical Service: 1993 to 1995: One of the members Sri B.Krishna Mohan used to visit once in a month different wards in KGH and to distribute medicines to the needy patients and also help them in writing letters to their relatives. Another member Sri J.V.Ramana used to collect funds from public for this purpose.
March 1999: One Dental camp has been organized at Kancharapalem assisted by Dr N.Siva lalitha. Medicines also have been distributed.
15-08-2004: ENT camp was organized at Kobbarithota junction and which was attended by Dr Prasada Rao, M.D. and Dr Phalguni Srikumar. Medicines worth Rs.8000/- were distributed to the patients.
18-08-2019: An EYE CAMP has been organized in coordination with Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, at Mandal Parishad Primary School, Kallivanipalem, Bhimili Mandal. About 79 patients have been treated and for 8 patients eye operations have been proposed.
Homeo Service : Sri P.Muni Swamy (Former President,VVYM and Permanent Representative of VVYM to ABVYM) is doing great service by unselfishly serving as Homeo doctor at Navaneetha Homeo Center, Tagarapuvalsa (which is free service venture by Dr Kongara Ramesh garu who is a Farmer Scientist). Sri P.Muniswamy garu is doing homeo service at his home in Purushottapuram also.
5) Distribution of Food and Clothes to the Poor and needy: February 1991: On Guru Maharaj birth day Food packets have been prepared and distributed to the needy in streets of Visakhapatnam.
February 2016: 200 shirts, pants and winter wear supplied by RK Mission Ashrama, Visakhapatnam have been distributed to the students in BC Boys Hostel, Pendurthi, Adavivaram Gurukula Patasala and residents of Muralinagar Prasanthi Park area and Manasa care center.
27-04-2020 : (COVID-19 Service on Jagadguru Sankhar Jayanthi) 22 needy people of Muralinagar (mostly elders) were identified and provided with rice and essentials at Prasanthi Spiritual Park, Muralinagar.
Blood donation Camps: Every year during the month of January voluntary blood donation camps are being conducted since 2004 in association with A.S.Raja Voluntary blood bank. Every year on average 50 youth are donating and this activity gave good reputation to the unit. Swamijis literature is being given to blood donors. Till now 18 camps were organized.
Vivek Vahini (Bala Vihar): In January 1994 Vivek –Vahini activity has been started at Kancharapalem by Sri M.Govinda Rao which upto 2014 with one year gap from July 2002 to July 2003.This Vivek Vahini has contributed goodnumber of members to the unit. Sri Suresh, Sri B.Lakshminarayana, Sri P.Nooka Raju, Sri Janakirao are some of the members. This activity has been shifted to ‘MANASU’ girl care center Prahladapuram on 7.12.2014.
(History of Vivekananda Yuva Mahamandal Movement in A.P. Page 24 of 36)
A new Vivek Vahini was started at Sri Vyasam Sreeramamurthy Spiritual Park(SVSRM PSP) ,Muralinagar on 5/7/2020. Sri G V Ratnam, Sri S V Ramana, Sri Suresh, Sri K.Lakshminarayana are taking the classes.
Viveka Bharathi: After Nellore unit stopped publishing Telugu quarterly bulletin Viveka Bharathi in 1994 its responsibility has been taken over by Visakhapatnam unit in January 1995 but it is being published regularly from August 2012 only for various reasons and continued till 2018. Publishing of this bulletin has been done by Sri N.Lakshminarayana, Sri Bachina Sreedhar,Sri P.Ravi Chandra and P.V.Yeswanth.
Book Stall: Book stalls were arranged at various temples during the period1993-1996 and regularly at Kali temple during Shivarathri day.Some members used to do volunteer work at Ramakrishna Mission Stall in Railway Station and also at Sri Puvvula Krishna Mohan’s Poorna market stall. In all public functions and celebrations of the unit book stall is being arranged.Mahamandal book stalls were kept in some Ramakrishna Vivekananda Annual Bhakta Sammelanas also.
Printing of Mahamandal booklets in Telugu: Till now 13 English booklets of ABVYM which are written by Sri Nabhaniharan Mukhopadyay were got translated (with permission from ABVYM) into Telugu by Ramakrishna devotees Sri B.S.R.Anjaneyulu, Dr P.Shyamasundara Murthy, Dr Boddupalli Purushotham, Sri T.Lakshminarayana Rao, Dr S.Kamala Jaya rao, Sri K.Trivikramarao, Sri R.S.Premkumar, Sri P.Ravi Chandra and Sri Mallempati Vamsi Krishna.
Most of the books have been released at Annual Youth Training camps and at some important functions and sold through book stalls arranged during camps and functions. Some of the booklets which were first printed by Sri K.P.Subbaraya Sastry from 1980 to 1985 also got reprinted. We have brought out the publications with the sponsoring ship of members and well-wishers so that prices were made available to common people which are in line with ABVYM. Now 11 books were having multi color cover pages.
Youth Camps & Conventions: Youth camps for half day to three days have been conducted since 2006 as directed by ABVYM. Youth Conventions are also held with a specific subject for half day. In these camps classes on character building, mental concentration, leadership, thoughts on Swami Vivekananda, patriotism etc., have been included and speeches and discussions by Ramakrishna Mission Swamijis, senior members of Mahamandal and devotees of Sri Ramakrishna and Vivekananda with interactive sessions and power point presentations. Yoga classes also conducted in the camp. Details of the Camps and conventions which are conducted by the unit are given below briefly.
(History of Vivekananda Yuva Mahamandal Movement in A.P. Page 25 of 36)
Date /Venue of Camp/Guests/speakers Other details
10-09-2006 , Gayathri Vidya Parishat Jr College, Dwarakanagar, Vizag Swami Guneshanandaji, Sri B.B.Panda (ABVYM,Madhya Pradesh), Dr P.Shyamasundara Murthy, Sri T.Lakshminarayana Rao, Sri K.P.Subbaraya Sastry and Dr P.Prasanna Kumar(Retired Rector, Andhra University)This is the first one day youth camp after unit is formed held in as camp style. 200 youth participated .
27-01-2008; Kshatriya Kalyana Mantapam, Seethammadhara, Vizag Sri S.K.Padhee (Vivekananda Yuva Mahamandal, Champa, Chattisgarh State), Swami Aksharatmanandaji (Ramakrishna Math, Rajahmundry), Dr P.Shyamasundara Murthy, Sri T.Lakshminarayana Rao, Srimath Swami Guneshanandaji, Sri S.V.Sathyanarayana(Vedantha Cultural Association,Visakhapatnam) and Sri D.V.S.N.Raju(Minerva Public School, Prathipadu). 250 youth participated.
16-08-2009/Patanjali Yoga Kendra,MVP Colony,Vizag
Sri R.S.Premkumar, Sri M.Sathyanarayana Raju (Ex President, VVYM), Sri veda Bhaskaram (Patanjali Yoga Kendra) and Swami Guneshanandaji Youth Convention for half day has been held with emphasis on ‘Key to Success’.100 youth participated.
21-08-2011/Patanjali Yoga Kendra,MVP Colony,Vizag
Sri V.S.R.K.Prasad (Principal, ANITS), M.Sathyanarayana Raju (Ex President, VVYM), Sri veda Bhaskaram (Patanjali Yoga Kendra),Sri Peela Ravi Shankar and Sri Rangachary (Sr Manager, SBH) Youth Convention for half day has been held with emphasis on ‘Goal Setting’. 115 youth participated.
26-08-2012/NSTL Community Hall, Vizag
Sri B.R.Satpathi, (ABVYM Orissa Branch Secretary), Swami Garimanandaji and Srimath Swami Nityayoganandaji from RK Mission,Vizag and Sri C.Bhaskara Sarma (Director, Gayathri Womens Engineering College),3rd one day youth camp as a part of SwamiVivekananda’s 150th birth day anniversary celebrations. 200 youth from different educational institutions in and around Visakhapatnam have participated as campers.
27-08-2017 Vivekananda Degree College, S.Kota. Sri KBN Varma, Sri P.Muniswamy, Sri V.Ramakrishna, Sri N.Lakshminarayana, Sri B.Krishnamohan,100 students participated in this 4th one day youth camp. Hospitality Sri D.Venkatarao, Sri A.Srinivasarao,Sri D.Appalaraju. Sri K.Lakshminarayana and Sri P.Chandra Sekhar took the room discussions. Sri P.Nooka raju Sang songs on Swamiji and food was arranged by the college correspondent. our senior member Sri G.V.Ramababu has taken initiative to organize this camp.
(History of Vivekananda Yuva Mahamandal Movement in A.P. Page 26 of 36)
05-11-2017 Swami Vivekananda Mandapam,PrasanthiSpiritual Park,Muralinagar. All senior members of VVYM. Half day youth camp on the occasion of 29th Formation day of VVYM In addition to above mentioned camps the following are worth mentioning youth camps conducted by the unit during the period which proved the abilities of the members of VVYM and find a place in the history of ABVYM. Details of these two camps are given briefly for information of readers.
29-11-2013 to 01-12-2013: This is the first three day South India youth camp conducted in Andhra Pradesh and also to celebrate Silver Jublii year of VVYM which needs worth mentioning. 300 students from various schools and colleges from Visakhapatnam, Tuni, Ankapalli, Challapalli, Hyderabad and Bangalore have participated in this camp.
On 29-11-2013 evening Srimath swami Amruthanandaji ( RK Mission Ashrama, Visakhapatnam) has inaugurated the camp and Sri N.Lakshminarayana (President, VVYM) gave welcome address. Sri Ravi Bhattacharjee (ABVYM, Kolkatta) has participated to give complete guidance for the camp and to explain Yuva Mahamandal movement.
Sri Pappu Hanumatharao(RK Devotee and Best Teacher Awardee), Sri Mantena Satayanarayana Raju(MD,SRK Infra Projects, Former President of VVYM), Smt U.Subha(Vivekananda follower, Muralinagar), Sri VSRK Prasad (Prinicipal, ANITS Engg College) are other guests participated in the camp on different days. Dr Pannala Shyamasundara Murthy, (Convenor,Ramakrishna Vivekananda Bhava Prachara Parishad, Andhra Pradesh), Sri K.P.Subbaraya sastry, (First State Coordinator of ABVYM in Andhra Pradesh) who are responsible for Yuva Mahamandal Movement in Andhra Pradesh since 1971 also participated to guide the unit in organizing this camp.
Srimath Swami Nityayoganandaji and Srimath Swami Guneshanandaji of RK Mission Ashrama-Visakhapatnam, Swami Chinmayanandaji Maharaj (RKM Sevashrama, Kankal), Swami Tanmayanandaji (Ambikapur) are other guest speakers.Sri Anil (RK Devotee) took yoga classes. A youth rally was organized on1-12-2013. Eight Mahamandal booklets with multi Color cover page in Telugu were reprinted and released during the camp. Burra Katha on Swamiji was organized on 30-11-2013.
(History of Vivekananda Yuva Mahamandal Movement in A.P. Page 27 of 36)
Songs sung by devotees of Peda Brahmadevam Sarada Ramakrishna Seva Samithi. Book stall was arranged. Competitions for students of 30 schools and colleges in Visakhapatnam have been conducted in “Vivekananda His Call to the Nation” earlier and to the winners prizes have been distributed during the camp.
7-09-2018 to 9-09-2018: ABVYM has choosen Visakhapatnam to conduct 6th Interstate Youth Training Camp of ABVYM for three days. Visakhapatnam Unit has taken this occasion to celebrate 30th Anniversary Day of VVYM and also 125th Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda's Chicago Speech in September, 1893 hence a memorable event for the unit.
318 Campers from ten states -- Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Chattishgarh,Gujarat, Maharastra, Karnataka, West Bengal, Telangana, Delhi, Biharattended this camp. Sri Birendra Kumar Chakraborty, General Secretary,Akhil Bharat Vivekananda Yuva Mahamandal has participated in all proceedings of the camp for three days in explaining various aspects of Yuva Mahamandal movement. Dr Pannala Shyamasundara Murthy, (ex Convenor, Ramakrishna Vivekananda Bhava Prachara Parishad, Andhra Pradesh), Sri K.P.Subbaraya sastry, (First State Coordinator of ABVYM in Andhra Pradesh), Sri T.Lakshminarayana Rao (Second State Coordinator of ABVYM in Andhra Pradesh) and Sri A.Durga Prasad (ex Secretary, Vijayawada Vivekananda Yuva Mahamandal) also took part in various deliberations to guide the campers and also in various aspects of organization.Swami Guneshanandaji Maharaj (Assistant Secretary, Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Visakhapatnam) has inaugurated the camp with flag hoisting on 7-09-2018 evening. Sri D.N.Murthy (Secretary, 6th Interstate Camp Organizing Committee of ABVYM) has welcomed the guests and campers. Sri Ajay Kumar Pandey has taken class on mental concentration on every day morning and which has been translated in to Telugu by Sri T.Lakshminarayana rao. Physical Training session was conducted by Sri Jai Prakash Mehta before the breakfast on every day. Leaders of Yuva Mahamandal who came from different states besides General Secretary of ABVYM from Kolkatta spoke on subjects related to Man Making and Character building and Yuva Mahamandal Movement during these three days. They are Sri Arunabha Sengupta of Kalyani Vivekananda Yuva Mahamandal (W. B.), Sri Kumar Jitendra Narayan Singh, President of Vadodara Vivekananda Yuva Mahamandal, Sri Balmukund Sahu, Attabira Vivekananda Yuva Mahamandal (Odisha), Sri Jugal Pradhan, Sri Apurba Das, Sri Pramod Ranjan Das, Sri Bijay Kumar Singh (Secretary, Akhil Bharat Vivekananda Yuva Mahamandal Interstate Monitoring Committee) and Sri Somnath Bagchi. Sri N.Lakshminarayana, Sri P.Shyamasundara murthy and Sri T. Lakshminarayana rao has translated English speeches in to Telugu on every day.
(History of Vivekananda Yuva Mahamandal Movement in A.P. Page 28 of 36)
Songs were sang by Sri Dippendu Jana and his group. Room discussions have been conducted every day by Sri Sri Prasanta Chakraborty and other senior members of Yuva Mahamandal. Questions & Answers session every day attended to by Sri Sri Birendra Kumar Chakraborty, Sri P Muni Swamy, Sri Bijay Kumar Singh, Sri Somnath Bagchi and Sri V.Ramakrishna. Other guest speakers who participated during the camp are Sri M.Satyanarayana Raju, MD, SRK Infra Projects (former President of VVYM and patron of RK mission Programmes) and Swami Nityayoganandaji besides above mentioned guests. Every day morning flag hoisting has been done by Sri N.Lakshminarayana who is President of 6th Inter state Camp Committee.
Cultural Programmes condcuted by Jugal Bandi Tabla & Khol, Sri Nandadulal Das & Sudhamoy Dasadhikari.Bhajan was done by Sri Soumyasish Samanta before the dinner on the first day. A Book Stall is kept with books of Mahamandal publications in different languages on Swamiji’s message. A Photo Exhibition has been kept displaying the Swamiji’s message. ‘Values to Imbibe’ booklet in English written by Sri Nabaniharan Mukhopadhyay has been translated into Telugu as ‘Viluvala Samuparjuna’ by Sri P.V.Ravichandra and which has been released during the camp for sale.
Special occasions & Celebrations: Besides celebrating National Youth Day (12th January), Swamiji’s address in Chicago Parliament of Religions (11th September) and VVYM Formation day (6th November) every year the unit has participated in all special occasions and celebrations of Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Visakhapatnam as volunteers and in coordination. The unit has organized Public meetings inviting senior members of Yuva Mahamandal and eminent speakers of the city, conducted competitions for students on the occasions mentioned above almost every year. Youth Rally also beingconducted. On these occasions Mahamandal booklets are also being released in Telugu now and then. Cultural Programmes are also being conducted with children and youth. During some years these occasions are being celebrated with day long programmes thus making all members of the unit to participate actively. Not only that these celebrations are conducted at different localities of the city to cover all the public thus VVYM image got established in the City. All the activities of the unit are posted in their website and blog and videos uploaded in Youtube for information of all. The following are some of the celebrations and occasions which are memorable in the history of the unit.
(History of Vivekananda Yuva Mahamandal Movement in A.P. Page 29 of 36)
11-09-1993: Centenary of the Chicago Parliament of Religions was celebrated at Sri Ramamandiram, Industrial Estate with a quiz program on Swamiji’s life and harmony of Religions.100 students from 8 schools participated.
23rd to 25th December 2000: Members of VVYM participated as volunteers in 10th Bhakta Sammelan of APRKVBPP conducted at RK Mission Ashrama, Visakhapatnam for which 2000 devotees from United AP attended. The souvenir work has been taken up by VVYM volunteers. It is a good occasion to learn organizational skills by the members.
09-10-2004: Participated in Holy mother Sri Sarada Devi’s 150th Birth Anniversary Ratha Yathra of Ramakrishna Mission from RTC Complex to RK Beach via Jagadamba center. Public meeting was arranged at Kali temple.
18-05-2005: 10K/5K Health Run was organized at RK Beach. Sri M.Satayanarayana Raju garu, Sri M. Naga Raju garu (USA) sponsored the program. VVYM volunteers were provided with T-Shirts with Mahamandal Logo.
2006: Members of the unit Sri J.Mohan kumar, Sri Appalanaidu and Sri D.Srinivasrao organized the Chetana Programs of RK Math, Hyderabad at their native places at Chagallu, Bonnagi and Ankapalli respectively. Sri PSS Murthy garu and Sri N.Lakshminarayna participated and coordinated these programs.
9-12-2008: The members of the unit participated as volunteers for Swami Ranganathanandaji Birth Centenary Celebrations held at AU Golden Jubilee Guest House seminar hall. The unit has reprinted the booklet of Swami Ranganathanandaji (Bharateeya Yuvatha mariyu Vivekanandudu) and it was released and distributed to all participants.
9-2-2010: A seminar has been organized at RK College for the students of Deaf and Blind Educational Society at Vizianagaram for which 400 students attended. Swami Guneshanandaji addressed the gathering. Chy M.Shanmukh organized the program while he was a student including venue selection, inviting Swamiji and the hospitality.
September 2010: Participated in organizing Viveka Vardhanam Competition initiated by RK Math, Kadapa with Quiz on ‘Swami Vivekananda the friend of all’ in some schools. 280 books were sponsored by Sri MSN Raju garu.
3-01-2013: Swami Vivekananda’s 150th Birth Celebrations Samithi organized a National Torch relay with 50 athlets from Kanyakumari to Chinsurah(WB) for 2625 kms. At Visakhapatnam VVYM has arranged hospitality at ‘Swami Vivekananda Swathandra Seva Samithi’ in one town and organized a public meeting at BVK Degree College, Vizag in which Swami Nityayoganandaji, RKMission spoke.
(History of Vivekananda Yuva Mahamandal Movement in A.P. Page 30 of 36)
February 2013: Vivekananda Ratha Yatra initiated by Ramakrishna Mission to celebrate 150th Birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda has been taken over by VVYM and visited different schools and colleges in and around Visakhapatnam for 8 days and arranged lectures and book stall.
19-12-2014 to 21-12-2014: VVYM Members were given the opportunity of receiving the guests and looking the transportation needs of devotees from accommodation to venue during Special Bhakta Sammelen held in connection with Platinum Jubilee of RK Mission Visakhapatnam at Viswapriya Function hall , RK Beach for which 3000 devotees from AP and Telangana attended.
16-10-2015 to 18-10-2015: VVYM Members volunteered for RK Mission Temple Silver Jubilee celebrations at RK Mission Asharama,VSKP. VVYM Volunteers in good number also participated in the solar lamps need survey and distribution in the agency areas of Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam districts.
05-11-2015: Sri VV Lakshminarayana (Rtd IPS Officer) or popularly known as JD Lakshminarayana attended the Formation day and inspired the young men with Swami Vivekananda’s thoughts on self-confidence and role of youth in the nation-building.
7-9-2018 to 9-9-2018: 125th anniversary of Chicago Parliament of Religions have been celebrated clubbing with 6th Interstate camp.
Misellaneous Activities: The unit has conducted the following activities also during the period which needs a mention to show their interest and abilities.
Construction of Swami Vivekananda Mandapam in Prashanthinagar park of Muralinagar: The Project initiated by Muralinagar Prasanthi Park Maintenance Members Association founder Sri Vyasam Sreeramamurthy in 2011 in connection with Swami Vivekananda’s 150th birth anniversary could not materialize due to various reasons. VVYM is conducting study circle in this park since February 2012. Hence the unit has continued the efforts of above taking assistance of former secretary Sri PSN Raju and his friend Sri Sathish Verma and approached Sri Pasupuleti Bala Raju garu the then Tribal Welfare Minister and got approval from Government in 2013 for construction of Swami Vivekananda Mandapam and did Bhoomi Pooja on 25/5/2013 by Swami Guneshanandaji. Swamiji statue was installed on 12-01-2015.Later the unfinished dream of mandhirs for Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa , Maa Saradadevi and Jagadguru Sankara was materialized by the involvement and funds raising by VVYM members and Park Well wishers.By Vijayadasmi day in 2015 all the statues were installed and inaugurated.
(History of Vivekananda Yuva Mahamandal Movement in A.P. Page 31 of 36)
Training in Yoga and Yoga Camps:
13-12-2014: VVYM started Yoga classes for VVYM members and residents of Muralinagar at Swami Vivekananda Mandapam, Prasanthi Spiritual Park, Muralinagar. This activity made the active members to meet daily. Sri GV Ratnam and Sri K.Ch.Naidu have conducted the yoga classes.
26-01-2016: A work shop on Yoga and Pranayama was organized at Swami Vivekananda Mandapam from 4 pm to 7 pm. Mr Attada Sanjay, VVYM Member since AU College days (1990) and who was taking Yoga classes in USA also has taken this class.
6-3-2016: A special Yoga camp was organized for the students of Sri
Srinivasa high school (Study Circle place) from 6-3-2016 to 16-3-2016. Yoga Kiran, Sri A.Srinivas and Chy Biswajit has taken these classes.
1998-2002: Swami Vivekananda Spirit of Success(SVSS): Free coaching classes were held to poor students selected from various schools through exam and weekly 3 hours training given in Yoga and language development skills from 1998 to June 2002 at Kancharapalem after Vivek-Vahini Class. Sri M.Govindarao and Sri Rama Rao have taken these classes.
Vivek Spirit of Success (VSS for POLYCET): During 2015 and 2018 after starting the study circle at Gurukulapatasala, Adavivaram for 10th class students it was felt that they will be benefited much provided they go to the Polytechnic where they can have skill development education.Hence before they go for summer vacation after 10th class they were kept in a house or hostel and provided coaching for Polytechnic. Around 6 to 10 boys per year (4 batches) were given coaching and most of them got either Govt or Private polytechnic college seats and some of the first batch boys got placements also. The boys got inspiration in our study circles, annual camps and volunteered well during our youth camps. Sri D.Venkatarao has taken initiation for this unique project.
Arise!Awake ! Exhibitions on Swami Vivekananda: VVYM Procured 2-exhibition kits of Arise!Awake! Exhibition charts prepared by Ramakrishna Mission, Mysore. Since 2002 morethan 40 exihibitions have been arranged by VVYM at various programs of VVYM, RK Mission public functions, colleges, parks and picnic locations. Bookstalls also were kept at these exhibition places.
Sarada Study Circle at Vizianagaram: Inspired by our study circle and Viveka Sadasu held in Feb 2010, Chy Lakshmi Sravanthi has started Sarada Study circle for girls on 26.12.2010 on the occasion of Holy Mother Birthday. It continued for some weeks.
(History of Vivekananda Yuva Mahamandal Movement in A.P. Page 32 of 36)
Sarada Adhyana mandali: Because of the response of girls the unit has taken initiative to start a study circle in the name of “Sarada Adhyana mandali” only for girls in Rani Memorial School on 24.12.2013 and which was managed by the girls only. Smt.Supraja and Smt.Jhansi have conducted the classes guided by the unit. Swami Guneshanandaji of Ramakrishna Ashrama, Visakhapatnam has inaugurated this study circle. This has been continued till 2016 only.
Participation in Annual All India Youth Camp of ABVYM: Unit has
motivated their members to participate in Annual camp of ABVYM every year without fail thus Andhra Pradesh State is represented in All India Camp. Initially before 2008 the participation was only below 10 but this has increased to 20 now because of special efforts made by the unit. Unit has encouraged Sri Ganapathi Seva Samithi, Srujanavani, SRKSS Tuni to send their members to the camps. After our AP representation got increased, ABVYM is giving special focus to arrange classes in English apart from arranging south Indian dishes now and then. Sri Doddi Appala Raju, Sri B.Praveen Kumar, Sri GVL Swathi Babu the members who settled overseas and also some local members are regular sponsors to encourage rural boys also to attend the Annual camp.
Spreading Yuva Mahamandal Movement in Andhra Pradesh: The unit
also has taken the responsibility of spreading the movement to other areas.This unit is responsible to activate Nellore unit in 2018 and supporting the unit started at Bangalore. A senior member of this unit Sri Peddiraju Sreenivas who is now at Hyderabad is trying to start the first unit in Telangana. The new units started in 2019 and 2020 in Srikakulam and Visakhapatnam Districts is the efforts of this unit only.
16. PAKALA (Chittoor Dt.)
Sri Sathyaki, a student in Pakala who attended two State Camps of ABVYM conducted at Guntur and Vijayawada and also inspiration received from Sri K.P.Subbaraya Sastry and Sri T.Lakshminarayana Rao motivated him to start a study circle on every Sunday at Ramakrishna Mandir, Pakala in coordination with Sri Ramakrishna Seva Samithi, Pakala in January 1990. The unit started with blessings of Srimath Swami Ranganadhananda. A Bala Vihar on every Sunday has been organized for 85 children. For Bala Vihar members training in music and dance also have been given. The unit continued only for two years.
(History of Vivekananda Yuva Mahamandal Movement in A.P. Page 33 of 36)
OTHER UNITS
Sri Ramakrishna Seva Samithi centers at those places only motivated their youth to start some of these units mentioned below taking inspiration from First and Second State Camps conducted and also visits made by Sri K.P.Subbaraya sastry, Sri T.Lakshminarayana Rao, Sri A.Durga Prasad and Sri N.Lakshminarayana to those places though the existence of these units for a shorter period.
17. Ananthapur (Ananthapur Dt.):
Started in 1976 by Sri K.P.Subbaraya
Sastry when he was working there. There is no Seva Samithi center in
Ananthapur at that time. No activities conducted except a weekly study circle on every Sunday. However Sri K.P.Subbaraya sastry has visited schools and colleges in and around Ananthapur to sell literature on Swami Vivekananda and Yuva Mahamandal. The unit continued only for 6 months.
18. Thundurru (W.Godavari Dt.):
Started in December 1983 with Sri C.Subba Rao and Sri C.Samba Murthy as President and Secretary. This is being promoted by Sri K.Shyamasunder rao (Secretary, Sri Ramakrishna Sarada seva samithi, Thundurru) and a weekly study circle has been conducted.
19. Ramudupalem (Nellore Dt.):
Started in April 1983. A medical camp to take pre-natal anti-natal care of poor rural harijans and girijans pregnant ladies has been conducted in 1983.
20. Chinna Ogirala (Krishna Dt.):
A study circle has been started in
August 1984.
21. Nelakondapalli (Khammam Dt.):
A study circle has been started in August 1984 by Sri P.V.Subrahmanyam with support given by Sri Ramakrishna Samithi, Madhira.
22. Punuru (Prakasham Dt.):
Sri M.V.Dasaiah, Secretary of Guntur Unit in 1983 after completion of his studies started Yuva Mahamandal Unit in September 1984 and continued till 1988. A weekly study circle has been conducted on every Sunday. This is being supported by Sri Ramakrishna seva Mandali, Punuru. In 1985 conducted cleaning of premises and surroundings of Sri Ramakrishna mandir in Punuru.
23. Kothagudem (Khammam Dt.):
The unit in the name of Vivekananda Yuvajana Seva Sangham has been inaugurated by Poojya swami Ranganadhanandaji on 26-03-1985. This is promoted by Ramakrishna sarada kutir, Kothagudem and weekly study circle has been conducted regularly.
(History of Vivekananda Yuva Mahamandal Movement in A.P. Page 34 of 36)
24. Inkollu (Prakasham Dt.):
Sri Naidu Lakshminarayana (with the active support of his likeminded friends) started ‘Vivekananda Study Circle ‘ in his native village Inkollu in the name of ‘Vivekananda Adhyayana Kendram”June 1988 in the premises of newly started ‘Sri Ramakrishna Seva Samithi’,Inkollu. These study circles were held between June 1988 to June 1992 during Dasara, Pongal and Summer holiday vacation Sundays. Every year during this period National Youth day has been celebrated with a Public meeting and Rally. The speakers who participated in these celebrations were Sri D.V.Brahmaji (Bapatla), Sri M.Ramakrishna Rao (Bapatla), Sri Annadanam Chidamabara Sastry (Ongole), Sri Pannala Jayarama Sarma (Guntur), Sri M.Veeranjaneyulu garu (Thimmarajupalem) and also teachers of local area.Teachers of Arunodaya School Sri Narayanam Srinivasacharyulu, Sri Choda Lakshminaryana, Sri Purramsetti Srinu, Sri Gantta Venkateswarulu and Sri V.Buttchaiah Chowdary took active role in organizing these celebrations. One leaflet of 6 pages on the genesis of National Youth Day (since 1985), opinions of eminent persons on Swamiji (Subtitle:Mahajana Vani) and Swamiji’s powerful quotes in the subtitle of ‘Vivekananda Sankaravam’ was brought out on one of such occasions. No activity after 1992. Childrens wing in the name of “Viveka Vahini” also has been organized for school children during this period.
NEW UNITS
New units started in 2019 and 2020 functioning now with a regular study circle are:
25. Srikakulam (Srikakulam Dt.):
Started by Sri M.Govinda rao at Sri Ramakrishna Seva Samithi, Vamsadhra Project, Old Quarters, Illispuram, Srikakulam on 22-09-2019
26. Amudalavalasa (Srikakulam Dt.):
Started by Sri P.V.Yeswanth at Shri Ramakrishna Seva Sangam, Amadalavalasa on 25-09-2019.
27. Mangavaram (Vizag Dt.):
Started by Sri V.Sreenivasa Rao on 12-01-2020 in Mangavaram Village. This is being conducted by Chy Raju with his likeminded friends who has been attending the ABVYM Annual Camp for the last 2 years.
NOTE: As per information available with Sri K.P.Subbaraya Sastry and Sri N.Lakshminarayana only the details of units started during these fifty years with available record of activities have been furnished in this document.hence not to misunderstand if anything is missing. If information is provided it will be updated next.
(History of Vivekananda Yuva Mahamandal Movement in A.P. Page 35,36 of 36)
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