Vivekananda Kendra Institute of Culture (VKIC)

About Vivekananda Kendra

• • Vivekananda Kendra is a nationwide organisation founded in 1972.

  • It was established to spread the message of:

    • National unity

    • Character building

    • Service to society

  • VKIC is one of the important cultural centres run by Vivekananda Kendra in Assam.

Location and Importance of Guwahati Centre

• • Guwahati is the gateway to North-East India, making it a strategic location.

  • VKIC Guwahati acts as a bridge between mainland India and the North-East.

  • It promotes understanding of the rich cultural diversity of the region.

Objectives of VKIC

The main objectives of the institute are:

a. Cultural Preservation

• • To preserve and promote:

    • Indian traditions

    • Assamese culture

    • Indigenous knowledge systems

  • To document folk traditions, customs, and local practices.

b. Value-Based Education

• • To spread the ideas of Swami Vivekananda, such as:

    • Moral values

    • Discipline

    • Service to society

  • To build character and national pride among youth.

c. National Integration

• • To strengthen unity and harmony among people of different regions and communities.

  • To promote cultural understanding between the North-East and rest of India.

Major Activities of VKIC

VKIC carries out a wide range of cultural and educational activities:

a. Cultural Programmes

• • Organises:

    • Lectures

    • Seminars

    • Workshops

  • Topics include Indian philosophy, culture, history, and social issues.

b. Training and Workshops

• • Conducts training in:

    • Yoga

    • Meditation

    • Leadership development

  • Helps individuals develop physical, mental, and spiritual strength.

c. Publications and Research

• • Engages in:

    • Cultural research

    • Publication of books and journals

  • Focus on North-East culture and Indian thought.

Role in Promoting Assamese and North-East Culture

• • VKIC highlights:

    • Folk traditions of Assam

    • Tribal cultures of North-East India

  • Provides a platform for scholars, artists, and thinkers to share knowledge.

  • Helps preserve traditional wisdom in modern times.

Social and Cultural Importance

• • Encourages youth participation in nation-building.

  • Promotes a balanced life combining:

    • Culture

    • Education

    • Service

  • Strengthens cultural confidence among people of Assam.

Contemporary Relevance

• • In the present day, VKIC plays an important role in:

    • Addressing cultural loss due to modernisation

    • Promoting ethical values in society

  • It helps people stay connected to their roots while adapting to modern life.