Stories from the grassroots | Thoughts on development | Lessons on leadership
It is now a little more than 4 decades since i first read the 8 volumes (now they are nine) of ‘The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda’. So much water has flowed under the bridge, so many experiences that have added to my understanding of his message and so much still left in this ever continuous learning journey. … Continue reading
Over time, I have given several interviews and have spoken at several forums. Each one has been different and taught me several lessons. They have also given me the time and space to reflect on the questions that had been asked and my own life too.… Continue reading
One question that people keep asking me is what prompted me to start the Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement when I was just 19 years of age.… Continue reading
It was January 1985. I was sitting with Swami Achalanandaji, a monk who was then living at the Ramakrishna Institute of Moral & Spiritual Education in Mysuru and discussing the qualities of an ideal student and that of an ideal Teacher (Guru).… Continue reading
There are those who give with joy, and that joy is their reward.
– Kahlil Gibran
Running a Non-profit anywhere in the world is not as easy as it sounds and is a difficult proposition. Apart from the image that the sector generates, the constant uncertainties of funding and resource mobilization, the lack of high quality talent, the changing demands of accountability & prevailing statutory laws, and most importantly the evolving nature of the world of social development itself, all pose great survival challenges.… Continue reading
“Generosity is giving more than you can, and pride is taking less than you need.”
– Kahlil Gibran, Sand and Foam
A couple of months ago, Mr Mudre who oversees our palliative care program came to me choked with emotion. Unsure of what had transpired, I was curious to know what had moved him so much.… Continue reading
Watch a short documentary on the Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement that was telecast on Doordarshan’s Chandana Kannada Channel on 16th January 2016. This 8 minute video captures the activities of SVYM in a nutshell
January 12th is a very special day for all of us. Apart from being the day when our icon at SVYM and the very reason for our existence was born in 1863, it is also the day when we Indians celebrate as the National Youth Day. … Continue reading
In its journey of 30 years, the Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement has received quite a few awards for its work – whether it is the National Youth Award, or the UN Award for our work in the field of HIV-AIDS, the ICAI award for best presented financial statements, the best Annual report award, the Bhagwan Mahaveer Award or the Devaraj Urs Award from the Government of Karnataka.… Continue reading