J.J Goodwin is remembered and honoured as a disciple of Swami Vivekananda to whom are owed most of the lectures of the Swami which are written down accurately. Vivekananda had said on Goodwin, “He is chosen for my work. What would I do without him! If I have a mission, he is indeed a part of it.”

Sri J.J Goodwin (stenographer of Swami Vivekananda) breathed his last at Ooty in the year 1898. On the 127th year of the passing away ceremony of Sri J.J. Goodwin respects were paid at the memorial by Swami Satyayuktanandaji Maharaj with devotees and students from the Vivekananda Memorial Matric School, M Palada with Rev C Jeri Rajkumar M.A.B.D, Presbyter & Chairman (CSI, St Thomas Church) and S Christoper M.A.B.D, Asst. Presbyter (CSI, St Thomas Church). 

All the dignitaries spoke about Mr J.J Goodwin and his relationship with Swami Vivekananda and why his work is so important in the life of Swami Vivekananda. The speeches gave an insight into how the stenographer helped the ex tempore speeches of Swamiji to be recorded and delivered in writing and how without his help most of Swamiji’s Speeches would have been lost. 

To commemorate Swami Vivekananda’s. birthday, Ramakrishna Math, Ooty conducted Inter-School Literary Competitions and Inter-School Sports Meet for which the prize distribution ceremony was conducted on 12 January 2025 at 11.00 AM. 

The Ceremony started with the Recitation of the Swami Vivekananda’s Chicago address, followed by Cultural events conducted by Vivekananda Memorial Matric School., M Palada Students.

First there were couple of Speeches on Youth and the Nation and Swami Vivekananda’s Life History followed by a Skit depicting Swami Vivekananda’s ideology continued by few Scenes enacted on the View of Swami Vivekananda by 

- Mahatma Gandhi 

- Netaji Subash Chandra Bose and 

- Mahakavi Bharathiar. 

At 11.45 An Introductory speech on the Signicance of National Youth Day continued by a Classical dance was conducted. A report on the competitions conducted on account of the National youth day was read out and a Cultural event depicting the Dasavathar of Lord Sri Vishnu was depicted.

At 12.15 The Prize distribution ceremony was started with the Lighting of the Lamp continued by Invocation song and the Welcome Address. Srimat Swami Raghaveshanandaji Maharaj gave the benedictory address which was followed by the Honouring of the Chief Guest. 

The Chief Guest Mr Atul Jain, Director, Cosmic Ray Laboratory, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (National Centre of the Govt. of India for Nuclear Physics) Addressed the gathering by his motivational speech by giving examples from his life and experiences.

The Prizes were distributed by Mr Atul Jain, the Chief Guest in the presence of Srimat Swami Raghaveshananda and Swami Satyayuktananda. 

Totally 140 prizes consisting of a memento and a book each were presented for the Inter-School Literary competition 48 prizes consisting of Mementos, Cups and books were presented for the InterSchool Sports Meet. 

The programme ended with the Vote of thanks and the singing of the National Anthem. Everyone was provided with a sumptuous Lunch Prasad at the end of the event. 

Totally 600 people participated in the programme out of which 350 were students from different schools and 250 parents and devotees attended. 

The Inter-School Literary Competitions was held on 30 November 2024 at the Vivekananda Memorial Matric School, M Palada. The following competitions like Elocution, Essay writing, Recitation, Pick and Speak, Drawing, Fancy Dress Competition and Quiz Competition were held. 850 Students and 150 Teachers participated in the various competitions from 37 different schools. 34 Judges from various schools judged the competitions. The Inaugural Ceremony was held between 10.30 A.M and 11.30 AM. Dr. Priyank Hanuman Matre, Head CPRS was the chief guest and opened the competitions in the presence of Swami Satyayuktanandaji Maharaj. All the competitions started at 11.40 AM and ended at 2.30 PM. All the participants were provided with Lunch. 

These competitions were held in both English and Tamil and conducted in multiple groups differentiated by the classes the students studied.

The Inter-School Sports Meet was held on 04 January 2025. Volley Ball for Boys and girls were conducted as competitions at the Vivekananda Memorial Matric School. 

400 students and 23 staff members from 15 schools participated in the competition. 8 Umpires adjudicated the matches. The Matches started at 10.30 AM in the presence of Srimat Swami Raghaveshananda and Swami Satyayuktananda. 

The Boys volley ball competition consisted of 12 teams out of which SSVM School, Gudalur were the winners and Government Hr Sec School, Kil-Kotagiri were the runners up.

The Girls volley ball competition consisted of 9 teams out of which Viswashanthi Matric Hr Sec School, Kotagiri were the winners and Vivekananda Memorial Matric School, M Palada were the runners up. 

Few Photographs of the programme are uploaded to the album which can be seen at. https://photos.app.goo.gl/stViPMvhZdA3E8W8A

Date: December 5th and 6th, 2023 Venue: Vivekananda Memorial Matric School, Ooty 

Day 1: December 5th, 2023

Ramakrishna Math, Ooty, organized a vibrant District-level Inter School Sports Meet on December 5th and 6th, 2023, at the Vivekananda Memorial Matric School. The grand event commenced with a spectacular inauguration ceremony featuring Colonel Santhosh Kumar as the Chief Guest and Subedar Padmanabhan as the Guest of Honour, accompanied by esteemed personalities including Swami Satyayuktananda and the Correspondent.

The day began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, and the ignition of the Olympic Torch relay took center stage, creating a spirited atmosphere. Colonel Santhosh Kumar, in a gesture of encouragement, not only declared the Sports Meet open but also actively participated in the Volleyball tournament, demonstrating his support for the participating students.

The event witnessed the enthusiastic participation of 14 schools in the Boys Volleyball tournament and an equally competitive Girls Throw Ball tournament. In total, 350 students, 10 umpires, and 20 Physical Education Teachers (PETs) from various schools showcased their athletic prowess.

A heart warming moment ensued when the young students of Vivekananda School, bearing colorful balloons, extended their best wishes to the players before the finals. The gripping matches culminated with the GRG team from Vazhaithottam emerging as champions in Boys Volleyball, and Shanthi Vijay Girls Hr. Sec School securing victory in Girls Throw Ball. The day concluded with a joyful photo session capturing the victorious spirit of the participants.

Day 2: December 6th, 2023 

The second day of the competition began with an extravagant Inaugural Ceremony featuring Mrs. Indira, the District Sports Officer, as the Chief Guest. Swami Satyayuktananda graced the occasion with his optimism, joined by the Correspondent, Principal, and Faculty members of VMMS, along with PET teachers and staff members from other reputed institutions.

The day followed a similar ceremonial protocol with the lighting of the lamp, a soulful prayer, felicitation of the chief guest, and thought-provoking addresses. The Chief Guest, Mrs. Indira, not only declared the Sports Meet open but also actively participated in serving the first service in the Girls Volleyball tournament. 

The competitions included Girls Volleyball and Girls Kho-Kho tournaments, with the participation of approximately 300 students, 10 umpires, and 20 PETs. The matches progressed as per the planned fixtures, leading to the much-anticipated final matches in the afternoon session. 

The final matches were a spectacle of enthusiasm and sportsmanship, with participants showcasing their determination to clinch the trophy. Viswashanthi Vidyalaya Metric School, Kotagiri, emerged as champions in the Girls Volleyball tournament, and St. Ann’s Convent, Coonoor, secured victory in the Girls Kho-Kho tournament. 

The event concluded with a delightful photo session, capturing the joy and pride of the winners and runners-up. The Inter-School Sports Competition 2023, organized by Ramakrishna Math, Ooty, was a resounding success, fostering a spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie among the participating schools.

Event Overview: 

The National Youth Day Inter School Cultural Competitions, hosted by Ramakrishna Math, Ooty, at Vivekananda Memorial Matric School on November 29, 2023, marked a celebration of talent, creativity, and cultural diversity among the youth. With participants from 31 schools, the event aimed to foster holistic development and instill a sense of cultural pride among the students.

Competitions: 

The competitions were categorized into two groups. Group I, comprising students from classes VI to VIII, engaged in activities such as Essay Writing (Tamil & English), Elocution (Tamil & English), Recitation (Tamil & English), Drawing, Quiz, and Pick and Speak. Similarly, Group II, consisting of students from classes IX to XII, participated in parallel events.

Participation and Support: 

The event witnessed a robust participation with 530 students showcasing their skills. The support extended by 70 teachers and the involvement of 22 judges ensured the smooth execution and fair evaluation of the competitions. 

Inaugural Ceremony: The event commenced with an inaugural ceremony from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., graced by the esteemed Chief Guest, Dr. Somasundaram Jayaraman, Head of ICAR, Ootacamund in the presence of Swami Satyayuktananda Maharaj from Ramakrishna Math, Ooty, adding a spiritual and inspiring dimension to the occasion.

Event Timeline: 

Post-inauguration, participants were treated to tea and snacks at 11:30 a.m., setting the stage for the commencement of competitions at 11:40 a.m. The proceedings ran seamlessly, culminating at 2:30 p.m. Lunch was provided to all participants from 1:30 p.m., ensuring their energy levels were sustained throughout the event.

Cultural Competition held by Ramakrishna Math, Ooty: This edition of the National Youth Day Inter School Cultural Competitions took on a special significance as it was organized by Ramakrishna Math, Ooty. The cultural exchange facilitated by the event not only celebrated National Youth Day but also contributed to the broader mission of promoting cultural understanding and excellence among the youth.

Recognition and Prizes:

Announcements of prizes were made during the event, recognizing excellence in various categories. However, the formal prize distribution ceremony will take place on January 12, 2024, on National Youth Day. This extended timeline adds anticipation and excitement to the winners' achievements.

General Comments: 

The event was meticulously organized, ensuring it ran according to the planned schedule. The correct strength of participants, comfortable logistics, and the prompt departure of students underscored the success of the occasion.

In conclusion, the National Youth Day Inter School Cultural Competitions served as a vibrant platform for students to express their creativity, share cultural experiences, and forge lasting memories. The commitment and dedication of the organizing committee, teachers, and judges ensured the event's success, aligning with the broader mission of Ramakrishna Math, Ooty, to promote cultural understanding and excellence among the youth. The anticipation now builds for the formal prize distribution ceremony on National Youth Day