Youth Day 2005 marked the six-day celebration of a powerful individual, the “universal man” after whom Vidyapith is named: Swami Vivekananda. The celebration placed students in a competitive and invigorating, but enjoyable atmosphere, inspiring them to search for answers to compelling questions through the use of personal experiences, mythological stories, fables, and the lives of ideal personalities. Through essays, story writing, and speech competitions, students brought out the very spirit that Swami Vivekananda wanted to see in his children.

Youth Day 2005 began in Vidyapith on December 18th and 19th, 2004, during which the younger children participated in coloring, while older students took part in extempore writing competitions.

On January 8th and 9th of 2005, 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders participated in speech competitions held at Vidyapith. The audience enjoyed the child-like humor of the participants, as also the wisdom in the messages they presented through stories and speeches.

Youth Day 2005 (January 15, 2005): On the crisp morning of Saturday, January 15, 2005, students, parents, friends, and teachers of the Vivekananda Vidyapith gathered at the George Washington Middle School in Ridgewood, NJ for Youth Day 2005. This annual celebration, in honor of Swami Vivekananda’s birthday, encourages students to articulate their thoughts on various topics and present them in front of a large audience. At 9:00 a.m., the program auspiciously began with the recitation of the Pranam Mantras and Shanti Mantra.

Meera Rajani, an alumnus and the Master of Ceremonies, began by outlining the schedule of events for the exciting day. The competitions began, and each presentation provided an inspiring message for the audience, while the guest judges carefully graded each speaker. The sixth graders described the importance of education based on the teachings of Swami Vivekananda, while the seventh graders challenged us to ask questions in life. The eighth graders were our tour guides on the Information Highway, and the ninth graders advised to make improvements rather than excuses. After the tenth graders reminded us of the importance of proper attitude, the audience was given a lunch break to refuel for an exhilarating second half of Youth Day 2005.

Despite a delicious lunch, the attendees of this function were hungry for more inspirational speeches. After assembling in the auditorium, we were greeted by Neeraj Patel, another alumnus and the Master of Ceremonies for the second half of the program. We were encouraged to donate food and money to our fellow brothers and sisters who were affected by the Tsunami tragedy. Reminded of our duty towards the global community, the program proceeded to the eleventh grade’s Extempore Speech, in which the students were given a topic an hour before and expected to present for two minutes. Their topic was “Can you hear me now?”, the famous catch-phrase by Verizon. Each speech was creative and marvelous, bringing the simple phrase to an entirely new level and forcing the audience to think outside the box.

The highlight of the evening was the 12th Graders Symposium, which extensively covered the three fundamental teachings of Vidyapith’s curriculum – prayer, respect, and service. Each tenet was defined and applied to various aspects, including practical applications. Overall, the Symposium was a thorough and beneficial reminder of what Vidyapith’s teachings truly are.

As the presentations came to a close, it was time for the awards ceremony. Every student was given a trophy in recognition for his or her hard work, courage, and dedication. The chief guest distributed the participation trophies in addition to the winning trophies of the competitions. After the encouraging and appreciative words of the chief guest, we all stood up for the closing prayer. As we departed from this annual event, our minds and hearts resounded with the inspiring messages of the students. (Report prepared by Jasmine Gadhavi)

Youth Day 2005 (January 16, 2005): On the crisp and blustery cold morning of January 16th, students eagerly and anxiously walked into the George Washington High School where the final day of the Youth Day competitions were being held. The program began with the singing of the Pranam Mantras and the Shanti Mantra by the senior students and alumni. As the clear voices rang through the auditorium, the nerves of all the participants calmed down and an auspicious ambiance filled the air. Uncle then addressed the audience and welcomed them to the 2005 Youth Day. During his speech, he described Swami Vivekananda's vast life in simple words, and projected to both parents and students, the essence of his teachings: the universality of religion; that all religions lead to the same end; the realization of the self; and fearlessness. He emphasized the need to be fearless when standing up for truth and against wrongdoings; and finally to do the best one can in anything one does. Truly, Uncle’s address left the audience feeling exhilarated and ready to attempt to take Swami Vivekananda’s practical teachings and apply them to their own lives.

As everyone absorbed these ideas, the 6th graders commenced their competition. These students were presenting in front of a large audience, on stage, for the very first time. Despite this, they displayed remarkable effort and great confidence. Then, 7th through 10th graders participated in their respective competitions. The audience watched, carefully paying attention to each student as they portrayed new and creative ideas. In the afternoon, 11th graders bravely participated in an extempore speech competition. They had been given the topic only one hour before, and were restricted from using any outside material. The topic was thought-provoking indeed, considering the fact that the 11th graders were new drivers, exploring new venues in the path to maturity–“The object in the mirror is closer than it appears.” Each student was given a warm, supportive welcome as he/she walked through the auditorium doors, down the aisle, and up on stage. The extempore speeches were an exciting part of the program.

Finally, the 12th graders began their long awaited symposium, the topic—Oneness: We are many, we are one. The presentation began with a clip from the movie I-Robot. Captivated, the audience waited for what was to come next. The seniors explored oneness in society & culture, fables, and religion. Unity in diversity was discussed, and the history of previous attempts, modern successes, and practical aspects of oneness were recognized. With intriguing visuals, they successfully captured the interest and understanding of the audience. The presentation ended with an allusion to the recent tsunami tragedy as well as a slide of the symposium slogan—We are many, we are one—in twenty or so other languages.

The program ended with a special thanks to the many volunteers who helped make Youth Day happen and the distribution of trophies. All students were awarded with a trophy for their outstanding performance and willingness to take part in the events that Swami Vivekananda would have loved to witness. The singing of Thakur’s Pranamantra concluded another successful Youth Day and the advent of a wonderful New Year. (Report written by Nisha Parikh)

Youth Day Celebration 2005 – Winners’ List

Saturday Students: Grade 3A: (Writing Competition) Topic : If I were a Snowman; 1. Sana Perti, 2. Bhoomi Bhupatani, 3 Abhniya Aroll; Honorable Mention : 1 Utsav Rana, 2 Bhargavi Nambi, 3 Akash Patel; (Speech Competition) Topic : Can a mountain stand on the tip of one’s pinky ? 1 Sakhi Patel, 2 Bhoomi Bhupatani, 3 Sana Perti; Honorable Mention: 1 Shivam Raikundalla, 2 Dhara Bhupatani, 3 Rahul Sriram. Grade 4A: (Writing Competition) Topic Are we there yet? 1 Chandani Vekari, 2 Ishani Desai, 3 Manali Naik, Honorable Mention: 1 Shivani Patel, 2 Aditi Desai, 3 Sejal Mistry; (Speech Competition) Topic : What would I like to be – an ant or a grasshopper, and why? 1 Sajni Desai, 2 Ansh Patel, 3 Vishal Kamdar; Honorable Mention: 1 Samir Oza, 2 Angi Vora, 3 Ishani Desai. Grade 5A: (Writing Competition) Topic: Biley was a brave boy. One day…., 1 Alisha Parikh, 2 Meera Varshnaya, 3 Abhi Shah, Honorable Mention: 1 Chaitali Gandhi, 2 Sachi Desai, 3 Radhika Mehta; (Speech Competition) Topic: “Hello Swamiji, could I talk to you for a couple of minutes?” 1 Shreya Chaturvedi, 2 Alisha Parikh , 3 Nishank Mehta, Honorable Mention: 1 Sachi Desai, 2 Meera Varshanaya, 3 Abhi Shah. Grade 6A: (Writing Competition) Topic: What true friendship means to me, 1 Nikita Manavi, 2 Dharini Adhvaryu, 3 Bhumi Kinariwala, Honorable Mention: 1 Dhwani Amin, 2 Shivani Patel, 3 Sanjay Vemparala, (Speech Competition) Topic: Recitation of a passage or poem by Swami Vivekananda on Education, with explanation, 1 Bhumi Kinariwala, 2 Nikita Manavi, 3 Sanjay Vemparala, Honorable Mention: 1 Shivani Patel, 2 Purva Patel, 3 Dharini Adhvaryu, 4 Kishan Patel. Grade 7A: (Writing Competition) Topic: The manner of giving is worth more than a gift, 1 Pooja Shah, 2 Dhara Dalal, 3 Kashyap Rajagopal, Honorable Mention: 1 Bindi Patel, 2 Samik Patel, 3 Dharti Patel; (Speech Competition) Topic: Even Einstein asked questions! 1 Kashyap Rajagopal, 2 Dhara Dalal, 3 Astha Chaturvedi, Honorable Mention: 1 Dharti Patel, 2 Shikha Patel, 3 Dhara Patel, 4 Brijesh Lad. Grade 8A: (Writing Competition) Topic: If I plan to learn, I must learn to plan, 1 Bhavini Prajapati, 2 Vidhi Kacharia, 3 Shikha Surati, Honorable Mention: 1 Kunal Jani; (Speech Competition) Topic: Traveling on the information highway, 1 Bhavini Prajapati, 2 Vidhi Kacharia, 3 Shikha Surati, Honorable Mention: 1 Jay Ravalia, 2 Kunal Jani 3 Dhara Suvarnakar. Grade 9A: (Writing Competition) Topic: Skill and confidence are an unconquered army. 1 Gaurab Bhargav, 2 Apurva Gandhi, 3 Abhay Patel, Honorable Mention: 1Rushil Desai. (Speech Competition) Topic: Don’t make excuses! (make improvements). 1 Anish Parameshwaran, 2 Abhay Patel, 3 Samir Sheth, Honorable Mention: 1 Apurva Gandhi. Grade 10A: (Writing Competition) Topic: A person all wrapped up in himself/herself makes a pretty small package. 1 Ayushi Desai, 2 Nupur Patel, 3 Ami Shah, Honorable Mention: 1 Nirmal Shah, 2 Nikita Rokad. (Speech Competition) Topic: Attitude!! It’s up to you! 1 Nirmal Shah, 2 Nikita Rokad, 3 Kruti Patel, Honorable Mention: 1 Nishal Shah, 2 Ami Shah, 3 Ayushi Desai. Grade 11A: (Writing Competition) Topic: “It is not the mountain ahead of you that is wearing you down, it is the grain of sand in your shoe.” 1 Sheela Krishnan, 2 Payal Patel, 3 Alopi Patel, Honorable Mention: 1 Shuchi Parikh, 2 Ranjani Venkataraman. (Speech Competition) Topic: Can you hear me now? 1 Sheela Krishnan, 2 Alopi Patel, 3 Neetai Dalal, Honorable Mention: 1 Payal Patel, 2 Simool Sangoi. Grade 12A: (Writing Competition) Topic: If you cannot stand for something, you will fall for Anything. 1 Kanchi Kacharia, 2 Sagar Shah, 3 Komal Desai, Honorable Mention:1 Hersh Patel, 2 Sheila Shah.

Saturday Twelfth Graders’ Symposium: Title: “The Three Pillars of Character-building: Respect, Prayer and Service.” Participants and subtitles: Neha Mistry: “What is respect and self-respect?”; Hersh Patel: “Why Respect?”; Himanshu Tailor: “Developing Respect”; Sagar Shah: “Showing Respect”; Mansi Mehta: “Introduction to Prayer”; Komal Desai: “Means and Methods of Prayer”; Kanch Kacharia: “Practicality of Prayer”; Ryan Chadha: “Modern day concepts of prayer”; Sheila Shah: “Practical aspect of Service”; Pooja Rana: “Selfless Service”; Kalindi Doshi: “Four levels of Service”; and Vikesh Kapadia: “Service in our daily lives”.

Sunday Students: Grade 3B: (Writing Competition) Topic: A letter to Santa. 1 Sohum Pawar, 2 Ruchi Desai, 3 Arthi Nithi, Honorable Mention: 1 Rutu Patel, 2 Suchir Pongurlekar, 3 Kanchan Railkar. (Speech Competition) Topic: “If I had an elephant’s head…” 1 Kanchan Railkar, 2 Sohum Pawar, 3 Vivek Panchananam, Honorable Mention: 1 Ruchi Desai, 2 Bhakti Gundani, 3 Akash Patel, 4 Kishan Patel. Grade 4B:

(Writing Competition) Topic: Sarada was a kind girl. One day…1 Viraj Khetani, 2 Debanjan Saha, 3 Tushar Gupta, Honorable Mention: 1 Meghana Nerurkar, 2 Sonal Dugar, 3 Varshe Mangalani, 4 Rishi Dhar. (Speech Competition) Topic: Would I want to be a rabbit or a turtle, and why?1 Yash Parmar, 2 Debanjan Saha, 3 Rishi Dhar, Honorable Mention: 1 Meghna Nerurkar, 2 Viraj Ketani, 3 Mihikaa Naik. Grade 5B: (Writing Competition) Topic: I was walking to the park one day when, to my delight, I found a ……… on the sidewalk. 1 Neil Mehta, 2 Swarna Racha, 3 Seema Patel Honorable Mention: 1 Pallavi Tatapudy, 2 Madhumita Parmar, 3 Jigar Shah, 4 Chirag Desai. (Speech Competition) Topic: If Lord Rama were here now….1 Shailesh Doraiswami, 2 Pallavi Tatapudy, 3 Madhumita Parmar, Honorable Mention: 1 Alok Mehta, 2 Mohak Dave, 3 Seema Patel, 4 Kavin Nithi. Grade 6B: (Writing Competition) Topic: "Kind words may be easy to say, but their echoes are truly endless.” Mother Teresa. 1 Partha Thakkar, 2 Bindi Parikh, 3 Tanya Gupta, Honorable Mention:1 Suman Naringrekar, 2 Neepam Shah, 3 Kirti Nahar, 4 Gaurav Ohri. (Speech Competition) Topic: Recitation of a passage or poem by Swami Vivekananda on Courage or Strength, with explanation. 1 Bindi Parikh, 2 Devika Gadhvi, 3 Annika Balraj, Honorable Mention: 1 Suman Naringrekar, 2 Kunal Malkan, 3 Bhargavi Mehta. Grade 7B: (Writing Competition) Topic: What is right is not always popular; and what is popular is not always right. 1 Tania Maheshwari, 2 Pratik Gandhi, 3 Mahesh Jayaraman, Honorable Mention: 1 Aravind Kinkimala, 2 Nirali Shah, 3 Dipa Gandhi, 4 Poonam Patel. (Speech Competition) Topic : Everything is funny as long as it happens to someone else. 1 Mahesh Jayaraman, 2 Tania Maheshwari, 3 Dipa Gandhi, Honorable Mention: 1 Nirali Shah, 2 Akhil Balraj, 3 Rashmee Dugar, 4 Manu Jayaraman. Grade 8B1: (Writing Competition) Topic: “United we stand.” 1 Sneha Shah, 2 Giri Nathan, 3 Arvind Krishnamurthy, Honorable Mention: 1 Ami Mehta. (Speech Competition): Topic: Rejecting rejection. 1 Arvind Krishnamurthy, 2 Priya Parikh, 3 Radha Shah, Honorable Mention: 1 Sneha Shah, 2 Pooja Shenoy, 3 Puja Gujarathi. Grade8B2: (Writing Competition) Topic: “It is better to wear out than to rust out.” - Swami Vivekananda. 1 Neha Jariwala, 2 Naveen Ramachandran, 3 Jasmine Mehta, Honorable Mention: 1 Ankur Shah, 2 Abhishek Senjalia. (Speech Competition) Topic: Your choice, your actions, your life! 1 Abhishek Senjalia, 2 Ritee Parikh, 3 Neha Jariwala, Honorable Mention: 1 Ankur Shah, 2 Vikas Desai. Grade 9B1: (Writing Competition) Topic: As is our confidence, so our capacity.” - William Hazlitt. 1 Sharmila Railkar, 2 Stuti Desai, 3 Radha Dhar, Honorable Mention: 1 Shraddha Desai. (Speech Competition) Topic: Simplicity is the art of elegant living. 1 Sharmila Railkar, 2 Radha Dhar, 3 Keya Thakkar, Honorable Mention: 1 Shraddha Desai 2 Ronak Parikh. Grade 9B2: (Writing Competition) Topic: “Honor doesn’t go to those who never fall, but to those who fall and rise to reach their goal.” (Motto of the Olympic). 1 Kinjan Parikh, 2 Nishikant Pandey, 3 Riddhi Gundani Honorable Mention: 1 Parth Shah. (Speech Competition) Topic: Humbleness – Is it a self-esteem booster or a self-esteem buster? 1 Kinjan Parikh, 2 Riddhi Gundani, 3 Vrunjal Parikh. Honorable Mention: 1 Mitul Ajvalia, 2 Parth Shah. Grade 10B: (Writing Competition) Topic: “Prejudice is the child of ignorance.” - William Hazlitt. 1 Parinitha Sastry, 2 Sheela Doraiswami, 3 Vrunda Dalal, Honorable Mention: 1 Adit Desai. (Speech Competition) Topic: Integrity starts with an “I”. 1 Anand Krishnamurthy, 2 Adit Desai, 3 Vrunda Dalal, Honorable Mention: 1 Parinitha Sastry, 2 Sheela Doraiswami. Grade 11B: (Writing Competition) Topic: The winds and the waves are always on the side of the ablest navigators. 1 Ketan Gujarathi, 2 Smit Shah, 3 Ramyata Joshi, Honorable Mention: 1 Vinayak Thakur. (Speech Competition) Topic: Objects in mirror are closer than they appear. 1 Ketan Gujarathi, 2 Dhruvin Dave, 3 Richin Desai, Honorable Mention: 1 Ramyata Joshi, 2 Smit Shah. Grade 12B: (Writing Competition) Topic: “Truth is one, Sages call it by various names.” 1 Jasmine Gadhavi, 2 Niti Mehta, 3 Savita Gopal, Honorable Mention: 1 Neha Pandey, 2 Dhruv Maheshwari, 3 Nisha Parikh.

Sunday Twelfth Graders’ Symposium: Title: “Oneness” Participants and subtitles: Satvik Patel: “Cultural Aspect of Oneness”; Dhruv Maheshwari: “Fables related to Oneness”; Niti Mehta, Resha Parikh, and Anita Shah: “Religions and Oneness”; Neha Pnadey, Arati Gopal, and Savita Gopal: “Oneness in Vedanta”; Nisha Parikh and Anusha Raju: “Practicality of Oneness”; and Jasmine Ghadhavi: “Conclusion”.