This value education activity is financially sponsored by Sundaram Finance, Chennai.
CTY 194th Batch – M.O.P. Vaishnav College for Women
The 194th batch of the Catch Them Young (CTY) Personality Development Programme was conducted on 29 July 2026 at Swami Ramakrishnananda Hall, Vivekananda Cultural Centre (VCC). The programme witnessed the enthusiastic participation of 54 second-year B.Sc. Computer Science students from M.O.P. Vaishnav College for Women.
The programme commenced with an invocation, followed by an introduction to the vision and activities of Vivekananda Cultural Centre and Vivekananda Illam. The students were introduced to the Centre's mission of empowering young minds through value-based education, character building, leadership training, and personality development inspired by the timeless teachings of Swami Vivekananda.
The first session, "Awaken the Hero Within: Lessons from Swami Vivekananda," was delivered by Dr. Krishnaveni Hariram. Through inspiring incidents from the life of Swami Vivekananda, she encouraged the students to recognize the hero within themselves. She emphasized that courage, self-confidence, purity of character, and unwavering determination are the qualities that transform ordinary individuals into extraordinary leaders. Her thought-provoking session motivated the students to face challenges with strength and conviction.
The second session, "The Making of a Leader," was conducted by Smt. Varsha Sundararajan. In her engaging and interactive presentation, she highlighted that true leadership begins with self-discipline, responsibility, empathy, and the willingness to serve others. She encouraged the students to cultivate effective communication, teamwork, decision-making skills, and resilience while remaining rooted in strong values. Drawing inspiration from Swami Vivekananda's life and message, she explained that every young person has the potential to become a positive force in society through dedicated effort and selfless service.
Both sessions witnessed enthusiastic participation from the students through interactive discussions, reflections, and thoughtful questions. The programme inspired them to develop self-confidence, strengthen their leadership qualities, and strive for excellence in both their personal and professional lives.
Following the sessions, the students participated in "Experience Vivekananda," a guided tour of the Vivekananda Illam Museum, where they explored the inspiring life, message, and global impact of Swami Vivekananda through immersive exhibits. The museum visit provided a deeper understanding of his vision for youth, nation-building, and character development, making the learning experience both meaningful and memorable.
Tea and biscuits were served during the break, followed by refreshments at the conclusion of the programme. The participants assembled for a group photograph near the statue of Swami Vivekananda, bringing to a close another successful and inspiring edition of the Catch Them Young Personality Development Programme.