This value education activity is financially sponsored by Sundaram Finance, Chennai.
CTY 197th Batch – M.O.P. Vaishnav College for Women (31 July 2026)
The 197th batch of the Catch Them Young (CTY) Personality Development Programme was successfully conducted on 31 July 2026 at Swami Ramakrishnananda Hall, Vivekananda Cultural Centre (VCC), Vivekananda House Campus, Chennai. The programme welcomed 41 second-year B.Sc. Psychology students from M.O.P. Vaishnav College for Women for an inspiring and transformative learning experience based on the timeless ideals of Swami Vivekananda.
The programme commenced with the students reporting at 9:15 a.m., followed by an introduction to the vision and activities of the Vivekananda Cultural Centre and Vivekananda Illam. The participants were familiarized with the Centre's mission of empowering youth through value-based education, character building, leadership development, and holistic personality enhancement inspired by the teachings of Swami Vivekananda.
The first session, "The Vivekananda Way of Leadership," was delivered by Smt. Ranjana. Through inspiring incidents from the life of Swami Vivekananda, she highlighted the essential qualities of an effective leader, including self-confidence, responsibility, discipline, empathy, courage, and the spirit of selfless service. She encouraged the students to cultivate leadership from within by developing strong character, clear vision, and the determination to make a positive impact on society.
The second session, "Awaken Your Inner Strength," was delivered by the Director Maharaj. In his inspiring address, he emphasized that every individual possesses immense inner potential waiting to be awakened. Drawing from the teachings of Swami Vivekananda, he explained how faith in oneself, purity of thought, concentration, and perseverance enable one to overcome challenges and achieve excellence in life. He motivated the students to discover their inner strength, remain focused on their goals, and lead lives guided by values, purpose, and service to humanity.
The sessions were highly interactive, with enthusiastic participation from the students. Through thoughtful discussions, reflections, and practical insights, the participants gained a deeper understanding of leadership, self-awareness, and personal growth. Many students shared that the programme inspired them to strengthen their confidence, embrace challenges positively, and strive towards becoming responsible individuals.
Following the sessions, the participants visited the Experience Vivekananda Museum at Vivekananda Illam. The guided tour provided an immersive experience of Swami Vivekananda's life, his historic journey, and his universal message of strength, service, and harmony. The museum visit enriched the students' understanding of his enduring contribution to nation-building and character development.
The programme concluded with the distribution of certificates, books, and photographs of Swami Vivekananda as tokens of encouragement. Tea and biscuits were served during the break, followed by refreshments at the end of the programme. The students gathered for a group photograph near the statue of Swami Vivekananda, marking the successful completion of another enriching and memorable edition of the Catch Them Young Personality Development Programme.