[Report] Convocation Ceremony of Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute, Coimbatore Campus on 12 September 2026

The 21^st Convocation of the three Faculties of the Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute (RKMVERI), Coimbatore Campus, namely Faculty of Disability Management and Special Education (FDMSE), Faculty of General and Adapted Physical Education and Yoga (GAPEY), and Faculty of Agriculture, Rural and Tribal Development (ARTD), was held at the GKD Auditorium, Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya, Coimbatore, on  12 September 2026.

The ceremony commenced with a prayer song by the Vidyalaya Music Teachers, followed by the chanting of the Taittiriya Upanishad by the revered monks of Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya. Swami Garishthanandaji Maharaj, Administrative Head of RKMVERI, Coimbatore Campus, and Secretary, Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya, Coimbatore, delivered the Welcome Address. Swami Kaleshanandaji Maharaj, Registrar, RKMVERI, Belur Math, presented the profile of the University through online. Dr. N. Muthaiah, Dean, School of Rehabilitation and Sports Sciences, Coimbatore Campus, spoke on the genesis and development of the Faculty of Disability Management and Special Education (FDMSE) and the Faculty of General and Adapted Physical Education and Yoga (GAPEY).

The Convocation Address was delivered by Dr. Sunil Kumar, IAS (Retd.), Former Chief Secretary, Government of Chhattisgarh, and Former Additional Secretary, Department of Higher Education, Government of India. In his Convocation address, he stated that, just as ants follow sugar and discard mud, we should always follow truth and discard falsehood. He emphasized that higher education institutions have a responsibility to provide quality education, as any failure in this regard will affect future generations, and that this can be achieved through visionary leadership. He appreciated RKMVERI for providing an environment of noble ideals through its library, playground, and well-equipped classrooms, fostering excellence and holistic development among students.

Sri M. Satyanarayan, Deputy Secretary General, All India Football Federation (AIFF), New Delhi, delivered the Special Address. He highlighted Swami Vivekananda’s famous message, “If you want to go to heaven, play football rather than merely reading the Bhagavad Gita,” emphasizing the importance of physical strength, action, and practical experience in life. He further stated that life is like a game, even if we lose, we should come back again, continue to play, and never give up, as every setback provides an opportunity to learn and move forward. He emphasized that success cannot be achieved alone and that cooperation and coordination with colleagues are essential for professional growth and career success. He also stressed the importance of building strong friendships and maintaining meaningful relationships throughout life, particularly during challenging times. He encouraged the students to remain connected with their teachers even after leaving the institution, to communicate with them and visit them whenever possible, as teachers feel happy and proud to see their students grow and succeed in life.

The Chancellor’s Address was delivered virtually by Revered Swami Suviranandaji Maharaj, Chancellor, RKMVERI, and General Secretary, Ramakrishna Mission and Ramakrishna Math, Belur Math, West Bengal. The presentation of graduating students was then conducted by the respective Departmental and Divisional Heads of the Coimbatore Campus, followed by the conferring of degrees. The pledge was administered by Revered Swami Atmapriyanandaji Maharaj, Pro-Chancellor, RKMVERI, Belur Math.

The graduating students were presented with their degree certificates, medals for academic toppers, and mementos. The programme concluded with the Vote of Thanks proposed by Dr. R. Giridharan, Head, Faculty of General and Adapted Physical Education and Yoga (GAPEY), and UNESCO Chair in Inclusive Adapted Physical Education and Yoga, RKMVERI, Coimbatore Campus. A total of 195 students received their degrees at the convocation. Of these, 57 students were from Faculty of Disability Management and Special Education, 129 from Faculty of General and Adapted Physical Education and Yoga, and 9 from the Faculty of Agriculture, Rural and Tribal Development.