| Donate For A Cause | | | | | Become A Life Member
| Donate For A Cause | | | | | Become A Life Member
Chennai Kendra
The 79th Independence Day Special Issue of Bhavan’s Journal was released in a function held at Bhavan’s Chennai Kendra function. Hon. Justice (Rtd) Jagadeesan (left) released the Special Issue and the 1st copy was received by Sri M. K. Narayanan (I.P.S. Rtd) former National Security Advisor and former Governor of West Bengal. Sri K. N. Ramaswamy, Director of Bhavan’s Chennai Kendra is also seen (extreme right) in the picture.
Chennai Kendra
On July 2-3, 2026, B. V. Bhavan’s Rajaji Vidyashram hosted the 16th edition of ASTRA, its flagship inter-school cultural festival and one of Chennai’s largest events of its kind. With over 2,000 participants from 55 schools, the campus came alive with creativity, talent and healthy competition.
The theme for this year’s edition, Fractal Fragments, drew inspiration from the worlds of simulation, animation and the concept of the multiverse, lending the festival a distinctive visual identity through themed decorations, installations and visual displays.
The festival commenced with the Inaugural Ceremony in the august presence of acclaimed Kollywood director Thiru Raju Murugan. The inauguration concluded with spirited performances by the school’s band and dance teams.
Over the next two days, nearly 25 competitions were conducted under the guidance of around 40 experienced judges. Events such as Channel Surfing, Adzap, Banner Making, Block and Tackle, Lawyers Up, Adaptune, Band and Dance witnessed enthusiastic participation. Among Astra’s three signature events—Symposium, Stun News and Sphinx Chamber—the newly introduced Sphinx Chamber was introduced as an Egyptian-themed mystery room experience.
The competitions culminated in the much-awaited Final Showdown, where Mithran Dev of Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Anna Nagar was crowned Mr. Astra 2026. Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Anna Nagar also secured the Overall Championship, while Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Taylors Road finished as the runners-up.
The Valedictory function was graced by Sai Charan, an emerging filmmaker and proud alumnus of Bhavan's Vidyashram. Prizes and certificates were distributed to the winners, bringing the festival to a fitting conclusion.
Chennai Kendra
The celebration of National Pet Day was held with great enthusiasm at B.V. Bhavans Rajaji Vidyashram on April, 2026. The event aimed to spread awareness about the importance of pets in our lives and to encourage responsible pet ownership.
The programme was graced by the esteemed chief guest, Anjana Thampy a renowned animal-assisted therapist and passionate pet lover. She addressed the the students and spoke about the emotional and the students and spoke about the emotional and therapeutic benefits of having pets highlighting how animals can positively impact human well-being.
Students actively participated in the event by bringing along their pets, which included dogs, cats, guinea pigs, and even a rooster. The lively atmosphere was further enhanced as some pets delighted the audience by performing simple tricks, leaving everyone amazed and entertained. The event was truly fun-filled and engaging. It also served as an educational experience, helping students understand the importance of adopting pets, especially Indian breeds, and treating animals with love and care.
Shraddhanjali
With Shri L Swaminathan, ‘age is just a number’ ceased to be a cliche.
He would have turned 102 in July.
After trying his hand at all kinds of things including business and entrepreneurship, he literally answered his calling in the last quarter of his life and left a legacy of writings that will leave you stunned.
Shri Swaminathan authored a multi-volume treatise of the Valmiki Ramayana, published by Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, and could quote from it, chapter, verse and line. He wrote hundreds of short stories based on true-life incidents that could compete with the Somerset Maugham level of twist in the tale.
He was robustly alive to the contemporary world that he witnessed for a century. And had an elephantic memory that churned out fascinating anecdotes.
Shri Swaminathan’s life culminated into something profoundly meaningful after he turned 75.
His life is multiple lessons for anyone who knew him. An era…And an epic one at that…
A century to learn from. Salutations to the centenarian! May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Chennai Kendra
The Special Cell students of Bhavan Vidyalaya, Chandigarh participated in RYLA organised for the differently-abled students of various schools by the Rotary Club, Chandigarh.
The event was presided over by the esteemed dignitaries, District Governor, Mr Ravi Prakash; Assistant Governor, Mr Rajinder Cheema; District Secretary, Mr Rawal, and President, Mrs Abha Sharma. The Special Cell students of BVC displayed their talent by showcasing a vibrant Bhangra performance. The event promoted the spirit of inclusion, creativity, and togetherness.
‘Bags to Beds’ Donation Drive
The Interact Club and Early Act Club of Bhavan Vidyalaya, New Chandigarh organised the ‘Bags to Beds’ Donation Drive at the Animal Lovers Association (ALA), Village Dhanauran, Mohali, with the objective of supporting stray and community animals during the winter season.
The activity focused on providing warm and comfortable bedding made from recycled materials such as old gunny bags and blankets. Students actively participated in preparing animal beds using stuffing material like old clothes, cloth scraps, cotton, and straw. Jute ropes, strong threads, and basic stitching techniques were used to assemble the bedding, promoting both teamwork and creativity.
Chennai Kendra
The annual interschool debate competition BAIT 25 (Battle of Argument and Intellect Tournament) was organised by B.V. Bhavan’s Rajaji Vidyashram on October 23-25, 2025. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 32 reputed schools across the country.
The programme was inaugurated by Honourable Justice Sri. P. N. Prakash, who addressed the gathering and emphasised the importance of critical thinking and articulate expression among students.
After several intense rounds of debate, Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Anna Nagar was declared the Overall Champion, while St. John’s Public School, Medavakkam secured the Runner-up position.
Chennai Kendra
Bhavan’s Tamil publication ‘Ramayanam’ by Smt. Mythili Swaminathan was released on August 24, 2025 at Bhavan’s main auditorium. The First Copy was released by Shri N. Ravi, Chairman of BVB Chennai Kendra and Dr Sudha Seshayyan for Vice Chancellor Dr M.G.R. University received the First Copy. Smt. Mythili was honoured by Justice Jugadeesan, Vice Chairman, BVB Chennai. She thanked the BVB for accepting her proposal to publish the book.
ASTRA - Interschool Cultural Extravaganza 2025
Astra, a vibrant two-day inter-school festival organised by B.V Bhavans Rajaji Vidhyashram was held on July 3-4, 2025, uniting over 50 schools across the region in a dynamic celebration of students’ talent.
The event was officially inaugurated by the distinguished Chief Guests Kalidas Jayaram, a renowned actor, and his wife Tarini Kalingarayar, whose presence added prestige and excitement to the occasion. During the event, Shri Kalidas delighted the audience by sharing his exceptional mimicry talents, adding a memorable highlight to the festivities.
Astra featured 23 events and an array of competitions, including group dance, band, debate, quiz, photography and banner making. The event buzzed with energy and diversity, creating an atmosphere of enthusiasm and cultural exchange. A prize pool of Rs 5 lakhs was distributed among winners, who received trophies, certificates and gifts, motivating students to excel.
Annual Sports Day
The 46th Annual Sports Day of B.V. Bhavan’s Rajaji Vidyashram was held on August 1, 2025 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The ceremonial flame was lit by the torch bearers who have excelled in various sports. The administering of the pledge against use of drugs added solemnity to the occasion and ignited the true spirit of sportsmanship.
The motivational speech by the Chief Guest, Sri Kapil Kumar C. Saratkar, IPS, IG Enforcement, stressed on the imperative need to focus on fitness and a healthy lifestyle.
Various races and relays were conducted for different categories as the stadium resonated with the cheers of students. The much-awaited prize distribution was by Sri Rahil Sanjay Shah of the Tamil Nadu cricket team who is also a Bhavan’s alumnus.
Chennai Kendra
The State Bank of India in association with The Times of India, organised SBI Scholar Quiz 2025, a national level quiz as part of its 70th anniversary celebrations. The quiz aimed to challenge and inspire young minds with a focus on banking, financial services, insurance and its history among students across all boards.
Out of numerous teams from across 150 schools in the Chennai region, Dev Naveen and Aarush Dhanujnath of Grade 11 from Bhavan’s Rajaji Vidyashram, Kilpauk emerged as the City level winners. Their dedication and quick thinking earned them a well-deserved spot on the podium, securing their position in the semi-finals/ finals which was held in Mumbai.
The top 16 teams from across 16 cities, including Chennai competed in the national semi-finals and finals in Mumbai. Both Dev and Aarush were awarded with a Trophy, Certificate and cash prize of Rs. 50,000 each along with a prize of Rs. 50,000 for the School and Rs. 25,000 for the teacher. They battled out in the National Semi-finals and were placed third.
World Music Day
World music day was celebrated at Bhavan’s Rajaji Vidyashram on June 23, 2025 with full enthusiasm and vigour for the theme Music therapy. The programme started with a prayer followed by World Music day and Music therapy speech by the students. Instruments like flute, violin and keyboard were played which captivated the audience. The celebration started and ended with a lively group song performance.
Narasimha Rao Award
K. N. Ramaswamy, Deputy Director and Head of the Chennai Kendra received P.Narasimha Rao Award from The Mylapore Academy for promotion of Theatre Art.
Rajaji Elocution and Essay Competitions 2025
The Chennai Kendra conducted the Rajaji Inter-School Elocution and Essay Competitions on June 27, 2025 at Bhavan’s Rajaji Vidyashram, Kilpauk, Chennai. These competitions conducted yearly in English, Tamil, Hindi and Sanskrit are open to participants of classes 9 to 12 from CBSE schools across Tamil Nadu. The topics centered on the tenets of our leaders, embodying our values and culture. Both competitions were judged by a panel of eminent personalities. The participation of students from over 70 schools endorses the fact that such competitions are veritably a platform to promote efficiency in communication
Chennai Kendra
Bhavan’s Rajaji Vidyashram School Eco Club and Tamil Department in association with Anna University Cultural Group celebrated World Environment Day on June 5 in Bhavan’s Tag Auditorium. The cultural group along with a few school students presented a play named ‘Vendhu Thaninthathu’ directed by Shri. G Sivakumar, highlighting the theme of conserving forests.
The RSIC SP 2025
The RSIC SP 2025 (Summer Programme) was a residential programme held in IITM from April 26 to June 4. It was organised by PSBB schools in collaboration with SASTRA University and CMI.
40 students from different schools all over India took part in this Research Science Initiative. Ameya of Class 12 of Bhavans Rajaji Vidyashram was selected and she represented the school in this programme. The month-long programme at IIT Chennai offered students a valuable opportunity to deepen their scientific curiosity and sharpen their practical skills. It was an enriching experience that elevated their thinking as they carried out research experiments under the mentorship of distinguished professors. Ameya worked on Designing vision tests to detect disorders.
13th National Integration Camp 2025
The camp served as a vibrant platform to foster national integration, mutual respect, and cultural understanding among students from different parts of the country. 62 schools participated in the event, with students enthusiastically engaging in a wide range of activities planned over six days, from 26 April–May 1. The Oath of Integration was administered to all participating schools by the Hon. Secretary of Bhavan’s Bhagwandas Bhabhutmal Soniya Kendra (BBBSK). The inauguration was graced by distinguished dignitaries—Air Commander (Retired) J. L. M. Shastri, VSM (Vice Chairman), and Group Captain (Retired) Ramaniaha—who officially opened the camp with their presence and inspiring words.
Some of the highlights included motivational talks, inspirational speeches, zumba, sports activities, city tour, creative workshops, games, cultural performances, community service, trekking, etc…
Chennai Kendra
Srimath Swamy Satyajhananda, President, Ramakrishna Mutt,(2nd from left) receiving the 79th Independence Day Special issue of Bhavan’s Journal from Sri K. N. Ramaswamy Director of BVB Chennai on August 15, 2025 at Bhavan’s Mylapore Centre. Swamy Thrimurthanandaji Head of R. K. Mutt, Tanjore, was also present on the occasion.
Chennai Kendra
Three eminent personalities who have made stellar contributions to the field of arts, were honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Marathi Sanskrutik Kary Excellence Award at Chennai on May 21, 2025.
Padma Subrahmanyam, veteran Bharatanatyam exponent, choreographer and research scholar (for excellence in performing arts); K.N. Ramaswamy, director of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Chennai Kendra (for promoting performing arts); and M. Murali, founder of NKM Trust (for promoting performing arts) received the award at the valedictory ceremony ‘Cultural Confluence of Bharat’, organised by ALBE Foundation at the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan.
Krishna N. Pimple, Honorary Consul of Tanzania and trustee of Dadasaheb Phalke Marathi Sanskrutik Kary Trust said, understanding Indian culture plays a vital role in strengthening the unity of India. It is notable that this initiative is taken forward by youngsters, he added.
M.K. Narayanan, former National Security Adviser and former Governor of West Bengal said: “We are culture-personified and a nation that wants peace. A united India is second to none...whether it is Pakistan or any other country, we will withstand everything. But more than anything else, we will go onto greater glories every day. Unity in diversity is our real strength.”
Send it to
Insertion of any News/Events/Achievements are subject to approval from the Website Administrator