In honour of spiritual icon, Swami Vivekananda, a unique step-by-step canvas painting session was recently held at the Shree Veeraboga Emperumal Temple in Tongaat.

Hosted by the Tongaat Hindu Unity Forum in partnership with the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre of the Indian Consulate in Durban, the session brought together over 40 participants.

They were mainly youth from various schools in Tongaat, the Sri Sarada Devi Ashram and the Ramakrishna Centre Durban.

For the session they expressed their creativity through art, promoting mental health and allowing them to connect with the teachings of Swami Vivekananda.

Titled "Painting with a Higher Purpose", the session was hosted by artist and lecturer Yogeshnee Moodley and journalist Maya Jagjivan Kalicharan.

Moodley said: “The benefits of painting are enormous. We know that research shows painting can reduce stress and anxiety and boost self-esteem by lowering cortisol levels, the stress hormone in the bloodstream. Painting also builds social skills and reduces loneliness.

"That's why coming together in a group effort helps to amplify the spiritual vibrations as I guide participants with the strokes, techniques and colours to create masterpieces they can call their own.”

Swami Swatmaramananda, the President Ramakrishna Centre of South Africa, Durban, interacts with some of the participants. Dr Thelma John David, the Consul General of India in Durban, is in the background. Picture: Supplied

Swami Swatmaramananda, the President Ramakrishna Centre of South Africa, Durban, also attended and shared a discourse on Swami Vivekananda's teachings. He emphasised the importance of goals, perseverance, clarity of thought, and focus for the youth - values that Swami Vivekananda championed throughout his life.

The Consul General of India in Durban, Dr Thelma John David, offered words of encouragement to the youth. She highlighted the importance of the work being done to strengthen the bonds between the Indian diaspora in South Africa and India.

One of the participants was 12-year-old Shakti Naidoo from Umhlali Preparatory School.

She said: “I enjoyed it very much. While painting and being creative, I felt calm and peaceful. I just love that I was able to accomplish painting this image, guided by the instructor. I also learnt more about Swami Vivekananda’s values like being determined and accomplishing whatever I put my mind to, so I will carry this with me in my daily life.”

Another participant, 9-year-old Saira Allan from Crawford International North Coast said: “I’m proud of the painting I created. I loved the entire experience. And I plan on taking forward Swami Vivekananda’s teaching – especially the quote by him that was shared with us on the day – Arise, Awake, and stop not till the goal is reached.”

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