Enshrined in the values of Satya (truthfulness), Ahimsa (Non Violence), Seva (Service) and Tyaga (Sacrifice), Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement (SVYM) is engaged in building a new civil society in India through its grassroots to policy-level action in Health, Education and Community Development sectors. SVYM is rendering its service to the rural, tribal and marginalized community in Karnataka from the past 3 decades.
Vivekananda Institute of Indian Studies (VIIS) an initiative of Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement is a global initiative to build thought leaders in the social space through exposure to the Indian context and value perspectives.
Through our years of research and analysis, we create bespoke offerings of educational courses, field trips and hands on learning that take students through an scintillating journey of Indian Immersion.
Dr R.Balasubramaniam (Balu) is a development activist, social innovator, writer and a leadership trainer. He is a medical doctor by training, with specialization in Public administration from Harvard University. Inspired by the life and teachings of Swami Vivekananda, he founded the Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement at the age of 19 and went on to work with the displaced and dispossessed forest-based tribes in H.D.Kote Taluk of Mysore District, Karnataka and this has grown to be one of India’s finest NGOs.
Paul R. Greenough is a distinguished faculty at the Department of History at the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Iowa. He had been the Director of the Cross Borders Program of International Studies and also the co-director of the National Resource Center in International Studies.
Violin Maestro Dr. Mysore Manjunath is one of the top ranking violinists in India today. He is on the faculty at the University of Mysore and guiding scholars and students for PhD program at the department of music. Dr. Manjunath, true cultural ambassador of India and continue to preserve and spread the rich cultural heritage of Indian Classical music, in all its glory.
M.A. Jayashree is an accomplished teacher of spoken Sanskrit, propagating learning of spoken Sanskrit through simple means. Dr Jayashree has a large following of overseas students in this field. She served as a Professor and Head of the Department of Sanskrit at D.Banumaiah’s college in Mysore, Karnataka.
Prof. Sreenath, Ph.D., MNO (nonprofit MBA), is a tenured full professor at Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland OH. His research is in developing mathematical and computational models for Global Issues, and, Mammalian Systems Biology. He served as the Director of UNESCO GENIe Center, and was on the World Water Commission. He is the Director of Case Systems Biology Center and the Director of Graduate Online Program in Systems & Controls. He has a deep passion and commitment to serve in the nonprofit arena.
Donna Ramil is the Associate Director of International Programs and Student Services at the ILR School, Cornell University and Key advisor for students seeking international opportunities. Donna works towards generating more study abroad, internships, service learning and independent research opportunities for the students.
Dr. Rekha Shanmukha has more than 10 years of experience as a dentist. Before her engagement with VIIS in 2012 she was associated with VMH, Sargur from 2008. Her other interests are Health training and facilitating, Clinical Management and Administration.
Mr. Sudarshan S, Faculty Member, V-LEAD/VIIS , Mysuru, has an experience of over 30 years, serving in the Government/Corporate /NGO Sectors with expertise in English Language Teaching, Soft skills and HR Training besides being an alumnus of “Dishaâ€, a worldwide leadership initiative of Common Purpose, U.K.
I'm currently working as a Coordinator at VIIS/VLEAD - SVYM Mysuru. I have completed my BSc in Food Science and Nutrition from Mysore University. I’m Persuading an MSc distance education in Food and Nutrition Science at KSOU. I like communicating with people and like learning concepts in different fields.
Ms. Roopa. P, is currently working as Program Manager at Vivekananda Institute of Indian Studies. She is a Graduate from Mysore University specialized in Economics, History and Political Science.Has an experience of over 12 years serving in the MNC/Banking/Microfinance/Corporate sectors.
Hear what they say
India was so great! Some of my favorite parts were: learning about the values and beliefs such as the temples and different gods, aligning inner chakras, yoga, meditation, the symbolism behind many traditions, etc. All of these things made me feel calm, peaceful and enlightened. I loved the clothes and jewelry so much, they were very beautiful, colorful and elegant. The food was delicious and I am so glad I got to try a variety of different foods during my time here. I also liked learning that there are so many different languages and cultures within India itself.
Tiera K Maile, University of Michigan
This program has definitely made an impact on my personal life and professional life. I have learned a lot about some practices and unsaid cultural rules about the country of my heritage. With that being said, I feel like now I am equipped to be flexible and adaptable in other work settings in other cultures because I now truly understand what having an open mind means. Personally, I feel like I have grown a lot as a person. My main takeaway from SVYM is to be grateful and not waste what you have. I will be taking that lesson with me for a lifetime. Moreover, I have also learned a lot about social work and social service. I am a huge advocate for community service, but volunteering for a public school is very different from dedicating your entire life to working with tribal communities and for the betterment of the society.
Kamala Karuppiah, Cornell University
This program has certainly made an impact on my professional and personal life. On the professional side, I have learned to be more confident, I've gained knowledge within the medical field and practiced valuable communication and public speaking skills. The challenges I've faced and how I've overcome them has taught me valuable life lessons which I will carry with me beyond the program. Additionally, the personal connections that I've made with my mentors, staff, and peers is something I will never forget. Both the cultural and professional experiences I've had has broadened my horizons and helped me grow not only as a future physician but also as a global citizen.
Natasha Zarrin, Cornell University
Yes. Not only has this program vastly widened my perspective on grassroots leadership but it has also inspired me to further pursue nonprofit and public interest work in my career and personal life.
Claire Qian, Cornell University
I think that beyond all of the amazing knowledge I gained on Carnatic music, I learned so much about life, my purpose, and my goals. I finally had the space to think about my life and that was something that I know has changed my way of viewing the world forever.
Annapao, University of Michigan
It’s really hard to pick one greatest. I learned how to take things in stride and proceed through adversity with equanimity. I had some of the most challenging music lessons I’ve had in my life and grew so much as a musician because of it. I learned that many amenities like hot water, laundry dryers, and cutlery aren’t necessary for me to have a happy and fulfilling life. These and so much more!
Carsonlandry, University of Michigan
Let's build an engagement
Mon–Fri : 9:00–17:00
Saturday : 9:00–14:00
.jpg)
 S (1).jpg)
