Darsana, the name being derived from the word Darsanam - meaning Vision, has been able to realize its dream - a dream of friendship, integration and fulfillment of the Social, Cultural and Religious activities. Started in 1984, by the St. Joseph's Province (Kottayam) of CMI Congregation, Darsana has a prominent role in the Cultural and Educational Activities of Kerala.

Darsana's identity is one that has evolved through a chain of responses to a wide variety of social issues. Varied world-views and philosophies of life have met here in an atmosphere of mutual respect. At a time when the very foundations of our National Unity are being challenged, Darsana became a place for intellectual interaction, mutual understanding and friendship by building bridges across the boundaries of people who are separated by geographical, cultural and religious barriers.

These 19 years have been years of a common pursuit of truth, goodness and beauty-a few steps in a journey towards wholeness. The journey from part to whole has been performed through a series of programmes, some of which have turned out to be internationally significant.

Darsana has two major divisions, the Cultural Centre and the Academic Institute.

Darsana Cultural Centre has several wings dealing in many cultural and social programmes like

• International Book Fair:- One of Darsana's greatest contributions these years has been the Kottayam International Book Fair. The book fair is a 10-day programme conducted usually in January/February every year. The venue of the Fair is at Thirunakkara Maidan, Kottayam. Publishers and book lovers of all the corners of Kerala celebrates it as their cultural festival.
• Kala Darsana:- This wing is the centre for presentation and training of Performing Arts. A variety of such art forms including dramas and dances are staged at regular intervals. We give training in various Musical Instruments, Classical and Western dances, Martial Arts etc. Promotion of Kerala's rich tradition in arts is its primary aim.
• Matha Sauhrudavedi (Inter-Religious fellowship):- This forum is for the promotion of inter-religious understanding and cultural integration. "Know, Experience and Communicate" is the motto. Along with believers, sometimes nonbelievers also participate in these get-togethers. The effort is to see religion in a broad-minded, non-fundamentalist perspective.
• Azhimathi Virudha Samiti (Anti-Corruption Committee):- This cell of Darsana is started with a vision to fight the roots of corruption which is a major social problem. It also gives legal advice regarding Consumer disputes.
• Chithra Darsana:- The wing of Darsana is engaged in the screening and review of films, which are of significant art value. Film festivals and discussion groups also form part of Chithra Darsana's activities. It provides a rare opportunity for people to watch films of the great masters of the world.
• Darsana Vani:- The cultural news magazine of Darsana. This monthly publication is for socio-cultural commentary. It reviews and responds to major cultural events of the time.
• Shankar's Painting and Cartoon Competition:- An All Kerala Painting and Cartoon Competition for school children. Run together with the Children's Book Trust, New Delhi, in memory of the renowned Cartoonist Shankar, it is conducted in September every year.
• Darsan Computers:- The publishing wing of Darsana. We are equipped with modern computers, laser printers and scanners for the best in designing, page layout and pre-press work.
• Voyager's Escort:- The idea of this wing is to make the world know about the immense resources available in South India, especially in Kerala and for the purpose of promoting tourism and related activities. We have published a handbook featuring all major tourist spots and resources in South India.

Darsana Academic Institute has several wings for training in various courses.

• Darsana Academy:- This division enables candidates to prepare for entrance exams for the Medical and Engineering courses. It has a group of specially picked up professors, with years of teaching experience behind them, to guide you to success.
• School of Computers:- The Computer Education/Training division of Darsana with 25 modern computers running advanced softwares. Coaching is imparted by experienced persons who are experts in their respective fields. We are also the Authorised Computer Training Centre for School of Distance Education, M.G. University, Kottayam.
• School of Travel Management:- Due to tremendous increase in Travel business, there are so many opportunities in the industry. We give training in Standard Diploma Course.
• Centre for Social Studies:- This wing of the Academic section gives training to girls in Secretarial Practice. The syllabus covers all modern aspects of Office Assistance, including Computer Operations.
• International School:- This is a new school from Darsana. Situated at the Poomattom campus, near to Puthupally, Kottayam, it offers ICSE syllabus for bright students with an affordable fee structure.
• IELTS Training:- To impart English Language training for students, nurses, doctors and other professionals seeking admission/jobs abroad. It has a group of highly talented tutors that help you attain good scores in IELTS exam.

Apart from these, we organise several Cultural, Religious, Social and Literary Programmes, which have importance in day-to-day life, on a regular basis. These programmes are enriched by the presence of eminent scholars in their respective fields. Being a pioneer in many activities at Kottayam, Darsana has been able to build up an identity of its own.

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