The Ramakrishna Mission (RKM) in Kolkata is gearing up for a significant week-long celebration to honor the 164th birth anniversary of the revered spiritual icon, Swami Vivekananda. The festivities are scheduled to commence on January 12, a date also officially observed across India as National Youth Day (Rashtriya Yuva Divas).
Grand Celebrations at the Ancestral Home
The core events will be centered at Swami Vivekananda's ancestral house, located on Vivekananda Road in north Kolkata. The program is set to kick off with a vibrant rally, followed by a series of cultural performances designed to reflect the teachings and spirit of Swamiji. This annual celebration draws devotees, youth, and dignitaries from across the nation to pay homage to the philosopher who put Indian spirituality on the world map.
Mission Expands Its Service Activities
Alongside the celebrations, the Ramakrishna Mission Swami Vivekananda's Ancestral House and Cultural Centre has unveiled plans for a crucial expansion of its service-oriented activities. The mission currently faces significant space constraints at its historic location. Swami Jnanalokananda, the secretary of the centre, emphasized the need to preserve the sanctity of the surrounding environment while expanding their humanitarian work.
"We want to maintain the sanctity of the surrounding environment, and some property owners close to our premises have offered to sell their plots to the mission," stated Swami Jnanalokananda. In a strategic move, RKM has already acquired two old properties adjacent to Swamiji's ancestral house for Rs 2.5 crore.
Funding the Vision for Growth
However, this is just the first step in a larger vision. The mission estimates that it will require an additional Rs 10 crore to complete the purchase of more plots and undertake necessary renovation work on the newly acquired properties. This financial requirement highlights the scale of the expansion project aimed at enhancing the mission's community and spiritual services.
In the past, the Ramakrishna Mission has received support from the government in addressing property-related challenges. Notably, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had intervened to help resolve certain issues, showcasing the administrative backing for the mission's endeavors in Kolkata.
The upcoming celebrations and the expansion plans together underscore the enduring legacy of Swami Vivekananda and the Ramakrishna Mission's ongoing commitment to serving society while preserving a pivotal piece of India's spiritual heritage.
