SHILLONG:
The Foundation Day of Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Cultural Centre to commemorate the 122nd anniversary of Swami Vivekananda’s visit to Shillong was held at RKM, Shillong, on April 27. The programme was held in two sessions morning and afternoon.
The morning session started at 10 am with a floral tribute to Swami Vivekananda (at the statue) by the chief guest Phagu Chauhan, Governor of Meghalaya, guest of Honour Swami Achyuteshananda, Secretary, Ramakrishna Mission, Narrotam Nagar, Arunachal Pradesh, and Swami Hitakamananda, Secretary, Ramakrishna Mission, Shillong.
The prestigious Vivekananda Award of Excellence was presented posthumously to Bah Sumar Sing Sawian for his immense contribution to the Khasi society and Sangita Dey, a teacher of the institute for her outstanding contribution to Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Cultural Centre. A citation and a cash prize were awarded.
In order to accommodate two thousand plus students, the entire programme was conducted in two sessions, morning and afternoon. The formal session began in the auditorium with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by the guests and dignitaries, followed by the Introductory Address of Swami Hitakamanandaji Maharaj, Secretary Ramakrishna Mission, Shillong, in which he inspired the youth to become responsible citizens of the country with proper education and inspired them to excel higher in life.
The governor, in his address, expressed his deep regard for Swami Vivekananda. He was overwhelmed to think that Swamiji had spoken in the same place in 1901. He also mentioned the contribution of Swamiji to the world. “It was Swami Vivekananda who proved the supremacy of the eternal religion and won the heart of the world by his Chicago speech,” he said.
In his address, Achyuteshanandaji spoke at length and mesmerised the audience portraying the days in the year 1901 of this present pine city when roads were narrow and no electricity but the very young monk Swami Vivekananda with feeble health had set his foot at this very place and that immortal moment gave birth to this institution which has been catering to the needs of the state to a great extent.
He said that as the strong branches of a tree need the root to be strong, so for an institution too, its success depends on a strong foundation.
He mentioned that over 67 thousand students have been skillfully educated and certified by this institution.
Achyuteshanandaji also hoped that the future citizens of the state get proper education, and successfully fight the adverse forces of today’s generation such as depression, melancholy, and other mental challenges.
The tri-lingual Magazine “Ka Jingshai – The Light Jyoti” Volume: 4 Issue:1, e-zine and the magazine was released by the governor, and certain contributors of the magazine, including renowned artist of the state Bah Rafael Warjri, Prof. Streamlet Dkhar, Dr. Silbi Passah were felicitated. Present and former teachers of the institute were also felicitated on the occasion.
Both sessions were followed by cultural programs depicting the culture of India, particularly North East India. About 1800 students took part in the function.