By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The State Government will accord ‘heritage site’ status to the house at Laban where Swami Vivekananda stayed during his visit to Shillong in 1901. This was stated by Deputy Chief Minister Bindo M Lanong on the occasion of the 150th Birth Anniversary celebration of Swami Vivekananda combined with the Platinum Jubilee of Ramakrishna Mission, Shillong and the 111th Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda’s visit to Shillong, jointly celebrated at the Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Cultural Centre on Friday.
“I will put in my best effort on behalf of the government so that the property is accorded heritage status,” he said.
On the occasion, the foundation stone for an Employability Training Unit (ETU) was laid jointly by Governor RS Mooshahary and Suhitananda Maharaj, Assistant General Secretary, Ramakrishna Math and Mission, Belur Math.
Mooshahary observed that Swamiji did not belong to a particular religion but represented the entire mankind. “He preached universal religion and all should follow and take inspiration from him,” he said. He urged the youth to build a society of harmony following the ideals and preaching of Swamiji.
Achyuteshanandaji Maharaj, Secretary, Ramakrishna Mission, Shillong submitted a 4-point memorandum to AL Hek, who attended the function on behalf of Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma. The memorandum urged the state government to acquire the land and house at Laban where Swamiji had stayed during his visit in 1901 and declare it as a heritage site; Quinton Road be renamed as Ramakrishna Vivekananda Road; financial support for the ETU and formation of a Sesquicentenary Committee for the 150th Anniversary celebration of Swamiji.
Hek said, “I will discuss with Scott Lyngdoh, who is dealing with the matter, regarding granting heritage site to the Laban house where Swamiji had stayed,” he said, adding that the state government will provide cent percent support to the ETU.
A variety of cultural programmes were presented on the occasion.