By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The vibration and feeling that can be imagined was associated with Swami Vivekananda’s first visit to Shillong in April 1901 was the centre of attraction on Saturday when the Quinton Road based Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Cultural Centre (RKMVCC) hosted three major events – 150th Birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, Platinum Jubilee of Ramakrishna Mission, Shillong and 112th Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda’s visit to Shillong being organized by RK Mission, Shillong.
The atmosphere was electrifying as thousands of students, parents, more than 30 monks from various RK Mission centres and others attended the celebration similar to the 1901 gathering which Swamiji himself addressed while inaugurating the then Quinton Hall now known as RKMVCC.
The Vice President (VP), Ramakrishna Math and Mission, Belur Math, West Bengal Revered Swami Prabhanandaji Maharaj said that the RK Mission had 177 centres all over the globe while humbly acknowledging that these are not enough to serve a great nation like India.
He informed that the RK Mission have formed some 700 units who are carrying out many philanthropic works serving the downtrodden and needy at their own backyard as per a decision taken in this regard way back in 2009.
The change is there to be seen as education, medical service and other humanitarian assistance have benefitted millions of people all over the country since then which has the backing of the Prime Minister.
“After four years since 2009, we want to continue. I have seen mothers are learning from their own children as teachers after they were trained,” he said.
He also said that the Government of Malaysia released a commemorative stamp in memory of Swamiji which he has attended whereas there are numerous private centres and organizations that are celebrating the 150th anniversary.
In his speech the member of NEC PP Shrivastav told the large student gathering to catch hold of the vibration and feeling that this place still offers when Swamiji first visited and carry the legacy forward as shown by him.
The RGIIM Director, Prof Keya Sengupta gave a beautiful insight on 9/11, which is associated with destruction and fanaticism today, after the World Trade Centre was grounded by terror strikes.
She said that very few know that on this very date Swamiji gave a lecture at World Parliament of Religion in USA foreseeing much of the dangers, bigotry and sectarianism that we are experiencing today.
At the start of the program, Swami Achyuteshanandaji Maharaj, Secretary, RK Mission, Shillong in his welcome address spoke about the visit of Vivekananda 112 years ago in this soil and the state can still feel the same power that is working.
In the morning a huge procession consisting of thousands of students, devotees, monks among others cutting across all faith and community, marched with the Vivek Rath from the Laban house where Swamiji stayed in 1901 to the RKMVCC campus.
The students unfurled placards with Swamiji’s sayings whereas others marched with banners. A cultural programme followed by a drama “Veer Sanyasi Vivekananda” was also organized in the evening. Others who spoke were Swami Muktikamanandaji Maharaj, Secretary, RK Mission, Bankura and BK Dey Sawain.