Swami Vivekananda’s Shillong visit commemorated

SHILLONG: Various programmes were held in two sessions on Thursday coinciding with the 116th anniversary of the visit of Swami Vivekananda to the city.
The morning session began with a floral tribute to Swami Vivekananda’s statue at Vivekananda Cultural Centre here by the guests Swami Purnanandaji Maharaj, Lieutenant General Shokin Chauhan, Dr. C Massar and Swami Achyuteshanandaji Maharaj.
On the occasion, Swami Achyuteshanandaji Maharaj, Secretary Ramakrishna Mission, said that it has trained 36000 students in a city with limited population.
Dr Massar, Principal, Lady Keane College spoke on the collaboration that is possible between institutes in uplifting the youth.
In his address, Swami Purnanandaji Maharaj, senior monk, Ramakrishna Math, Belur Math, West Bengal, inspired the youth.
Lieutenant General Shokin Chauhan, Director General, Assam Rifles, appreciated the unique service of Ramakrishna Mission in the Northeast and assured his support.
In the afternoon session, Ronnie V Lyngdoh, Minister, Arts & Culture said that learning different languages helps in breaking all the barriers and intermingling of diverse culture is necessary in a country like India.
During the occasion the prestigious Vivekananda Excellence Award was presented to Chiranjib Majumder for his outstanding contribution to Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Cultural Centre. The award carries a citation and a cheque of Rs. 15,000.