By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 28: The Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Cultural Centre, Shillong, celebrated its Foundation Day on Monday, marking the 124th anniversary of Swami Vivekananda’s historic visit to the state capital on April 27, 1901.
As the anniversary fell on a Sunday this year, the vibrant celebrations were held on Monday.
To accommodate the enthusiastic participation of over 2000 students, the event was thoughtfully organised into two sessions: morning and afternoon.
The morning session began with a solemn floral tribute to Swami Vivekananda. Among the distinguished guests was Wanshai Shynret, Deputy Director of the North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda and Homeopathy (NEIAH), Shillong, as the chief guest.
Following the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, Swami Hitakamananda, in his introductory address, encouraged students to draw inspiration from Swami Vivekananda’s teachings to excel in life.
He also commended the students’ dedication to pursuing computer education alongside their academic studies.
On the other hand, Shynret expressed deep reverence for Swami Vivekananda and lauded the RKM’s significant role in serving the youths.
Reflecting on his own formative years with Ramakrishna Mission institutions, he urged students to imbibe the positive values promoted by the organisation.
He said that true success lies not merely in academic achievements but in the development of character and responsible citizenship beneficial to society and the nation.
A highlight of the morning session was the release of the tri-lingual magazine Ka Jingshai – The Light Jyoti (Volume 6, Issue 1), including its e-zine version, by the chief guest.
Several contributors and esteemed local figures, including Rangkitbok C. Dohkrut, Vancuover Shullai, acclaimed artist Rafael Warjri and Padma Shri Silbi Passah were felicitated at the event.
Meanwhile, the afternoon session featured Aibanshngain Swer, Director of the Meghalaya Basin Development Authority, as the chief guest.
In his address, Swer highlighted the challenges and opportunities of adapting to changes in the modern economy and praised RKM’s vital role in empowering individuals with essential computer skills to align with India’s progress.
To underscore the importance of dedication, he quoted Swami Vivekananda: “Take up one idea. Make that one idea your life; dream of it; think of it; live on that idea. Let the brain, the body, muscles, nerves, every part of your body be full of that idea and just leave every other idea alone. This is the way to success, and this is the way great spiritual giants are produced.”
On the occasion, the prestigious Vivekananda Award of Excellence was conferred upon Rejoice Mary Diengdoh, a dedicated computer teacher at the Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Cultural Centre, in recognition of her outstanding contributions. The award included a citation and a cash prize.