A special programme entitled “Swami Vivekananda and Mahan Bharat Rashtra” was organised by Ramakrishna Math, Rishikesh in association with IIT Roorkee at its Saharanpur Campus on 13 August 2026, commemorating the fourth of the six historically recorded visits of Swami Vivekananda to Saharanpur — the visit of 13 August 1897 — to this sacred region associated with Maa Shakumbhari Devi.
The programme commenced with the singing of the Rashtra Geet (National Song), setting a tone of devotion and national pride.
Prof. Millie Pant, Dean of the Saharanpur Campus, IIT Roorkee, presented the timeless messages of Swami Vivekananda for the nation, underscoring their continuing relevance to the idea of Mahaan Bharat Rashtra.
Swami Kailashananda of Ramakrishna Math, Rishikesh drew upon the Durga Saptashati and a letter dated 1895 from Swami Vivekananda to Swami Akhandananda. He highlighted Swami Vivekananda’s aspiration to establish a branch centre of Ramakrishna Math in Saharanpur, revered as the Maha Teertha of Maa Shakumbhari Devi.
Dr. Sanjay Palsule, IIT Roorkee, recited relevant Sanskrit shlokas from the Isha Upanishad, the Katha Upanishad, and the Srimad Bhagavad Gita, elucidating the fundamentals of Advaita Vedanta. He noted that Swami Vivekananda established the Advaita Ashrama at Mayavati, in the Kumaon region of the Himalayas in Dev-Bhoomi Uttarakhand.
Prof. Kamlesh Dixit, Principal of Nursing College, Saharanpur, drew upon selected messages of Swami Vivekananda to highlight the true significance and purpose of human life.
Dr. Sanjay Kumar, Professor of Sanskrit, Maa Shakumbhari University, Saharanpur, spoke on the significance and spiritual import of the Prasthana Trayi and Prakarana Granthas, with particular emphasis on the Vivekachudamani of Adi Shankaracharya.
Two students of IIT Roorkee also addressed the gathering: Samaresh Ghosh presented the messages of Swami Vivekananda for science students, while Babita Kumari spoke on Swami Vivekananda’s vision for education — particularly women’s education — with special reference to Sister Nivedita.
As a mark of spiritual generosity, Ramakrishna Math, Rishikesh distributed one volume of the works of Swami Vivekananda to each participant, free of charge.
The programme concluded with the singing of the Rashtra Gaan (National Anthem).