On September 11, 2024, the Ramakrishna Mission, Narottam Nagar branch in Arunachal Pradesh celebrated the 131st anniversary of Swami Vivekananda’s historic address at the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago. The occasion, marked as Universal Brotherhood Day, was graced by the presence of distinguished dignitaries including Shri Passang Dorjee Sona, the Hon’ble Education Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, and Shri Wangki Lowang, the Hon’ble Minister of Environment, Forest, Geology, Mining & DoTCL.
The day commenced with a significant event: the laying of the foundation stone for the proposed extension of the Higher Secondary Section building of the Ramakrishna Mission. This marked a milestone in the institution’s growth and commitment to providing quality education. Subsequently, floral tributes were offered to Swami Vivekananda at the Vivekananda Statue and to Bhagavan Buddha near the Bodhi Dwar, symbolizing the reverence and respect held for these spiritual leaders.
The main program took place at the Vivekananda Sabhagriha, where Swami Achyuteshananda, the Secretary of the institution, welcomed the guests and expressed gratitude for their presence. In their addresses, both Shri Passang Dorjee Sona and Shri Wangki Lowang lauded Swami Vivekananda’s invaluable contributions to the nation. They highlighted the enduring relevance of his teachings on love, service, and dedication to the motherland, emphasizing their continued influence on the youth. The ministers also commended the Ramakrishna Mission, particularly the Narottam Nagar center, for its unwavering service to the people of Arunachal Pradesh over the past five decades.
A significant highlight of the event was the awarding of IDBI scholarships worth nine lakh rupees to deserving students. This gesture demonstrated the institution’s dedication to supporting the educational aspirations of its students. The guests also pledged their support for the construction of the proposed higher secondary building, ensuring the institution’s continued growth and development.
The event was well-attended by various dignitaries and officials, including the Director of Elementary Education, Itanagar, SP Tirap, ADC Deomali, DDSE Tirap, heads of different departments, and a large number of NSS students from WRG College, Deomali. Swami Jneyananda, Principal of Ramakrishna Mission School, proposed the vote of thanks, and the program concluded with a community lunch.
