The Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission commemorated the 129th anniversary of Swami Vivekananda’s return from the West to Kolkata with a grand celebration today. This event, honoring a pivotal moment in Swamiji’s life and the history of the Ramakrishna Movement, saw enthusiastic participation from monastics, devotees, and admirers.
The day’s observances began with a special train carrying a statue of Swami Vivekananda, departing from Budge Budge at approximately 11:00 am and arriving at Sealdah Station around 12:15 pm. The train was reserved for the statue and accompanying Swamis and devotees.
Swamiji was garlanded by monks and dignitaries of Eastern Railways. A programme was held on a stage outside the platform. Dignitaries who delivered speeches were — Sri Milind Deouskar, GM, Eastern Railway, Kolkata; Sri Manoj Kumer Verma, IPS, CP, Kolkata; Sri Dhrubajyoti De, IPS, Addl CP, SB; Brahmachari Muralbhai, Dakshineswar Ramakrishna Sangha; Swami Balabhadrananda ji, Belur Math; Swami Satyaprakashananda ji, Sree Sree Ramakrishna Ashram, Baranagar; Swami Shashtrajnananda ji, Narendrapur.
Following the program at Sealdah Station, a large procession commenced at 2:30 pm, making its way through the streets of Kolkata. The procession, comprised of sadhus, students, devotees, and admirers, passed several significant locations associated with Swami Vivekananda.
The procession followed the following route:
Sealdah Station – Sealdah Flyover – M.G. Road – Surendranath College – Rammohan Sarani – Vivekananda Society – Vivekananda Road – Swamiji’s Ancestral House – Bidhan Sarani – Hatibagan – Shyambazar – Bhupen Bose Avenue – Rajballabh Para – Girish Avenue – Balaram Mandir – Bagbazar – Mayer Bari – Khirodprasad Bidyabinod Sarani – Chitpur Road – Cossipore Udyanbati – Baranagar Bazar – Baranagar Ramakrishna Mission – Bonhooghly More – Deshbandhu Road – Alambazar Math.
The procession reached Alambazar Math at 7:00 pm, where the statue of Swamiji was ceremonially welcomed. Amidst Vedic chanting, Swami Bhajananandaji, Swami Girishanandaji, Swami Suviranandaji, and other monks garlanded the statue. A public function then took place at the adjacent Kalitala ground.
The program consisted of the following elements:
- Vedic Chanting: Brahmacharins from the Belur Math Training Centre began the program with traditional Vedic chants.
- Benedictory Addresses:
- A recorded video benediction was delivered by Most Revered Srimat Swami Gautamanandaji Maharaj, President of the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission.
- Srimat Swami Bhajananandaji Maharaj, Vice-President of the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, also offered benedictions.
- Swami Suviranandaji Maharaj, General Secretary, Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission;
- Swami Satyaprakashanandaji Maharaj, President, Sree Sree Ramakrishna Ashram, Baranagar;
- Swami Saradatmanandaji Maharaj, General Secretary of Sri Sri Ramakrishna Ashram, Baranagar;
- Swami Balabhadranandaji Maharaj, Assistant General Secretary, Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission,
- Swami Shukadevanandaji Maharaj, Secretary, Ramakrishna Mission Saradapitha, Belur Math, addressed the gathering.
- Presidential Address: Srimat Swami Girishanandaji Maharaj, Vice-President of the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, delivered the presidential address.
- Vote of Thanks: Swami Suparnananda, Secretary of the Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture, expressed a vote of thanks.
- Closing Song: Swami Ekavratananda, Secretary of the Ramakrishna Mission Students Home, Belgharia, concluded the program with a closing song.
