A series of significant events took place at Ramakrishna Kutir, Almora, from November 2nd to 3rd, 2024, under the auspices of Revered Swami Suhitananda ji Maharaj, Vice-President, Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, Belur Math. These events marked the inauguration of a new lift, the dedication of the Ram Maharaj Smriti Bhavan and Turiyananda Taposthali, and the unveiling of a statue of Swami Vivekananda.
Inauguration of the Lift at Turiyananda Library Building
- Date: November 2nd, 2024
- Time: 8:00 PM A new G+2 lift was inaugurated to enhance accessibility to the Turiyananda Library Building. The structural work was undertaken by Srigar Infra, Almora, while the elevator was provided by Royal Elevators, Gurap, West Bengal.
Dedication of Ram Maharaj Smriti Bhavan
- Date: November 3rd, 2024
- Time: 8:30 AM The Ram Maharaj Smriti Bhavan, the residence of Srimad Ram Maharaj for over three decades, was restored and dedicated. The renovated building now houses guest rooms, a dining hall, kitchen, and an office. Dr. Neeta Das, a renowned conservation architect, oversaw the architectural supervision. The construction work for the ground and first floors was carried out by Srigar Infra, while the second-floor office was completed by Nirman from Kolkata.
Dedication of Turiyananda Taposthali
- Date: November 3rd, 2024
- Time: 9:15 AM The 200-year-old Chilkapeta Outhouse, where Swami Turiyananda and Swami Shivananda engaged in rigorous spiritual practices, was restored and rechristened as Turiyananda Taposthali. This sacred site, owned by the Government Institute of Hotel Management, is now open to the public. The restoration work was meticulously supervised by Dr. Neeta Das.
Unveiling of Swami Vivekananda’s Statue at Kakrighat
- Date: November 3rd, 2024
- Time: 11:00 AM A statue of Swami Vivekananda was unveiled near the sacred Peepal tree at Kakrighat, where he attained profound spiritual insights in 1890. The event was graced by a cultural program presented by students of the Vivekananda Baal Paramarsh Kendra. Additionally, scholarships were awarded to deserving students, and books on the lives of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother, and Swami Vivekananda were distributed.
Spiritual Retreat on ‘Bhakti Prasanga’
- Date: November 3rd, 2024
- Time: 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM A two-hour spiritual retreat was conducted at the Shivananda Hall, Ramakrishna Kutir. Swami Shuddhidananda, Adhyaksha of Advaita Ashrama, Mayavati, delivered a discourse on “Bhakti Prasanga,” inspiring the audience with stories of devotion and spiritual transformation.
Release of Commemorative Souvenir and Booklet
- Date: November 3rd, 2024 A commemorative souvenir, marking the 125th anniversary of the foundation of the Ramakrishna Mission and Swami Vivekananda’s return from the West, and a booklet on Srimad Ram Maharaj were released by Srimad Swami Suhitanandaji Maharaj. The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Dr. Lakshmi Kant, Director of Vivekananda Parvatiya Krishi Anusandhan Sansthan (ICAR-VPKAS).
