The newly constructed Raja Ajit Singh Memorial Bhakta Niwas at Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Smriti Mandir, Khetri was formally inaugurated on 21 September 2026. A three-day programme for visiting monks and devotees was held from 20 to 22 September 2026.
Arrival — 20 September 2026
The programme commenced on 20 September with the arrival of monks and devotees. The day’s schedule included a visit to the Ajit-Vivek Museum, local sightseeing, Sandhya Arati, and an evening bhajan programme. A formal welcome was extended to Srimat Swami Suhitananda ji Maharaj, Vice-President, Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, Belur Math upon his arrival at the centre.
A total of 42 monks from Khetri and nearby centres, 95 outstation devotees, and approximately 220 local guests participated across the three days.
Inauguration — 21 September 2026
The day commenced with Mangal Arati, meditation, Vedic chanting, and special worship of Sri Ramakrishna. A special Puja of Sri Ramakrishna was also performed at the newly constructed Bhakta Niwas.
At 10:30 a.m., the Raja Ajit Singh Memorial Bhakta Niwas was formally inaugurated by Srimat Swami Suhitananda ji Maharaj, Vice-President, Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, Belur Math. Havan was performed following the inauguration, after which the inaugural meeting was held.
Inaugural Meeting
The inaugural meeting was attended by monks, devotees, donors, local well-wishers and distinguished guests. The Secretary of the Khetri centre addressed the gathering, speaking about the vision behind the Bhakta Niwas, the challenges encountered in acquiring land and arranging finances, and the support received from donors and well-wishers. Gratitude was expressed to all who contributed to bringing the project to completion, including the Managing Committee, monastic team, staff, volunteers, architects, consultants, engineers and construction workers.
Donor Contributions
Support for the Bhakta Niwas was received from a number of institutions and individual donors, covering the construction of rooms, the kitchen facility, and the installation of a rooftop solar power system.
| Donor | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Hindustan Copper Limited (CSR) | 40 kW rooftop solar power system |
| SMS Limited & Sancheti Foundation | Kitchen facility and previous community service activities |
| Individual devotees and well-wishers | Financial assistance towards construction |
The 40 kW solar system will serve both the Bhakta Niwas and the computer laboratory of the Akhandananda Computer Centre, where economically disadvantaged youth receive computer education and vocational training.
Evening Programme
Following Bhogarati and Prasad distribution, a religious discourse was organised in the Darbar Hall in the evening. Swami Yajnadharananda, Secretary, Ramakrishna Mission, Jammu, delivered a discourse, and Swami Sarvalokananda, Secretary, Ramakrishna Mission, New Delhi, gave the chief address. Srimat Swami Suhitananda ji Maharaj delivered the Presidential Address.
Sandhya Arati was followed by a Light and Sound Show at the Open Air Theatre. The day concluded with Pranams to the Vice-President Maharaj and Night Prasad.
Noon Prasad on 21 September was distributed to approximately 1,500 people, with the arrangements carried out by the monks, staff, volunteers and devotees of the centre.
Conclusion — 22 September 2026
The three-day programme concluded on 22 September 2026 with Mangal Arati, Vedic chanting and breakfast, following which visiting monks, devotees and Srimat Swami Suhitananda ji Maharaj departed from the centre.
The inauguration of the Raja Ajit Singh Memorial Bhakta Niwas marks a significant milestone in the development of Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Smriti Mandir, Khetri. The facility is intended to provide accommodation for visiting devotees and spiritual seekers, and to serve as a space for the study and research of Swami Vivekananda’s historic association with Khetri and his relationship with Raja Ajit Singh.
