TThe Swami Vivekananda Cultural Youth Centre — Viveka Smaraka at Ramakrishna Ashrama, Mysuru, was formally inaugurated on 1 August 2026 by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, in the holy presence of Most Revered Srimat Swami Gautamananda ji Maharaj, President, Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, Belur Math.
The inauguration was performed by the Hon’ble Prime Minister through the ceremonial untying of the ribbon. Among the distinguished dignitaries present on the occasion were Sri Thaawar Chand Gehlot, Governor of Karnataka; Sri D. K. Shivakumar, Chief Minister of Karnataka; Sri Yaduveer Krishnadatta Wadiyar, Member of Parliament (local constituency); and Sri K. Harish Gowda, Member of the Legislative Assembly (local constituency).
Following the inaugural ceremony, the Hon’ble Prime Minister visited several significant sites within the Ashrama premises, including the Shiva Temple, the renovated room where Swami Vivekananda had stayed, the Amphitheatre, and the Prayer Hall. He thereafter spent a few minutes in quiet contemplation at the Ashrama shrine, attended the Arati, offered Pushpanjali to Sri Sri Thakur, and met with the resident monks before proceeding to the Sri Ramakrishna Vidyashala Stadium.
A general assembly function was held at the Vidyashala Stadium in the august presence of Most Revered President Maharaj and other distinguished dignitaries. Approximately 7,500 persons — comprising students, devotees, donors, alumni, well-wishers, and members of the general public — participated in the programme.
In his address, the Hon’ble Prime Minister described the inauguration of Viveka Smaraka as more than the opening of a building. He spoke of it as a pilgrimage for spiritual upliftment and as a centre that would inspire generations of young Indians.
On this occasion, the Hon’ble Prime Minister also released two Kannada publications of the Ashrama — the seven-volume edition of the Valmiki Ramayana and the volume Baduku Belaku.
In the evening, a special programme was held at the Viveka Smaraka Amphitheatre to felicitate the major contributors to the project, followed by Sadhu Seva.
2 August 2026
On 2 August 2026, the Donor Felicitation Programme — Smruti Samsmarana was organised in the morning as an expression of gratitude to the generous donors whose wholehearted support made the project possible.
In the evening, the Supporters’ Appreciation Programme — Krutajnata Samarpana was conducted to honour the dedicated volunteers, devotees, alumni, and well-wishers who had rendered selfless service during the planning and execution of the project. The programme concluded with a musical presentation comprising Shiva Damaru and Viveka Ganamrita.
The inauguration ceremony and the address of the Hon’ble Prime Minister were telecast live on Doordarshan National and also streamed through the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s official YouTube channel (@narendramodi), enabling devotees and well-wishers across the country and beyond to witness the historic occasion.
