Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Baranagore, celebrated the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda and National Youth Day with great enthusiasm and reverence. The event was held on the Ashrama premises at the feet of Swamiji’s colossal statue and witnessed the participation of approximately 1,500 students from Ashrama-run schools, along with nearly all teachers, non-teaching staff, monastic members, and Swami Chidrupananda ji, Adhyaksha of Ramakrishna Math (Benipaul Udyan), Sinthee.
The programme began at 8:30 a.m. with the hoisting of the flag and the offering of flowers to Thakur, Maa, and Swamiji. Vedic prayers, chanted by the students of both schools, marked the commencement of the celebrations, following the tradition of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission. After an opening song, the welcome address was delivered, urging the youth to follow Swamiji’s ideals and carry forward the torch of knowledge and wisdom kindled by the great monk.
Swami Chidrupananda ji, who presided over the event, inspired the students by reminding them of their duties and responsibilities in building a strong and vibrant nation envisioned by Swamiji. The students of both schools presented cultural performances that resonated with the spirit of the occasion.
Swami Suratmananda, Headmaster of the Ashrama-run higher secondary school, expressed gratitude to the dignitaries and participants in his closing remarks.
A colorful rally followed, featuring seven elaborately decorated tableaus showcasing portraits of the Holy Trio and Sister Nivedita adorned with flowers. The rally included a school band, students, teachers, guardians, and devotees. Throughout the route, devotional songs and Swamiji’s teachings were broadcast to raise awareness about the significance of the Ramakrishna movement. Students dressed as Swami Vivekananda added a special charm to the procession.
The rally traced a path from the Ashrama to Udyanbati and back, generating tremendous enthusiasm among the local community, many of whom joined the procession spontaneously.
Sri Sudipta Chakraborty, a teacher at the high school, anchored the entire programme with exceptional skill and efficiency, ensuring the event’s success.
