Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Baranagore, celebrated the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda and the National Youth Day with great enthusiasm and reverence. In accordance with the tradition of the Ashrama, the programme was arranged at the Ashrama premises at the feet of the colossal statue of Swamiji, and about 1500 students of the Ashrama-run schools, almost all the teachers and non-teaching staff, along with the monastic members of the Ashrama, were physically present at the programme.
The programme started at 8.30 a.m. with flag hoisting and the offering of flowers to Thakur, Maa, and Swamiji. In accordance with the custom observed by Ramakrishna Math and Mission, Vedic prayers were chanted by the students of both schools to initiate the celebration. After the opening song by Swami Purnajananananda, the Secretary Maharaj delivered the welcome speech and called upon the young generation to follow the ideals of Swamiji and bear the torch of knowledge and wisdom once kindled by this great monk. Several students from both schools presented cultural performances relevant to the spirit of the celebration.
The undersigned delivered his speech thanking the dignitaries and other participants.
Thereafter, a colourful rally was brought out. The rally included seven tableaux displaying the portraits of the Holy Trio and Sister Nivedita, decorated with assorted flowers. School bands, students, teachers, guardians, and devotees joined the procession. Devotional songs and the preaching of Swamiji were broadcast throughout the rally to make people aware of the importance of the Ramakrishna Movement. A number of students from both schools, dressed as Swamiji, also participated. The rally moved from the Ashrama to Udyanbati and then returned to the Ashrama. The vibrant procession created great enthusiasm among the local people, many of whom spontaneously joined the rally.
Sri Tamojit Sengupta and Sri Abhijit Dasgupta, teachers of the High School and Primary School respectively, anchored the entire programme with utmost efficiency.
