The Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture, Gol Park, Kolkata, observed National Youth Day on January 12, 2026, marking the birthday of Swami Vivekananda with deep solemnity and a grand musical tribute.
Commencement and Inauguration
The day began with the Secretary garlanding the statues of Swami Vivekananda located both inside and outside the Institute premises. This was followed by the Vivekananda Musical Festival, held in the decorated Vivekananda Hall. The festival was inaugurated at 9:00 a.m. with a welcoming introductory speech by the Secretary, who highlighted the significance of the day.
Musical Festival Highlights
The day-long celebration featured a series of world-class classical performances divided into three sessions:
- Morning Session:
- An “electrifying” Sitar and Sehnai Duet by Pt. Partha Bose and Lokesh Anand, accompanied by Ustad Sabir Khan on Tabla.
- A vocal recital by Pt. Sandipan Samajpati with Pt. Parimal Chakraborty (Tabla) and Hiranmay Mitra (Harmonium).
- A “spell-binding” Bansuri (flute) recital by sisters Debopriya Chatterjee and Suchismita Chatterjee, with Ojas Aditya on Tabla.
- Afternoon Session:
- A graceful Kathak Dance duet by Pt. Deepak Maharaj and Sandip Mallick, with Pt. Anindya Chatterjee on Tabla.
- A Sarod Duet by Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash, accompanied by Pt. Kumar Bose on Tabla.
- Evening Session:
- A Surbahar Duet by Pt. Pushparaj Koshti and Bhusan Koshti, with Pt. Udhav Shinde Apegaonkar on Pakhawaj.
- The finale featured a Violin and Saraswati Veena Duet by Vidushi Kala Ramnath and Vidushi Jayanthi Kumaresh, accompanied by Pt. Yogesh Samsi (Tabla) and Patri Satish Kumar (Pakhawaj).
Devotional Homage
To allow devotees and admirers to pay their respects, the Vivekananda Rath was stationed at the main entrance of the Institute throughout the day. Following the celebrations at Gol Park, the Rath departed for the Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Medinipur.
