Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama, Prayagraj, commemorated the 164th Birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda and National Youth Day on 12 January 2026. The event was marked by intellectual depth and solemnity, honoring the enduring influence of Swamiji as a spiritual luminary and nationalist thinker.
Morning Homage at Civil Lines
The day’s proceedings began at 9:00 a.m. at the Swami Vivekananda Statue Circle, Civil Lines.
- Floral Tribute: The event opened with a ceremonial garlanding and floral homage at the statue.
- Student Participation: Despite a prevailing cold wave, approximately 250 students from 10 local schools participated with great resolve.
- Tributes: Students performed patriotic songs and delivered orations focused on the theme: “Life and Teachings of Swami Vivekananda to Rebuild India”.
Central Seminar and Formal Proceedings
The celebration moved to a central seminar starting at 10:00 a.m., inaugurated by Vedic chanting by the Ashrama’s monastic members.
- Inauguration: Swami Akshayananda, Secretary of Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama, Prayagraj, lit the ceremonial lamp.
- Distinguished Guests: The event was graced by:
- Professor Atul Kumar Singh (Chief Guest): Principal, Allahabad Degree College.
- Professor Shail Pandey (Special Guest): Former Head of the Hindi Department, Allahabad University.
- Dr. Mrityunjaya Rao Parmar (Distinguished Speaker): Assistant Professor, English Department, Allahabad University.
- Welcome and Invocation: Following a formal felicitation of the guests by the Vivekananda Study Centre youth, Swami Karunananda delivered the welcome address. Sri Abhishek Mishra solemnly recited Swami Vivekananda’s Swadesh Mantra.
Key Addresses and Reflections
Students from 10 educational institutions presented choral performances and speeches reflecting on Swamiji’s national vision. The guest speakers further enriched the gathering:
- Dr. Mrityunjaya Rao Parmar described Swamiji as the “Prince among Monks,” highlighting the timeless nature of his teachings.
- Professor Shail Pandey recounted the hardships Swamiji faced in foreign lands before the Chicago Parliament of Religions, emphasizing how these trials strengthened his historic mission.
- Professor Atul Kumar Singh provided a scholarly exposition on how Swamiji’s ideals are indispensable for the moral regeneration of India today.
Conclusion and Hospitality
The seminar concluded with a Presidential Address by Swami Akshayananda, a devotional song by students of Suman Vidya Niketan, and a vote of thanks by Swami Vrajeshwarananda. The program was coordinated by Shri Joydeep Ganguli.
To bring the commemoration to a meaningful close, books on Swami Vivekananda’s life were distributed to the participants, and prasāda was served to all in attendance.
