Shashwata Bharat Ratha Parikrama in Assam (15 to 25 May 2018)
Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Jalpaiguri, along with Ramakrishna Math (Yogodyan), Kankurgachhi, Kolkata, in collaboration with the Uttaranchal Ramakrishna-Vivekananda Bhava Prachar Parishad organised Shashwata Bharat Ratha Parikrama and Values Education Programme in Assam, to mark the 125th Anniversary of Chicago Addresses of Swami Vivekananda and the 150th Birth Anniversary of Sister Nivedita.
On 15 May 2018, a grand procession started in Golokganj with Shashwata Bharat Chariot of our Yogodyan Ashrama. The chariot then travelled the following places in Assam: Dhubri (16 – 17 May), Gouripur (18 May), Bilashi Para (18 – 19 May), Sapatgram (20 May), Fakiragram (21 May), Bijni (21 – 22 May), Tipkai (23 May), Dhubri (24 May) and Gosaingaon (24 – 25 May).
In all the places, different Ramakrishna Ashramas, the youth of local clubs and the students of various schools participated in the Ratha Parikrama. Folk artists, school bands, troupes playing Dhak (drums) and singing Bhajans and Kirtans formed a part of the procession. Cultural activities such as traditional dances of Rabha, Santal, Assamese and Bodo, youth conventions, values education workshops, question-answer sessions for the students, and public meetings were also held.
In all, about 9400 people, including students from 63 schools and 5 colleges, took part in the procession which covered 3 districts of Assam. Nine public meetings, 10 workshops, 29 cultural programmes were organized, which were attended by around 85,000 people.
Irrigation Minister of Assam Government, Minister from Bodo Territorial Council, Local MLAs, A.D.C, B.D.O, Bodo Leaders, and others attended the programmes at different places.
On this occasion, tree saplings were planted in many places by the youth. Pictorial exhibitions and film shows on the life and teachings of Swami Vivekananda were arranged. In each town, books on Swami Vivekananda were distributed free among the youths and the students.
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