Day 1 — 9 May 2026
The three-day Annual Festival was inaugurated on 9 May 2026. The first day’s Dharma Sabha was held on the theme “Shiva Jnan Se Jiva Seva” (Service to man as service to God).
The programme began with Vedic chanting and lighting of the lamp. Swami Bhaveshananda, Secretary of the Ashrama, presided. The distinguished guests were Swami Satsangananda, Secretary, Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Jamshedpur, and Shri Jabhanande Pathak, actor and writer. Around 200 devotees attended.
Swami Bhaveshananda recalled that Sri Ramakrishna Dev had laid the foundation for the Ramakrishna Mission in 1897 with the ideal of Shiva Jnan Se Jiva Seva, and that this principle continues to guide the Ashrama’s service activities.
Swami Satsangananda spoke on the life and teachings of Sri Ramakrishna Dev, emphasizing that each person must recognize the Divinity within and live in consonance with that awareness.
Shri Jabhanande Pathak reflected on how human civilization, guided by divine knowledge, fulfils its highest purpose through service to others.
Swami Atmanisthananda, Secretary, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Smriti Mandir, Khetri, Rajasthan, presided and delivered the concluding address. He spoke on the unity of Jiva and Shiva in Sri Ramakrishna’s teachings, and affirmed that selfless service remains the highest form of worship. The programme concluded with bhajans and a cultural presentation.
Day 2 — 10 May 2026
Morning Session
The second day began at 9:30 a.m. with cultural programmes presented by the Vivekananda Forum, Sarada Mahila Samiti, Gadadhar Abhyudaya Prakalpa, and the Yoga Student Group. The programme was co-sponsored by the Directorate of Art and Culture, Government of Jharkhand.
Shri Prashant Das of the Vivekananda Forum narrated the inspiring account of Swami Vivekananda’s Almora journey. Children from Gadadhar Prakalpa, Chiraundhi, performed a drama on child education. Students of Gadadhar Abhyudaya Prakalpa presented poetry, the song “Hind Desh Ke Nivasi”, and Hanuman Chalisa recitation.
Awards were presented to meritorious students of Akhandananda Shiksha evam Sanskar Kendra, Gadadhar Abhyudaya Prakalpa, and Sarada Abhyudaya Prakalpa.
Swami Atmanisthananda addressed the students: “The power of change lies in the youth. Swamiji’s ideals must not merely be read, but lived.” He narrated how the Raja of Khetri supported Swami Vivekananda’s voyage to America, and invoked the example of Swami Akhandananda to illustrate that service to the poor is true worship.
Evening Session — Dharma Sabha: Sri Sarada Devi — The Sita of Kali Yuga
The Dharma Sabha was held at 4:30 p.m., presided over by Swami Atmanisthananda. On the dais were Swami Bhaveshananda, Secretary; Shri Binod Kumar Gadyayan, President, Managing Committee; and Chief Guest Dr. Nidhi Srivastava, paediatrician, Jamshedpur.
The session opened with Vedic chanting, followed by devotional songs “Maa Achhen Ar Ami Achi” and “O Mother Sarada” by Swami Ishtakamananda, accompanied on tabla by Shri Renushankar Mishra.
Swami Bhaveshananda explained the spiritual significance of the advent of Sri Ma and Sri Ramakrishna Dev, and shared Sri Ma’s teaching: “Forbearance is the greatest virtue,” and Sri Ramakrishna Dev’s words: “Just as the moon belongs to all children, so does God belong to all.”
Dr. Nidhi Srivastava observed that Sri Sarada Devi, like Sita, was humble and full of grace. She said: “Sri Rama came with the bow and arrow; Sri Ramakrishna came bearing compassion. Call out once from the heart — ‘Maa hai na’ — and there shall be no worry.” She described Swami Vivekananda as Sri Ma’s Hanuman.
Swami Atmanisthananda, in his presidential address, said: “He who was Rama, he who was Krishna, is now Sri Ramakrishna.” He narrated how Sri Ramakrishna had beheld Sita’s vision at Panchavati and had identical bangles made for Sri Sarada Devi. He recalled how Sri Ma declined a donation of ₹10,000, saying her acceptance would be Sri Ramakrishna’s own acceptance. He conveyed Sri Ma’s timeless counsel: “If you seek peace, look to your own faults. In this world, all are your own — none is a stranger.”
He also recounted that upon returning from his world mission, Swami Vivekananda prostrated at Sri Ma’s feet and said: “Mother, it is only by your grace that this was made possible.”
Shri Prashant Dev, Managing Committee Member, briefed devotees on the progress of the Divya Mandir under construction at the Ashrama. The programme concluded with the drama “Nav Vedanta Ka Agradoot” and bhajan “Sabki Maa Sarada” by students of Surendranath Public School and V.V.P.S. Shri V. K. Gadyayan offered the vote of thanks.
Day 3 — 11 May 2026: Swami Vivekananda Diwas
The third day was observed as Swami Vivekananda Diwas. A Youth Awakening Programme was organized by the Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Shaikshik evam Shodh Sansthan, Morabadi, Ranchi. Shri Gopal Ji Tiwari, Special Secretary, Department of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Cooperation, Government of Jharkhand, was the guest of honour.
Swami Bhaveshananda delivered the welcome address, highlighting Swami Vivekananda’s vision of national regeneration. He noted India’s progress as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies and its leadership in rice production. He described the work of the Divyayan Krishi Vigyan Kendra in promoting organic farming and encouraged students to serve agriculture and society.
Shri Gopal Ji Tiwari said that Swami Vivekananda’s ideas remain relevant and shall inspire generations for centuries. He called upon students to contribute to the production of quality, health-sustaining food, and stressed the need to provide market access and opportunities for rural artisans.
Swami Atmanisthananda praised the students’ willpower and discipline, and reminded them that their success must serve the upliftment of society, not personal advancement alone.
Students of the Sansthan presented a cultural programme. Awards for annual competitions and the Star Student Awards were also conferred. The programme was attended by approximately 350 participants.
