The First Youth Convention of the Paschim Medinipur–Jhargram Bhava Prachar Yuva Parishad was held on Sunday, 20 September 2026, at Ramakrishna Math & Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama, Garbeta, Paschim Medinipur. The convention was organised with the objective of inspiring the youth of the region through the ideals and teachings of Sri Ramakrishna, Sri Sarada Devi, and Swami Vivekananda.
Programme Schedule
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. | Registration, Tea and Snacks |
| 10:00 a.m. | Floral Tributes to the Holy Trio |
| 10:00 a.m. (cont.) | Swadesh Mantra and Opening Song |
| Formal Session | Welcome Speech by Swami Ekeshananda |
| Felicitations | |
| Reading from Sri Sri Ramakrishna Kathamrita | |
| Lecture on Swami Vivekananda by Swami Vedapurushananda | |
| Reading from the Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda | |
| Address by Swami Devavarananda | |
| Bhajans | |
| Reading from Mayer Katha | |
| Address by Swami Prarthananda | |
| Question and Answer Session | |
| 1:20 p.m. | Vote of Thanks and Collective Singing of Ramakrishna Sharanam |
Proceedings
The programme commenced with registration, tea, and snacks between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. At 10:00 a.m., floral tributes were offered to the portraits of the Holy Trio, followed by the recitation of the Swadesh Mantra and an opening song.
The formal session was inaugurated with a welcome address by Swami Ekeshananda, Secretary of the Ashrama, after which formal felicitations were offered. A reading from the Sri Sri Ramakrishna Kathamrita was then presented to the assembly. Swami Vedapurushananda thereafter delivered an inspiring lecture on the life and teachings of Swami Vivekananda.
The programme continued with a reading from the Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda, followed by an address by Swami Devavarananda. Devotional bhajans were rendered during the session. A reading from Mayer Katha was subsequently presented, followed by an address by Swami Prarthananda. A Question and Answer Session was then held, affording the youth participants an opportunity to engage directly with the speakers and reflect upon the teachings presented during the day.
The convention concluded at 1:20 p.m. with a Vote of Thanks and the collective singing of Ramakrishna Sharanam, led by Swami Prarthananda.
Participation
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Youth participants (boys and girls) | 560 |
| Total partaking of noon prasad (participants and devotees) | ~700 |
A total of 560 youths — boys and girls — attended the convention. At the conclusion of the programme, approximately 700 participants and devotees partook of the sanctified noon prasad.
The First Youth Convention thus brought together a structured programme of spiritual readings, devotional music, addresses by monastic speakers, and interactive discussion, centred on the ideals of the Ramakrishna-Vivekananda tradition. It provided a meaningful platform for the youth of the Paschim Medinipur–Jhargram region to participate in a programme of spiritual and value-oriented activities.
