THE ORDER ON THE MARCH (Feb )
By Unexhibited
Summary
The 107th Annual General Meeting of the Ramakrishna Mission was held at Belur Math on 18 December, attended by 135 monastic members, 53 lay members, and 82 associates. Holy Mother’s birthday was celebrated on 20 December with thousands of devotees, cooked prasad for 30,000, and a public meeting chaired by Swami Suvirananda. Veda Vidyalaya students secured top prizes in Sanskrit competitions, and the U.S. Ambassador to India visited Belur Math. Sister Nivedita’s 150th birth anniversary was marked by a devotees’ convention at Baghbazar Math. Various centres hosted youths’ conventions, cultural programmes, and educational events, drawing over 2,900 attendees. Chennai Math conducted a short story competition with 700 participants. Dhaka and Mymensingh centres in Bangladesh organized large-scale events, while Port Blair and Puri Mission Ashrama held self-improvement and youths’ programmes. Centenary celebrations included Garbeta’s six-day event and Calcutta Students’ Home’s concluding phase with cultural performances. Educational achievements were noted, including Purulia Vidyapith’s athletic success and Tamil Nadu’s football victories. Narendrapur Vidyalaya won national awards for empowering persons with disabilities, and students secured scholarships in science competitions. Free eye camps treated over 10,000 patients across 18 centres, with Ranchi Morabadi conducting specialized eye care for children. Values education programmes trained teachers and students. Swachchha Bharat initiatives saw 7,000 volunteers clean Mangaluru. Relief efforts included winter garments for 9,998 people, cyclone aid in Tamil Nadu, and disaster relief in Bangladesh. Distress relief distributed clothing, food, and essentials to thousands across multiple centres. International activities featured a platinum jubilee celebration in South Africa with a Swamiji statue unveiling.
Conclusion
The Order on the March (February 2017) highlights the Ramakrishna Mission's extensive outreach and community service across India and internationally, underscoring its commitment to education, healthcare, and social welfare. Key outcomes include the successful celebration of Holy Mother’s birthday and Sister Nivedita’s 150th birth anniversary, marked by large-scale devotee gatherings and cultural events. The Mission’s educational initiatives, such as scholarships and literary competitions, and its healthcare efforts, including numerous eye camps and winter relief distribution, demonstrate tangible impact. The centennial celebrations of Garbeta and Calcutta Students’ Home, along with international events in South Africa, reflect the organization’s enduring legacy and global presence. These activities collectively reinforce the Mission’s role in fostering spiritual growth, intellectual development, and compassionate service, aligning with its foundational principles.