THE ORDER ON THE MARCH (Mar )
By Unexhibited
Summary
The Order on the March (March 2017) details various activities and events organized by the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission across India and internationally during January and early March 2017. In India, new centers were established, including a Math and Mission branch in Chandpur, Bangladesh, and a sub-centre under the direct supervision of the Headquarters at Sri Mahendranath Gupta’s house. National Youth Day (12 January) was celebrated enthusiastically by 94 centers and the Headquarters, featuring processions, conventions, and cultural competitions, with notable participation from centers like Chennai, Madurai, and Rajkot. The 150th birth anniversaries of Swami Abhedanandaji Maharaj, Swami Saradanandaji Maharaj, and Sister Nivedita were commemorated through public meetings, spiritual retreats, exhibitions, and the installation of a statue at Baranagar Mission Ashrama. Multiple centers organized cultural and educational events, including women’s empowerment programmes, youths’ conventions, and symposiums on interfaith harmony. Medical and relief efforts included free eye camps across 16 centers, treating thousands of patients, and winter garment distribution to needy communities. Seva Pratishthan conducted medical camps during festivals, treating over 7,000 patients. Values education workshops and Swachchha Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Campaign) initiatives were held in schools and public spaces. Internationally, Homer Glen (USA) expanded its presence in Chicago, and Dhaka (Bangladesh) hosted a values education seminar attended by over 600 youths. Relief efforts also addressed floods in Bihar, cyclones in Tamil Nadu, and fires in Arunachal Pradesh, with significant aid distributed to affected communities.
Conclusion
The Order on the March (March 2017) highlights the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission's extensive outreach and community service across India and internationally. Key implications include the expansion of educational and spiritual initiatives, such as the new Math Sub-Centre under Sri Mahendranath Gupta's supervision and the global spread of the Ramakrishna Mission, including the establishment of a new centre in Chicago. The celebrations of the 150th birth anniversaries of Swami Abhedanandaji Maharaj, Swami Saradanandaji Maharaj, and Sister Nivedita underscored the Mission's commitment to preserving and promoting the teachings of its luminaries through cultural events, exhibitions, and public lectures. The widespread National Youth Day celebrations, involving cultural competitions and youth conventions, demonstrated the organization's focus on engaging the younger generation in spiritual and cultural activities. Additionally, the extensive relief efforts, including flood and cyclone relief, medical camps, and winter garment distribution, showcased the Mission's dedication to serving the underprivileged and disaster-affected communities.