CENTENARY CELEBRATION OF THE RAMAKRISHNA MISSION, DHAKA (Jul )
By Unexhibited
Summary
The centenary celebrations of the Ramakrishna Mission in Dhaka, held from 16 to 19 March 2017, marked a historic milestone in the Ramakrishna Movement's presence in the region. The movement's origins in Dhaka trace back to 1899, when Swami Vivekananda's disciples Swami Virajananda and Swami Prakashananda visited the city, followed by Swami Vivekananda's own visit in 1901. Initial activities included gatherings at Sri Mohini Mohan Das's house, service projects, and the establishment of a public library in 1911 with the help of Swami Paramananda. A small hospital and primary school were also started. In 1914, Swami Premananda's visit inspired Zamindar Jogesh Das to donate land for a permanent base. In 1916, Swami Brahmananda and Swami Premananda laid the foundation stones for the Ramakrishna Math, Ramakrishna Mission, and a 20-bed hospital, with the Mission receiving formal affiliation from Belur Math in March 1916. The centenary celebrations featured high-profile attendees, including Bangladesh's Chief Justice Surendra Kumar Sinha and Swami Suhitanandaji Maharaj of Belur Math. Over a hundred sannyasis and brahmacharis from across Bangladesh and India participated, alongside government officials, academicians, and the High Commissioner of India. The event included religious rituals, conventions, discourses on Vivekananda's teachings, and an interfaith conference attracting over four thousand participants. Cultural programs and daily participation of over five thousand devotees highlighted the scale and significance of the celebrations.
Conclusion
The centenary celebrations of the Ramakrishna Mission in Dhaka marked a historic milestone, reflecting the enduring legacy of Swami Vivekananda’s vision and the Mission’s transformative impact on Bangladesh. The events, attended by over 5,000 devotees daily, underscored the universal appeal of the Ramakrishna-Vivekananda ethos, fostering interfaith harmony and social service. The presence of distinguished dignitaries, including the Chief Justice of Bangladesh and the High Commissioner of India, highlighted the Mission’s cultural and spiritual significance. The conventions, discourses, and cultural programs reinforced the relevance of Vivekananda’s teachings for contemporary challenges, particularly for youth and women. The celebrations not only commemorated a century of service and spiritual growth but also reaffirmed the Mission’s commitment to education, healthcare, and societal upliftment, setting a profound example of unity and selfless action.