THE ORDER ON THE MARCH (Oct )
By Swami Ramakrishnananda
Summary
The Order on the March (October 2017) details various activities and initiatives undertaken by Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission across India and internationally. In Chennai, Sri Ramanuja’s 1000th birth anniversary was commemorated with a musical tribute, a Tamil drama, and the release of a new edition of *Life of Sri Ramanuja* by Swami Ramakrishnananda, featuring updated content and photographs. The 2nd anniversary of Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Tirupati, included educational and youth conventions, attracting hundreds of participants. Three new Ramakrishna Mission centres were inaugurated in West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh, and Kolkata, expanding the organization’s reach. Widespread commemorative events, including youth conventions, student programmes, and cultural activities, were held across India, engaging thousands of participants. Free eye camps treated nearly 10,000 patients, while relief efforts addressed floods in Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal, providing food, medical aid, and essential supplies to tens of thousands of affected families. Additional relief work included landslide and fire assistance in Arunachal Pradesh, distress relief in Darjeeling and Bangladesh, and winter aid in Darjeeling and Ooty. International activities included the construction of a memorial shrine in Colombo and the consecration of a new altar in Portland. Values education workshops and Swachchha Bharat Abhiyan cleanliness drives were also conducted, reflecting the organization’s commitment to social service and education.
Conclusion
The Order on the March highlights the Ramakrishna Order's expansive educational and humanitarian impact, marked by commemorative events, institutional growth, and disaster relief. The centennial celebration of Sri Ramanuja underscored scholarly contributions through the release of an enriched edition of Swami Ramakrishnananda’s biography, while the expansion of Mission centers in West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh, and Kolkata reflected institutional growth. Widespread youth and student engagement through conventions, seminars, and cleanliness drives demonstrated a focus on values-based education. The Order’s disaster response—extensive flood relief across Bihar, West Bengal, and Gujarat, alongside landslide and fire aid in Arunachal Pradesh—showcased its lifeline role during crises. These efforts collectively reinforced the Order’s commitment to spiritual legacy, community service, and adaptive social outreach, solidifying its relevance in addressing contemporary challenges.