By News Karnataka
Copyright newskarnataka
Mangaluru: The newly constructed classrooms and Amrita Bhavan auditorium of the Vivekananda Training Centre, which provides free training to poor and underprivileged students, were inaugurated on Sunday. The new facility, developed as part of the centre’s expansion, was opened by Swami Suhitanandaji Maharaj, vice-president of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission.
Focus on upliftment of the poor
Speaking at the event, Swami Suhitanandaji Maharaj recalled the ideals of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Holy Mother Sharada Devi, and Swami Vivekananda. “Whether it is Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Holy Mother Sharada Devi, or Swami Vivekananda, all of them worked for the upliftment of the poor and those suffering in society, showing compassion towards them. Today, Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission are working with those same ideals. Many are serving as monks or volunteers,” he said.
The four-day programme was part of the Amrit Year celebrations, highlighting service, spirituality, and social responsibility.
Support from civic leaders
Dakshina Kannada MP Captain Brijesh Chowta praised the Mission’s efforts, particularly its role in the Swachh Mangaluru Abhiyan. “Responding to the Prime Minister’s call for a Swachh Bharat, the way the Mangaluru Ramakrishna Mission united society and led the Swachh Mangaluru Abhiyan is a model for all. I am confident that all citizens of Mangaluru will join hands in this work,” he said.
Swami Muktidanandaji, president of Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama, Mysuru, and trustee of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, Belur Math, formally inaugurated a year-long series of programmes as part of the celebrations.
Publications, website, and film released
On this occasion, the magazine of Ramakrishna Mission Mangaluru was unveiled by Swami Suhitanandaji Maharaj. A new website of Mangaluru Ramakrishna Math and Mission was launched by MP Brijesh Chowta, providing a digital platform for devotees and the general public to access updates on the Mission’s activities.
A documentary film on the history and service initiatives of the Mangaluru Ramakrishna Mission was released by Captain Ganesh Karnik.
Volunteers and cultural programme
As part of the celebrations, 75 volunteers who had rendered dedicated service to the Mission were felicitated. Their contributions to community activities, social service, and educational support were recognised during the function.
A special cultural highlight of the event was Santavaani, a devotional music programme performed by noted vocalist Anand Bhate from Pune, which added a spiritual touch to the celebrations.
The inauguration of the Vivekananda Training Centre’s new building marks a significant milestone in the Mission’s service to society, particularly in supporting education and empowerment of the underprivileged. Through its expanded facilities, digital outreach, and ongoing community service initiatives, the Mangaluru Ramakrishna Math and Mission continues to uphold the ideals of compassion, unity, and social upliftment envisioned by Swami Vivekananda.
