A new centre of Sri Ramakrishna Math has been opened at No. 83, Perumal Koil street, Heritage town, Pondicherry. A meeting was held on 18-3-2022 at Athithi hotel, Pondicherry, for the inauguration of this new centre. Srimat Swami Gautamanandaji Maharaj, Vice President of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, Adyaksha, Ramakrishna Math, Chennai, presided over the function.
Hon. Chief Minister of Pondicherry Sri N. Rangasamy, Hon. Minister for Tourism and PWD Sri K. Lakshmi Narayanan, Pondicherry, participated in the function and addressed the gathering.
Introductory Speech by Swami Atmaghanananda
After Vedaparayanam with Arati to Holy Trio, Swami Atmaghanananda, head of the new centre delivered the Introductory Speech. The Swami said that Pondicherry was fortunate that Swami Vivekananda while walking through the length and breadth of India also came to Pondicherry. Swami Vivekananda went to Kanyakumari and sat in meditation on the Vivekananda rock. Swamiji had a clear understanding of the then prevailing situation of the common masses of the society, and was deeply pained to see by their poverty. He realised that the spiritual treasure of India had not been reached out to the poor masses; and raising the masses through Seva was the only solution to improve their condition. Thus “Jiva Seva is Shiva Seva” became the motto of the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission. All the centres of the Order carry out social welfare activities inspired by this motto. The Ramakrishna Seva Sangam in Pondicherry has been serving the society for the past 35 years and in pursuant to their long time request, the Order gave assent to this new centre being inaugurated today. He hoped that with the co-operation of the honourable ministers the centre would carry out Medical, Education and Relief activities in Pondicherry.
Welcome Address by Sri S.K. Ganesan
Sri S.K. Ganesan, Vice President of Ramakrishna Seva Sangam, Pondicherry, welcomed Srimat Swami Gautamanandaji Maharaj and the other Swamis and the dignitaries present..
Special Address by Hon. Minister of Tourism and PWD
Hon. Minister for Tourism and PWD Sri K. Lakshmi Narayanan, Pondicherry, delivered the Special address. He said that the spiritual teachings of Bhagavan Sri Ramakrishna are very simple to follow in day-to-day life. His disciple Swami Vivekananda lived his life for spreading the spiritual treasures of India among the western nations, and he was the guiding light for the youth of India. He further said that Pondicherry is a spiritual place and it is appropriate that a new Ramakrishna Centre in Pondicherry in being started for carrying out social welfare activities based on spiritual principles on this day when Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai is celebrating the 125th year of its foundation.
It is to be noted that Sri Lakshmi Narayanan is an alumini of our Ramakrishna School, Chenglepet and also Vivekananda College, Chennai.
Presidential Address by Hon. Chief Minister, Pondicherry
The Hon. Chief Minister of Pondichery in his Presidential Address said that the students who studied in the institutions of Sri Ramakrishna Math follow the discipline and principles taught by Mission; besides being educated they all lead a very good life. Pondicherry is the land of Siddhas. Thus the underprivileged students of Pondicherry are fortunate that they will receive from the Ramakrishna Mission a good education at a low cost, and this will lead to the overall upliftment of the Pondicherry State.
Benedictory Address by Srimat Swami Gautamananda ji Maharaj
Srimat Swami Gautamanandaji Maharaj, in his benediction said that people should not go only after material enjoyment and neglect their peace of mind. People should try to realise God which is the goal of human life. He blessed that the gathering would receive good education, peace, prosperity and happiness.
Vote of Thanks by Sri. Sriram Subramanian
Sri. Sriram Subramanian, Founder of Integra Software Solutions, Pondicherry in his Vote of Thanks, thanked all the Swamis of Ramakrishna Order for starting the new centre at Pondicherry and also thanked the Hon. Chief Minister, Hon. Minister, MLA and other dignitaries and devotees who participated in the function.
