The Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Cultural Centre today celebrated the 122nd anniversary of Swami Vivekanda’s visit to Shillong with floral tributes and felicitation of eminent citizens who contributed to the growth to the society.
Governor Phagu Chauhan attended the celebration in presence of Swami Achyuteshananda, Secretary, Ramakrishna Mission, Narrotam Nagar, Arunachal Pradesh and Swami Hitakamananda, Secretary, Ramakrishna Mission, Shillong.
The Governor in his address praised Swami Vivekananda as a warrior saint who changed the destiny of India, inspiring the nation to rise against its enemies and embrace its unique identity. He also lauded Swami Vivekananda’s teachings on man-making and character building, which have produced countless selfless leaders.
The Governor urged young people to take up the mantle of leadership and excellence, to be willing to sacrifice their comfort, privileges, and preferences to help those who are less fortunate. He further commended the Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Cultural Centre for its efforts in training about 2100 students in computer and language skill and expressed hope that the Mission will continue to make a positive impact on society.
Swami Achyuteshanandaji Spoke at length and mesmerised the audience portraying the days in the year 1901 of Shillong and how Swami Vivekananda set foot here that laid the foundation of the institute. He said that as the strong branches of a tree needs the root to be strong, so for an institution too its success depends on strong foundation.
He mentioned that 67 thousand students had been skilfully educated and certified from the institution and said he looked forward for a better tomorrow with the future citizens of the state getting proper education, successfully fight with the adverse forces of today’s generation that is depression, melancholy, and other mental challenges.
Swami Hitakamanandaji in his introduction inspired youth to become responsible citizen of the country with proper education and inspired them excel higher in life.
The prestigious Vivekananda Award of Excellence was presented to Late Sumar Sing Sawian, a noted Khasi writer and journalist for his immense contribution to the Khasi society and Sangita Dey, a teacher of the institute for her outstanding contribution to Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Cultural Centre.
The tri-lingual Magazine “Ka Jingshai – The Light Jyoti” Volume: 4 Issue:1, e-zine and the magazine was released by the Governor on the occasion.
Contributors of the magazine including renowned artist of the state are Raphael Warji, Prof. Streamlet Dkhar, Dr. Silbi Passah were felicitated. Present and former teachers of the institute were also felicitated on the occasion.
Both the sessions were followed by cultural programmes depicting the culture of India, particularly the North East.