Shillong, April 27: The Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Cultural Centre celebrated its Foundation Day on Monday, marking the historic 125th anniversary of Swami Vivekananda’s visit to Shillong, with 1,800 students attending the commemorative event across two sessions at the Quinton Road campus.
Addressing the occasion as chief guest, Meghalaya High Court Judge, Justice HS Thangkhiew expressed his deep regard for Swami Vivekananda in his keynote address. He lauded the pivotal role of the Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Cultural Centre in its tireless endeavor of serving the youth through diverse educational and cultural platforms.
Guest of honour Swami Vedaswarupanandaji Maharaj, representing the Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture, Golpark, Kolkata, delivered an inspiring message to the assembly.
He urged the youth to immerse themselves in the literature and teachings of Swami Vivekananda to draw the strength and inspiration necessary to excel in all facets of life.
Swami Hitakamananda, Secretary of Ramakrishna Mission Shillong, delivered the introductory address. He reiterated Swami Vivekananda’s teachings on Universal Religion, emphasizing that the acceptance of all faiths as equal paths leads to the same spiritual goal.
The Mission also felicitated three distinguished individuals from Meghalaya.
Hally War was honoured in appreciation of over 50 years of work in cultivating and preserving the state’s traditional living root bridges.
Miss Rifiness Warjri was recognized for becoming the youngest person from Meghalaya to summit the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest.
Risingbor Kurkalang was felicitated for his significant artistic contributions to the field of traditional Art & Craft.
The afternoon session focused on empowerment and “Vikasit Bharat”.
Speaking as chief guest, former chief secretary DP Wahlang inspired the youth with Vivekananda’s clarion call: ‘Arise, Awake, and Stop not till the goal is reached. He emphasized the importance of self-discipline, urging students to apply three ‘filters’ to their lives: control over speech, listening only to positive messages, and performing righteous actions while filtering out negativity.
Dr Amulya Kumar Mohanty, Director of ICAR-ATARI, was guest of honour. He encouraged the youth to lead India’s economic reforms and set ambitious personal goals to help achieve the vision of Vikasit Bharat.
A major highlight was the presentation of the Vivekananda Award of Excellence to Saurabh Kumar Thapa, a teacher at the institute. Thapa was recognized for his outstanding and selfless contributions to the Cultural Centre. He was presented with a formal citation and a cash prize.”
The event also saw the release of the tri-lingual magazine “Ka Jingshai – The Light – Jyoti” by the Chief Guest.
The publication features content in Khasi, English, and Hindi, reflecting the inclusive spirit of the Mission.
Both sessions concluded with cultural programs depicting India’s heritage, with special emphasis on North East India.
The event successfully engaged 1,800 students, fostering a lasting spirit of inspiration and national pride.
