Swami Vivekananda’s 150th Birth Anniversary Celebrations – 2013-14

A Unique Opportunity To Pay Tribute On Swamiji’s 150th Birth Anniversary

Starting Vivekananda Cultural Centre

We are starting a unique Cultural Centre in the name of Swami Vivekananda who is the icon of youth. The Centre will be devoted exclusively to the development of human excellence. It would be spread over about 10,000 square feet in area adjacent to the Vivekanandar Illam (Vivekananda House). As of 2013 October construction work is going on.

Some of the proposed activities in the Cultural Centre are:

1. Courses in Meditation and Yoga.
2. Courses on Vedanta, Hinduism and Swami Vivekananda.
3. School of languages where youth can take up courses on spoken English, Tamil and Sanskrit in order to enrich themselves and to have better career options.
4. Soft skill workshops for students and employed youth.
5. Classes for learning Vedic Chanting and Bhajan.
6. Free Tuition Centre and Computer Courses exclusively for the under-privileged youth.
7. A 4D Theatre to screen short inspirational video clips for the youth and animation movies on Swami Vivekananda to have a realistic experience of Swami Vivekananda’s life and message.

Proposed Vivekananda Cultural Centre:

Vivekananda House Renovation and Introducing Exhibition on Swami Vivekananda

Vivekanandar Illam (Vivekananda House), the existing historic monument where Swami Vivekananda stayed for nine days from 6 to 14 February 1897, will function as earlier with enhanced facilities.

During his stay here, Swami Vivekananda delivered several electrifying lectures on his plan to restore India to her pristine glory with the ideal of service and renunciation. The monument is a place of inspiration and holy memories.

One can experience Vivekananda’s personality and message through paintings and state-of-the-art multimedia galleries located in the Illam.

Main facets of this magnificent endeavor “Experience Vivekananda”

1. Indian Culture Art Gallery: Depicts Indian Culture through the eyes of Swami Vivekananda using contemporary technology.
2. Making of Vivekananda: A multimedia art gallery on how young Narendranath became the world famous Swami Vivekananda.
3. Vivekananda, the Man and His message: An arcade in the form of high-tech multimedia gallery consisting several photographs and short video clippings.
4. Vivekananda, the World Mover: A multimedia art gallery on the contemporary relevance of Swami Vivekananda’s message

Above all, feel the Presence of Swami Vivekananda in the Meditation Room, the room where Vivekananda stayed for nine days.

To experience this, the monument spread over about 30,000 sft. in a structure that is more than 170 years old, there is an urgent need to totally refurbish the whole set up, without affecting its architectural status.While it is easy to complete the task with contemporary know-how in technology, this splendid mission, is not possible without the active support of generous minded public.

Have the privilege of being part of this marvelous twin projects to enliven the youth and the citizens of the world-society.

The total estimated cost of the twin projects is about 20 crore rupees (US $ 3.5 million).

You can be an integral part of this noble mission, by volunteering your contribution in the form of Rs.5000/- per square foot for both external and internal equipment cum architectural designs.

Those who volunteer themselves with 20 sft. or more will have the privilege of their name inscribed suitably in the Cultural Centre.

Please join us in offering tributes to the Prophet of modern India and the modern world. Your contributions will help in spreading the message and realizing Swami Vivekananda’s dream of a glorious India.

Donations may be made by Cheque/DD in favour of “Sri Ramakrishna Math – SV 150” and sent to Sri Ramakrishna Math at the address given below. Donations can also be made online on Math website by selecting the category “Experience Vivekananda – 150th Birth Anniversary”

Donations can be made here: http://www.chennaimath.org/istore/category/donations/

For a direct transfer to Bank, please contact us for IFSC/Swift code details by email.

Foreign donations are welcome. Donations are eligible for tax exemption under Section 80(G) of the Indian Income Tax Act, 1961.

Swami Vivekananda’s 150th Birth Anniversary Celebrations (2013 – 2014)

Inauguration of the Statewide Yearlong Celebrations (Jan 2013 – Jan 2014) of

Swami Vivekananda’s 150th Birth Anniversary

The Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Selvi J. Jayalalithaa, inaugurated the year-long celebration of Swami Vivekananda’s 150^th Birth Anniversary, organized by Sri Ramakrishna Math, Mylapore, Chennai. A large number of monks, devotees and admirers of Swamiji attended the hour-long function, held at Vivekananda Illam, on 27 February 2013. A host of ministers, members of Tamilnadu legislative assembly and officials was also present.

The Chief Minister unveiled the stone-plaque marking the laying of foundation for Vivekananda Cultural Centre. The proposed Cultural building has been planned to mark the 150^thBirth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda and to exhibit Swamiji’s Message & Indian Culture.

Amidst Jai Swamiji’s ki Jai, the Chief Minister lighted the Viveka Jyoti, an electrically operated lamp, which will be kept lighted for a year, in front of the Vivekanandar Illam, to mark the year-long celebrations. The Chief Minister released Tamil version of Photographs of Swami Vivekananda, and presented the first copy of revered Swami Gautamanandaji.

While delivering his benedictory address, revered Swami Gautamanandaji Maharaj recalled the events related to Swami Vivekananda’s visit to Chennai in February 1897after his arrival from the Parliament of Religion and the electrifying lectures he delivered during his nine days stay at Vivekanandar Illam. He thanked the Chief Minister for extending Vivekanandar Illam lease and allotting the adjacent vacant land, both on 99 years lease.

The Chief Minister’s address, given in Tamil, focused Swamiji’s message to the modern world and its contemporary relevance. She said, in parts,

‘I feel deeply honoured to inaugurate the 150^th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda from this historically important Illam. I feel I am fortunate to inaugurate this function. I thank the President of Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai, and other Swamis for having given me this great opportunity.’

‘Swami Vivekananda lived for others and not for the self. Right from my childhood I have a great regard for the teachings of Swami Vivekananda and his Guru Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. I have a good collection of books on Swami Vivekananda and Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa in my personal library. I read them quite often. As for as I am concerned, it is Swami Vivekananda who inspired me to enter politics. In 1982, when I entered politics, I had mentioned about Swami Vivekananda in an interview. …’

‘Even after 100 years, the Mission instituted by Swami Vivekananda is still continuing its service to the people adhering to its principles. This deserves appreciation. It will not be an exaggeration to say that only such institutions serve as role model for youngsters. I request the Ramakrishna Math authorities to plan projects for involving the youngsters in selfless service and to serve with dedication and to execute them with determination….’

My greetings to everyone.’

After her address, the Chief Minister gave away prizes to 10 winners of the 11^th Youth Day Competition held by Sri Ramakrishna Vijayam. Moved by a visually challenged boy and a physically handicapped girl, coming to receive the prize, the Chief Minister kissed and blessed them.

The Video of Highlights of the above function is published below.

Duration: 56 min.

Dear Devotees and Friends,
We invite all of you for the Swami Vivekananda’s 150th Birth Anniversary Inaugural function by Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on Feb 27 2013 Wednesday at 11 AM.

Yours in the Lord,

Swami Gautamananda

Adhyaksha, Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai

12th January is the birthday of Swami Vivekananda as per the English calendar. This day is being observed as National Youth Day throughout India.

The year January 2013 to January 2014 is a historic year as the 150th Birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda falls during the period.

This year, 2013, National Youth Day (Jan 12th) was celebrated at Vivekanandar Illam, in a way, heralding the year long celebrations of 150th Birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda.

The Day started early in the morning with Puja to Sri Ramakrishna, Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi, Swami Vivekananda, Swami Ramakrishnananda, etc., followed by Sri Ramakrishna Homa on the new ground leased recently to Vivekananda House by the Tamilnandu Government.

After the Homa Monks, devotees and admirers offered pushpanjali to Swami Vivekananda’s statue, situated at the entrance of the Vivekanandar Illam and then Arati was performed to Swamiji. Next Swami Tyagananda Maharaj, head of the Ramakrishna Vedanta Society in Boston, and Swami Vimurtananda Maharaj, Editor of Sri Ramakrishna Vijayam Tamil Monthly, addressed the gathering of students, admirers and devotees. In the end Swami Gautamananda Maharaj, President of Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai delivered the benedictory address. Afterwards prasad was served.

In the Evening (5 PM) devotional Bhajans were rendered by the Students of GK Shetty Vivekananda Vidyalaya, Ambattur, Chennai. Next was Silambattam (Traditional Acrobat performances) by the Students of  Tamilnadu Mallakhamb Federation. Next was Villipattu by the Students of Jaigopal Garodia Vivekananda Vidyalaya, Kolathur.

Towards the end Swami Gautamananda Maharaj presented the performers with mementos and then Prasad was served to all.

Some of the pictures from the Day are published here: