Mysuru Ramakrishna Ashrama centenary celebrations begin

Mysuru: The four-day centenary celebration of the Mysuru Ramakrishna Ashrama commenced on Friday with grandeur.Law and tourism minister HK Patil, Swami Gautamanandaji Maharaj, president of the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, Mysuru district minister Mahadevappa, and Swami Muktidananda, president of the Mysuru branch of the Ramakrishna Ashrama, formally inaugurated the celebrations. Though chief minister Siddaramaiah was scheduled to inaugurate the event, he did not participate though he was in the city.Along with the Ashrama's centenary, the golden jubilee of the Ramakrishna Institute of Moral and Spiritual Education (RIMSE) and the silver jubilee of Viveka Prabha magazine were also launched, marking a historic confluence of milestones.Stated that it was a privilege to participate in the centenary celebrations, Patil lauded the Ashrama for embodying monk Swami Vivekananda's ideals through its work in rural service, moral education, and character-building. He highlighted the Ashrama's profound influence on poet laureate Kuvempu, stating that the spiritual and cultural exposure he received here played a vital role in shaping his literary genius. Patil also shared his family's long-standing emotional connection to Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Swami Vivekananda, recalling how their teachings shaped generations before him.Mahadevappa emphasised that India is fortunate to have produced towering spiritual personalities like Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Swami Vivekananda, whose teachings continue to guide the nation. He underscored the Ashrama's strong stand against caste discrimination and untouchability and praised it for offering value-based education at minimal cost, enabling children from diverse backgrounds to learn together. Expressing concern over the erosion of ethics and cultural values in contemporary society, he stressed the need to reintroduce moral and cultural education to nurture responsible citizens.Swami Muktidanandaji said the centenary offers an opportunity to reflect on the Ashrama's spiritual legacy and its contributions in education, literature, rural upliftment, and service. He recalled Swami Vivekananda's brief stay at this location (in Mysuru) in 1890, which bestowed a unique sanctity upon the Ashrama. To mark the occasion, special postage stamps featuring the Ashrama and the Mysuru Palace were released. Over the next four days, 19 sessions will be held, drawing around 300 monks, 40 nuns, 75 speakers, international delegates, and hundreds of alumni.Earlier, Sri Vishwaprasanna Teertha Swamiji of Pejawar Adhokshaja Mutt delivered a spiritual discourse.

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