Ramakrishna Mission inaugurates Vivekananda Centre for Human Excellence in Vijayawada

Vijayawada: In a significant step towards youth empowerment and character building, the Ramakrishna Mission officially inaugurated the Vivekananda Centre for Human Excellence (VCHE) in Vijayawada on Sunday.Former vice president of India, M Venkaiah Naidu, who attended as the chief guest, along with Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission president Gautamanandaji Maharaj, inaugurated the centre, constructed for Rs 8.5 crore in Gandhinagar, Vijayawada.Addressing the gathering at Tummalapalli Kalakshetram, Venkaiah Naidu described the mission as a "university of values" and a powerhouse for nation-building, and emphasised that VHEC is more than just a physical structure."This is not merely a building; it is a sanctuary for character and a lighthouse of knowledge for the youth," he said. He also inaugurated the newly established bookstall on the first floor, calling it a privilege to be part of an initiative that spreads the wisdom of Swami Vivekananda.Recalling his 40-year association with the Ramakrishna Mission, Gautamanandaji Maharaj stressed the necessity of value-based education, saying, "Education without culture is prevalent today, but we need learning that empowers individuals to stand against injustice." He noted that Swami Vivekananda lived out the message of his Guru, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, by sacrificing personal comforts to serve humanity.Vijayawada Ramakrishna Secretary Swami Vinishchalananda announced that the centre would begin offering Civil Services coaching and specialised training programmes starting this June. He expressed gratitude to the donors whose contributions made the project a reality, noting that their names were inscribed on plaques to inspire future generations.