Shrine of our Math General Report 2012-13 with Special Focus on Swamiji's 150th Birth Anniversary Celebration

Swami Vivekananda (Standing third from left) photographed at Baranagar Math, Kolkata

Standing (Left to Right) : Swami Shivananda, Swami Ramakrishnananda, Swami Vivekananda, The Cook, Deven Majumdar, Mahendranath Gupta (Sri ‘M’), Swami Trigunatitananda, Mustafi. Sitting (Left to Right) : Swami Niranjanananda, Swami Saradananda, Hutko Gopal, Swami Abhedananda. It is our pleasure to present the commemorative issue of 7th Annual General Report to all our devotees and patrons on the auspicious occasion of 150th Birth Anniversary Celebration of Swami Vivekananda. Baranagar Math takes pride of place being the first Math of Ramakrishna Order. Sri Ramakrishna ended his earthly sojourn on 16th August, 1886. He initiated the Order during his last illness at Cossipore and taught Swamiji how to organize and conduct the work of monastic organization. Though the idea of Ramakrishna Order was originated at Cossipore, it was at Baranagar that the idea given reality. A nondescript dilapidated house at the eastern fringe of Calcutta was taken on rent where Swamiji and his brother disciples initiated Baranagar Math, the first monastery of Ramakrishna Sangha. The livelihood of Swami Vivekananda and other apostles of Sri Ramakrishna at Baranagar Math from 1886-1892 was reinforced with strong determination to realise the ideal of their Master. Renouncing the world in every sense, they chose the life of non-attachment following severe hardship, passing the days in austerity, meditation, chanting hymns, holding spiritual discussions and contemplating the texture of future religion that would emerge in India pivoted on the teachings of Advaita Vedanta. Swamiji dreamt of future course of action in the light of Sri Ramakrishna's teachings 'Sivagyane Jivaseva' and cast them in proper moulding. They pledged to dedicate their lives by embracing the mantra 'Atmano mokshartham Jagad hitaya cha' i.e. 'for one's own salvation and for the welfare of mankind'. In fact, Baranagar Math is considered as the 'Tapobhumi' of the greatest sannyasins the world has ever seen, and the Ramakrishna Order emerged as a living force from this site and received the impetus to spread its activities in all parts of the World through its 176 centres at present. People from all over India and abroad coming regularly to visit the 'Tapobhumi' of the great saints. Today, there is no trace of the old monastery building, full of so many hallowed memories. Two pillars at the main entrance still stand as mute witness to the history. The restoration process to acquire the full area of the old Bananagar Math is in process. It is indeed a matter of immense satisfaction that the 150th Birth Anniversary of Swamiji has been observed solemnly at this centre by way of propagating His message and ideals for service of humanity. On this auspicious occasion, His remarkable deeds have been reminisced through number of conventions, conferences, seminars, cultural and awareness programme for the youths. Once again our pledge for serving the oppressed humanity has been sustained in our own way through various welfare activities in education, health care, relief, pecuniary help and, empowerment of women for their uplift. At this momentous event of our national history, let us take the pledge that all our efforts to be aimed to help make His dream India come true. We sincerely express our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the devotees, well wishers, voluntary social organisations and our patrons who have come forward to help us generously in our endeavor. May the holy blessings of Sri Sri Ramakrishna Deva, Sri Sri Maa and Swamiji shower upon one and all! Yours in the service, With profound regards,

(Swami Vamanananda) Adhyaksha

2 (Women Empowerment Project)

women from ,

Distribution of Daily milk and bread to 270 beneficiaries. and medicines.

and students

Christmas Eve etc.

3 Holy Mother’s Tithi Puja Sodashi Puja

Durgashtami Puja A view of Saraswati Puja

Kali Puja Christmas Eve Celebration

4 Sw. Ritanandaji delivering lecture Audio Drama - “Kurukshetre Karna”

Celebration of Republic Day Distribution of Winter Garments

Pecuniary Help to the elderly infirm Allopathic Dispensary

5 Class in progress: GSVK-I Refreshment to students: GSVK-I

Refreshment to students: GSVK-II Class in progress: GSVK-II

Computer training class Training at Sarada Palli Vikas Kendra

Milk Distribution in progrees

GSVK - Gadadhar Sishu Vikas Kendra (Non-Formal Primary School from LKG-IV)

6 A few glimpses of 150th Birth Anniversary Celebration of Swami Vivekananda

Sarod Recital Release of book “Swamijir Aaloke Udbhasita Anuragibrinda”

Youth Conference Sw. Tattwasarananda on religious conference

Question-Answer Session Dance Drama - ‘Uttisthata Jagrata’

Drama- ‘Bile Hote Vivekananda’ Distribution of Prasadam

7 Students

Christmas Eve etc.

3 Chairman Swami Vamananandaji Maharaj

Vice-Chairman Swami Vagishanandaji Maharaj & Swami Aghoranandaji Maharaj

Manager Swami Snehamayanandaji Maharaj

Deputy Manager Swami Pareshatmanandaji Maharaj

Treasurer Swami Nityasatyananda Maharaj

Members Swami Ekavratananda Maharaj Swami Niyatatmananda Maharaj Swami Ritananda Maharaj Swami Bhadratmananda Maharaj

9 Chairman Sri Dipankar Chatterjee

Vice-Chairman Sri Samar Bose

Adhyaksha Swami Vamananandaji Maharaj

Members Swami Aghoranandaji Maharaj Swami Snehamayanandaji Maharaj Swami Nityasatyanandaji Maharaj Sri Abhijit Ghosh Sri Samir Ganguly Sri Tufan Ghosh Sri Harish Chopra Sri H.K. Guha Sri Kamal Ghosh Sri Mani Sankar Chakrabarti Sri S.K. Mustaphi Sri Amalendu Mukhopadhyay Sri Satyam Roy Chowdhury Sri H.P. Kanoria Sri Anup Gupta Sri Ashoke Chandra Basu

10 Swamiji reverentially remembered in 150th Birth Anniversary observed by Baranagar Math

Ramakrishna Math, Baranagar celebrated the 150th Birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda with solemnity and reverence during 02nd to 04th February and on 08th February, '13 at Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Baranagar and Girish Manch, Kolkata, barring the Birthday Tithi Puja and Religious Conference, which were, however, held at the Math premises itself. Rev. Swami Suhitanandaji Maharaj, General Secretary, Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Swami Suhitananadaji delivers his address Mission, inaugurated the programme on in the inaugural ceremony 02nd February', '13 at 10 AM. In his welcome address, Swami Vamanananda, Adhyakshya, Baranagar Math, heartily welcomed Rev. Swami Suhitanandaji Maharaj, General Secretary, Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, Belur Math, who was kind enough to inaugurate the 150th Birth Anniversary Programme of Swami Vivekananda, and an exhibition of paintings on 'Swamiji and his association with Baranagar Math'. He also thanked Maharaj for releasing a book titled 'Swamijir Aaloke Udbhasito Anuragibrinda' and a DVD in bilingual (Bengali and English) version 'Tomar Charan Pathe' on Swamiji and his association with Baranagar Math'. He said that Swamiji's 150th Birth Swami Suhitanandaji offers floral tribute to Anniversary being observed throughout Swamiji while Swami Vamanananda and our country and other countries of the other monks look on. world. 'The main focus of the programmes is to inculcate Swamiji's vision and teachings for re-emergence of our society in a new form by uplifting the downtrodden people and to enable them to join the mainstream of life', he said. While delivering the inaugural address, Rev. Swami Suhitananadaji Maharaj, recalled that Swamiji and his brother-disciples had lived at Baranagar Math for some years. A number of residents of this area had

11 had the rare opportunity to see the great men walking along the streets. Incidentally, he lauded the great efforts made by Swami Vamanananda in organising an impressive youth conference attended by the students of most of the local schools and their guardians. Tracing the reason behind the mass upsurge against partition of Bengal, Swami Suhitanandaji observed that the youth of Bengal, inspired by Swamiji's message and teachings had come out en masse to dedicate their lives and joined the movement. He, however, rued that our people seem to have Students are glued to the forgotten their awesome sacrifice for the discussions in Youth Convention motherland. He said that after achieving independence, some people thought that Swamiji had ceased to have relevance in the post-independence era. In spite of post independence development, there remains a yawning gap between the rich and poor. Swamiji's call for social and economic emancipation of the poor people has once again made him relevant to the period. The General Secretary Maharaj quoted Dr. Manmohon Singh as saying 'Swamiji's Chicago address was a turning point in the history of India'. By his electrifying address, the nation was awakened from a long stupor. Swamiji galvanised the people and infused in them a sense of dignity and prestige. According to Rabindranath, he gave emphasis on purity of soul which is the mainstay of our life. Moreover, Swamiji unified the nation by his love and compassion for the poor and common people of the country. Dr. Singh also said, 'Swamiji is the tallest figure in this age', because many great men of our country have unequivocally proclaimed to have drawn inspiration from him. But Swamiji stressed more on the power of thought as a whole rather than applying thought in a particular field. Referring to a recent meeting in Delhi, he recalled while evaluating Swamiji's contribution, Smt. Sonia Gandhi observed that it was he who had touched each and every point of human life. Students of Vivekananda Coaching Centre join in a chorus song

12 The inaugural session was followed by a youth conference attended by a large number of boy and girl students of the local schools. In his inimitable way, Swami Janalokanandaji Maharaj, Adhyaksha, Baranagar Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, reminded the students to inculcate in them some good thoughts aimed at building good character and manners as advised by Swamiji. His superb pedagogic style of presentation evoked uproarious response from the audience. The session witnessed all out participation of the students in the discussion which turned it lively. The question-answer session was deftly handled by Swami Pareshatmanandaji Maharaj and Swami Nityasatyanandaji Maharaj. It was marked by inquisitive questions raised by the students of different facets of life, education, social responsibility etc. In the evening session, Shri Chandidas Mal, a leading vocalist of repute rendered a number of songs on Swamiji. Earlier, he was honoured with a shawl for his lift-time achievement in music. Another illustrious singer, Shri Anal Chattopadhyay also sang a few devotional songs. A captivating shrutinatak (audio play) 'Swamiji Avatar' was enacted by Kalikirtan Samity, Andul, Howrah. Devotees listen to the deliberation of Bhakta Sammelan with rapt attention 03rd February, 2013 On this holy Janmathithi day of Swamiji, special puja and havan was performed at the holy temple of Baranagar Math. The noted sarod maestro Shri Pushpen De gave a delightful performance which lent the ambience a spiritual mood befitting the occasion. About 5000 devotees were entertained with prasadam at noon. In the evening function, Swami Tattaswaranandaji Maharaj, Principal, B. T. College, Belur Math, delivered his address on Swami Vivekananda. He wondered at the tremendous enthusiasm generated in observing 150th Birth Anniversary of a great saint throughout India and abroad. He said Swamiji visualised that India would undergo a great change. He had prophesied that a wave of change would lash on Russia, then China and finally in India which ultimately became a reality. Again in 1897, he had told Lala Lajpat Rai to have visualised a new India which would grow to such an unthinkable height that its old glories, excellence and prosperity would pale into obscurity.

13 04th February, 2013 The Devotees' Conference (Bhakta Sammelan) was organised on 04th February, 2013 at Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Baranagar, which witnessed an impressive gathering of devotees and admirers of Ramakrishna and Vivekananda. After the inaugural song sung by Shri Chandan Mazumdar, Swami Vamanananda, Adhyaksha, Baranagar Math, delivered the welcome address. He said that Swamiji's 150th Birth Anniversary was being celebrated throughout the world. The UNESCO had taken up a plan to observe the event through year- long programmes all over the world with due solemnity and reverence. He recalled that a 33000-strong youth conference had recently been held in Bangalore smoothly from 9.00 AM to 9.00 PM. The Adhyaksha Maharaj affirmed that Swamiji was as relevant in his own time as he is now and will be equally relevant in the coming centuries. In his lecture, Swami Viswanathanandaji Maharaj, Adhyaksha, Ramakrishna Math, Kamarpukur, said that Shri Ramakrishna chose Narendra as interpreter of his philosophy and doctrine because in him he found intellectual brilliance and gift of the gab. In his address, Swami Purnatmanandaji Maharaj, Secretary, Swamiji's Ancestral House & Cultural Centre, explored Swamiji as an ardent devotee. He said that Swamiji's photograph deeply absorbed in meditation gives us the impression of him being a great yogi. His messages delivered in the West and his lectures from Colombo to Almora reveal him as a great Jnanjogi. Although we find him as a great organiser who founded the Ramakrishna Mission, a world-wide vast organisation dedicated to the service of the humanity, Swami had another veiled identity, i.e. he was an ardent devotee. Swamiji explained that devotion is intense love for God. But in his case, the element of love is not often conspicuous because of his towering personality. But he was love personified. 08 February, 2013. 'Yuganayak Vivekananda', an audio drama was performed by the noted dramatic personalities Shri Jagannath Basu, Urmimala Basu and associates at the Girish Manch Auditorium, Kolkata. It was a unique presentation on the life of Swamiji which enthralled the audience. Then 'Bile Hote Vivekananda', a dance drama was staged by 'Beleghata Sankalpa' at the same venue, under direction of Smt. Sukla Koley. The drama also won the hearts of the audience.

14 Appeal for pecuniary help (Pension Payment) to the old and crippled

Ramakrishna Math, Baranagar has taken up Community Development Programme to extend various support services for the weaker sections of the society. There are many old and crippled people who need essential help to live with respect and dignity. Unwanted in the family, these unfortunate people are passing their days in a very pitiable condition. Apart from various assistances now being given from this centre like tiffin (milk and bread every morning), medical help, clothes, woolen wrappers and blankets, some financial support is also provided for their sustenance.

Although Rs. 1,66,900.00 has been spent in the year 2012-2013 as pecuniary help under this project, it is quite insufficient as more and more poor people are coming for such assistance.

Keeping in view the above state of affairs, we request all devotees, generous donors, business houses, charitable trusts to come forward with a helping hand for saving the wretched and helpless people by contributing according to their capacity. At present, each beneficiary is receiving cash assistance @ Rs. 500.00 per month i.e. Rs. 6,000.00 per year.

All donations are exempted from Income Tax under section 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961. Cheques / Drafts may kindly be drawn in favour of "Ramakrishna Math, Baranagar" and sent to our address. For online transfer of money (RTGS / NEFT) kindly see Page No. 31.

This is the gist of all worship - to be pure and to do good to others. He who sees Shiva in the poor, in the weak, and in the diseased, really worships Shiva; and if he sees Shiva only in the image, his worship is but preliminary. He who has served and helped one poor man seeing Shiva in him, without thinking of his caste, or creed, or race, or anything, with him Shiva is more pleased than with the man who sees Him only in temples.

Swami Vivekananda

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10. Empowerment of Women Vocational Training to the slum-living-poor-women in tailoring, handicrafts, needle work, embroidery, wool knitting, fashion making, fabric work etc. Form No. 10 for their economic and social development.

11. Restoration / Rebuilding of Baranagar Math Form No. 8A

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