Ramakrishna Mission Reports: General Report

THE GENERAL REPORT

Ramakrishna Math

Ramakrishna Mission

For April, 1973 — March, 1974

The national ideals of India are Renunciation and Service. Intensify her in those channels, and the rest will take care of itself.

—Swami Vivekananda

INTRODUCTION

History

Shortly after the passing away of Sri Ramakrishna, the prophet of the harmony of all religions, in August, 1886, a monastic Order bearing his name was organized with a monastery (Math) at Baranagore, a northern suburb of Calcutta, by his Sannyasin disciples headed by Swami Vivekananda. It gradually set up a twofold ideal before it: To create a band of Sannyasin teachers of Vedanta; and, in conjunction with the lay disciples to carry on missionary and philanthropic work, looking upon all, irrespective of caste, creed or colour, as veritable" manifestations of the Divine. For some time the latter work was carried on through an association called the Ramakrishna Mission Association, started by Swami Vivekananda in May, 1897, shortly after his return from the West. In 1899 he transferred the Math, which had changed places by now, to its present site at Belur, across the Hooghly (Ganga), about six km. north of Calcutta, where it set itself more vigorously to the task of training a band of monks inspired with the twin ideals of Self-realisation and service to the world. Soon after this, the Math authorities took upon themselves the work of the Mission Association.

Though the Ramakrishna Math was registered as a Trust in 1901, for the efficiency of the work of the Mission Association

and for giving it a legal status, a society named the Rama-krishna Mission was registered in 1909 under Act XXI of 1860 (see Appendices A and B). Its management vested in a Governing Body. Both the Math and the Mission gradually extended their spheres of activity as a result of which a number of branches in different parts of the country and abroad came into existance.

The Ramakrislma Math and the Ramakrishna Mission

Though the Ramakrishna Mission and the Ramakrishna Math, with their respective branches, are distinct legal entities, they are closely related, inasmuch as the Governing Body of the Mission is made up of the Trustees of the Math; the administrative work of the Mission is mostly in the hands of the monks of the Ramakrishna Math; and both have their Headquarters at the Belur Math. The Math organization is constituted under a Trust with well-defined rules of procedure. The Mission is a registered society. Though both the organizations take up charitable and philanthropic activities, the former lays emphasis on religion and preaching, while the latter is wedded mainly to welfare service of various kinds. This distinction should be borne in mind, though the 'Ramakrishna Mission' is loosely associated by people with Math activities also. It is necessary, moreover, to point out that the appropriation of the name of Sri Ramakrishna or Swami Vivekananda by any institution does not necessarily imply that it is affiliated either to Ramakrishna Math or to Ramakrishna Mission.

The Math and the Mission own separate funds and keep separate accounts of them. Though both the Math and the Mission receive grants from the Central and State Governments and public bodies for their social activities, the other activities of the Math are financed from offerings, publications, etc., and the Mission is supported by fees from students, public donations, etc. Both the Math and the Mission funds are annually audited by qualified auditors.

Summary of Activities

The year 1973-74 was more or less peaceful for our activities in India and abroad though sometimes we had to face difficulties on different scores. The rising prices and non-availability of

drugs, food-stuff and other essential commodities created financial stringency and thereby caused strain for the management in almost all our institutions.

During the year under review the three-storied hostel building of the Divyayan at Morabadi, Ranchi, was completed and declared open. At Kishenpur, a Mission Centre with a charitable dispensary was started by the side of the existing Ashrama in deference to the provision of the Will of late Samsher Singh.

The effort to purchase a portion of Swamiji's ancestral home is still continuing; but as this entails prolonged litigation, the Mission has approached the West Bengal Government for the compulsory acquisition of a few plots, including the one where Swamiji was born.

Centres

Excluding the Headquarters at Belur, there were in March, 1974, 119 branch centres in all, of which 54 were Mission centres, 21 combined Math and Mission centres, and 44 Math centres. These were regionally distributed as follows : two Mission centres, five combined Math and Mission centres and three Math centres in Bangladesh ; one Mission centre each in Burma, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Fiji, Mauritius and France ; one Math centre each in Switzerland, England and Argentina ; 12 Math centres in the United States of America ; and the remaining 46 Mission centres, 16 combined Math and Mission centres and 26 Math centres (88 in all) in India. The Indian Centres were distributed as follows: 29 in West Bengal, 11 in Uttar Pradesh, 12 in Tamil Nadu, seven in Bihar, five in Kerala, four in Karnataka, three each in Orissa, Andhra and Assam, two each in Maharashtra, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh, and one each in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh and Chandigarh. Moreover, attached to the branch centres there were over twenty sub-centres where monastic workers resided more or less permanently.

Types of Work

Medical Service : The Math and Mission institutions under this head served the public in general, irrespective of creed, colour or nationality. Typical of these are the indoor

hospitals in Calcutta, Varanasi, Vrindaban, Kankhal, Trivan-drum and Ranchi. In 1973-74 there were altogether 13 Indoor Hospitals with 1,614 beds which accommodated 40,882 patients and 63 Outdoor Dispensaries which treated 36,15,528 cases including the old ones. Besides, some centres had provision for emergency or observation indoor wards attached to their dispensaries. The Veterinary section of the Shyamala Tal Sevashrama treated 230 cases. The Sanatorium at Ranchi and the Clinic at New Delhi treated T.B. cases alone, while large sections of Seva Pratishthan, Calcutta, and the hospital at Trivandrum were devoted to maternity and child-welfare work. At Trivandrum there was also a department of Psychiatry.

Educational Work : The twin organizations ran, during the period, five Degree Colleges of general education at Madras, Rahara (24 Parganas), Belur (Howrah), Coimbatore, and Narendrapur (24 Parganas) with 4,464 students on their rolls. The last three were residential. In addition, there were two B.Ed. Colleges at Belur and Coimbatore with 330 students, one Basic Training School at Coimbatore with 75 students, one Post-graduate Basic Training College at Rahara with 84 students, four Junior Basic Training Institutes at Rahara, Sarisha, Sargachhi with 296 students, a College for Physical Education, another for Rural Higher Education, an Institute of Commerce and a School of Agriculture with 119, 78, 12 and 162 students respectively at Coimbatore, four Engineering Schools at Belur, Belgharia, Madras and Coimbatore with 1,400 students, 8 Junior Technical and Industrial Schools with 592 boys and 14 girls, 82 Students' Homes or Hostels, including some orphanages with 8,663 boys and 490 girls, 13 Multipurpose Higher Secondary Schools with 6,596 boys and 595 girls, 26 High, Secondary and Higher Secondary Schools with 12,505 boys and 8,108 girls. 26 Senior Basic and M.E. Schools with 2,310 boys and 2,086 girls, 83 Junior Basic, U.P., and Elementary Schools with 11,768 boys and 6,913 girls, and 90 L.P. and other grades of Schools with 4,755 boys and 1,048 girls. The Seva Pratishthan, Calcutta, and the Math Hospital at Trivandrum trained nurses and midwives, the number of trainees being 233. The Institute of Culture in Calcutta conducted a School of Humanistic and Intercultural Studies and a School of Languages for

teaching different Indian and foreign languages with 156 and 2,832 students respectively. The Ashrama at Narendrapur conducted a Blind Boys' Academy, an Institute of Commerce and a Village-Level Workers' Training Centre with 107, 46 and 284 students respectively. The Centres in Raipur and Ranchi (Morabadi) ran a Tanchayat Raj Training Centre' and a training centre in farming (Divyayan) respectively with 1,690 and 183 students. The centre at Rahara conducted a Rural Librarianship Training Centre (residential) with 23 students. Thus there were altogether 57,718 boys and 21,667 girls in all the educational institutions run by the Math and the Mission in India, Sri Lanka, Singapore and Fiji.

Recreational activities : Some of the Math and Mission centres have been providing scope for recreational, cultural and spiritual activities to youngsters at stated periods outside their school hours. The Vivekananda Balaka Sangha of the Bangalore Ashrama has a fine building of its own. At the Mysore Ashrama also a number of boys take advantage of the various kinds of facilities provided for them, and the youth section of the Janashiksha Mandir, Belur, is engaged in similar activities.

Work for Women : The organization has ever been conscious of its duties to the women of India. Typical of the work done for them are the Maternity Sections of the Seva Pratishthan, Calcutta and the Hospital at Trivandrum; the Domiciliary and Maternity Clinics at Jalpaiguri and Khetri ; the women's sections of the Hospitals at Varanasi and Vrinda-ban ; the attached Invalid Women's Home at Varanasi; the Sarada Vidyalaya at Madras ; the Girls' High Schools at Jamshed-pur; the Sarada Mandir at Sarisha (24 Pargs.) and the two Training Schools for nurses in Trivandrum and Calcutta. Moreover, there are special arrangements for women in other hospitals, dispensaries and schools; and some institutions are conducted especially for them. The Madras Math also conducts a High School and a Primary School for girls.

Rural Uplift and Work among the Labouring and Backward Classes : The twin organizations have all along tried their best to serve the unfortunate countrymen who have fallen back culturally or otherwise. In addition to the more prominent village Ashramas like those at Cherrapunji, Sarisha, Ram-

haripur, Manasadwip, Jayrambati, Kamarpukur, Sargachhi, Along, Narottam Nagar (Arunachal Pradesh), Coimbatore, Kalady, Trichur and Nattarampalli, a number of rural sub-centres—both permanent and semi-permanent—are run under the branch centres at Belur, Rahara, Sarisha, Tiruvalla, Kankur-gachhi (Calcutta), Malda, Ranchi, Narendrapur and Cherra-punji. Of these, special mention may be made of the numerous village sub-centres started for educating the hill tribes in Megha-laya and a farming centre at Ranchi, specially meant for Adi-vasis and Scheduled Castes. Welfare work of various kinds was done among the Kukis and Mizos by the Silchar Ashrama. Our educational and cultural activities in the Arunachal region are also proving very useful and popular. During the year. the organization ran in the rural and backward areas eight Multipurpose Higher Secondary Schools, four High Schools, 44 Senior Basic, M.E. and U.P. Schools, 46 Primary Schools, 59 night Schools for adults, six Vocational Training Centres and a Rural Librarianship Training Centre—with a total of 16,738 students. The organization also conducted 17 Outdoor Dispensaries with a total of 2,38,875 patients, besides running six Mobile Dispensaries and 117 Milk-distribution centres—all located in the rural and backward areas. In addition to such varied activities, preaching and educative tours with magic lanterns, movie-films and such other means were also undertaken frequently. For the labouring classes in the industrial areas, the Mission conducted several night schools, community centres, etc.

Mass Contact : From the foregoing account it will be evident that the organization's activities are not concentrated in urban areas alone ; they are spread over other fields as well. The message of Ramakrishna-Vivekananda is steadily spreading in all parts of India, which is evident from the participation of innumerable people during the annual celebrations. The Ashramas and temples also draw thousands of people throughout the year. Over and above these, there are a number of medical institutions where millions get free medicines, and thousands are treated in the indoor departments. In the educational institutions also, a considerable number of poor students get free education, board, or lodging. The organization is also running a good number of free libraries in the rural areas. The publication

centres sometimes sell booklets at nominal price, to suit the pocket of the masses.

Spiritual and Cultural Work : Both the Math and the Mission centres laid emphasis on the dissemination of the spiritual and cultural ideals of India, and through various types of activity tried to give a practical shape to the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna that all religions are true. The centres established real points of contact between people of different faiths through public celebrations, meetings, classes, publications, etc. They also conducted Libraries and Reading Rooms. One Sanskrit Chatushpathi, too, was run. At least ten centres published books on religious subjects and 12 journals in different languages. The Math centres at Mayavati, Baghbazar (Calcutta), Madras, Nagpur, Mysore, Rajkot, Trichur and Bhubaneswar, in particular, have to their credit a considerable number of useful publications. Some of our foreign centres too are publishing valuable books. Special mention should be made of the Institute of Culture, Calcutta, which has been trying to bring together eminent men and women of India and other lands in cultural fellowship. It may not be out of place to tell here of the continuous preaching of Vedanta through classes and lectures for quite a few years now, being carried on by Swami Nihsreyasananda in South Africa (Rhodesia) and East Africa, with Salisbury (35, Rhodes Avenue) as his centre.

Relief and Rehabilitation Work : As usual the Missionundertook relief and rehabilitation work either directly through
the Headquarters or in conjunction with some branch centres.
Some works were also conducted by the branch centres themselves.

The Bangladesh Relief and Rehabilitation was carried on through the branch centres at Dacca, Narayanganj, Bagerhat, Dinajpur, Barisal, Faridpur and Sylhet.

The following relief works were conducted in India :

Flood Relief : (a) in Midnapur district by Contai and Rahara centres, (b) in Tripura by Saradapitha, (c) at Puri by Puri Mission, (d) in Gujarat by Rajkot Ashrama; Drought Relief : in Maharashtra by Bombay Ashrama and in Karnataka

by Bangalore Ashrama; Scarcity Relief : in Gujaiat by Rajkot Ashrama; and Mobile Medical Relief : in Maharashtra by Bombay Ashrama.

Annual Celebrations : Most of the Math and Mission centres ceremonially observe the days sanctified by the advent of great saints and prophets. The general features of the celebrations of the birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna, Sri Sarada Devi (the Holy Mother) and Swami Vivekananda are : Special worship, Homa (making offerings in the sacred fire), chanting of scriptural texts, Bhajan and Sankirtan (often in chorus), distribution of Prasad (sacramental food) to the devotees, feeding of the poor in large numbers, and lectures by eminent speakers, including the Swamis of the Order. Thus the message of Sri Ramakrishna and his direct associates is steadily spreading, and many young and ardent souls are coming into closer touch with the ideals of the Math and the Mission. In co-operation with the local public, some centres celebrate the more popular Hindu festivals, accounts for these being maintained separately.

The Plan of the Report

The activities of the Math and the Mission have been described in this Report in five Sections. Section I deals with the Math and the Mission Headquarters, Section II : with Mission centres only, classified into (A) Institutions mainly medical, (B) Institutions mainly cultural and educational, and (C) Institutions of general services, Section III : with combined Math and Mission centres, Section IV : with Math centres in India, and Section V : with centres outside India. We shall take them up in order. The descriptions given in this Report are very short, since most of the centres publish Reports of their own, to which reference may be made for details.

SECTION I

THE MATH & THE MISSION HEADQUARTERS Ramakrishna Math, Belur (Howrah)

It was the aim of Swami Vivekananda to found an institution where thousands of young men would be provided with the means of attaining their own liberation and of preparing themselves for the service of humanity. The chief Math centre started for this purpose has long been situated at Belur (Phone : 66-3619), on the western bank of the Ganga, six kilometres north of Howrah Railway Station. Associated with the holy lives of Swami Vivekananda and his worthy brother-disciples, Ramakrishna Math, Belur, or the Belur Math as popularly called, with its spacious grounds and serene atmosphere, is a place of pilgrimage for many sincere seekers of Truth.

The course of spiritual life in the Math went on without break, and a number of selected young men, both Indian and foreign, were initiated into Brahmacharya and Sannyasa. In the attached Training Centre for the Brahmacharins of the Order, there were regular classes on philosophy and religion under qualified monastic teachers. With the gradual increase in the number of trainees, the need of more accommodation is being keenly felt. The Sannyasins of the Math conducted regular religious classes for the public at and around the Headquarters, and undertook many successful lecture tours. The Math has a decent Library containing 14,706 books. An attractive feature of the Math is the magnificent stone temple of Sri Ramakrishna with its spacious Natmandir (prayer hall), beautiful domes, etc., built in 1938. It is the most remarkable temple of its kind in eastern India. There are also small temples and shrines in memory of the Holy Mother (Sri Sarada Devi) and Swamis Vivekananda, Brahmananda and Shivananda. The room where Swami Vivekananda lived and attained Maha-samadhi is also preserved.

The need of further increasing the accommodation in the Guest House for the devotees and admirers, who want to pass a few days with their families near the precincts of the Math, is

felt much. So far the ground floor only could be constructed. The estimated cost of the rest of the building is Rs. 1,00,000 /-which, it is hoped, will be forthcoming.

Ramakrishna Mission Headquarters

The Headquarters of the Mission as also of the Math (P.O. Belur Math, Dt. Howrah, West Bengal, PIN 711-202; Phone : 66-2391 ; Telegraphic address : Ramakrishna Mission, Belur Math, Howrah), located at the Belur Math, regulates the activities of all the different Math and Mission branches. In addition to this work of administration, the Mission conducted the following activities :

1. ramakrishna mission charitable dispensary, belur

This Outdoor Dispensary with free Allopathy and Homoeopathy departments was founded in 1913, and had its own building in 1938. Besides medical relief, it supplied occasionally diet, clothes and blankets to the needy. During the year it treated 1,96,968 cases. The big increase in the number of patients in recent years proves the popularity of the institution and underlines the urgent need for more space and better medical facilities. A scheme of development at an estimated cost of Rs. 4,00,000/- has, therefore, been taken in hand. We hope this money as well as funds for meeting the recurring expenses will come forth from the generous public.

2. help to the poor

The Mission Headquarters helped 71 families and 396 students, including Sindh refugees regularly, and 112 families and 288 students temporarily besides distributing 154 garments, 5 warm wrappers, 60 blankets, 152 dhotis and saris with a total outlay of Rs. 54,319/-.

3. relief and rehabilitation

The Mission and the Math undertook three major relief operations, serving thousands of distressed people, affected by calamities like political unrest in East Bengal and flood and

drought in several parts of India. In all Rs. 12,54,681/-was spent excluding the value of gifts, which was over Rs. 34,18,000/-.

The relief operations are detailed below :

(1) Relief Work in Bangladesh : The relief and rehabilitationactivities started in Bangladesh in February, 1972 continuedduring the year the nature of work being construction of houses,
sinking of tube-wells, distribution of clothings and foodstuff,medical assistance, etc. The work was carried on through theMath and the Mission centres at Dacca, Narayanganj, Bagerhat,Dinajpur, Barisal, Faridpur and Sylhet. In all, approximately3,09,429 persons of 77,922 families received relief of variouskinds with a total outlay of Rs. 7,64,326/-.

Besides, the following articles, valued at approximately Rs. 34,18,000/-, were distributed among the needy people : Milk Powder 25,525 Ibs., Baby Food 81,104 Ibs., Biscuit 174 kg., Jelly 122 Ibs., Vegetables 500 packets, Blanket 31,690 pcs., Dhoti 4,832 pcs., Sari 43,968 pcs., Lungi 4,928 pcs., Sweater 29,892 pcs., Children's Garments 290 pcs., Genji 403 pcs., Shirting 95.25 yards, Shirt 2,214 pcs., Napkin 171 pcs., Mosquito Net 1,053 pcs., Old Clothings 28,831 pcs., Utensil 1,043 pcs., Soap 3,167 pcs., Rain Coat 10 pcs., Tarpaulin 7 rolls, Books 966 pcs., Pen 124 pcs., Slate 849 pcs., Exercise Books 60 pcs., Scale 345 pcs., Pencil 178 pcs., Plough 80 pcs., Lantern 11 pcs., C.I. Sheet 674 pcs., and Ground Sheet 63 pcs. As also 37 tube-wells were sunk, 133 houses were constructed and 1,37,290 patients were treated through the centres mentioned above.

(2) Flood, drought and other reliefs in India : Flood Reliefwas conducted in Gujarat by Rajkot Ashrama, in West Bengalby Contai and Rahara Ashrama jointly, in Tripura by Sarada-
pitha, and in Puri by Puri Mission centre. The Drought Relief was conducted in Maharashtra by Bombay Ashrama, inKarnataka by Bangalore Ashrama, and in Gujarat by RajkotAshrama. The Mobile Medical Relief was conducted for Adi-vasis by Bombay Ashrama. The total expenditure of thesereliefs was Rs. 4,90,355/- benefiting about 99,687 recipients of23,910 families. Besides, Rice 87,340 kg., Wheat 20 kg., Jowar
795 kg., Chira 3,284 kg., Mollasses 784 kg., Salt 1,310 kg., Milk

Powder 3,328 Ibs., Baby Food 62 kg., Fruits 135 pcs., Biscuit 950 kg., Blanket 4,408 pcs., Sari 3,211 pcs., Dhoti 1,692 pcs., Children's Garments 5,262 pcs., Napkin 676 pcs., Utensil 5,810 pcs., Lantern 296 pcs., Kerosene Oil 54 litres, Text Books 305 pcs., Slate & Pencil 296 pcs. each, Black Board with Duster and Chalk 6 sets, Bleaching Powder 93 kg., Phenyl 16 litres and Old Clothings 1,042 pcs. were distributed, and about 10,381 patients were treated. 1,500 and 1,150 persons were fed daily by Rajkot Ashrama and Bangalore Ashrama respectively.

SECTION II

MISSION CENTRES

A. INSTITUTIONS MAINLY MEDICAL

Ramakrishna Mission Seva Pratishthan Calcutta

This institution, formerly known as Shishumangal Pratish-than (99 Sarat Bose Road, Calcutta 26, PIN 700-026 ; Phone : 47-3636, five lines; Telegraphic address : SISUMANGAL), was started on a modest scale in 1932 for maternity and child welfare. It gradually grew up into a first grade maternity hospital with a School of Nursing for Junior and Senior Midwifery courses. In 1956-57 it was converted into a General Hospital. The hospital, with its Medical, Surgical, Paediatric, Oncology, Radio-therapy, Radiology, Urology, Gynaecology, Obstetric, Eye, E.N.T., Orthopaedic, Dental, Skin and Family Planning departments, had 475 beds. With highly qualified and competent staff, it had four well-equipped laboratories, a blood bank, eight modern air-conditioned Operation Theatres, five X-ray units one deep X-ray unit, a Coronary Care unit having two monitors, a Heart Care unit, a Physiotherapy unit and an all-electric laundry plant.

Housed in its own multistoreyed buildings on 1.6 acres of land, the hospital has also a Nurses' Hostel and three other staff quarters, accommodating nearly 400 inmates. The Pratish-than has in addition a Training School for both Auxiliary and General Nursing-cum-Midwifery (roll strength : 203). 39 Auxiliary Nurse-Midwives and 29 General Nurse-Midwives passed their final examinations during the year, and were readily absorbed in different outside institutions.

Its activities were : Indoor Department—Admissions 15,311, confinements 6,248, major operations 1,434, minor operations 2,858. Outdoor Department—Total cases 1,67,183, new cases 80,586. All the outdoor cases and nearly 63% of the indoor ones were free.

In the year under review one resident doctor did his M.S. in General Surgery.

The construction of the sixth floor of the Nurses' Hostel building was nearing completion.

Ramakrishna Mission Tuberculosis Sanatorium Ranchi

The Sanatorium (P.O. Ramakrishna Sanatorium, PIN 835-221 ; Phones : 8148 and 8149; Telegraphic address : RECOVERY) is situated on a picturesque plot of land of a vast area, at an altitude of 2,100 ft., 14 km. from the Ranchi Railway Station and six kilometres from Hatia Railway Station. Opened in 1951 with 32 beds, it has 280 beds now.

Advanced Chest Surgery, an air-conditioned Operation Theatre and a Recovery Room, four X-ray plants (including one of 500 m.a. with tomograph attachment), a well-equipped Laboratory, a Laundry Plant, a Recreation Hall with a permanent stage and auditorium, projector for showing films, a Dairy, Agricultural Farms for the Sanatorium, an After-care Colony with a Rehabilitation Centre having a Tailoring Department are some of the prominent features of the institution.

Of the 809 patients (old 274, new 535) treated in the Sanatorium, 542 were discharged. 80 cases were treated free of all charges and 15 at concessional rate, while 3,402 patients were given medical advice and assistance in the Out-patients Department. The After-care Colony had 26 ex-patients who were either given training in the Rehabilitation Centre or employed in the various departments of the Sanatorium.

The free Outdoor Homoeopathic Dispensary treated 12,058 cases (new 5,163).

There is one U.P. School in the Mission compound with 205 pupils.

Ramakrishna Mission Home of Service Varanasi

Started in 1900, this Home has been occupying since 1910 its own premises on the Ramakrishna Road at Luxa (Varanasi 1, PIN 221-001 ; Phones : 62604 and 64786). An Outdoor Dispensary has been working since 1931 at Shivala in the city.

The activities of the Home were (1) Indoor General Hospital with an Operation Theatre-cum-Surgical Block : Beds 186 ; admissions 2,960 ; surgical cases (including eye operations) 2,603 (about 50% of the Indoor cases were treated free); (2) Outdoor Dispensary with Homoeopathy, eye, E.N.T., Dental, X-ray, Electrotherapy, Cardiology and a pathological and clinical Laboratory (including Shivala) : Total cases 2,22,720, new cases 63,267, Laboratory, X-ray and E.C.G. cases 15,987, 1606 and 97 respectively; (3) Two Invalids’ Homes for men and women─Inmates : 23 men and 27 women; (4) Outdoor help to invalids, poor middle class women and poor students : Rs. 1,754/-, (5) Distribution of blankets worth Rs. 512/- among the poor.

Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrania, Kankhal (Saharanpur)

Founded in 1901, the activities of the Sevashrama (PIN 249-408 ; Phone : Hardwar 141) were (1) An Indoor Hospital : beds 52, admissions 1,472, surgical cases 605 ; (2) Outdoor Dispensary : total cases 90,541, new cases 21,500, surgical cases 3,010 ; laboratory tests 22,994, X-ray cases 4,492, Electro-therapy 179 and E.C.G. 105 ; (3) Blood Bank ; (4) Mobole Dispensary : total cases 62,763, new cases 33,459 ; (5) Observance of the birthdays of saints and prophets.

Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama Lucknow

This Sevashrama, started in 1914 and located since 1924 at Aminabad, was completely shifted in January, 1967 to Viveka-nanda Puram at Chandganj, Lucknow 7 (PIN 226-007 ; Phone : 81694). The newly constructed magnificent Vivekananda Poly-clinic (Phone : 81233 and 81277) conducted works through its multifarious Sections. The Indoor Department which started functioning from July, 1972, treated 2,008 patients. The other activities were (1) Outdoor Dispensary : total cases 10,37,105 (new 39,491), surgical 31,773, Dental 8,506, X-ray 18,334, Pathology 96,741, Ophthalmic 9,176, Gynaecology 17,176, and Physiotherapy 2,611 ; (2) A Library and Reading Room : books 11,445, newspapers and periodicals 111 ; (3) Occasional reli-

gious classes and lectures ; (4) Birthday anniversaries of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother and Swami Vivekananda ; (5) Fortnightly Ramnam and Shyamnam Kirtans.

Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Jalpaiguri

Founded in 1923, the activities of the Ashrama (PIN 735-101 ; Phone : 344) were (1) An Outdoor Allopathic-cum-Homoeopathic Dispensary : total cases 16,605 (new 5,523); (2) A Domiciliary Maternity and Child Welfare Clinic : expectant mothers treated 514, home visits 2,390, clinic attendance 1,581 ; (3) A Students' Home : inmates 20 ; (4) A Library and free Reading room : books 2,557, newspapers and periodicals 21 ; (5) Regular religious classes in and outside the Ashrama; (6) Birthday celebrations of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother and Swami Vivekananda; (7) Durga Puja, Kali Puja, etc.

Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Salem

The Ashrama situated on the Ramakrishna Road, Siva-swamipuram Extension, Salem 7 (PIN 636-007 ; Phone : 5377) was affiliated in 1941. It conducted (1) A Charitable Dispensary : total cases 54,937 (new 22,825); (2) An Operation Theatre—minor operations 514 and major operations 4 ; (3) An Observation Ward with six beds; (4) A Library : books 1,800, periodicals 15; (5) Daily worship, weekly religious classes, fortnightly Ramnam Kirtan, and Bhajan on Wednesday and Saturday; (6) Celebrations of the birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother, Swami Vivekananda and others, and other religious festivals; (7) Distribution of fresh milk to the poor and undernourished children.

B. INSTITUTIONS MAINLY CULTURAL AND EDUCATIONAL

Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture Calcutta

This Institute, established in 1938 and housed later in its own commodious building at Gol Park, Calcutta 29 (PIN 700-029; Phone: 46-3431, four lines; Telegraphic address:

INSTITUTE), has a threefold aim : (a) a proper interpretation and appraisal of Indian culture, (b) the promotion of mutual knowledge and understanding between India and other countries, and (c) the promotion of the study of the cultural heritage of India and of the mankind as a whole. From a modest beginning the Institute has grown into a recognized centre of learning, and has drawn the interest of the public and also many leading scholars of India and abroad.

The Institute conducted (1) A General Library and reading Room; books 67,912 (issued 1,30,281), journals etc. 360; (2) A Children's Library : books 4,719 (issued 7,261); (3) A Junior Library for the age group of 13 to 16 years : books 1,825 (issued 1,991); (4) The Universal Temple—a Meditation Hall and a Shrine ; (5) 82 public lectures and 64 scriptural discourses by eminent scholars; (6) Educational and cultural film shows, music recitals, dramas, seminars, symposia and various other functions of cultural interest; (7) A School of Languages ^(GermariTTrenchTTrussiari, Japanese,"Arabic, Persian, spoken English, Bengali, Sanskrit, Urdu and Hindi) : roll strength 1,941 ; (8) Publication of a monthly Bulletin (25th year) and one booklet; (9) An International Scholars' Residence which accommodated 881 persons; (10) The International Guest House : guests 956; (11) A School of Humanistic and Inter-cultural Studies with 132 students.

Ramakrishna Mission Sarada Pi I ha Belur

Started in 1941, this institution (P.O. Belur Math, t)t. Howrah; PIN 711-202; Phone: 66-3292) had the following activities :

The Vidyamandira (Phone : 66-3349), a residentialthree-year degree college in Arts and Science with 324 boys,had its own N.C.C. and N.S.S. units of which the latter conducted a few literacy centres in the slum area. Religiousclasses for the students were regularly conducted.
The Shikshanamandira (Phone : 66-3695), a residentialB. Ed. College, had 112 students. An Extension Service Unit,attached to the College, conducted several seminars.

The Shilpamandira (Phone : 66-3308), a Govt.-sponsoredPolytechnic, providing three-year Licentiate courses in Civil,Electrical and Mechanical Engineering had 397 students.
The Shilpayatana (Phone : 66-4124), a free Junior Technical School for boys of 14 years and above, with three-year
integrated course in Humanities, Science, Engineering Studiesand Workshop Practice, had 136 students.
The Shilpavidyalaya, a school with free training coursesfor one to three years in Electric wiring, Auto-mechanics, Fitting, Turning, Carpentry, etc., had 68 students.
The Production-cum-Publication Section : Apart frommanufacturing small articles and equipments, it had its ownPhotography and Publication departments. The products were
displayed and sold through a sales-cum-showroom.
The Janashikshamandira (Phone : 66-3643), a unit ofSocial (adult) Education, organized nine night schools for adults

^(students 111), arranged 147 educative film and slide shows with the help of a mobile audio-visual unit and conducted a free Library (books : 17,746 ; issued 20,322) as well as a Mobile Library unit lending books out to village readers at their homes. It also organized 47 free milk distribution centres, several cultural functions, sports and games, and five different crafts training, free of charge, for about 200 children. Free tiffin was supplied to them daily.

(8) The Tattwamandira (Phone : 66-3292) where religiousclasses for the public and scriptural classes for the monasticinmates were held regularly.

Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya Coimbatore

Started in 1930 and affiliated in 1934 this Vidyalaya, at Perianaickenpalayam (P.O. Sri Ramakrishna Vidyalaya, Coimbatore 20 ; PIN 641-020 ; Phone : 23655 ; Telegraphic address : KALVI), is a comprehensive educational institution spread over extensive lands on the Ootacamund Road, 18 km. from the town, and had the following principal activities :

A residential High School : students 172.
A Basic Training School : students 29.

Swami Shivananda High School, mainly for the villageboys : students 231 including 54 girls.
A Senior Basic School : Roll strength 517 of whom 192were girls. Free midday meal was provided for 160. A Pre-Basic (Nursery) school is attached to it.
A Teachers' Training College offering Diploma inEducation, Shortened B.Ed., B.Ed., M.Ed., and Ph.D. courses :students 218. An Extension Service unit conducted variousseminars, attended by 354 teachers. The attached Research
Department conducted educational research and a quarterlyjournal.
A Degree College, offering Pre-university, Degree andPost-graduate courses in Arts and Science, had a roll strengthof 980.
A College of Physical Education : students 119.
The Rural Institute had the following wings : (a) APolytechnic, offering a three-year Diploma course in Civil and
Rural Engineering and two six-months' courses in Automobile
Engineering, Agricultural Engineering and Tractor Servicing :students 178 ; (b) A School of Agriculture offering a two-yearcertificate course : students 176; (c) A College of Rural HigherEducation, with Extension and Research Departments, havinga three-year Diploma course in Rural Services, and a Postgraduate Diploma course in Agricultural Economics andCo-operation : students 78.
The Industrial Institute, which provided a two-yearcourse in Fitting, Turning and Moulding, and a one-yearcourse in Composing, Proof reading and Printing : students 52.

The Rural Dispensary : cases treated 22,944.
The Industrial Section imparted practical trainingto Engineering students and manufactured electric motors,pumps etc.
The Central Library, with open access system : Books41,843 (issued 16,636).
Hostels : The 11 hostels had 1,367 inmates.
An Institute of Commerce : students 12.
A Primary School for poor children : 67 students towhom free lunch and tiffin were provided. -: -

Ramakrislma Mission Boys' Home, Rahara (24 Parganas)

This Centre (PIN 743-186; Phone : 58-2850), started in 1944 in Calcutta and later shifted to Rahara, 18 km. to the north of Calcutta, is mainly a residential educational institution for orphans and poor boys, though some day scholars attend its various schools and colleges. It conducted :

An Orphanage where various types and grades of education were provided : roll strength 542.
One Pre-Basic (Nursery) School with 47 children.
Five units of Junior Basic School with 983 students.
Four units of Junior High School with 522 students.
A Junior Basic Training Institute and one Postgraduate Basic Training College (both residential) respectivelywith 89 and 84 trainees.
A Multipurpose Higher Secondary School with Science,Technology, Commerce and Humanities streams : rollstrength 648.
One three-year Degree College, offering Pass andHonours courses in Science subjects, with 586 students.
A Junior Technical School and a Vocational Schoolwith a total of 152 students.
A well-equipped District Library with 28,163 books.

Seven Adult Education Centres and an up to dateAudiovisual Service Unit.
One Rural Librarianship Training Centre (residential)with 23 trainees.
A Hostel for the Multipurpose school boys : inmates129. The three-year Degree College and the Junior Technical
School had their own hostels.
An Outdoor Dispensary which treated 4,562 patientsfree of charge.

Ramakrislma Mission Ashrama, Narendrapur (24 Parganas)

Started in 1943 in Calcutta and later shifted to Narendra-pur (PIN 743-508 ; Phone : 619-201, four lines), 18 km. to the south-east of Calcutta, this institution had the following activities :

A residential Degree College (Phone : 619-205) withHonours courses in Arts and Science subjects had 324 studentsof whom over 50% received monetary help.
A residential Multipurpose Higher Secondary School(Phone : 619-206) with six streams had 576 students. Recognisedby the Govt. of India as a model school, it had two media ofinstruction, English and Bengali. About 23% of the studentsgot scholarships from the School.
One residential Senior Basic School with English andBengali media had 294 students of whom nearly 14% weregiven financial assistance.
One non-residential Primary School with 69 children.
The Department of Social Education and CommunityDevelopment ran the following units : (a) The Institute ofSocial Education and Recreation which, through 18 of itsvillage centres, conducted adult education and rural uplift asalso published Samaj Siksha, a monthly in Bengali; (b) ChildWelfare and Medical Care which, through a number of milkdistribution centres, served 16,950 children and some expectantmothers daily with UNICEF milk and nutritious food, besidesproviding other facilities like periodic health examination,recreational activities and supply of text books; (c) A Village-Level Workers' Training Centre offering four training courses
with 284 students; (d) Rural Development Unit which provided irrigational facilities to 50 farmers, ran a Craft Training-
cum-Production Centre for village boys and rehabilitated 30educated village youth by arranging jobs for them ; (e) TheVivekananda Social Welfare Centre, meant mainly for theHarijans living in the slums of Rambagan in northern Calcutta,conducted : (i) two Pre-Basic Nursery Schools with 80 children,(ii) two Junior Basic Schools with 328 pupils, (iii) TutorialClasses for 100 children, (iv) a Charitable Dispensary ; casestreated 11,294, (v) Vocational Training Centre with 45 women,and (vi) a special Nutrition Programme under which 3,200persons were given bread and milk free.
The residential Blind Boys' Academy offering generaleducation as well as training in music and several crafts had107 boys. The Academy also trained teachers for the blindand printed text books in Braille.

22 -

The Central Library had 38,212 books and issued 87books daily on average.
The Department of Technical and Vocational Education had the following wings : (a) A Junior Technical Schoolwith 164 free students of whom 25% received stipend formaintenance, (b) The School of Automobile Engineering with21 students all of whom received stipend ; (c) A Regional Pre-Vocational Training Centre offering free general educationand technical training to 103 students ; (d) A CommercialInstitute offering shorthand and typewriting courses to 46students.
The Dispensary treated 34,212 outdoor cases.

Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Sarisha (24 Parganas)

Started in 1921, this institiil-inn (PTN

Diamond Harbour 29) successfully devoted iteslf to the task of village reconstruction through proper education. Its main activities were :

A Boys' Multipurpose Higher Secondary School withHumanities, Technology and Science streams had 646 students.The School had two N.C.C. Troops.
An attached Hostel with 168 inmates, of whom threewere maintained free and 11 enjoyed concession.
A Girls' Multipurpose Higher Secondary School withHumanities, Science, Home Science and Fine Arts streams had595 students.
The attached Hostel had 74 inmates of whom six werefree and 16 enjoyed concession.
Four units of Junior Basic School with a total of 363boys and 297 girls.
Two Pre-Basic (Nursery) Schools : boys 45, girls 39.
Two units of Junior Basic Training Institute for womenteachers : trainees 107.
A Technical Section trained 14 women in Weaving,Tailoring, Sock making, Knitting and Embroidery etc.
One Community Centre for women and three otherSchool-cum-Community Centres holding regular Kirtan, Bhajan,

Kathakatha, etc. The former had 80 on the rolls (35 neo-lite-rates) and the latter 55 (32 neo-literates).

Eight Adull Education Centres for men and one forwomen : total strength 215 (neo-literates 114).
One Area Library with six branches, a Text BookLibrary, a Sub-Divisional Library with two branches and aChildren's Library had respectively 7,964, 1,793, 4,855 and1,596 books.
A Pre-Vocational Training Centre (students 13), offering general education and technical training to boys (age group
11 to 14) in Fitting, Turning, Sheet metal work, Smith-craft,Moulding and Carpentry.

The Ashrama had two Audio-visual Mobile Units which screened 205 films during the year.

Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Society Jamshedpur

STarted in 1920 and affiliated in 1927, the centre, located at Bistupur, Jamshedpur 1 (PIN 831-001 ; Phone : 3795), conducted the .following : (1) Five High Schools (of which two were for boys, two for girls and one for both in separate shifts) with 1,695 boys and 1,938 girls. (2) Four Middle Schools with 1,938 boys and 1,999 girls. (3) Two TJ.P. Schools with 349 boys and 278 girls. Out of the total strength, 600 poor students were granted free studentship and concession amounting to Rs. 30,000/-. While One U.P. School is for Hindi-speaking children only, there are Hindi sections in the two High Schools, the four Middle Schools and the one U.P. School in all classes, along with Bengali sections. (4) The 11 School Libraries had a total of 29,554 books. (5) Two Students' Homes with 22 inmates, particularly of backward communities from rural areas, had provision for free board and lodging for a few meritorious poor students. (6) A Public Library and a free Reading Room with 4,077 books and 11 periodicals and dailies. (7) Weekly classes and occasional lectures on religio-philosophical subjects. (8) Occasional audio-visual instructions with the help of a 16 mm. projector. (9) Excursions, picnics and seasonal games and sports. (10) Celebration of the birth anniversaries of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother and Swami Vivekananda, and religious festivals like Durga Puja, etc.

Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda College Madras

Started in 1946, this Degree College (Mylapore, Madras 4 : PIN 600-004 ; Phone : 73057), had 2,250 students. Admissions in the College were made on the basis of merit, except for Harijan and backward class students, for whom a percentage of seats was reserved. The College, which also offered Post-graduate courses in certain Arts and Science subjects, had a Hostel with nearly 320 inmates. Some 850 scholarships awarded by the College amounted to Rs. 3,30,000/-. There were about 54,000 books in the College Library. The College N.C.C. had a company of 135 cadets.

A unit of National Service Corps with 60 members was opened during the year under review.

The College observed the birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda and Swami Ramakrishnananda. Besides, ethicaL and moral instruction formed an integral part of the _ College curriculum.

Ramakrishna Mission Students' Home Madras

The Home, started in 1905, moved into its own building in 1921 (Mylapore, Madras 4 ; PIN 600-004 ; Phone : 73064). It comprised three distinct sections : (1) a Hostel for boys studying in the Vivekananda College, (2) a Technical Institute which is mainly residential, and (3) a residential High School. The three Sections had 53, 105 and 167 students respectively on their rolls. The Hostel provided free board and lodging for the inmates. The Technical Institute offered Diploma course in Mechanical Engineering.

The Sri Ramakrishna Centenary Primary School, Mylapore, and the Ramakrishna Mission Upper Primary School at Malliankaranai near Uttiramerur in Chingleput district, with 421 and 193 children respectively, were also managed by the centre.

Ramakrishna Mission Boys' Schools Madras

Started in 1932, this centre at Thyagarayanagar (Madras 17 ; PIN 600-017 ; Phone : 442551) conducted three High Schools,

three Primary Schools and a Hostel. The High Schools had 4,570 students, and the Primary Schools had 1,428 boys and 1,099 girls, while the Hostel (20, Doraiswamy Road), managed by our monks, had 89 boys.

Ramakrishna Mission Sarada Vidyalaya Madras

Started in 1921, the Sarada Vidyalaya (27 Usman Road, Thyagarayanagar, Madras 17 ; PIN 600-017 ; Phone : 443153) had the following activities : (1) A Girls' High School with 2,554 students. (2) One Girls' Middle School with 1,404 pupils. (3) A Model High School with 646 pupils. (4) The Model Primary School had 696 students. (5) Three Hostels with 163 boarders. (6) Two Libraries for the students : total books 23,436.

The Vidyalaya made provision for the moral and religious instruction, group singing, special worship, Bhajana and physi-

cal training as also for other useful extra-curricular activities.

Ramakrishna Mission Calcutta Students' Home Belgharia (24 Parganas)

This Home, started in 1916 in Calcutta, finally shifted to its present permanent site at Belgharia (Calcutta 56 ; PIN 700-056; Phone : 58-1564). It conducted (1) A Hostel, specially meant for poor but meritorious college students, with Library, Prayer Hall, and a small workshop to train the inmates in domestic handicrafts. Out of 103 boarders, 68 were free and 16 enjoyed concession. A few outside students were given financial assistance. Nearly 48% of the year's subscriptions came from the ex-inmates of the Home. (2) The Shilpa-pitka (Phone : 58-1650), a government-sponsored Polytechnic, offering three-year Diploma courses in Civil, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering : students 720. (3) The Vivekananda Centenary Library (books 5,260)~cum-Assembly Hall for the hostel inmates and the local public. (4) Observance of Kali Puja, Saraswati Puja and some other celebrations.

Ramakrishna Mission, Chingleput

Started in 1936 this institution (Chingleput 1 ; PIN 603-001 ; Phone : 217) had (1) A High School for boys : strength

581 ; (2) A High School for girls : strength 558 ; (3) A Junior Basic Elementary School with 450 boys and 377 girls; (4) A Kindergarten School with 33 children; (5) A Library with 13,472 books ; (6) A Hostel with 40 boys. It also observed the birthdays of a few religious celebrities and screened films of educative value.

Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama Cherrapunji (Khasi Hills)

Started in 1931, this centre (PIN 793-111; Phone: 42) conducted the following activities : (1) A High School with 328 boys and 279 girls. (2) Three Primary Schools. (3) A small Vocational School for teaching Weaving, Tailoring, Typewriting, and Carpentry. (4) A Hostel : 101 boys. (5) Educational film shows. (6) Weekly religious classes in Khasi language. (7) Publication of books in Khasi. (8) Celebration of the birthdays of religions relehritips. (Q) Fxrnrtion to Tura in Garo Hills. (10) Occasional help in cash and kind.

At Sohbar, about 13 km. down, it had a Junior Basic School, one M.E. School with a vocational section and two separate hostels for boys and girls.

At Sheila, 20 km. down, it ran one M.E. School, a Primary School and an Ashrama with a Library and a Community Hall where Durga Puja was held. The temple was renovated during the year under review.

At Nongwar, 15 km. below Cherrapunji, it had a free Primary School and one M.E. School. At other places scattered all over south Khasi Hills, it conducted eight M.E. Schools and 26 Primary schools. Altogether 1,055 boys and 1,051 girls studied in the 11 M.E. Schools and the 29 Primary schools.

Bee-keeping was encouraged and taught in different parts of the Hills.

Ramakrishna Mission Vidyapith Deoghar (S.P.)

Started in 1922, this institution (P.O. Vidyapith ; PIN 814-112; Phone : 333) conducted the following : (1) A residential Higher Secondary School (roll strength 339) recognized by the

Central Board of Secondary Education, New Delhi, with Science, Commerce and Humanities streams and English as the medium of instruction. The School had provision for teaching various handicrafts, music, painting, tailoring, gardening, etc. The School Library had 10,830 books. (2) A Charitable Dispensary : cases treated 10,037 (new 3,068). (3) A free U.P. school for Harijans (roll strength 200) who were supplied with midday meal, uniforms, books etc. free of cost.

Ramakrishna Mission Vidyapith Purulia

Started in 1958, this institution (P.O. Vivekananda Nagar ; PIN 723-147 ; Phone : 209) conducted the following : (1) A residential Multipurpose Higher Secondary School (roll strength 600), offering Humanities, Science, Technology, Fine Arts and Agriculture courses, having provision for teaching music, tailoring, ceramics, photography, etc. Recognized as a model school by the Govt. of India, the school offered stipends and scholarships to about 40% of the students. As an adjunct to the Agriculture Stream, a dairy and a poultry were conducted. The school Library had over 16,000 volumes. (2) A small Pre-Basic (Nursery) School with 55 children. (3) One Audio-visual unit, which served nearby villages. (4) Religious discourses, observance of the birthdays of religious celebrities.

A Prayer Hall was inaugurated in the year under review.

Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Baranagore Calcutta

Started in 1912, this centre (Calcutta 36; PIN 700-036; Phone : 56-2624) had (1) A Multipurpose Higher Secondary School with four streams (roll strength 858); (2) Two units of Junior High School with 196 boys ; (3) Two units of Junior Basic School with 428 students ; (4) A Primary School with 264 children; (5) A SchooI-cum-Community centre with 16 boys and an Area Library (books 6,658, periodicals 5); (6) Film shows by the Audio-visual unit of the Ashrama ; (7) A Charitable Homoeopathic Dispensary : patients treated 17,828 (new 2,515).

Ramakrishiia Mission Ashrama, Asaiisol (Burdwan)

Started in 1926, this Ashrama on the Grand Trunk Road (PIN 713-301 ; Phones : 2937 and 3776) conducted (1) A Multipurpose Higher Secondary School with three streams—Science, Technology and Humanities (roll strength 865); (2) Two Urban Junior Basic Schools with 339 boys; (3) A Hostel with 31 inmates; (4) A Library and Reading Room; books 3,215; (5) Regular religious classes, occasional lectures and observance of the birthdays of religious celebrities and some festivals.

Ramakrishna Mission Ashraina Taki (24 Parganas)

Established in 1931, this Ashrama (PIN 743429 ; Phone : 25) ran (1) A Multipurpose Higher Secondary School with Humanities and Science streams (roll strength 434); (2) Three U.P. Schools (one for boys, one for girls, and the other for both) : total roll strength 370; (3) A Students' Home with 59 inmates; (4) A small Library ; (5) A Charitable Homoeopathic Dispensary : Total cases 71,008 (new 10,666).

Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Manasadwip (24 Parganas)

Started in 1928, this Ashrama (PIN 743-347) on the Sagar Island conducted (1) A Multipurpose Higher Secondary School with 220 boys; (2) A Junior Basic School with 185 boys, and a special cadre Primary School with 115 girls; (3) A Students' Home with eight boys ; (4) Occasional religious classes and discourses in the Ashrama ; (5) Birth anniversaries of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother and Swami Vivekananda ; (6) Philanthropic work among the local distressed.

The Ashrama had a School-cum-Community Centre with a Lending Library and free Reading Room (books 1,635) for the public.

Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Midnapore

Started in 1914 and affiliated in 1931, the activities of this Ashrama (PIN 721-101) were (1) A Multipurpose Higher

Secondary School (Phone : 260) with four streams : roll strength 530; (2) Two units of Junior Basic School with 232 boys and 170 girls; (3) A Pre-Basic (Nursery) School with 50 children; (4) A Students' Home with 62 boys ; (5) A Circulating Library and free Reading Room : books 3,598 ; (6) An Outdoor Dispensary with Allopathic and Homoeopathic departments; Cases treated 1,04,688 (new 46,964); (7) Educational film shows; (8) Regular religious classes, birth anniversaries of religious Teachers, religious festivals and occasional lectures.

The construction of a Prayer Hall was Hearing completion.

Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama Silchar (Cachar)

Started in 1924 and affiliated in 1938, this institution (Silchar 4 ; PIN 788-004 ; Phone : 280) conducted (1) A Stu-_dentsLJJome with 7&4nmates including 65 tribal boys; (2) A Library and Reading Room : books 2,240; (3) Regular religious classes in the Ashrama, and occasional lectures outside ; (4) Tribal welfare work among Nagas, Kukis, Mizos, Reangs and Tipras; (5) Durga Puja, Kali Puja, and birthday celebrations of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother and Swami Vivekananda.

Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Puri

Started in 1944, this Mission branch (PIN 752-001 ; Phone : 207) had the following activities : (1) A Library and free Reading Room, with a Children's Section : books 10,185, newspapers and periodicals 99. (2) A Students' Home (inmates 60, including 54 tribal and backward class boys) providing free board and lodging, coaching and facilities for general education in recognized institutions. It had a text-book library with 1,105 books. (3) Fortnightly Ramanam kirtan, observance of religious meetings and festivals, and the birthday celebrations of Swami Vivekananda, Shankaracharya, Buddha and other great Teachers.

The Ashrama conducted a Relief camp in a tribal area near Baripada in Mayurbhanja district.

Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama Ramharipur (Bankura)

Started in 1952 as a sub-centre of Bankura and functioning since 1966 as an independent centre, it (PIN 722-133) ran (1) A Multipurpose Higher Secondary School with three streams : roll strength 386 ; (2) Two units of Junior Basic School with 159 boys and 74 girls; (3) A School-cum-Community Centre with a small library ; (4) A Hostel with 54 boys ; (5) A Homoeopathic Dispensary : patients 19,483.

Pecuniary help amounting to Rs. 1,081/- was given to poor and needy students.

Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama Sargaehhi (Murshidabad)

Started in 1897 by Swami Akhandananda, this oldest Ashrama of the Mission (P.O. Sargachi Ashrama ; PIN 742-134) had (1) A residential Junior Basic Teachers' Training Institute : trainees 100; (2) A Multipurpose Higher Secondary School with three streams : roll strength 413, of whom 105 enjoyed concession ; (3) Three units of Junior Basic School with 353 boys and 158 girls, to whom all midday tiffin was given ; (4) An Adult School with 23 students; (5) A Charitable Allopathic Dispensary : cases treated 7,272 (new 4,717) ; (6) Seven Libraries with Reading Rooms : books 12,807 (issued 5,402); periodicals and newspapers 53; (7) Daily worship at the Ashrama Shrine, and observance of the birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna and other religious celebrities; (8) Weekly religious class at the Berhampore sub-centre; (9) A Hostel with 31 inmates; (10) Occasional help to the poor and needy.

Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama Visakhapatnam

Started in 1938 and situated on the Vivekananda Road in full view of the sea, this Ashrama at Maharanipeta (Visakhapatnam 2; PIN 530-002; Phone : 2561) conducted (1) A Cultural and Recreational Centre with a small library for children, and also providing audio-visual education; (2) A Library and free Reading Room ; books 862, newspapers and

periodicals 26; (3) Daily scriptural discourse; (4) A Primary School (Phone : 3855) in a different locality, with English medium : roll strength boys 261, girls 200; (5) A Charitable Homoeopathic Dispensary : cases treated 6,758 (new 1,760); (6) Celebration of the birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna and other religious celebrities.

Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Along (Siang, Arunachal Pradesh)

Started in 1966 and situated in a beautiful valley of the Siang division, this Centre (PIN 791-001 ; Phone : 49), conducted (1) An English medium school upto standard VIII for the tribal youth : roll strength 305 including 54 girls ; (2) a Hostel with 153 non-paying boys ; (3) A Mobile Dispensary : patients treated 650; (4) Excursions and educative tours for the students ; (5) Film shows for the local people (mostly documen-_taries), and occasional lectures -at various places all around; (6) Supply of midday meal to all the school children ; (7) Observance of religious and cultural functions.

Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Gauhati (Kamrup)

Affiliated in 1969, this Ashrama on Chhatribari Road (Gauhati 8 ; PIN 781-008 ; Phone : 5621) had (1) One M. E. School with 82 boys ; (2) A Circulating Library and a Reading Room : books 3,043 and periodicals 21 ; (3) A Students' Home : inmates 20 (free 9); (4) Daily worship, weekly religious class and observance of occasional festivals in and outside the Ashrama.

Ramakrishna Mission, Narottam Nagar (Tirap)

This centre (P. O. Narottam Nagar, via Naharkatia, Dist. Tirap; PIN 786-610; Telegraphic Address : NAROTTAM, Naharkatia) was started in 1971 for providing educational facilities to the tribals of Arunachal Pradesh. During 1973-74 it conducted a free Primary School with 128 boys and 25 girls all of whom were given midday meals. The boy students were

accommodated in the attached free Hostel. The construction of an indoor gymnasium and a small stadium were completed during the year.

Different articles were distributed in the villages of Nam-sang and Borduria and a Mobile Dispensary treated 4,279 cases.

C. INSTITUTIONS OF GENERAL SERVICE (Medical, Cultural and Educational)

Ramakrishna Mission, New Delhi

Started in 1927 and affiliated in 1930, this Ashrama on the Ramakrishna Ashrama Marg (New Delhi 55; PIN 110-055; Phone : 27-7111) conducted (1) A Homoeopathic Dispensary : cases treated 72,753 (new 4,906); (2) A Library with separate sections for children and university students : books 26,296 (issued 20,814), newspapers and periodicals 153, University students' section : text books 4,190 (issued 433 daily on average); (3) 154 religious discourses on Saturdays and Sundays in the Ashrama and outside ; (4) 181 occasional classes and lectures in various local colleges and cultural institutions, and also regular Sunday class at the Delhi University; (5) Birthday celebrations of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother, Swami Viveka-nanda and other religious celebrities at the Ashrama and other localities of Delhi; (6) The Sarada Mandir which organized religious and moral instruction classes for children aged 6 to 12 years; (7) A multistoreyed modern T. B. Clinic (Phone : 56-1707) at Karolbagh with 28 indoor observation beds; outdoor cases 1,38,788 (new 1,982) and indoor cases 271. Under the Home Treatment Scheme, the Clinic extended its medical service to patients unable to attend in person.

Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Kanpur

Started in 1920 and affiliated in 1931, this institution at Ramakrishna Nagar (Kanpur 12 ; PIN 208-012 ; Phone : 40673) conducted (1) An Outdoor Allopathic-cum-Homoeopathic Dispensary with Pathology, Dentistry, Opthalmology and Radiology departments : total cases treated 1,76,348 (new 41,912); (2) A Higher Secondary School with 698 boys; (3) A Library

and free Reading Room : books 3,892 (issued 4,093) and periodicals and newspapers 65 ; (4) Religious classes, Bhajan and observance of the birthdays of religious celebrities, and other festivals.

Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Patna

Started in 1922 and affiliated in 1926, this Ashrama on Ramakrishna Avenue (former Nala Road) (Patna 4 ; PIN 800-004; Phone : 50815) conducted (1) A Charitable Dispensary with Homoeopathic and Allopathic sections : cases treated 50,023 and 83,229 (new 5,350 and 9,642) respectively; (2) A Library and free Reading Room : books 10,407 (issued 8,419), newspapers and periodicals 63 ; (3) A Hostel for college students : inmates 18 ; (4) Regular scriptural classes and lectures in and outside the Ashrama ; (5) Durga Puja, Kali Puja and the birthday celebrations of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother, Swami Vivekananda and other religious celebrities.

Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Shillong

Started in 1937, this Ashrama at Laitumkhrah (Shillong 3 ; PIN 793-003 ; Phone : 3676) conducted (1) A Charitable Dispensary with Pathology, X-ray and Electrotherapy sections as also a Homoeopathic department : cases treated 34,919 (new 23,190); (2) A Mobile Dispensary which regularly visited 40 neighbouring villages and treated 19,361 patients ; (3) A Library and free Reading Room : books 7,913 (issued 1,763) and newspapers and periodicals 36 ; (4) A Hostel with 27 tribal boys ; (5) 183 religious discourses in and outside the Ashrama, public meetings, educative film shows and fortnightly Ramnam; (6) Birth anniversaries of religious celebrities, and some festivals; (7) A small publication section for books in Assamese, Bengali, Garo and Khasi.

Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Chandigarh

Started in 1947, this Ashrama on Madhya Marg (Sector 15B, Chandigarh 17; PIN 160-017; Phone : 23787) had (1) Regular religious discourses on Saturdays and Sundays, fortnightly

Ramnam, and occasional lectures in and outside the city ; (2) A small Library and Reading Room with 1,607 books and 16 periodicals; (3) Birthday celebrations of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother, Swami Vivekananda and other saints and prophets ; (4) A Students' Home for college boys : inmates 41 ; (5) A Charitable Homoeopathic Dispensary : cases treated 3,311 (new 877).

Ramakrishiia Mission Ashrama, Kanchi

Affiliated in 1930 the activities of this Ashrama at Morabadi (11 & 12, Swami V-ishuddhananda Road, Ranchi 8; PIN 834-008 ; Phones : 21215 and 20821) were (1) A Charitable Homoeopathic Dispensary : cases treated 7,336 (new 2,955); (2) 8 Feeding Centres which distributed milk to 536 (daily average) children some of whom were also supplied with eggs ; (3) A small Library and Reading Room: books 5,130 and newspapers and periodicals 67; (4) Regular worship and observance of the birthdays of religious celebrities of diverse faiths ; (5) Occasional religious discourses and lectures in and outside the Ashrama ; (6) 'Divyayan', a residential Institute for training village youths, particularly Adivasis, in agriculture, animal husbandry, poultry and social service with 183 trainees; (7) Publication of four books in Hindi on Agriculture, Poultry, Social Science and Indian Culture ; (8) An effectively working audio-visual unit which screened 116 films, as a follow up of 'Divyayan' training programme.

Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Katihar

Started in 1926 and affiliated in 1931, this Ashrama (PIN 854-105 ; Phone : 449) conducted : (1) A Homoeopathic-cum-Allopathic Dispensary : cases treated 26,850 (new 9,865); (2) A small Library and free Reading Room : books 1,822 and periodicals and dailies 7 ; (3) A Secondary School, recognized by the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education, with 657 boys; (4) A Students' Home with three inmates; (5) Regular religious classes, occasional lectures in and outside the Ashrama, and observance of the birthdays of religious celebrities.

Ramakrishiia Mission Vivekananda Smriti Mandir Khetri (Rajasthan)

This Centre, started in 1959, (PIN 333-503) is housed in the mansion where Swami Vivekananda stayed thrice as the honoured guest of the Raja. It had (1) A Library and Reading Room : books 5,409 (issued 4,075), dailies and periodicals 37 ; (2) Occasional scriptural classes and lectures in and outside the centre ; (3) Celebration of the birth anniversaries of Sri Rama-krishna, the Holy Mother, Swami Vivekananda and a few other religious Teachers ; (4) A Nursery-cum-Primary School with 252 children ; (5) A free Maternity and Child Welfare Centre, away from the Ashrama : cases handled 112, besides 3,730 home visits.

Ramakrishiia Mission Vivekananda Ashrama, Raipur

Affiliated in 1968, this Ashrama on the Great Eastern Road (P. O. Vivekananda Ashram ; PIN 492-001 ; Phone : 4589) conducted ,(I) A Charitable AlIopathic-cum-Homoeopathic Dispensary with various Sections as also a Health Centre : cases treated 85,404 (new 15,286) ; (2) A Hostel for college students : inmates 12 ; (3) A public Library and Reading Room : books 17,314 (issued 23,940) and newspapers and periodicals 126;

Panchayati Raj Training Centre, a govt. aided institutionfor the training of Panchayat officials, etc : total trainees 1,690;
Regular religious classes and public lectures in and outsidethe Ashrama ; (6) Publication of Vivek-Jyoti, a quarterly journalin Hindi (12th year).

Ramakrishiia Mission (Relief) Madras

This centre, located at the premises of the Ramakrishna Mission Students' Home at Mylapore (Madras 4 ; PIN 600-004) undertakes relief works as and when necessary.

SECTION III

COMBINED MATH & MISSION CENTRES

Ramakrislina Mission and Ashrama, Bombay

Started in 1923 and situated on the 12th Road at Khar, Bombay 52 A. S. (PIN 400-052; Phone : 53-2442), the Ashrama conducted (1) Daily worship and Bhajan; (2) Religious classes in and outside the Ashrama; (3) Celebration of festivals like Ganesh Puja and Durga Puja, and observance of the birthdays of religious celebrities.

Opened in 1932, the Mission branch had (1) A Charitable Dispensary-cum-20 bedded Hospital (Phone : 53-4119) with Allopathic and Homoeopathic Sections : Outdoor cases 1,28,681; Indoor cases 553 (surgical 510); (2) A Library and Reading Room : Books 19,117 (issued 13,605), periodicals and dailies 146; (3) A Students' Home : inmates 76; (4) Mobile Medical Relief at Talawali in Thana district.

Ramakrishna Ashrama and Mission Sevashrama Vrindaban (Mathura)

Started in 1907 and later shifted to its present home on the Mathura Road (PIN 281-121; Phone : Vrindaban 10) this Sevashrama had (1) An Indoor Hospital with Medical, Surgical, Eye, E. N. T., Cancer, Dental, Physiotherapy, Radiological and Pathological departments : beds 103, admissions 3,750, surgical cases 2,807. The well-equipped Eye Department is a special feature of the hospital. (2) An Outdoor Allopathic-cum-Homoeopathic Dispensary : cases treated 2,28,628 (new 36,851).

A fortnightly outpatient Eye Clinic was conducted at Kosi.

Started in 1965, the Math branch observed certain religious festivals and the birth anniversaries of Sri Ramakrishna and other spiritual celebrities.

Ramakrishna Mission and Ashrama

Mangalore (South Canara)

Started in 1947 and later shifted to its present premises, this Ashrama, situated on Mangaladevi Road (Mangalore 1; PIN 575-001; Phone : 3412) organized, besides conducting daily worship, Bhajan and the celebration of the birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother and Swami Vivekananda, weekly classes and occasional lectures in and outside the Ashrama. The small Library had 3,081 books.

Opened in 1951, the Mission branch conducted (1) A Boys' Home with 49 inmates; (2) A Charitable Allopathic Dispensary : cases treated 21,699 (new 5,030).

Ramakrishna Math and Mission, Rajahmundry (East Godavari)

Started in 1951, the Math at Veerabhadrapuram (Rajahmundry 1; PIN 533-101; Phone : 112) held regular worship and Bhajan, religious discourse, a Library and Reading Room (books 5,305; newspapers and periodicals 31), and celebrated the birthdays of religious leaders.

Opened in 1951, the Mission branch in the town, on the bank of Godavari, ran a small library (books 1,600 and newspapers and periodicals 4) and conducted religious talks daily, and also a Charitable Homoeopathic Dispensary : cases treated 6,321 (new 456).

Ramakrishna Math and Mission, Bhufoaneswar

Founded by Swami Brahmananda in 1919, this monastery on Vivekananda Marg (Bhubaneswar 2; PIN 751-002; Phone : 50228) conducted daily worship, regular religious classes and discourses in and outside the Math, and celebrated the Kalipuja and the birthdays of great saints. It runs an Oriya publication department.

Started in 1920, the Mission branch had (1) One U. P. School with 143 boys and 103 girls; (2) One M. E. School with 84 boys; (3) A Charitable Allopathic Dispensary : cases treated 41,255 (new 20,962); (4) A Library and free Reading Room :

Books 11,160- (issued 15,424) and periodicals etc. 99; (5) A Nutrition Programme : distribution of biscuits among 119 children daily. (6) Provision for occasional pecuniary help.

Ramakrishna Math and Mission Sevashrama Bankura

Started in 1917, the Math (PIN 722-101; Phone : 231) conducted (1) Daily worship and regular religious classes and lectures in and around the town; (2) A number of public religious celebrations; (3) A Library and Reading Room : books 4,548 and periodicals etc. 32.

The Mission Sevashrama had (1) Two Charitable Homoeopathic Dispensaries : cases treated 33,610 (new 10,614); (2) A Junior Basic School with 74 boys and 56 girls; (3) A Students' Home with 12 inmates.

Ramakrishna Math and Mission Ashrama Malda

Started in 1924, this Math (PIN 732-101; Phone : 479) held, besides daily worship, regular scriptural classes and Bhajan as also occasional lectures in and outside its premises. Moreover, it celebrated the birthdays of saints and prophets.

Opened in 1942, the Mission branch conducted (1) A Higher Secondary School with 634 students; (2) An Urban Junior Basic School with 261 boys and 36 girls; (3) Two Nursery Schools with 107 children; (4) A Social & Adult Education Centre with 27 students; (5) A Rural Junior Basic School with 91 boys and 72 girls; (6) A Students' Home : inmates 33; (7) A Library and Reading Room : books 2,452 (issued 2,230); (8) Three Charitable Homoeopathic Dispensaries at Malda town, Dighalbar and Chitkol : total cases treated 26,479 (new 7,736).

Kamakrishna Ashrama and Mission Sevashrama Tamluk (Midnapore)

Started in 1914 and affiliated in 1929, the activities of the Mission branch (PIN 721-636; Phone : 5) were (1) A three-year course Industrial School with a carpentry section : students 21;

(2) A Junior Basic School with 110 boys and 92 girls; (3) APrimary School with 106 boys and 94 girls; (4) A free Hostelwith eight inmates; (5) A Library and Reading Room : books7,330 (issued 5,802)) and periodicals and dailies 26; (8) A Charitable Outdoor Dispensary : cases treated 25,909 (new 5,929).

_; The Ashrama held daily worship and Bhajan, and celebrated the birthdays of some great saints.

Kamakrishna Math and Mission Kamarpukur (Hooghly)

This Centre (PIN 712-612) preserves the sacred place where Sri Ramakrishna was born, as also his ancestral home.

Started in 1947, the Math (Phone : Kamarpukur 21) conducted daily worship and religious class, and observed certain festivals and birthdays of religious celebrities.

The Mission branch had (1) A Multipurpose Higher Secondary School (three streams) with 420 boys; (2) Two Junior Basic Schools with 295 boys and 162 girls; (3) A Pre-Basic School with 50 children; (4) A School-cum-Community Centre; (5) A Pre-vocational Training Centre with 100 students; (6) A Hostel with 120 boys; (7) A mobile audio-visual unit; (8) An Area Library with 5,457 books; (9) A Charitable Homoeopathic Dispensary: cases treated 12,825.

Matrimandir and Ramakrishna Mission Sarada Sevashrama Jayramfoati (Bankura)

The Matrimandir (PIN 722-141 ; Phone : Kamarpukur 22) established in 1920 in memory of Sri Sarada Devi, the Holy Mother, at her birth-place, conducted daily worship and religious classes and also some festivals. It had a small Library.

Its Math sub-centre, the Ramakrishna Yogashrama, Koal-para (P. O. Dehuapara), eight kilometres away, is a quiet retreat associated with the life of the Holy Mother.

Opened in 1930, the Mission Sevashrama had (1) A Charitable Homoeopathic Dispensary : cases treated 22,296 (new 5,467); (2) A Junior High School with 79 boys and 34 girls;

(3) Two Junior Basic Schools with 197 boys and 128 girls; (4)Two Pre-Basic (Nursery) Schools with 47 boys and 37 girls;

(5) One Night School for male adults : Students 18 ; (6) Occasional help in cash and kind.

Ramakrishna Math and Mission Sevashrama Contai (Midnapore)

Started in 1913, the Sevashrama (PIN 721-401 ; Phone : 55) had (1) A Library and Reading Room with a Mobile Unit : books 5,581 (issued 4,500) and magazines etc. 25 ; (2) A Charitable Homoeopathic Dispensary : cases treated 27,114 (new 8,280); (3) A Students' Home with four free inmates; (4) Occasional pecuniary and other help to the needy ; (5) Flood relief work in Ramnagar Thana and Contai Thana.

The Math conducted daily worship and organized regular classes and public lectures in and outside the Math, besides observing the birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother and Swami Vivekananda.

'-. Ramakrishna Math and Mission Sevashrama Allahabad

The Math on Vijnanananda Marg (Muthiganj, Allahabad 3 ; PIN 211-003 ; Phone : 53856) was founded in 1908 and the Mission Sevashrama in 1910 by Swami Vijnanananda. The Math conducted (1) Daily worship, fortnightly Ramnam Kirtan ; (2) Regular religious classes and occasional lectures in and outside the premises; (3) Birth anniversaries of spiritual celebrities.

The Sevashrama had (1) A Charitable Homoeopathic Dispensary : cases treated 41,987 (new 11,796); (2) A Library and Reading Room : books 10,647 (issued 7,506) and newspapers and periodicals 61.

Ramakrishna Ashrama and Mission Seva Samiti Karimganj (Cachar)

Started in 1917 and affiliated in 1929, the Seva Samiti (PIN 788-710 ; Phone : 272) conducted (1) A Students' Home with 21 inmates; (2) A Library and Reading Room : books 4,270 (issued 6,618), dailies and periodicals 16 ; (3) Doling of rice to 234 recipients and occasional monetary help to the needy.

The Ashrama conducted (1) Daily worship and religious classes in and outside the Ashrama; (2) Birth anniversaries of Prophets.

Ramakrishna Math and Mission Sevashrama Garbeta (Midnapore)

Started in 1915, the Sevashrama (P. O. Amlagora : PIN 721-127) had (1) A Charitable Homoeopathic Dispensary : cases treated 1,749 ; (2) A Junior Basic School with 270 students ; (3) A Library : books 1,457 ; (4) A Tiffin Distribution Centre : recipients 200.

The Math held daily worship and observed the birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother, Swami Vivekananda and other religious celebrities.

Ramakrishna Ashrama and Mission Sevashrama Kozhikode

Started in 1930 and affiliated in 1943, the Sevashrama at Kallai (Kozhikode 18 ; PIN 673-018 ; Phone : 2471) conducted (1) A Secondary School with 636 boys and 714 girls; (2) A Primary School with 266 boys and 250 girls ; (3) A Students' Home with 68 inmates ; (4) An Allopathic Dispensary : cases treated 23,471 (new 9,594); (5) Daily worship and weekly Bhajan and discourse; (6) Religious and cultural meetings and occasional film shows for the students.

The Ashrama branch at Quilandy, 25 km. away, observed the birthdays of a few religious celebrities, in addition to conducting regular worship, Bhajan etc.

Ramakrishna Ashrama and Mission Kishenpur (Dehra Dun)

Started in 1916 and situated in a picturesque locality, the Ashrama (P. O. Raj pur; PIN 248-009) on the Mussoorie Road, six kilometres up Dehra Dun, conducted daily worship and a Library. It also observed the birth anniversaries of some religious celebrities.

The Mission branch working since January, 1974 conducted a Charitable Dispensary : total cases treated 941.

SECTION IV MATH CENTRES

Ramakrishna Math, Madras

Started in 1897, and located on Sri Ramakrishna Math Road (Mylapore, Madras 4 ; PIN 600-004 ; Post Box : Mylapore 635 ; Phone : 71231), this Math principally conducted (1) Daily worship of Sri Ramakrishna and fortnightly Ramanam Kirtan ; (2) Regular religious classes and lectures in and outside the Math ; (3) A monthly spiritual retreat at the Math premises ;

Celebration of the birthdays of Prophets and other festivals ;
A Public Library with a Children's Section : books 18,095(issued 6,900), newspapers and periodicals 251 ; (6) Threemonthly journals : The Vedanta Kesari (English, 61st year),Sri Ramakrishna Vijayam (Tamil, 54th year), and Sri Ramakrishna Prabha (Telugu, 29th year); (7) Publication of books :new 2, reprints 20; (8) A Primary School with 717 pupils;(9) A Girls' High School : strength 670—both (8) & (9) atGeorge Town, Madras 1 ; (10) A Charitable Allopathic-cum-Homoeopathic Dispensary with Dental, Eye, E.N.T., X-ray,Tuberculosis Clinic, Diabetic Clinic, Laboratory and Surgicalsections: cases treated 1,47,863 (new 72,115).

Advaita Ashrama, Mayavati (Pithoragarh)

Founded in 1899 under the inspiration of Swami Viveka-nanda, this Ashrama (P. O. Mayavati, via Lohaghat; PIN 262-524) in the solitude of deep Himalayan forests, commands a magnificent view of the snow-range covering some 380 km. in length. It maintained a Library (books : 7,600), and a 23-bed Hospital which treated 576 indoor and 20,570 outdoor cases (new 8,123). The guest house provided opportunity for spiritual culture to a limited number of aspirants.

The Ashrama's branch at 5 Dehi Entally Road, Calcutta 14 (PIN 700-014 ; Phone : 44-2898 ; Telegraphic address : VEDANTA) undertook the following activities : (1) Publication of two new books and reprint of seventeen old titles; (2) Publi-

cation of an English monthly, the Prabuddha Bharata (78th-79th year); (3) Religious classes and public lectures in its auditorium and outside; (4) A Library and Reading Room : books 10,321 (issued 20,861), newspapers and periodicals 92 ; (5) Fortnightly distribution of doles, clothes, etc. to 130 persons, and monetary help to different institutions (Rs. 1,977/-).

Ramakrishna Math, Baghbazar (Calcutta)

Started in 1899 and later shifted to its present home, this Math at 1 Udbodhan Lane (Calcutta 3 ; PIN 700-003 ; Phone : 55-0056), is also known as the "Mother's House" (the Calcutta residence of the Holy Mother). In addition to the usual routine of a monastery it conducted (1) A Library : books 2,736 ; (2) Regular scriptural classes and occasional lectures in and outside the Math ; (3) A Publication Department (Phone : 55-2447) : new two and reprint of 26 books ; (4) Publication of the Bengali monthly Udbodhan (75th year).

The Library, Auditorium and Publication Department were conducted from the nearby new building at 24 Nayan Krishna Saha Lane.

Ramakrishna Ashrama, Nagpur

Started in 1928, this Ashrama at Dhantoli (Nagpur 12 ; PIN 440-012 ; Phone : 23422), its main feature being the publication of Ramakrishna-Vivekananda literature in Hindi and Marathi, conducted (1) A Publication Department which brought out 22 books (new one, reprints 21); (2) Publication of the Marathi monthly Jivan Vikas (18th year); (3) A Library and free Reading Room : books 27,200 (issued 18,359), newspapers and periodicals 108 ; (4) A Students' Home with 32 college boys; (5) A Study Circle which organized debates, public meetings and magic lantern lectures; (6) Regular worship and observance of the birth anniversaries of religious celebrities ; (7) Weekly scriptural discourses, and lectures in and outside Nagpur ; (8) A Charitable Dispensary at Indora, a backward locality; cases treated 1,07,088 (new 10,858).

Ramakrishna Ashrama, Rajkot

Established in 1927, this Ashrama at Jagnath Plot (Plls 360-001 ; Phone : 24407) conducted (1) Regular worship, anc religious discourses in the Ashrama, and occasional lectures ir Rajkot and outside ; (2) A Charitable Dispensary with Ayur vedic and Homoeopathic departments : cases treated 32,351 (new 4,193); (3) A Students' Home with 75 boys ; (4) A Librar) and free Reading Room : books 20,799 (issued 18,600), news papers and periodicals 120; (5) A Publication Department which brought out the Gujarati versions of Ramakrishna-Vivekananda literature ; (6) Birth anniversaries of religious celebrities ; (7) Inter-school and Inter-college elocution and essay competitions.

The Ashrama served cooked food daily to about 1,500 recipients in drought hit Jasdan taluk of Rajkot district and also conducted flood relief work in Banaskantha district.

Ramakrishna Ashrama, Trichur

Started in 1924 and recognized in 1929, this Ashrama at Vilangan (P. O. Puranattukara ; PIN 680-551 ; Phone : Trichur 646), six kilometres away from the town, conducted (1) A Gurukula with 88 orphans ; (2) A High School with 867 boys ; (3) One L.P. School with 886 children ; (4) Daily worship, and Bhajan as also regular religious classes for the public in and outside the Ashrama ; (5) Birth anniversaries of religious celebrities, besides festivals ; (6) Monthly spiritual retreat for the devotees; (7) A Publication Department which brought out eight new books and six reprints; (8) Publication of Pra-buddha Keralam, a Malayalam monthly (59th year); (9) A Printing Press; (10) A Charitable Dispensary: cases treated 5,106 (new 2,862); (11) One Hospital (17 beds) which treated 565 patients free of charges.

The town branch at Punkunnam had (1) A Library and Reading Room : books 4,710, dailies and periodicals 17 ; (2) Free Sanskrit classes for 116 students.

Ramakrishna Ashrama, Bangalore

Founded in 1903 by Swami Ramakrishnananda and moved to its present home in 1909, this Ashrama on Bull Temple

Road (Bangalore 19; PIN 560-019; Phone : 62681) conducted (1) Daily worship and Bhajan, weekly discourse, and occasional lectures outside; (2) A Library and Reading Room : books 7,510 (issued 4,320), periodicals etc. 20 ; (3) A small Publication section for Kannada books; (4) Vivekananda Balaka San-gha, a cultural and recreational centre for boys aged 7 to 15 years; (5) A Hostel for University students (Phone : 62464) : inmates 83 ; (6) Birth anniversaries of Incarnations.

Its sub-centre called Vivekananda Ashrama at Ulsoor (Phone : 50966) held daily Puja and occasional Bhajan, and observed the birthdays of some religious personages.

The Ashrama conducted Drought Relief in Gulbarga district.

Ramakrishna Ashrama, Mysore

Started in 1925 and located since 1931 at its present premises on the Vrindaban Gardens Road at Vani Vilas Mohalla (Mysore 2 ; PIN 570-002 ; Phone : 20535) this Ashrama has an attractive temple and prayer hall. It conducted (1) Daily worship and Bhajan ; (2) Regular classes and occasional lectures in and outside the city ; (3) A Publication Department for books in Kannada, which brought out 14 reprints; (4) Birth anniversaries of religious celebrities ; (5) A Library : books 6,250 (issued 3,587).

On an extensive land a little away from the Ashrama stood Sri Ramakrishna Vidyashala, a residential Primary and Higher Secondary School (Phone : 22954) with 341 students, where also classes in typewriting, drawing, painting and music were held.

The Institute of Moral and Spiritual Education for students, teachers, and the general public, an all-India Centre, housed in an impressive and very commodious building near the Ashrama, started the courses from May, 1974.

Ramakrishna Ashrama, Trivandrum

The original Ashrama was started in 1924 on a hillock at Nettayam, nine kilometres away from the town.

The town centre (Sasthamangalam, Trivandrum 10 ; PIN 695-010 ; Phones : 61988 and 2551), whereto the centre of activity was shifted later, conducted (1) A 230-bed Hospital (free beds 130) with X-ray, Cardiography, Orthopaedics, Pediatrics, E.N.T., Dentistry, Maternity, Psychiatry and Surgical departments : cases treated—Indoor 10,182; Outdoor 24,694 (new 16,898); (2) An Auxiliary Nurse-Midwifery Training Centre : trainees 30.

The Nettayam sub-centre conducted (1) Daily worship and 136 religious classes and discourses; (2) Public lectures, inter-religious group discussions, etc.; (3) Celebration of the birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother and Swami Viveka-nanda, and some festivals, (4) A monthly spiritual retreat; (5) An Ayurvedic Dispensary, a little away : cases treated 7,490.

Ramakrishna Advaita Ashrama, Kalady (Ernakulam)

Started in 1936 and recognized in 1941, this Ashrama (PIN 683-574 ; Phone : 345) conducted (1) Daily worship and weekly scriptural classes in and outside the Ashrama; (2) A High School with 364 boys and 288 girls ; (3) A Sanskrit U.P. School with 322 boys and 202 girls; (4) A Junior Basic School with 138 boys and 130 girls; (5) A Students' Home with 110 inmates including 70 tribal and Scheduled Caste boys; (6) A Library and Reading Room : books 6,660, newspapers and periodicals 18 ; (7) A Publication department for books in Malayalam;

(8) An Ayurvedic Dispensary : cases treated 3,659 (new 2,732);

(9) Birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother, SwamiVivekananda and other religious Teachers as also various religious festivals; (10) A Nutrition Programme : 200 recipientsdaily; (11) A Community Hall for the Harijans.

The construction of Sri Ramakrishna Temple was in progress.

Ramakrishna Saradashrama, Ponampet (Coorg)

Started in 1927, this Centre (PIN 571-216) conducted (1) Daily worship and periodical Bhajan; (2) Occasional lee-

tures in and outside the Ashrama; (3) An Indoor Hospital with 35 beds : admissions 992 ; (4) A Charitable Outdoor Dispensary : cases treated 24,725 (new 13,708); (5) A Library and Reading Room : books 2,500, newspapers and journals 7 ; (6) Birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother and Swami Vivekananda, and some festivals.

Vivekananda Ashrama, Shyamala Tal (Pithoragarh)

Founded in 1915, this Ashrama (P. O. Sukhidhang, via Pilibhit; PIN 262-523) amid Himalayan scenery is a fine resort for study and meditation. It conducted a 12-bed Charitable Hospital and an Outdoor Dispensary : cases treated-—Indoor 101 and Outdoor 12,125 (new 5,941). The Veterinary Section treated 230 cattle. In addition, it conducted a small library (books 2,402) and observed the birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother, and Swami Vivekananda.

The Ashrama's guest rooms offered accommodation to a limited spiritually-bent visitors.

Ramakrishna Yogodyana, Kankurgachhi, Calcutta

This Math (7 Yogodyana Lane, Calcutta 54 ; PIN 700-054 ; Phone : 35-2928), founded in 1883 by a distinguished disciple of Sri Ramakrishna (Ram Chandra Datta), was sanctified by the Master's visit. It enshrines part of the sacred relics of Sri Ramakrishna. Recognized as a Math branch since 1943, it conducted (1) Daily worship and regular religious classes; (2) A small library : books 1,163, newspapers and periodicals 10 ; (3) Celebration of the birthday of Sri Ramakrishna and observance of some religious festivals.

The Math's two village sub-centres at Kumirmari and Manasadwip in 24-Parganas conducted at each place a Charitable Dispensary and a Primary School : total patients treated 21,486 and total roll strength 134 respectively.

Cadadhar Ashrama, Calcutta

Started in 1921, this Ashrama at 86-A Harish Chatterjee Street (Bhowanipore, Calcutta 25; PIN 700-025; Phone :

47-9779) carried on its religious activities consisting of daily worship and periodical Bhajan, the observance of some annual festivals besides regular classes and occasional discourses. The Library had 2,600 books and a number of journals.

Ramakrishna Math, Cossipore, Calcutta

Established in 1946 at the garden-house (90 Cossipore Road, Calcutta 2; PIN 700-002; Phone : 56-2568) sanctified by the stay of Sri Ramakrishna with his disciples during the last few months of his life, as also by his Mahasamadhi, this Math conducted daily worship. Weekly scriptural classes in and outside the Math, occasional meetings and the annual celebration of the Kalpataru Utsava were the main activities of the centre, which has a small Library too.

Ramakrishna Advaita Ashrama, Varaiiasi

Started by Swami Shivananda in 1902, the Ashrama on Ramakrishna Road (Varanasi 1 ; PIN 221-001) has all along served as a retreat for the old and retired monks of the Order. Besides daily worship and periodical Bhajan and the celebration of the birthdays of Incarnations and Saints, it held 268 religious classes and 20 occasional discourses for the public, and also ran a Library and free Reading Room : books 9,456 (issued 924), journals etc. 20.

Ramakrishna Ashrama, Ootacamund (Nilgiris)

Started in 1924 and situated at a beauty spot of the famed hill station, the Ashrama at Ramakrishnapuram (PIN 643-001 ; Phone : 2873) conducted (1) Daily worship, and congregational Bhajan on Sundays ; (2) Weekly indoor and outdoor religious discourses besides occasional lectures outside the town ; (3) A monthly spiritual retreat for devotees in the surrounding villages ; (4) A small Library and Reading Room : books 3,051, and newspapers and journals 13 ; (5) Birth anniversaries of Sri Ramakrishna and other religious celebrities, as also a few religious festivals.

Ramakrishna Ashrama, Tiruvalla (Alleppey)

Started in 1913, this Ashrama at Thukalasscry (PIN 689-101) conducted, besides regular worship, Bhajan and weekly classes at the Ashrama and in some temples nearby, the celebration of the birthdays of some religious celebrities, and also maintained a small Library and a Students' Home with 10 inmates.

Its sub-centre at Palai (Kottayam) had, besides daily worship and weekly religious classes, a Students' Home with 10 inmates and a small library.

Ramakrishna Math, Kanchipuram (Chingleput)

Started in 1933, this monastery at 70 Nellukara Street (Kanchipuram 2 : PIN 631-502) conducted (1) Daily worship, weekly religious classes, Bhajan, and occasional public lectures in the Math ; (2) A public Library and Reading Room : books 7,000, newspapers and magazines 42 ; (3) Navaratri festival and the celebration of the birthdays of Divine Teachers.

Raniakrishna Math, Nattarampalli

(North Arcot)

Started in 1908, this rural monastery (PIN 635-852) conducted daily worship and weekly Bhajan and religious class. Moreover, it celebrated the birth-days of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother and Swami Vivekananda in the Math and also organized such celebration at five different places in the district. Arrangement was made in the Math for holding free coaching classes for about 150 local school children, to whom were distributed notebooks, slates, ink, garments, etc. Free tiffin was distributed to a limited few. Films of religious value were screened in different parts of Southern India.

Ramakrishna Math, Puri

The Math, established in 1932, on the beach at Chakra-tirtha (PIN 752-002) is a quiet spot for contemplation. In addition to daily worship and occasional Bhajan, it celebrated

some birthdays and a few festivals. Religious discourses were held in the premises off and on.

Kainakrishiia Kutir, Almora

Founded in 1916 by Swamis Shivananda and Turiyananda, this centre (PIN 263-601) serves as a retreat for our monks. Besides regular occasional discourses and Bhajan, the Kutir maintained a Library : books 4,247, periodicals 26. Accommodation was provided to a few spiritually inclined guests.

Ramakrisima Ashrama, Chandipur (Midnapore)

Started in 1916, the Ashrama (P, O, Math Chandipur; PIN 721-633) conducted (1) Daily worship and regular religious classes; (2) A Charitable Dispensary : cases treated 36,742 (new 15,228); (3) One U. P. School : boys 88, girls 68 ; (4) A Library with 1,100 books; (5) Occasional help in cash and kind to the 'poor and needy; (6) Observance of the birthdays of Sri Rama-krishna, the Holy Mother, Swami Vivekananda and other great religious Teachers.

Ramakrishna Ashrama, Kaiimpong (Darjeeling)

Started in 1944, this Ashrama (PIN 734-301), commanding an enchanting view of snow-range, served as an excellent retreat for our monks. It ran a small Library (books : 1,800), and observed the birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda.

Ramakrishna Ashrama, Jamtara (Santhal Parganas)

Started in 1921, this monastery (PIN 814-301), besides serving as a place of change and rest for our monks, conducted

A Charitable Dispensary : cases treated 6,927 (new 5,825);
A tiny Library with nearly 500 books ; (3) Regular worship,occasional Bhajan, and the birth anniversaries of Incarnationsand also a few religious festivals ; (4) Supply of drinking waterwith sweets and biscuits to the thirsty pedestrians in summer.

Ramakrishna Math, Secunderabad

Located at 74/B, Market Street, Secunderabad, Hyderabad 3 (PIN 500-003 ; Phone : 73973) the Math was taken over in November, 1973. It conducted (1) Daily worship and Bhajan ; (2) Weekly discourses ; (3) A free Reading Room ; (4) Observance of the birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother and Swami Vivekananda.

SECTION V

CENTRES OUTSIDE INDIA IN BANGLADESH

A. MISSION CENTRES

Ramakrishna Mission, Barisal

Started in 1904 and affiliated in 1911, this Centre, besides maintaining a shrine, conducted (1) A Text Book Library and a General Library; (2) A Homoeopathic Dispensary; (3) Weekly religious classes; (4) Relief activities.

Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Faridpur

Started in 1921 and affiliated in 1934, this Ashrama had (1) A Library; (2) A Students' Home ; (3) A Chatuspathi; (4) A Primary School; (5) A Homoeopathic Dispensary; (6) A Milk Distribution Centre. It also conducted relief activities.

B. COMBINED MATH & MISSION CENTRES Ramakrishna Math and Mission, Dacca

Started in 1899 and affiliated in 1914, this Centre (Phone : 250054), besides conducting a large-scale relief operation, had

(1) A Library : books 3,396, newspapers and periodicals 26 ;

(2) An Allopathic Dispensary : cases treated 48,293 (new

15,646); (3) A Junior High School with 450 students; (4) A number of Milk Feeding Centres for children : recipients 7,500 daily; (5) Weekly religious class.

The religious festivals like Durga Puja, Nabi Day, Ramjan Eid, Christmas Eve, Buddha Purnima, etc. were celebrated in the Math. Cultural activities through exhibition, symposium, conversations, etc. were highly appreciated by the people.

The birthday celebrations of Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda were attended by large number of people belonging to different religious faiths.

Ramakrishna Mission and Ashrama Narayanganj (Dacca)

Started in 1909 and affiliated in 1922, this Centre conducted (1) A Library; (2) An Allopathic Dispensary ; (3) Reliefand rehabilitation work. . _.

Ramakrishna Ashrama and Mission Seva Samiti Sylhet

Started in 1916 and affiliated in 1926, the Samiti had (1) A Library and a Reading Room : books 5,000 ; (2) A Students' Home with four inmates; (3) A Homoeopathic Dispensary : cases treated 6,704 ; (4) A Milk Feeding Centre for children : recipients 7,413. Relief activities were also conducted.

The Ashrama conducted (1) Daily worship and Bhajan;

Weekly religious classes and occasional classes and lectures ;
Birth anniversaries of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother
and Swami Vivekananda; (4) Durga Puja, Kali Puja, etc.

Ramakrishna Ashrama and Mission Seva Samiti Habiganj (Sylhet)

Started in 1921 and affiliated in 1926, this Centre had (1) A small Library ; (2) A Students' Home ; (3) A Homoeopathic Dispensary. It also conducted some relief activities.

The Ashrama conducted regular worship and religious classes as also celebrated the birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother and Swami Vivekananda.

Ramakrishna Ashrama and Mission Sevashrama Baliati (Dacca)

Started in 1910 and affiliated in 1925, the Sevashrama had a Homoeopathic Dispensary.

The Ashrama conducted daily worship, Bhajan and observed some religious festivals.

C. MATH CENTRES

Ramakrishna Ashrama, Dinajpur

Started in 1923 and affiliated in 1942, the Ashrama, Besides its relief and rehabilitation activities, had (1) An Allopathic Dispensary; (2) A Students' Home; (3) A Library. Birth anniversaries of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother and Swami Vivekananda were observed.

Ramakrishna Ashrama Bagerhat (Khulna)

Started in 1926, this Ashrama (Phone : 153) conducted (1) A Library ; (2) A Dispensary with Allopathic and Homoeopathic sections : total cases treated 85,833 ; (3) A Students' Home with 33 inmates ; (4) Observance of the birth anniversaries of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother and Swami Vivekananda ; (5) Relief and rehabilitation activities.

Ramakrishna Ashrama, Mymensingh

Started in 1922, this Ashrama, besides conducting daily worship and Bhajan, had a Library and a Students' Home.

BURMA

Ramakrishna Mission Society, Rangoon

After twenty years of existence in various forms the Society was affiliated to the Mission in 1921. Housed in a three-storeyed building at 230 Botataung Pagoda Road (Phone : 11626), the Society conducted (1) A free Open-access Lending and Reference

Library and Reading Room : books 40,000 (issued 10,000), newspapers and periodicals 59, daily average attendance 200; (2) Religious classes and lectures on educational and cultural topics ; (3) Fortnightly Ramanam Sankirtan ; (4) Birthdays of world teachers of diverse faiths.

As permits for the permanent residence of Indian monks are not granted, the work of the Society is condvicted by some local friends of the Mission.

SRI LANKA (CEYLON)

Ramakrishna Mission (Sri Lanka Branch) Colombo

Though the Mission started functioning in the island in 1924 with the management of a few schools, the Ashrama at Colombo, by the beach on Ramakrishna Road (Colombo 6 ; Phone : 88253), was established-in 1930. During the year under review it conducted (1) Daily worship, weekly classes, occasional lectures and festivals ; (2) A small Library : books 2,560, free Reading Room : 35 newspapers and periodicals; (3) A Sunday School for children : average attendance 460 ; (4) Regular religious classes for juvenile delinquents at Wathupitiwela Training School, about 44 km. away; (5) The International Cultural Centre with guest rooms, library: (6) Swami Vivekananda Centenary Memorial Hall, the biggest auditorium in Colombo ; (7) Observance of the birthdays of great religious Teachers.

At the Batticaloa branch, besides running three orphanages with a total of 102 boys and 51 girls, regular classes were held for the inmates of Mantivu Lepers' Asylum and the prisoners of Batticaloa Jail.

The new building at Kalladi Uppodai to house the orphan boys was completed and put to use.

The capacious and popular Madam (Pilgrims' Rest House) at the holy seat of Kataragama, about 290 km. from Colombo, served all sections of people. As in the earlier years, the Madam daily supplied free meal to about 9,000 pilgrims for 18 days during Esala Festival.

SINGAPORE Ramakrishna Mission, Singapore

The main Mission Centre, located at 179 Bartley Road, Singapore 19 (Phone : 889077), conducted (1) A Students' Home : inmates 50 ; (2) Weekly scriptural classes and lessons on the rudiments of Sanskrit (average attendance : 10), and occasional lectures ; (3) Birth anniversaries of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother, Swami Vivekananda and other religious celebrities, as also several festivals, besides daily worship in the Ramakrishna Temple and periodical Bhajan. A spiritual retreat was organized.

The Swami Vivekananda Centenary Memorial Building, which was used for meetings, spiritual retreat and classes on Upanishads, had a Library and Reading Room with 2,000 books and 11 newspapers and journals.

The town branch, which formed the nucleus of TSRssion work in 1928, at 9 Norris Road, Singapore 8 (Phone : 361971) managed (1) A Library and Reading Room : books 5,284, periodicals and dailies 32 ; (2) A Boys' School and a Girls' High School (both Tamil medium) with 63 and 97 pupils respectively ; (3) An Adult Night School with 62 students ; (4) The Kalai-magal Tamil School, 11 km. away, with 74 pupils, and an Adult Night School in the same building with 49 students.

FIJI

Ramakrishna Mission, Nadi

Started in 1937, the Ashrama, situated amid sylvan surroundings in Nadi town (Post Box 9 ; Phone : 70016), held, apart from daily worship, weekly religious classes and occasional congregational prayers, and the celebration of a few festivals. A new building was put up during the year.

The Vivekananda High School (Phone : 70343) for boys and girls celebrated its Silver Jubilee in the year under review,

MAURITIUS

Ramakrishna Mission, Vacoas

Started in 1941, this Centre (Phone : 313) conducted (1) Weekly religious classes and occasional discourses at different places of the island ; (2) Birth anniversaries of Sri Ramakrishna. the Holy Mother and Swami Vivekananda. Weekly classes were held at the sub-centre in St. Julian.

THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Vedanta Society, New York

This first Vedanta Centre, started by Swami Vivekananda in 1894, is housed at 34 West 71st Street, New York, N.Y. 10023 (Phone : Trafalgar 4-8691). Swami Pavitrananda, the Minister-in-charge, conducted the Sunday Service, and held every Tuesday a class on the Bhagavad-Gita. Birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother, Swami Vivekananda, Bhagavan Buddha as also Christmas and Easter were celebrated. The annual 'Vivekananda Festival' took place as before. The visiting Swarms conducted several classes and attended some special functions. The Head of the Department of Religious Education of New York University brought a group of students including some clergymen for a special class.

Ramakrishna-Vivekananda Centre New York

This Centre, founded in 1933 by Swami Nikhilananda and located at 17 East 94th Street, New York, N.Y. 10028 (Phones : ATwater 9-1710, and LEhigh 4-9145 ; Cable address : RAMA-VIVEK, New York), had the following activities : Swami Adiswarananda, who took over the charge after Swami Nikhila-nanda's demise in July, 1973, conducted the Sunday Service. The Swami read and explained the Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna on Tuesday and the Bhagavat-Gita on Friday. Groups of students from various institutions came to the Service, talks and lectures at the Centre. On invitation, the Swami spoke at various places viz. St. Louis, Falls Church, Virginia, Philadelphia and Pensylvania. Special Services were held for the

Christmas, Easter, Divine Mother Durga, and the birthdays of Buddha, Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother, and Swami Vivckananda.

The house at Thousand Island Park (New York State), where Swami Vivekananda lived and gave his ''Inspired Talks" in 1896, named 'Vivekananda Cottage', served as usual as a retreat for spiritual culture in summer. Daily worship, meditation and scriptural classes were conducted during the period, attended by students and guests.

The Centre's Publication Department has to its credit a number of valuable volumes.

Vedanta Society, Providence (R. I.)

Started in 1928, this Society at 224 Angell Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02906 (Phone : 401-421-3960) has been in the charge of Swami Sarvagatananda. He conducted regularly a Sunday service and a Tuesday class on the Bhagavad-Gita. He also gave lectures at a number of educational and religious institutions.

The birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother and Swami Vivekananda and other great religious teachers as also some festivals were celebrated.

Ramakrishna Vedanta Society Boston (Massachusetts)

Started in 1941, this Society located at 58 Deerfield Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02215 (Phone : 617-536-5320) was also under the charge of Swami Sarvagatananda. The Sunday Service and Thursday evening class were held regularly. The birthdays of some religious celebrities of diverse faiths as well as a few festivals were duly celebrated.

As one of the religious counsellors of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the Swami regularly conducted the Friday Service in the Institute's chapel. Invited, he also delivered lectures at different places, including the Harvard University Memorial Church, Boston University, Temple Bethel AM, and Temple Emmanuel. A radio talk also was given by him.

The Society's Sarada Ashrama, 60 km. to the south-east at Marshfield held, during the summer, meditation classes and religious talks for the devotees from far and near.

Vivekananda Vedanta Society Chicago (Illinois)

Started in 1930, this Society under the Ministership of Swarni Bhashyananda moved its headquarters to 5423, South Hyde Park Boulevard, Chicago, Illinois 60615 (Phone : 312-363-0027). Besides daily worship in the shrine, Sunday Service and two week-day classes were held. The Swami gave a number of lectures at various schools, colleges and churches throughout the United States and Canada. The birthdays of Sri Rama-krishna, the Holy Mother, Swami Vivekananda and some others as also special worships and Services Avere observed.

The Society conducted-in another building of its own a_ Library containing about 4,000 books and a Sunday School for children.

The Society has a monastery and a retreat, named after Swami Vivekananda, at 122nd Street (via Route 2), Ganges Township, Fennville, Michigan 49408 (Phone : 616-543-4545), across the Lake (north-east), about 200 km. by road, together with a large fruit orchard.

Vedanta Society, St. Louis (Missouri)

Started in 1938 by its present head Swami Satprakashananda, this Society is located at 205 South Skinker Boulevard, St. Louis, Missouri 63105 (Phone : 721-5118). He lectured on Sundays on various subjects, conducted meditation classes, expounded Hindu scriptures on Tuesdays and also gave interviews to students and spiritual aspirants. The Swami explained the Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna on the first Thursday of every month. The Society has a Library and a Book-shop.

Several religious festivals as also the birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother, Swami Vivekananda and Swami Brahmananda were specially observed.

Vedanta Society of Southern California Hollywood

Started in 1930 by Swami Prabhavananda, who is its leader, and who is assisted by Swamis Asaktananda and Chetanananda, this Society has its main centre of activity at 1946 Vedanta Place, Hollywood, California 90068 (Phone : Hollywood 5-7114). At Santa Barbara, 135 km. north of Los Angeles, the Society has a temple, a convent and a monastery. At Trabuco, 104 km. to the south it has a shrine and a monastery.

In all the three establishments morning meditation, noon worship and vesper service were conducted. At Hollywood, fortnightly Ramnam was sung. Religious festivals and the birthdays of the Teachers of different faiths were celebrated. At Hollywood and Santa Barbara, weekly evening discourses and Sunday lectures were given. The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna was read at weekly membership meetings. The two Assistant Swamis, on invitation, lectured at various churches and colleges.

The house in South Pasadena, where Swami Vivekananda lived for a period in 1900, is maintained by the Society as a shrine.

The Vedanta Press, the Society's Publication Department, has brought out a number of useful publications.

Vedania Society of Northern California San Francisco

This Society, established by Swami Vivekananda in 1900, has now Swami Prabuddhananda as the Minister-in-charge, assisted by Swami Chidrupananda.

The headquarters of the Society works in the spacious New Temple at 2323 Vallejo Street, San Francisco, California 94123 (Phone : 415-922-2323). Here, besides daily worship and meditation, lectures were delivered by the Swamis on Sundays and Wednesdays. A Saturday evening class on the Works of Swami Vivekananda was also held.

The birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother and Swami Vivekananda as also of Sri Krishna, Bhagavan Buddha and Lord Jesus were celebrated. The Library and Reading Room had about 5,000 books and several journals.

In the Old Temple, built by Swami Trigunatitananda, at 2963 Webster Street, San Francisco, California 94123 (Phone : 346-1265) scripture class was held every Friday evening as in the past years. A Sunday School for children and Sanskrit classes for men and women were also conducted.

The monastery of the Society has an additional establishment at Olema, a retreat in Marin County. The Society has also a convent at San Francisco.

The Society has three retreats : the Shanti Ashrama in San Antonio Valley gifted to Swami Vivekananda in 1900, the 200-acre retreat at Lake Tahoe at the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and the 2,000-acre forest retreat at Olema. In the last there is a permanent establishment.

Vedanta Society, Berkeley

Started in 1939 and located near the University, at 2455 BowditchnStreet, Berkeley, California"W704 (PhoneT^ttS^48^ 8862), this Centre has Swami Swahananda as its head. Lecture on Sundays, class on Thursdays, daily worship and meditation, weekly group singing, special celebrations, maintenance of a library and interviews by the Swami were its normal activities. Invited by outside organizations, colleges, churches and Divinity Schools the Swami delivered 35 lectures in the neighbourhood and several cities of the United States.

Vedanta Society, Sacramento

Started in 1949 and affiliated in 1952, this Vedanta Society at 1337 Mission Avenue, Carmichael, Sacramento, California 95608 (Phone : 916-489-5137) is under the charge of Swami Shraddhananda.

The Swami conducted the Sunday Service, Wednesday evening scripture class and Saturday evening class on the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda. Daily worship in the Chapel, Vesper Service on Sundays and group meditation on Wednesdays were also conducted. During the year he had to give several lectures in the Universities of Sacramento and Fresno as also in a number of colleges and schools.

The Society has a Library, a Reading Room, and a Sunday School for children. The birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother and Swami Vivekananda and also a few festivals were celebrated with special programme. The Santodyan (garden of saints), a beautiful four-acre retreat located at the rear of the Society, was extensively used by the devotees.

Vedanta Society, Portland (Oregon)

Started in 1925, the Society under the leadership of Swami Aseshananda has its spacious home and temple at 1157 S.E. 55th Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97215 (Phone : 235-3919) in the attractive Mt. Tabor district. It conducted daily worship and meditation, maintained a library, and celebrated the birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna and some others besides a few religious festivals. The Swami held scriptural classes and gave interviews to spiritual seekers, and also enlightened various student groups.

The Society has a retreat in a very large wooded area overlooking the Columbia River Valley, 40 km. away. It attracted the members of the Society for a peaceful vacation.

Ramakrishna Vedanta Centre, Seattle (Washington)

Started in 1938 by Swami Vividishananda who continues to be its head, this Centre stands at 2716 Broadway East, Seattle, Washington 98102 (Phone : East 3-1228). The Swami held weekly religious classes on Tuesdays and Fridays, besides the Sunday Service. He also, on invitation, spoke before school, college and church groups. Visiting Honolulu for a month, he delivered lectures and granted interviews to spiritual seekers. The birthdays of a few Divine Personages as well as some religious festivals were observed. The Centre has a library with 4,000 books.

ARGENTINA

Ramakrishna Ashrama, Buenos Aires

This Ashrama was founded in 1933 by Swami Vijayananda who remained its leader till his passing away in September, 1973. Since then Swami Paratparananda is acting as the

In-chargc. It has a fine home at 1149 Caspar Campos in Bella Vista (Phone : 656-0098), about 30 km. from the city.

Swami Paratparananda read and explained the Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna at the Ashrama on Sundays and gave a series of lectures in the city. He also gave talks and interviews to earnest spiritual seekers.

The birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna and a few other Spiritual Teachers as also some religious festivals were observed in the Ashrama which has to its credit the publication of some books in Spanish.

ENGLAND

Ramakrishna Vedanta Centre, London

Started in 1948 and with Swami Bhavyananda as the present Minister-in-charge, this Centre is housed in a commodious build-ing"atT54 Holland Park, London ^W 11 3RS (Phone : 01-727-4910 ; Cable address : VEDANTA, London W 11). The Swami is assisted by Swami Yogeshananda.

The Centre conducted regular Sunday Service, besides a number of lectures outside London. Swami Bhavyananda, on invitation, spoke at various places, gave interviews to spiritual seekers and conducted spiritual retreats. He also participated in the annual conference of the World Congress of Religion for Peace held in Belgium and visited Holland and Sweden on invitation. Vedanta for East and West, the bi-monthly organ of the Centre, entered its 23rd year.

The birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother, Swami Vivekananda and other religious Teachers as well as some sacred festivals were observed.

A house at Colyton (Devonshire), about 280 km. South-West of London, meant as a retreat for the monks, is maintained by the Centre.

SWITZERLAND

Ramakrishna Vedanta Centre, Geneva

Started by Swami Nityabodhananda in 1958, this Centre moved in November, 1972 into its own commodious house by the

Geneva Lake, nine kilometers from the town (Chemin des Gra-vannes, CH-1246, CORSIER, Geneva; Phones : 022/51-22-25 ; 022/51-16-61). The Swami conducted regular classes on the Gita and the Upanishads both in French and in English. On invitation, he gave a series of talks on Vedanta and comparative philosophy at the University of Geneva, and participated in the International Inter-religious Congress held in Paris and Rome. The study groups at Bordeaux, Nimes, Avignon and Munich continued successfully under the Swami's direction.

FRANCE

Centre Vedaiitique Ramakrichna, Grelz .

Started at Paris in 1936 and later shifted to its own home on Boulevard Romain Rolland, 77220-Gretz (Phone : 407-03-11), 29 km. from Paris, this Centre has as its head Swami Ritaja-nanda, who is assisted by Swami Vidyatmananda. The Swami-in-charge, besides conducting regular worship and meditation in the shrine and the observance of special holy days, held the Sunday lecture and frequent classes as also gave interviews to people seeking spiritual advice. Moreover, he gave talks at various places in and out of France. At 6 Place des Etates-Unis, Paris, where Swami Vivekananda stayed in 1900, classes were held twice a month. The Centre brought out the Vedanta, a quarterly magazine in French, for the 13th year.

FUNDS THAT NEED LIBERAL HELP

The Ramakrishna Math and the Mission afford opportunities for the wider public to co-operate with the Ramakrishna Order in carrying on various types of work chalked out by Swami Vivekananda for serving mankind. Such co-operation may consist in active participation in the work of the Mission as its members or associates, or in contribution to the different funds of the Math and the Mission. Persons who are in sympathy with the objects of the organization, but are unable to take part in its activities, are cordially invited to help it by contributing to one or more of the following funds, which need

their active support. Donations to the Ramakrishna Math and the Mission are exempt from income-tax.

(i) The General Fund, for defraying the administrative and other general expenses of the Mission.

(ii) The Provident Relief Fund, to meet disasters like famine, flood, cyclone, pestilence, riot and earthquake throughout the country.

(iii) The Poor Fund, for alleviating individual distress of various kinds.

(iv) The Mass Education Fund.

(v) The Mission Workers Fund, for the medical care of workers who fall sick, or retire in old age.

(All the above are Mission Funds)

(vi) The Math General Fund, similar to the Mission General Fund, mentioned above.

(vii) Funds for the maintenance of any of the permanent institutions described in the Report.

(viii) Funds for the maintenance of old and sick monks.

Contributions may kindly be sent to the General Secretary, Ramakrishna Math or Ramakrishna Mission (as the case may be), P.O. Belur Math, Dt. Howrah, with a clear specification of their purpose ; or they may be sent direct to the branch centres concerned. Cheques, drafts or postal orders should be drawn in favour of Ramakrishna Math, Belur or Ramakrishna Mission, as the case may be, and crossed to ensure safety.

APPENDIX A

EXTRACTS FROM THE MEMORANDUM OF ASSOCIA-TION OF THE RAMAKRISHNA MISSION

registered on the 4xn may, 1909, under act XXI of 1860: registration No. S/1917 of 1909-10

revised according to west bengal act XXVI of 1961

1. (a) The name of the Association is THE RAM-KRISHNA MISSION. It may also be spelt as RAMAKRISHNA MISSION.

2. The objects of the Association are : ,

To impart and promote the study of the Vedanta andits principles as propounded by Sri Ramakrishna and practicallyillustrated by his own life, and of Comparative Theology in itswidest form.
To impart and promote the study of the arts, scienceand industries.
To train teachers in all branches of knowledge above-
mentioned and enable them to reach the masses.

To carry on educational work among the masses.
To establish, maintain, carry on and assist schools,colleges, universities, orphanages, workshops, laboratories,¹ hospitals, dispensaries, houses for the infirm, the invalid and theafflicted, famine-relief works, and other educational and/orcharitable works and institutions of a like nature.

(/) To print and publish and to sell or distribute, gratuitously or otherwise, journals, periodicals, books or leaflets that the Association may think desirable for the promotion of its objects.

(g) To carry on any other work which may seem to the Association capable of being conveniently carried on in connection with and calculated directly or indirectly to promote any of the beforementioned objects.

APPENDIX B

EXTRACTS FROM THE RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE RAMAKRISHNA MISSION

1. The Association is established for the purposes expressedin the Memorandum of Association ; and its Headquarters aswell as the registered office is at Belur Math, District Howrah.

Members and Associates

2. (a) All followers, whether lay or monastic, of the Para-mahamsa Ramakrishna may be members of the Association, ifelected at a meeting of the Association or nominated by theGoverning Body hereinafter mentioned, provided that all theTrustees for the time being of the Indenture of Trust datedthe 30th day of January, 1901, usually called the Trust Deed ofthe Belur Math, shall be ex-officio members of the Association.

(b) A person intending to be a member shall sign thedeclaration form annexed herewith and submit to the GeneralSecretary an application, in a form prescribed by the Association and he shall be proposed by a member of the Associationand seconded and supported by at least two members of theGoverning Body.

Members' Declaration Form

(i) I look upon Sri Ramakrishna as an illustration and embodiment of the Religion Eternal, whose life and teachings help one to understand the plan and purpose of all the religions of the world and their underlying truth and harmony.

(ii) I look upon all religions as paths to God, and shall try to live in peace and fellowship with the followers of all religions.

(iii) I have full sympathy with all the objects of the Ramakrishna Mission as set forth in the Memorandum of Association and I will actively co-operate with the work of the Mission.

(c) All persons irrespective of colour, creed or caste, sympathising with all or any of the objects of the Association, may

be associates, if elected at a meeting of the Association or nominated by the Governing Body.

* * * * *

Monastic members shall not be required to pay anyadmission fee or any subscription.
-Every-iay member and every" associate, unless exemptedtherefrom in writing by the Governing Body, shall pay anadmission fee of Rs. 5/- and an annual subscription of Rs. 12/-payable in advance. The Governing Body may exempt anymember or associate from payment of all or any fees or subscriptions.
The annual subscription may be commuted by theGoverning Body on payment of Rs. 350/-.

7. (a) Connection of members and associates with theAssociation shall cease by resignation, death, removal or nonpayment of dues for two years, but shall be capable of renewalin such manner as the Governing Body may from time to timedecide.

* * * * *

8. Members shall be entitled to : —

Vote at all meetings of the Association, use the Libraryattached to the Math at Belur in the district of Howrah andreside at the Math temporarily subject to rules and regulationsprescribed by the Math authorities.
Attend all classes formed by the Association for theinstruction of its members and receive individual instructionwhenever practicable.
Receive all publications of the Headquarters at a specialdiscount of 25 per cent on the published price.

* * * * *

(e) Mofussil members shall be entitled to receive the proceedings, reports and leaflets published by the Association on application.

9. Associates shall have all the privileges of members except the right to vote at meetings.

DISTRIBUTION OF BRANCH CENTRES

(as in August, '75)

West Bengal: Calcutta (7 centres), Belgharia, Narendrapur, Rahara, Sarisha, Taki, Manasadwip, Belur (Saradapitha), Tamluk, Chandipur, Midnapore, Garbeta, Contai, Ram-haripur, Bankura, Jayrambati, Kamarpukur, Asansol, Sar-gachhi, Malda, Jalpaiguri, Kalimpong and Purulia.

Tamil Nadu: Madras (6 centres), Kanchipuram, Chingleput, Nattarampalli, Coimbatore, Ootacamund and Salem.

U.P. : Allahabad, Varanasi (2 centres), Lucknow, Kanpur, Vridar ban, Almora, Shyamala Tal, Mayavati, Kankhal and Kishenpur.

Bihar: Patna, Katihar, Ranchi (2 centres), Jamshedpur, Deo-ghar and Jamtara.

Kerala: Trivandrum, Tiruvalla, Kalady, Trichur and Kozhi-kode.

Karnataka: Bangalore, Mysore, Ponampet and Mangalore.

Andhra Pradesh: Visakhapatnam, Rajahmundry and Secun-derabad.

Assam: Karimganj, Silchar and Gauhati.

Orissa : Bhubaneswar and Puri (2 centres).

Maharashtra : Bombay and Nagpur.

Arunachal Pradesh: Along and Narottam Nagar.

Meghalaya : Shillong and Cherrapunji.

Delhi: New Delhi. Gujarat: Rajkot. Rajasthan : Khetri.

Punjab and Haryana : Chandigarh. M.P.: Raipur.

outside india

Bangladesh : Dacca, Narayanganj, Baliati, Mymensingh, Farid-pur, Barisal, Bagerhat, Dinajpur, Sylhet and Habiganj.

United States of America: New York (2 centres), Boston, Providence, Chicago, St. Louis, San Francisco, Hollywood, Berkeley, Portland, Seattle and Sacramento.

Burma : Rangoon. Sri Lanka : Colombo.

Fiji: Nadi. Singapore : Singapore.

Mauritius: Vacoas.

England: London.

France: Gretz.

Switzerland : Geneva.

Argentina (South America): Buenos Aires.

1 comment:

drprabhaentclinic1 November 2023 at 01:01
ENT Clinic in Nashik for expert ear, nose, and throat care. Our dedicated team of experienced ENT specialists is committed to providing you with the highest quality healthcare in a comfortable and compassionate environment. Whether you're dealing with hearing issues, sinus problems, allergies, or throat conditions, our clinic diagnostics and treatments to address your specific.

Ramakrishna Mission Reports

Thursday 5 April 2012

General Report - 1975

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