Some Appointments made by Authorities of Ramakrishna Mission

Year/Month	HEAD'S NAME (Monastic)		CENTRE
1935-10	Sw. Siddheshwarananda		Bangalore
1936-07	Sw. Shashwatananda		Chennai Math
1937- 01	Sw. Sharvananda		Karachi
1937-02	Sw. Premeshananda		Sargachhi
1937-04	Sw. Pranavatmananda		Contai
1937-04	Sw. Rudrananda		Kanchipuram
1937-04	Sw. Bhuteshananda		Shillong
1937-04	Sw. Ajarananda		Thrissur
1938-01	Sw. Pranaveshananda		Colombo
1938-04	Sw. Tyagishananda		Bangalore
1938-04	Sw. Ishwarananda	Sw. N.	Kanchipuram
1938-05	Sw. Vagishwarananda	Sw. N.	Tiruvalla
1938-10	Sister Subbalakshmi Ammal		Chennai Sarada Vidyalaya
1938-10	Sw. Pranaveshananda		Mysore
1939-07	Sw. Asangananda		Colombo
1939-07	Sw. Deshikananda		Mysore
1939-07	Sw. Ranganathananda		Rangoon Society
1940-01	Sw. Chitsukhananda		Haripad
1940-01	Sw. Sukhananda		Ottapalam
1940-01	Sw. Shrikanthananda	Kunhi Raman (Sw. N.)	Salem
1940-01	Sw. Tapasyananda	Sw. N.	Thiruvananthapuram
1940-04	Sw. Nihshreyasananda		Vishakhapatnam
1940-07	Sw. Kedareshwarananda		Nattarampalli
1940-10	Sw. Prematmananda		Ootacamund
1941-01	Sw. Shubhrananda	Sw. N.	Palai
1941-01	Sw. Pranveshananda		Ponnampet
1941-01	Sw. Shekharananda	Sw. N.	Tiruvalla
1941-04	Sw. Agamananda	Sw. N.	Kalady
1941-07	Sw. Nirvikarananda	Sw. N.	Quilandy
1941-10	Sw. Shambhavananda	Sw. N.	Mysore
1942-10	Sw. Ranganathananda		Karachi
1943-01	Sw. Shekharananda	Sw. N.	Haripad
1943-01	Sw. Vishwambharananda	Sw. N.	Kanchipuram
1943-01	Sw. Chitprabhananda	Sw. N.	Kayankulam
1943-01	Sw. Ishwarananda	Sw. N.	Thrissur
1943-01	Sw. Niranjanananda	Sw. N	Tiruvalla
1943-10	Sw. Sukhananda	Sw. N.	Kanchipuram
1943-10	Sw. Vishwambharananda	Sw. N.	Ponnampet
1944-01	Sw. Nishkamananda		Ootacamund
1944-07	Sw. Kailashananda		Chennai Math
1944-07	Sw. Deshikananda	Sw. N.	Salem
1948-08	Sw. Ojasananda	Sw. N.	Ootacamund
1949-01	Sw. Nityabodhananda		Rangoon Society
1949-11	Sw. Ranganathananda		Delhi
1950-11	Sw. Nityabodhananda		Rajahmundry
1951-01	Sw. Shekharananda	Sw. N.	Tiruvalla

A SHORT REPORT ON THE OCCASION OF THE FOUNDATION LAYING CEREMONY AT HARIPAD MATH

TO ALL DEVOTEES

1. The message of most Revered General Secretary Maharaj

The message of most Revered General Secretary Maharaj was received on the eve of foundation laying ceremony at Haripad Math. We shared the joy of his holy message with our devotees and friends. Now we want to share with all friends and devotees.

2. Blessing of most Revered Maharaj

Most Revered Prameyanandaji Maharaj sent his prayer and blessing through phone. On the foundation laying ceremony at Haripad Math.

3. Simplicity of Most Revered Maharaj

The moment we invited our maharaj, without any delay he agreed to visit Haripad Math. Even without thinking of his personal comports. Maharaj wanted to spend his holy time from 26^th Jan to 31^st Jan 2009 in different centres of Kerala. Even Air Ticket were also booked. But health did not permit Maharaj to visit our Haripad Math. We did not loose our heart. Our heart always remains with Maharaj. Maharaj is always with us.

4. Ganapathi Homa and Vastu Puja

Ganapathi Homa started at 5 am with vedic chanting by Swami Vibhakarananda. A ritualistic vastu puja – started at 7 am with the supervision of Swami Vibhakarananda. Efficient pandits of Kerala performed the Homa and Puja.

5. No. of Devotees attended the Procession

• Children’s from different Schools 600
• Population of the adjenent colony 2000 attended 1000
• Population of the surrounding colony 3000 attended 500
• Population of the Haripad according to panchayat 50,000 attended 1000
• Devotees from Trissur and surrounding attended 15
• Devotees from Tiruvalla attended 25
• Devotees from Kayamkulam attended 250
• Devotees from Mavelikara attended 200
• Devotees from Near village attended 300
• Devotees from Karuvatta attended 50

Total 3940

Printed 8000 invitations in Malayalam and circulated house to house through Devotees.

6. Colourful Welcome and Procession at 9 am

We gave a ceremonial colourful Traditional Reception to the Representative of Most Revered Prameyanandaji Maharaj with Purnakumbha and vedic chanting. On  behalf of Maharaj, Srimath Swami Sakranandaji Maharaj received it.

600 chindren’s from different schools dressed with full uniform started to march in the procession with different sets of school bands. We had different colours of umbrellas which were used in Kerala temples. Many children’s were holding pushpanjali in their hands on the Road to receive Maharaj. Youth volunteers marched with vedic chanting. Large number of devotees and friends were joined - Swami Swaprabhanandaji Maharaj in Bhajans and marched. Large No. of local devotees welcomed the procession with lighting lamps at their doors. Revered Sakranandaji Maharaj received the welcome. All the devotees and friends were dressed with their ceremonial Traditional white saries and white dhotis and white shirts. It was a very impressive procession. Finally we reached the foundation site. The roads were highly decorated with flags, coconut leaves, plantain stems with Karnataka and Kerala Tradition. It was well disciplined and well originated procession. I have given opportunity to work in Haripad I am so indibeted to our General Secretary Maharaj and cabinet. I learnt many things from swami Mukhinathanandaji from Lucknow. I was camp incharge of Luknow flood relief in the month of Oct 2008 and he gave me full responsibility to organize Durga Puja and Kali Puja at Luknow Math. In this period I received many administration Training to organize big celebration. It helped me a lot to organize such a big function here in Haripad..

7. Foundation Laying Ceremony

Swami Sakranandaji Maharaj represented the foundation laying ceremony of New Ramakrishna Temple at haripad. On the half of Srimat Swami Prameyanandaji Maharaj. He laid the foundation stone at Haripad on 28^th January 2009 at 10 am. Following the request of our devotees and with the permission of Swami Sakranandaji Maharaj the name of Srimat Swami Prameyanandaji Maharaj remains in the name plate.

8. Public Meeting

1500 devotees attended the public meeting. The meeting started with the prayer of Swami Vibhakarananda. Welcome speech by Swami Golokanandaji Maharaj. President speech by Sakranandaji Maharaj. Our Prasanatanandaji Maharaj, Swaprabhanandaji maharaj and Amaleshanandaji Maharaj spoke on the occasion. Swami Kaivalyananda ji Maharaj of Ramakrishna (Mission) Ashrama, Kayamkulam and many other sadhus were on the stage.

9. Prasad Distribution for 1500 Devotees

1500 packets of Prasad prepared by mixing of Chira, Jagary and coconut powder were distributed. Each packet contained 200 grams quantity. With this we gave one banana each and tea to all.

10. Food arrangement for 400 devotees

Food for devotees who came from Tiruvalla, Trissur, Kayamkulam, Mavelikkara and other places including our volunteers was arranged.  We prepared 10 items of food.

11. Accomodation and food arrangements for monks

All the arrangements were made for Srimat Swami Prameyanandaji Maharaj at Kayamkulam Ramakrishna (Mission) Ashrama. Its just 12 km from Haripad. Here we have a 2 A/c rooms and 8 rooms attached with both bathrooms. For cooking they have gas and steem arrangements. Even idli they prepare in steem cooking. 100 free students are staying here. New temple work is over. It will be inaugurated in the month of April 2009. We accommodated all our brother monks here. Swami Kaivalyananda ji Maharaj made all the arrangements with the guidance and methodical supervision of Swami Vibhakarananda. The arrangements were more than any listed centre. Without any assitation Kaivalyananda ji spent money for the arrangements for our monks. He purchased all new things for our sadhus. We take this opportunity to invite all devotees and monks to visit the abodes of Sri Ramakrishna at Haripad and Kayamkulam.  Please come and stay with us for few days. We will be very happy. 

12. 100^th year of Haripad math in 2012

Haripad Math is going to complete its 100^th year on 2012. We want to inaugurate the temple on this occasion we will build a simple temple with rich religious ornaments in the style of Kerala temples to preserve local culture.

13. Donations

Most of the donations we are getting from all over Karnataka with the help of our senior monks. In Kerala we have no industrial estate. People surrounding us are very poor. We have to help them. Because of their simplicity our heart bleeds for them, Even Swami Brahmanandaji Maharaj felt for their simplicity. When he visited Haripad in 1916.

14. Volunteers Arrangement

We had children volunteers. We had youth volunteers. We had devotee’s volunteers. All were trained by the style of Balaka Sangha of Karnataka. With the motive of seva bhava. With the guidance and supervision of our Swami Vibhakarananda. For celebration we had nearly 300 volunteers of our own. Work is allotted them with different responsibilities. Group leaders were made. Today all the work of our Math done by volunteers.

• Work of Children Volunteers: Serving water,campus cleaning and flower collection.
• Youth Volunteers: Prasad packing, banners writing, decoration of roads, stage, math campus, serving food.
• Devotees Volunteers: Prasad distribution, Tiffen distribution, stage arrangements, donation collection, invitation distribution and many other works in the celebration. According to their specialty in work, work was distributed.

15. Special events of Haripad Math

1912 - Foundation Laid.

1913 - Temple inauguration and visit of Srimat swami Vishudhananda ji Maharaj.

1916 - Visit of Srimat Swami Brahmananda ji Maharaj and taken initiation both monastic

and lay devotees.

1923 - 11 monks were initiated in to Sanyasa They were: 1. Swami Chitsukhananda 2. Swami Nirvikarananda 3. Swami Niranjanananda (Junior) 4. Swami Sekharananda 5. Swami Chidambarananda 6. Swami Naishtikananda 7. Swami Chitprabhananda 8. Swami Chidbhasananda 9. Swami Subhrananda 10. Swami Vageeswarananda 11. Swami Dheeswarananda

Up to 1943 - It was in our Belur Math general report. Then for historical reasons the name

of Haripad disappeared from our records.

Dec 2007 - Due to untiring and sustained efforts of Swami Kaivalyananda ji Maharaj, the President of Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama at Kayamkulam, under the direction of Swami Sakrananda ji and the then authorities of the Headquarters of Ramakrishna Mission, Belur Math received the land which had gone out their possession due to various reasons. Swami Kaivalyananda ji also succeeded in getting back into our posession a house by the main side which belonged to Haripad Ashrama. This house serves as the temporary ashrama at Haripad now.

June 2008 - Swami Golokananda ji became president of Haripad.

28^th Jan 2009 - Foundation laying ceremony over.

2012 - 100^th year of Haripad Math.

2012 - Expected to complete the temple.

Coverage of the Programme in TV and News Papers

All the news papers of Malayalam covered our programme on 27^th, 28^th and 29^th Jan 2009.

In local TV there was a direct relay of the programme on 28^th Jan 2009.

Door Darshan of Trivandrum covered our programme in TV news.

CONCLUSION

From the day of 12^th January 2009 youth of surrounding Haripad is awakened. Our youth of Haripad loves Swami Vivekananda from the bottom of their hearts. Because of their demand to read more on Vivekananda, the Janma Bhoomi Malayalam News Paper almost daily publishing 1 photo of Swamiji and one article of Swamiji in their news paper. Janmabhoomi is an important Malayalam paper in Kerala and circulated in large number. Our youth wants to work more for school children’s. Our devotees wants to work more on spiritual life. So Haripad is developing in full circle of children’s, youth and devotees. We brought exhibition panels from Mysore Ashrama. We are carrying from school to school and temple celebrations with free distribution of books and photos for children’s and youth.

From A Devotee of Sri Ramakrishna

General Report - 1980

THE GENERAL REPORT

OF

Ramakrishna Math

&

Ramakrishna Mission

For April, 1978 — March, 1979

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.

2

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.

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 welfare 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.

3

Summary of Activities

In spite of some obstacles, hindrances, and intimidations faced by the organization, the following notable developments took place during the year under report : —

A unit of Mobile Dispensary at Barisha, a newly constructed 12-bed Intensive Care Unit at Seva Pratishthan, a second unit of Mobile Dispensary at Kankhal, and newly built 'Show Room' of Saradapith were inaugurated. A four storeyed Hostel 'Vivekananda Illam' for polytechnic students at Coimbatore Vidyalaya ; an English Medium School and 1st floor of a new Primary School of Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Thyagaraya-nagar, Madras ; addition of H. S. section to the School at Narot-tam Nagar with new building; addition of a floor to the girls' Hostel at Sohbarpunji; and a new Primary School at Um-diengpoh at Cherrapunji were inaugurated. A new Temple of Sri Ramakrishna at Taki, and the new Shrine at Cherrapunji were dedicated.

Besides, in the other wing of the Organisation, the Rama­krishna Math, the following new developments took place :

A new Temple of Sri Ramakrishna at Nattarampalli, the renovated Shrine of Allahabad and the renovated Prayer Hall of Trivandrum were dedicated; newly constructed 'Murali-Manohar Sant Nivas'—Monastic Quarters—at Vrindaban, as also the newly constructed annexe of the Charitable Dispensary of Dinajpur, Bangladesh,—were declared open.

Foundation was laid for a Library building at Tiruvalla.

Centres

Excluding the Headquarters at Belur, there were in March, 1979, 117 branch centres in all, of which 53 were Mission cen­tres, 21 combined Math and Mission centres, and 43 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 Sri Lanka, Singapore, Fiji, Mauritius and France ; one Math centre each in Switzerland, England and Argentina; 12 Math

4

centres in the United States of America ; and the remaining 46 Mission centres, 16 combined Math and Mission centres and 25 Math centres (87 in all) in India. The Indian centres were distributed as follows : 28 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 Pradesh 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 the Mission institutions under this head served the public in general, irrespective of creed, colour or nationality. Prominent of these are the indoor hospitals in Calcutta, Varanasi, Vrindaban, Lucknow, Kankhal, Trivandrum and Ranchi. In 1978-79 there were altogether 13 Indoor Hospitals with 1,633 beds which accommodated 44,992 patients and 77 Outdoor Dispensaries which treated 40,04,713 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 454 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. Research on different branches of Medical Science as also Post Graduate training in degree and diploma courses were conduc­ted at Seva Pratishthan, Calcutta.

Educational Work: The twin organizations ran, during the period, five Degree Colleges of general education at Madras, Rahara (24 Parganas), Coimbatore, Belur (Howrah), and Narendrapur (24 Parganas) with 4,483 students on their rolls. The last two were wholly residential, and the colleges at Madras and Coimbatore had attached hostels for residing

5

students. In addition, there were three B.Ed. Colleges at Belur, Coimbatore arid Mysore with 335 students, one Basic Train­ing School at Coimbatore with 22 students, one Post-graduate Basic Training College at Rahara with 100 students, four Junior Basic 'Training Institutes at Rahara, Sarisha and Sar-gachhi with 310 students, a College for Physical Education, an Institute of Commerce and a School of Agriculture with 168,12 and 92 students respectively at Coimbatore, four Poly­technics at Belu^r> Belgharia, Madras and Coimbatore with 1,439 students, 8 Junior Technical and Industrial Schools with 724 boys, 11 Vocational Training Centres with 1,150 students, 93 students' Homes or Hostels, including some orphanages with 10,145 boys and 950 girls, 42 Higher Secondary, Secondary and High Schools with 19,788 boys and 9,884 girls, 32 Senior Basic and M.E. Schools with 4,820 boys and 4,093 girls, 41 Junior Basic, U.P., »nd Elementary Schools with 6,353 boys and 4,181 girls, arid 230 L.P. and other grades of Schools with 10,073 boys and 4,788 girls. Besides conducting an Institute of Medical Sciences with 35 students, the Seva Pratishthan of Calcutta, and also the Math Hospital at Trivandrum trained nurses and midwives, the total number of trainees being 270. The Institute of Culture in Calcutta conducted a School of Languages for teaching different Indian and foreign languages with 2,182 students and a School of World Religions. The Ashrama at Narendrapur conducted a Blind Boys' Academy, an institute of Commerce and a Village-Level Wor­kers' Training Centre with 137, 86 and 50 students respec­tively. The centre at Ranchi (Morabadi) ran a training centre in farming (pivyayan) with 212 students. The centre at Rahara conducted a Rural Librarianship Training Centre (residential) with 23 students. Thus there were altogether 61,046 boys and 24,622 girls in all the educational institutions run by the Math and the Mission in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Fiji and Mauritius.

Recreational activities: Some of the Math and the Mission centres have been providing scope for recreational, cultural and spiritual activities for youngsters at stated periods outside their

6

school hours. The Vivekananda Balaha 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 Jam shedpur; the Sarada Mandir at Sarisha and the two Training Schools for nurses in Trivandrum and Calcutta. Moreover, there are separate arrangements for women in other hospitals, dispensaries and schools; and some institutions are conducted only 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, Raipur, Sari­sha, Ramharipur, Manasadwip, Jayrambati, Kamarpukur, Sar-gachhi, Along, Narottam Nagar, 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, Kankurgachhi (Calcutta), Malda, Ranchi, Narendrapur and Cherrapunji. Of these, special mention may be made of the numerous village sub-centres started for educating the hill tribes in Meghalaya and a farming centre at Ranchi, specially meant for Adivasis 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 Arunachal Pradesh are also proving very useful and popular. During the year,

7

the organization ran in the rural -and backward areas 15 Secondary or High Schools, 49 Senior Basic, Junior Basic, M.E. and U.P. Schools, 48 Primary Schools, 73 night Schools for adults, 10 Vocational Training Centres, a Rural Librarianship Training Centre, a Village-Level Workers' Training Centre, a School of Agriculture, and an Institute for training village youths in farming—with a total of 18,566 students. The organization also conducted 23 Outdoor Dispensaries treating 4,30,809 patients and 8 Mobile Dispensaries serving 2,20,627 patients, besides running 54 Milk-distribution centres and a number of libraries with three mobile units—all located in the rural and backward areas. In addition to such varied activities, preaching and educative tours, screening movie-films and slides, and such other efforts 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 confined or concentrated in urban areas alone ; they arc 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 lakhs of people 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

8

established real points of contact among people of different faiths through public celebrations, meetings, classes, publica­tions, etc. More than 115 Libraries containing vast number of books and journals were conducted by them. Attached to the libraries Reading Rooms were maintained in many places. One Sanskrit Chatushpathi too was run. At least ten centres pub­lished books on religious subjects and 12 journals in different languages. Special mention should be made of the Institute of Culture, Calcutta, which has published The Cultural Heri­tage of India (5 Volumes so far) and which has been trying to bring together eminent men and women of India and other lands in cultural fellowship. The Math centres at Mayavati, Baghbazar (Calcutta), Madras, Nagpur, Mysore, Raj-kot, 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. 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 Africa, (Zimbabwe—Rhodesia) with Salisbury (35, Rhodes Avenue) as his centre.

Relief and Rehabilitation Work : As usual the Mission undertook (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 following relief works were conducted in India :

A. Flood Relief was conducted by the Headquarters in collaboration with the Branch Centres at : Malipanchghara, Amta, Uluberia, Domjur, Bagnan, Panchla, Purnal, Agunshi, Dadpur Bridge, Haturia, Nawapara, Khalisani, Andhermanik, Sahapur, Beldubi, Balichak, Chandmari, Belur and Nischinda, Koiaghat, Nabagram (Burdwan) and Biileswar (Katwa), Bali-Dewanganj, Kashmoli, Belgharia, Narendrapur, Khardah, Bandi-pur, Manpur, Bilkanda, Patulia, Titagarh, Arambagh, Naw-pukur, Gopalpur, Harindanga, Saharanhat, Sarisha, Taki, Debi-

9

pur, Gopinathpur, Hatihalka, Jalchak, Daspur, Kaktia, Moyna, Seikhpara, Nabagram, Teghari, Arjunpur, Sargachhi, Calcutta (in different areas), Bankura, Ramharipur, Jayrambati, Kota (Goghat) in West Bengal, Allahabad in U.P., Hayaghat, Naogachliia, Katihar in Bihar, Roop Nagar and Buddha Jayanti Park in Delhi.

B. Cyclone Relief : at Puranabandh Goda (Keonjhar)through the Puri Mission.

C. Dandakaranya Deserter Relief : at Kharagpur andHowrah Railway Station by the Headquarters.

D. Fire Relief : in Tirap District through the NarottamNagar Centre.

E. Medical Relief : at Sagar Mela through the Manasa-dwip and Seva Pratishthan, at Daspur through TamlukAshrama, at Purnal, Agunshi and Bagnan by the Headquarters.

F. Rehabilitation Work : (i) By the Headquarters : Theconstruction of 684 pucca houses and one Community-cum-Shelter house in Divi Taluk of Krishna District in AndhraPradesh was completed and the construction work of 320 housesand 2 Community-cum-Shelter houses was in progress duringthe period under report. Since then the whole project hasbeen completed by constructing 1,004 cyclone-proof houses in­cluding 3 Community-cum-Shelter houses, (ii) The work ofconstructing 96 houses and one Community-cum-Shelter houseat Bapatla was taken up by Hyderabad Math, (iii) By theMadras Relief Centre : the construction of 57 pucca housesand two Community-cum-Shelter houses was completed.

."S?"

G. Bangladesh Relief : The usual work of milk distribu­tion, clothings, food-stuff, medical assistance, etc. was continued
through the Centres in Dacca, Narayanganj, Bagerhat andDinajpur.

Annual Celebrations : Most of the Math and the Mission centres appropriately observe the days sanctified by the advent

10

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, Homo, (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, a few centres celebrate some of 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 presented 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 Satinyasa. 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 14,860 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

12

a few days with their families near the precincts of the Math, is felt much. So far the ground floor has been constructed.

The Math maintains two monastic retreats (Kuthias) : the Ramakrishna Kutir at Mayakund, Rishikesh (PIN 249-201) Dist. Dehra Dun, and the Ramakrishna Kutir at Uttarkashi (PIN 249-193)—both in U.P.

Ramakrishna Mission Headquarters

The Headquarters of the Mission as also of the Math (P.O. Belur Math, Dt. Howrah, West Bengal, PIN 711-202; Phones; 66-2391 and 66-3578 ; 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. During the year it treated 1,95,855 cases. The steady increase in the number of patients in recent years proves the popularity of the institution. An extension wing has been completed and Radiology and Pathology departments have been opened. We hope that funds for these projects and for meeting the recurring expenses will come forth from the generous public.

2. help to the poor

The Mission Headquarters helped 97 families and 226 students regularly, and 74 families and 65 students tempo­rarily with a total outlay of Rs. 42,090/-. Some garments, warm wrappers, blankets, dhotis and sarees were also distri­buted.

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3. relief and ehabilitation

The Mission and the Math undertook relief operations and Rehabilitation projects serving thousands of distressed people affected by various calamities in several parts of India and Bangladesh. In all Rs. 71,42,415/- was spent besides distri­bution of gifts valued at Rs. 39,67,763/-.

The relief operations are detailed below :

(1) Flood, Cyclone, Dandakaranya Deserter, Fire and Medical Relief in India :

Flood Relief was conducted by the Headquarters in colla­boration with the Branch Centres at Malipanchghara, Amta, Uluberia, Domjur, Bagnan, Panchla, Purnal, Agunshi, Dad pur Bridge, Haturia, Nawapara, Khalisani, Andhermanik, Saha-pur, Beldubi, Balichak, Chandmari, Belur, Nischinda, Kola-ghat, Nabagram (Burdwan), and Billeswar (Katwa), Bali-Dewan-ganj, Kashmoli, Belgharia, Narendrapur, Khardah, Bandipur, Manpur, Bilkanda, Patulia, Titagarh, Arambagh, Nawpukur, Gopalpur, Harindanga, Saharanhat, Sarisha, Taki, Debipur, Gopinathpur, Hatihalka, Jalchak, Daspur, Kaktia, Moyna, Seikh-para, Nabagram, Teghari, Arjunpur, Sargachhi, Calcutta (in different areas), Bankura, Ramharipur, Jayrambati, Kota, (Go-ghat) in West Bengal, Allahabad in U.P., Hayaghat, Naogachhia, Katihar in Bihar, Roop Nagar and Buddha Jayanti Park in Delhi. Cyclone Relief was conducted at Puranabandh Goda in (Keonjhar) through the Puri Mission. Dandakaranya Deser­ter Relief was conducted at Kharagpur and Howrah Railway Station by the Headquarters. Fire Relief was conducted in Tirap District through the Narottam Nagar Centre. Medical Relief was conducted at Sagar Mela through the Manasadwip and Seva Pratishthan, at Daspur through Tamluk Ashrama, at Purnal, Agunshi and Bagnan by the Headquarters. (2) Rehabilitation Work in India, (i) By the Headquarters ; The construction of 684 pucca houses and one Community-cum-Shelter house in Divi Taluk of Krishna District in Andhra Pradesh was completed and the construction work of 320 houses and 2 Community-cum-Shelter houses was in progress during the period under report. Since then the whole project has been completed by constructing 1,004 cyclone-proof houses in-

14

eluding 3 Community-cum-Shelter houses, (ii) The work of constructing 96 houses and one Community-cum-Shelter house at Bapatla was taken up by Hyderabad Math, (iii) By the Madras Relief Centre : the construction of 57 pucca houses and two Community-cum-Shelter houses was completed. The total expenditure of the above works during the year was Rs. 57,88,749/-.

The total expenditure of the relief works was Rs. 34,15,319/-benefiting 25,12,994 recipients of 2,91,392 families who received Rice 3,07,083 Kgs, Dal 1,01,352 Kgs, Oil 4,210 Kgs, Potato 19,861 Kgs, Spices 327 Kgs, Onion 6,000 Kgs, Pumpkin and other vegetables 5,670 Kgs, Chatu 232 Kgs, Chira 20,671 Kgs, Muri 784 Kgs, Food Packet 2,500, Gur 8,195 Kgs, Sugar 331 Kgs, Wheat 11,518 Kgs, Bread 103 Ibs, and 10,510 pcs, Milk Powder 8,352 Ibs, Cow-Milk 94 Kgs, Biscuit 708 Kgs, Baby Food 28 Kgs, Salt 77 Kgs, Lifebuoy soap 1,483 nos, Lemon 2,802 nos, Woollen Blanket 15,257 pcs, Cotton Blanket 3,138 pcs, Dhoti 4,540 pcs, Sari 14,786 pcs, Garment 27,267 pcs, Shirting 296 mtrs, Lungi 802 pcs, Chaddar 266 pcs, Tarpaulin 82 pcs, Rope 16 Kgs, Quilt 150 pcs, Utensils 1,541 nos, Tea 2 Kgs, Plastic Bags 15 Kgs, Match Box 45 doz. and Candle 45 doz. Besides these, 4,142 patients were treated during the Ganga Sagar Mela and Floods in West Bengal.

(3) Relief Work in Bangladesh : The relief activities, started in Bangladesh in February, 1972, continued during the year, the nature of work being distribution of clothings, Food-stuff, Milk Powder, and medical assistance etc. The work was carried on through the Math and the Mission Centres at Dacca, Narayanganj, Bagerhat and Dinajpur. In all approxi­mately 19,28,442 persons of 3,85,688 families received relief of various kinds with a total outlay of Rs. 5,30,043/-.

The following articles valued approximately at Rs. 13,76,067/- were distributed among the needy people : Milk Powder 1,19,609 Ibs, used clothings 14,674 pcs, Toilet Soap 181 pcs, Washing Soap 20,000 pcs, Carpentry Implements 10 sets, Blacksmith Implements 11 sets, and Cobbler Implements 3 sets. Besides these, 1,88,081 patients were treated through the Centres mentioned above.

SECTION II MISSION CENTRES

A. INSTITUTIONS MAINLY MEDICAL

Ramakrishna Mission Seva Pratishthan Calcutta

This institution, formerly known as Shishumangal Pratish­than (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, Public Health, Radiotherapy, Radiology, Urology, Gynaecology, Obstetric, Eye. E.N.T., Orthopaedic, Dental, Skin, Family Wel­fare Planning and various other departments, had 510 beds. With highly qualified and competent staff, it had four well-equipped laboratories, a blood bank, nine modern air-condi­tioned Operation Theatres, six X-ray units, Intensive Care unit, a Physiotherapy unit and an all-electric laundry plant.

A mobile eye-cum-general working at Sarisha and other rural places served 68,587 'patients.

Housed in its own multistoreyed buildings on about 2 acres of land, the hospital has also a Nurses' Hostel and three other staff quarters, accommodating more than 600 inmates. The Pratishthan has in addition a Training School for both Auxiliary and General Nursing-cum-Midwifery (roll strength : 217). 37 Auxiliary Nurse-Midwives and 42 General Nurse-Midwives passed their final examinations during the year.

Its activities : Indoor Department—Admission 16,330, confinements 5,493, major operations 2,811, minor operations 5,160. Outdoor Department—total cases 2,19,047, new cases 1,10,955. Almost all the outdoor cases and nearly 50% of the indoor ones were free and/or partly free.

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The Vivekananda Institute of Medical Sciences has a Journal of its own, in addition to conducting regular courses in MD, MS as also in D.G.O., D.C.H., D.L.O., D. Ortho, and D.O. During the year the new multi-storied extension project, y/as in progress for housing the college and the research centre,

Ramakrishna Mission Tuberculosis Sanatorium Ranch!

Opened in 1951 with 32 beds, and situated on a picturesque land of a vast area, at an altitude of 2,100ft., 14km. from the Ranchi Railway Station and six kilometres from Hatia Rail­way Station, the Sanatorium (P.O. Ramakrishna Sanatorium, PIN 835-221 ; Phones : 8148 and 8149 ; Telegraphic address : RECOVERY) 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 941 patients (old 256, new 685) treated in the Sana­torium, 671 were discharged 645 Pulmonary Tuberculosis and 26 non.T.B. cases). 30 cases were treated free of all charges and 227 at concessional rate, while 4,442 patients were given medical advice and assistance in the Out-patients Department.

The free Outdoor Homoeopathic Dispensary treated 12,966 cases (new 5,638).

There is one U.P. School in the Mission compound with 172 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 V PIN 221-001 ; Phones : 62604 and 54738). An Outdoor

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Homoeopathic 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 4,245; surgical cases (including eye operations) 1,627 (Except in 24 cabin beds all the Indoor cases were treated free or on concessional charge); (2) Outdoor Dispensary with Homoeopathy, Eye, E.N.T., Dental, X-ray, Electrotherapy, Cardiology and a pathological and clinical Laboratory (inclu­ding Shivala) : Total cases 2,26,289, new cases 50,228, Labora­tory, X-ray, Surgical and E.C.G. cases 23,368, 2,545, 3,696 and 228 respectively; (3) Two Invalids' Homes for old men and women—Inmates : 19 men and 27 women ; (4) Outdoor help to invalids, indigent persons and needy students : Rs. 2,864/-, (5) Distribution of 92 blankets among the poor.

Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama, Kankhal (Saharanpur)

Founded in 1901, the activities of the Sevashrama (PIN 249-408 ; Phone : Hardwar 141) were (1) An Indoor Hospital : beds 65, admissions 1,927, surgical cases 1,041 : (2) Outdoor Dis­pensary : total cases 1,31,052, new cases 34,302*- surgical cases 10,532; laboratory tests 35,651, X-ray cases 6,158, and E.C.G. 176; (3) Mobile Dispensary: total cases 77,056 new cases 36,806 ; (4) Observance of the birthdays of saints and prophets.

Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama Lucknow

Started in 1914 and located since 1924 at Aminabad, this Sevashrama was completely shifted in January, 1967 to Viveka-nanda Puram at Chandganj, Lucknow 7 (PIN 226-007 ; Phone : 81694) where the Vivekananda Polyclinic (Phones : 81233 and 81277) conducted works through its multifarious sections. The Indoor Department with 100 beds treated 4,279 patients. The other activities were (1) Outdoor Dispensary : total cases 6,25,347 (new 51,593), Surgical, Dental, X-ray, Pathology, Ophthalmic, Gynaecology, E.N.T. Special Investigations and Physiotherapy etc. ; (2) A Library and Reading Room : books 15,509, newspapers and periodicals 92 ; (3) Occasional religious

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classes; (4) Birthday anniversaries of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother and Swami Vivekananda ; (5) Fortnightly Ram-nam and Shyamnam Kirtans.

Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Jalpaiguri

Founded in 1928, the activities of the Ashrama (1'iIN 735-101 ; Phone : 344) were (1) An Outdoor Dispensary : total cases 27,102 (new 8,728); (2) A Domiciliary Maternity and Child Welfare Clinic : cases treated 5,667 (new 1,120), home visits 2,540, clinic attendance 430; (3) Distribution of bady-food : recipients 200 daily ; (4) A Students' Home : in­mates 12 ; (5) A Library and free Reading Room : books 3,284, newspapers and periodicals 25 ; (6) Regular religious classes in and outside the Ashrama ; (7) Birthday celebrations of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother and Swami Vivekananda ; (8) Durga Puja, Kali Puja, etc.

Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Salem

The Ashrama situated on the Ramakrishna Road, Salem 7 (PIN 636-007 ; Phone : 5377) was affiliated in 1941. It conducted (1) A Charitable Dispensary with an Ophthalmic Unit: total cases 87,950 (new 37,347); (2) An Operation Theatre ; (3) An Observation Ward with six beds ; (4) A Library : books 1,800, periodicals 22 ; (5) Daily worship, weekly religious classes, fortnightly Ramnam Kirtan, and Bhajan on Thursday 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 : recipients 1,310.

Ramakrishna Mission Hospital New Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh)

Started in 1979 at New Itanagar (PIN 791 110; Phone : New Itanagar 63 ; Telegraphic address : AROGYA) for provi­ding medical facilities to the tribals of Arunachal Pradesh, this new Centre conducted an Outdoor Dispensary—• daily average cases 100.

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An Indoor Hospital with 20 beds, having Paediatric, Surgical and Medical departments, is expected to be opened in due course.

B. INSTITUTlONS 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 : 46-3_%431, 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 medest beginning the Institute has now grown into a centre of learning and research, recognized by the University of Calcutta, 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 Roofii : books 90,960 (issued 2,51,714), journals etc. 343; (2) A Children's Library : books 6,820 (issued 14,998)-; (3) A Junior Library for the age group of 13 to 16 years : books 2,958 (issued 4,458); (4) The Universal Temple—a Meditation Hall and a Shrine ; (5) 95 public lectures and 136 scriptural dis­courses by eminent scholars ; (6) 68 educational and cultural film shows, music recitals, dramas, seminars, symposia and various other functions of cultural interest; (7) A School of Languages (German, French, Russian, Japanese, Arabic, Chinese, Italian, Persian, spoken English, Spanish, Bengali, Sanskrit, Urdu, Hindi and Tamil) : roll strength 2,182 ; (8) Publication of a monthly Bulletin (30th year); (9) An Interna­tional Scholars' House which accommodated 386 persons; (10) The International Guest House : guests 1,060 ; (11) A School of World Religions and (12) A Museum and Art Gallery.

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Ramakrishna Mission Saradapitha

Belur

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

1. The Vidyamandira (Phone : 66-3349), a residentialthree-year degree college in Arts and Science with 304 hoys,and a newly started (class XI) Higher Secondary Unit with68 students had its own N.C.C. and N.S.S. units of which thelatter conducted a few literacy centres in the slum area. Reli­gious classes for the students were regularly conducted.
2. The Shikshanamandira (Phone : 66-3695), a residentialB. Ed. College, had 114 students.
3. The Shilpamandira (Phone : 66-3308), a Govt. sponsoredPolytechnic, providing four-year Licentiate courses in Civil,Electrical and Mechanical Engineering had 575 students.
4. The Shilpayatana (Phone : 66-4124), a free JuniorTechnical School for boys of 14 years and above, with three-year integrated course in Humanities, Science, EngineeringStudies and Workshop Practice, had 78 students. In accordancewith the policy of the West Bengal Govt. the school was con­verted into a Higher Secondary Vocational Institution whichstarted its Mechanical, Electrical and Fabrication Practicecourses with 109 students.
5. The Shilpavidyalaya, a school with free training coursesfor one to three years in Electric-wiring, Auto-fnechanics,Carpentry, etc., had 77 students.
6. The Production-cum-Publication Section ':"" Ap^rt from,manufacturing small articles and equipments, it had its ownPhotography and Publication departments. The products weredisplayed and sold through a sales-cum-showroom which wasshifted to a newly built commodius house in October 1978.
7. The Janashikshamandira (Phone : 66-3643), a unit ofSocial (adult) Education, organized three night schools for adults(students 62), arranged 148 educative film and slide showswith the help of a mobile audiovisual unit and conducted afree Library (books : 19,298 ; issued 20,574) as well as MobileLibrary unit lending books out to village readers at theirhomes. It also organized 51 free meal distribution centres
   (total beneficiaries 13,000), several cultural functions, sports

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and games, and five different crafts training free of charge, for about 160 children. Free tiffin was supplied to them daily.

(8) The Tattwamandira (Phone : 66-3292), an institution where religious classes for the public and scriptural classes for the monastic inmates were held regularly and also Sri Jagadhatri puja performed. It has a small library with about 1,700 books.

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 : 89336 ; 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 :

1. A residential High School : students 231.
2. A Basic Training Institute : students 22.
3. Swami Shivananda High School, mainly for the villageboys : students 298 including 13 girls.
4. A Senior Basic School : Roll strength 621 of whom 187were girls. Free midday meal was provided for 160 studentsand free uniforms were given to 70 children. A Pre-Basic(Nursery) school is attached to it.
5. A Teachars' Training College offering Diploma inHigher Education, B.Ed., M.Ed., M.phil and Ph.D. courses :students 128. An Extension Service unit conducted 32 courses onvarious seminars etc. The attached Research Department con­ducted educational research and published a quarterly journal.
6. A Degree College, offering Pre-university, Degree andPost-graduate courses in Arts and Science, had a roll strengthof 909.
7. A College of Physical Education : students 116.
8. A Polytechnic, offering a three-year Diploma course inCivil and Rural Engineering and two six-months' courses in
   Automobile Engineering, Agricultural Engineering ami TractorServicing : students 253.
9. The Rural Institute had the following wings : (a) ASchool of Agriculture offering a two-year certificate course :
   students 92; (b) Other Rural Works comprising—72 Adult

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Schools, Mini Health Centre, Non-formal courses, Field works, Help to poor society and Seminars on Land etc.

10. The Industrial Institute, which provided a two-yearcourse in Fitting, Turning and Moulding, and a one-year
    course in Composing, Proof-reading and Printing : students 65.
11. The Rural Dispensary : cases treated 28,080 (new14,538).
12. The Industrial Section imparted practical training toEngineering students and manufactured electric motors, pump-sets etc.
13. The Central Library, with open access system : books50,769 (issued 14,492).
14. An Institute of Commerce : students 12.
15. A Primary School for poor children : 35 students towhom free lunch and tiffin were provided.
16. Hostels : The 10 hostels had 1,378 inmates.

Ramakrishna Mission Boys' Home, Rahara (24 Parganas)

This Home (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 :

1. An Orphanage where various types and grades of edu­
   cation were provided : roll strength 675.
2. One Pre-Basic (Nursery) School with 61 children.
3. Five units of Junior Basic School with 1,250 students.
4. Four units of Junior High School with 495 students.
5. A Junior Basic Training Institute and one Post­graduate Basic Training College (both residential) with 99 and100 trainees respectively.
6. A High School : roll strength 703.
7. One three-year Degree College, offering Pass and Honours courses in Science subjects, and Higher Secondary Courses (XI & XII) having 862 students.

(8) A Junior Technical School (converted into HigherSecondary Vocational Institute by now) and a VocationalSchool with a total of 244 students.

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(9) A well-equipped District Library (books 35,723) with aMobile Unit and an up to date Audiovisual Service Unit.

10. One Rural Librarianship Training Centre (residential)with 23 trainees.
11. A Hostel for the High school boys : inmates 106,and a hostel for three-year Degree College students inmates 30.
12. An Outdoor Dispensary which treated 29,513 patients
    free of charge.

The Home had three N.C.C. troops under three officers and one instructor and a Work Education Training Centre for School Teachers.

Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Narendrapur (24 Parganas)

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

1. A residential Degree College (Phone : 619-205) withHonours courses in Arts and Science subjects had 237 studentsof whom about 35% received monetary help. The HigherSecondary Unit of the College had 184 students during the year.
2. A residential Secondary School (Phone : 619-206) had389 students. Considered by the Govt. of India as a modelschool, it had two media of instruction, English and Bengali.146 students enjoyed concession from the School, There werethree N.C.C. and one Scouting troops.
3. One residential Senior Basic School with English andBengali media had 288 students of whom 48 were given finan­cial assistance.
4. One non-residential Primary School with 156 children.
5. The Social Education and Community DevelopmentUnit had the following wings : (a) The Institute of Social Education and Recreation which, through 86 of its village welfare centres, conducted 73 adult literary classes, 2 mobile audiovisual units, a mobile Library (books 20,502) and a Night School (students 208), as also published 1 follow-up literature book and Samaj Siksha (22nd year), a monthly in Bengali;

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(b) Child Welfare and Medical Care which, through 86 milk distribution centres, served nearly 16,000 children and expec­tant mothers regularly with UNICEF milk arid nutritious food, besides providing other facilities like periodic health examina­tion, recreational activities and supply of text books; (c) A Village-Level Workers' Training Centre offering three training courses with 533 students ; (d) Short term Vocational Training; The Vivekananda Social Welfare Centre, meant mainly for the Harijans living in the slums of Rambagan in northern 'Calcutta, conducted the following free services; (i) two Pre-Basic Nursery Schools with 80 children, (ii) two junior Basic Schools with 239 pupils, (iii) Tutorial Classes for 33 children, (iv) a Charitable Dispensary : cases treated 20,000, (v) a Voca­tional Training Centre with 53 trainees, (vi) a Social Educa­tion Centre for 30 women, and (vii) 15 Food Distribution Centres under which 2,400 children were given bread and milk daily ; (e) a Hostel for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe boys with 30 students.

6. The residential Blind Boys' Academy offering generaleducation as well as training in music, agriculture and severalcrafts had 137 boys of whom 95% received substantial assis­tance. The Academy also trained teachers for the blind andprinted text books in Braille.
7. The Central Library : books 41,621 (issued 42,747),journals and periodicals 128.
8. The Department of Technical and Vocational Educa­
   tion had the following units : (a) A Junior Technical Schoolwith 156 students of whom 48% received stipend for main­tenance ; (b) The School of Automobile Engineering with 18students all of whom received stipend ; (c) A Commercial Ins­titute offering shorthand and typewriting courses to 86
   students.
9. The Dispensary treated 87,321 outdoor cases.

Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Sarisha (24 Parganas)

Started in 1921, this institution (PIN 743-368; Phone : Diamond Harbour 29) successfully devoted itself to the task of

25

village reconstruction through proper education. Its main activities were :

1. A Boys' Madhyamik School had 713 students. TheSchool had one N.C.C. troop.
2. An attached Hostel with 195 inmates of whom onewere maintained free and 10 enjoyed concession.
3. A Girls' Madhyamik School had 654 students. TheSchool had one N.C.C. troop.
4. An attached Hostel with 169 inmates of whom twowere free and 18 enjoyed concession (Phone Diamond Har­bour 89).
5. Four units of Junior Basic School with a total of 407boys and 321 girls.
6. Two Pre-Basic (Nursery) Schools : boys 54, girls 46.
7. Two units of Junior Basic Training Institute for
   women teachers : trainees 111.
8. A Technical Section trained 30 women in weaving,tailoring, knitting and embroidery.
9. One Area Library with six branches, a Text BookLibrary, a Sub-Divisional Library and a Children's Libraryhad respectively 8,304, 1,793, 7,049, 1,668.

10. A Pre-Vocational Training Centre (students 69), offer­ing general education and technical training to boys (agegroup 11 to 14) in fitting, turning, sheet metal work, smith­craft, moulding and carpentry.
11. A Community Centre for women with 26 on the rollsand a library containing 1,748 books.
12. The Ashrama had two Mobile Audiovisual Unitswhich screened 160 films during the year.
13. Medical Service for village people in collaborationwith Seva Pratisthan was continued.
14. Observance of religious celebrities and others.

Rainakrishna Mission Vivekaiianda 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 Secondary Schools (of which two were for boys, two for girls and one for both in separate

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shifts) with 1,921 boys and 2,769 girls. (2) Four Middle Schools with 2,312 boys and 2,002 girls. (3) Two U.P. Schools with 359 boys and 243 girls. (4) One K.G. School with 82 boys and 22 girls. Out of the total strength, 3,100 poor students were granted free studentship and concession. While one U.P. School is for Hindi-speaking children only, there are Hindi sections in the two Secondary Schools, the three Middle Schools and the one U.P. School in all classes, along with Bengali sections. (5) The 11 School Libraries had a total of 33,339 books. (6) A students Home with 49 inmates, parti­cularly of backward communities from rural areas, had provi­sion for free or concessional board and lodging for 20 meri­torious poor students. (7) A Public Library and a free Reading Room with 4,333 books and 20 periodicals and dailies. (8) Weekly classes and occasional lectures. (9) Occa­sional audiovisual entertainments with the help of a 16 mm. projector. (10) Excursions, picnics and seasonal games and sports. (11) Celebration of the birth anniversaries of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother and Swami Vivekananda, and religious festivals like Durga Puja, etc.

Ramakrishna Mission Vidyapith Madras

Started in 1946, under the name Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda College, this Degree College (45, Oliver Road, Mylapore, Madras 4; PIN 600-004 ; Phones : 73921, 73057), had 1,987 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 (Phone : 71239) with 300 inmates. The departments of Chemistry, Economics, Philosophy and Sanskrit had research wings with scholars working for Ph.D. degrees. Scholarships and concessions awarded by the College to about 523 students amounted to Rs. 4,59,600/-. There were about 69,545 books and 140 perio­dicals in the College Library. The College N.S.S. had a com­pany of 484 cadets.

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The evening section of the College had 540 students on the roll.

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

Started in 1905 and affiliated in 1918, this Home 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) aresidential High School. The three Sections had 40, 132 and
   184 students respectively on their rolls. The Hostel providedfree board and lodging for the inmates. The TechnicalInstitute 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 401 and 227 children respectively, were also managed by the centre. The hostel attached to the School at Malliankaranai provided 30 students of backward communities.

The Home had a Library with 2,678 books and a few journals. An Agro Industrial Service Centre also was con­ducted.

Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama Madras

Started in 1932, under the name Ramakrishna Mission Boys' Schools, this centre at 26, Duraiswamy Road, Thyagaraya-nagar (Madras 17 ; PIN 600-017 ; Phone : 445896) conducted three High Schools, three Primary Schools, one Pre-primary School and a Hostel. The High Schools had 3,414 students, the Primary Schools had 1,399 boys and 1,020 girls, and the English Medium School had 202 boys and 84 girls, while the Hostel (26, Duraiswamy Road) had 127 boys.

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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 2,239 students. (2) One Middle School with 1,251 pupils. (3) A Model High School with 1,099 pupils. (4) The Model Primary School had 1,043 students. (5) Three Hostels with 171 boarders. (6) Two Libraries for the students : total books 22,373.

The Vidyalaya made provision for the moral and religious instruction, group singing, special worship, Bhajana and physi­cal training as also for other useful extra-curricular activities.

Ramakrishna Mission Calcutta Students' Home Belgharia (24 Parganas)

Started in 1916 in Calcutta and finally shifted to its present permanent site at Belgharia (Calcutta 56 ; PIN 700-056 ; Phone : 58-1564), this Home 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 105 boarders, 68 were free and 13 enjoyed concession. Distressed families were given finan­cial and medical assistances. More than 50% of the years' sub­scriptions came from the ex-inmates of the Home. (2) The Shilpapitha (Phone : 58-1650), a Government-sponsored Poly­technic, ottering four-year diploma courses in Civil, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering : students 480. It had a separate library with about 5,000 books, mostly on the subjects con­cerned. (3) The Vivekananda Centenary Library (books 8,069) cum-Assembly Hall for the hostel inmates and the local public. The Home so far published 20 books, and observed some religious festivals.

Ramakrishna Mission, Lhingleput

Started in 1936, this institution (Chingleput 1 ; PIN 603-001 ; Phone : 217) had (1) A High School for boys : strength 791 ; (2) A High School for girls; strength 610; (3) A Junior

29

Basic Elementary School with 400 boys and 374 girls ; (4) A Kindergarten School with 93 children; (5) A Library with 13,650 books ; (6) A Hostel with 57 boys. It also observed the birthdays of a few religious celebrities and screened films of educative value.

Rainakrishna Mission Ashrama Cherrapunji (Khasi Hills)

Started in 1931, this centre (PIN 793-111; Phone: 42) conducted the following activities : (1) A High School with 321 boys and 300 girls. (2) Three Primary Schools. (3) A small Vocational School for teaching Weaving, Tailoring, Type­writing and Carpentry. (4) A Hostel : 110 boys. (5) One mobile Audiovisual Unit. (6) Weekly religious classes in Khasi language. (7) Publication of books in Khasi. (8) Celebra­tion of the birthdays of religious celebrities. (9) Occasional help in cash and kind. (10) An Outdoor Dispensary : patients treated 12,459 (new 6,518). (11) A Library and Reading Room. (12) A new Shrine was opened.

At Sohbar, about 13 km. down, it had a Junior Basic School, one M.E. School with a vocational section and two separate hostels with 15 boys and 20 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.

At Nongwar, 15km. below Cherrapunji, it had a free Primary School and one M.E. School.

At other places scattered all over south Khasi and Jaintia Hills, it conducted 11 M.E. Schools and 26 Primary schools. Altogether 1,309 boys and 1,266 girls studied in the 14 M.E. Schools and the 32 Primary Schools.

Rainakrishna Mission Vidyapith Deoghar (S.P.)

Started in 1922, this institution (P.O. Vidyapith ; PIN 814-112; Phone : 333) conducted the following : (1) A residential English medium Secondary School with science, for boys, (roll strength 340) recognized by the Central Board of Secondary

30

Education, New Delhi. The Library had 13,812 books. (2) A Charitable Homoeopathic Dispensary : cases treated 9,799 (new 4,551). (3) A free Middle school in Hindi medium for Hari-jans (roll strength 210) 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 ; Phones : 234 and 235) conducted the following :

(1) A residential High School (roll strength 625), havingprovision for teaching creative science, tailoring, woodcraft,
gardening, book-binding, leather-work, creamics, etc. Thehobby activities also deserve special mention. Considered asa model school by the Govt. of India, the school offeredstipends and scholarships to about 29% of the students includ­ing Schedule Caste and Schedule Tribe. A dairy and a poultrywere also run. The school Library had over 18,486 volumes.

(2) A small Pre-Basic (Nursery) School with 51 children. (3) Onemobile Audiovisual unit. (4) Religious discourses, observanceof the birthdays of religious celebrities.

A Charitable Dispensary treated 35,338 patients (new 20,265). It had special clinics for T.B. and Leprosy patients and for immunisation of children.

Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Baranagore Calcutta

Started in 1912, this centre (Calcutta 36; PIN 700-036; Phone : 52-6499) had (1) A High School (roll strength 1,024) ; (2) Two units of Junior Basic School with 441 students ; (3) A Primary School with 277 children ; (4) An Area Library (books 10,369) with a free Reading Room ; (5) Film shows by the mobile Audiovisual Unit of the Ashrama; (6) A Charitable Homoeopathic Dispensary; patients treated 46,037 (new 4,424); (7) Daily worship, Religious discourses and observance of the birthdays of religious celebrities.

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Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Asansol (Burdwan)

Started in 1926, this Ashrama on the Grand Trunk Road (PIN 713-301 ; Phones : 2937 and 3776) conducted (1) A Secondary School (roll strength 781); (2) Two Urban Junior Basic Schools with 362 boys; (3) A Students' Home with 26 inmates; (4) A Library and Reading Room : books 3,057, jour­nals 50; (5) Daily worship, regular religious classes, occasional lectures and observance of Durga Puja, Kali Puja, the birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda & other religious celebrities.

Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama Taki (24 Parganas)

Established in 1931, this Ashrama (PIN 743-429 ; Phone : 25) ran (1) A High School (roll strength 471); (2) Three U.P. Schools (one for boys, one for girls, and the otKer for both) : total roll strength 348 ; (3) A Students' Home with 64 in­mates ; (4) A Charitable Homoeopathic Dispensary : total cases 66,695 (new 13,278).

Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Manasadwip (24 Parganas)

Started in 1928, this Ashrama (PIN 743-373) on the Sagar Island conducted (1) A Secondary School (roll strength 305); (2) A Junior Basic School with 150 boys, and a special cadre Primary School with 128 girls ; (3) A Students' Home with 23 boys ; (4) A Library having 1,443 books ; (5) Occasional reli­gious classes and discourses in the Ashrama; (6) Birth anni­versaries of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother and Swami Vivekananda; (7) Philanthropic work among the local dis­tressed.

Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Midnapore

Started in 1914 and affiliated in 1931, the activities of this Ashrama (PIN 721-101) were (1) A High School (Phone : 260) with a roll strength of 581 ; (2) Two units of Junior Basic School with 268 boys and 149 girls; (3) A Pre-Basic (Nursery) School with 50 children ; (4) A Students' Home with 101 boys; (5) A Circulating Library and free Reading Room : books 3,590;

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(6) A Charitable Dispensary with Allopathic and Homoeopathic departments : cases treated 90,428 (new 38,513); (7) Regular religious classes, occasional lectures, birth anni­versaries of religious Teachers and some festivals.

Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama Silchar (Cachar)

Started in 1924 and affiliated in 1938, this institution (Silchar 4; PIN 788-004; Phone : 280) conducted (1) A Stu­dents' Home with 80 inmates including 75 tribal boys; (2) A Library and Reading Room : books 2,240 (issued 2,139); (3) Regular religious classes in the Ashrama; (4) Tribal wel­fare work among Nagas, Kukis, Khasis, Chakmas, 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 13,337 (issued 33,162), newspapers and periodicals 115. (2) A Students' Home (inmates 65, including 60 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 2,150 books. (3) Fortnightly Ramanam kirtan, observance of religious meetings and festivals, and the birth­day celebrations of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother, Swami Vivekananda, and other great Teachers.

Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama Ramharipur (Banklira)

Started in 1952 and recognized in 1966 as a branch centre, (PIN 722-133) it conducted (1) A Secondary School : roll strength 407, of whom 97 enjoyed freeship and concession; (2) Two units of Junior Basic School with 126 boys and 76 girls; (3) A Library with 3,915 books; (4) A Hostel with 54 boys; (5) A Homoeopathic Dispensary with 9,839 patients; (6) Obser­vance of the birthday anniversaries of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother and Swami Vivekananda; (7) Pecuniary help and distribution of clothings among the poor villagers.

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Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama

Sargachhi (Murshidabad)

Started in 1897 by Swami Akhandananda, this old\ Ashrama of the Mission (P.O. Sargachi Ashrama ; PIN 742-134} had (1) A High School : roll strength 411, of whom 56 enjoyed concession; (2) Three units of Junior Basic School with 436 boys and 175 girls, to whom all midday tiffin was given ; (3) A residential Junior Basic Teachers' Training Ins­titute : trainees 99; (4) A Charitable Allopathic Dispen­sary : cases treated 9,724 (new 6,559) ; (5) Seven Libraries with Reading Rooms : books 14,584 (issued 7,707), periodicals and newspapers 40 ; (6) Daily worship at the Ashrama Shrine, and observance of the birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna and other reli­gious celebrities; (7) Weekly religious class at the Berham-pore sub-centre ; (8) A Hostel with 45 inmates ; (9) Occasional help to the poor and needy.

Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama Yisakhapatnam

Started in 1938 and situated on the Vivekananda Road in full view of the sea, this Ashrama at Maharanipeta (Visakha-patnam 2; PIN 530-002 ; Phone : 2561) conducted (1) A Cultural and Recreational Centre with a small library for children ; (2) A Library and free Reading Room : books 1,847, newspapers and periodicals 14; (3) Daily puja and weekly scriptural discourse ; (4) An English medium Primary School (Phone : 3855) in a different locality : roll strength boys 220, girls 172 ; (5) A Charitable Homoeopathic Dispensary : cases treated 8,493 (new 1,094) ; (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 district, this centre (PIN 791-001 ; Phone : 49), had (1) An English medium High school for the tribals : roll strength 455 including 115 girls, all of whom were given midday meals ;

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(2) A Hostel with 198 non-paying boys; (3) A Library andReading Room with 6,097 books and 51 journals; (4) AMobile Dispensary (patients treated 1,612) attached with the
audiovisual unit which screened films for the local people;(5) Observance of religious and cultural functions.

Ramakrishna Mission, Narottam Nagar (Tirap)

Started in 1971 for providing educational facilities to the tribals of Arunachal Pradesh, the activities of this centre (P.O. Narottam Nagar, via Deomali, Dist. Tirap; PIN 786 629; Phone : Deomali 37) were (1) A residential free English medium High School with 252 boys ; (2) A centre for Voca­tional Training in carpentry, smithy, tailoring, dairy, poul­try, canework, gardening and agriculture etc. ; (3) A Library with 4,112 books and 63 journals; (4) An Outdoor Dispensary treated 13,061 patients (new 9,348); (5) A Mobile Dispensary : cases treated 3,010; (6) Celebration of local and national festivals.

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 : 52-7110) conducted (1) A Homoeopathic Dispensary : cases treated 1,21,524 (new 10,930); (2) A Library with separate sections for children and university students : books 30,043 (issued 15,584), newspapers and periodicals 132, University stu­-dents' section : text books 5,474 (issued 558 daily on average) ; (3) 308 religious discourses on Saturdays and Sundays in theAshrama and outside; (4) 34 occasional lectures in various local colleges and cultural institutions ; as also regular Sunday class at the Delhi University; (5) Birthday celebrations of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother, Swami Vivekananda and other religious celebrities at the Ashrama and other localities

35

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 2,38,524 (new 2,526) and indoor cases 226. 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 2,03,365 (new 49,664), (2) A Higher Secondary School with 710 boys ; (3) A Library and free Reading Room : books 6,773 (issued 15,390), perio­dicals and newspapers 84 ; (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 (Patna 4; PIN 800-004; Phone : 50815) conducted (1) A Charitable Dispensary with Homoeopathic and Allopathic sections : cases treated 1,31,991 (new 15,863) ; (2) A Library and free Reading Room : books 10,900 (issued 4,603), newspapers and periodicals 56 ; (3) A Students' Home with 20 free students ; (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 on Ramakrishna Mission Road (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 37,847 (new 22,698); (2) A Mobile Dispensary serving

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45 neighbouring villages treated 17,844 patients ; (3) A Library and free Reading Room : books 9,003 (issued 3,384), news­papers and periodicals 28 ; (4) A Hostel with 24 tribal boys ; (5) 113 religious discourses in and outside the Ashrama, public meetings 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, Gauhati (Kamrup)

Affiliated in 1969, this Ashrama on Chhatribari Road (Gauhati 8 ; PIN 781-008 ; Phone : 25621) had (1) A Circu­lating Library and a free Reading Room : books 4,023 (issued 3,740) and periodicals 25 ; (2) A Students' Home : inmates 7 (free 2) ; (3) Daily worship, weekly religious class and observ­ance of occasional festivals in and outside the Ashrama.

Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Chandigarh

Started in 1956, this Ashrama on Madhya Marg (Sector 15B, Chandigarh 16 ; PIN 160-016 ; 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 1,634 books and 23 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 38 ; (5) A Charitable Homoeopathic Dispensary : cases treated 1,152 (new 275).

Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Ranchi

Affiliated in 1930, the activities of this Ashrama at Mora-badi (11 8c 12, Swami Vishuddhananda Road, Ranchi 8; PIN 834-008 ; Phones : 21215 and 20821) were (1) Charitable Homoeopathic Dispensary : cases treated 8,347 (new 4,237) ; (2) A Library and Reading Room : books 10,130 (issued 15,447), newspapers and periodicals 111, (3) Regular worship and observance of the birthdays of religious celebrities of diverse faiths; (4) Occasional religious discourses and lectures

37

in and outside the Ashrama ; (5) Divyayan, a residential ins­titute, to which had been added a Krishi Vigyan Kendra, recognized by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, for training village youths, particularly Adivasis in agricul­ture, dairy, poultry, horticulture, bee-keeping, farm machinery and social service with 146 trainees ; (6) Specialised courses in different branches given to 66 trainees ; (7) An Annual Kisan Mela was organised for the first time. A monthly Bulletin "Divyayan Samachar" was started. (8) A mobile audiovisual unit which screened 297 films.

Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Kalihar

Started in 1926 and affiliated in 1931, this Ashrama (PIN 854-105 ; Phone : 449) conducted : (1) A Homoeopathic-cum-Allopathic Dispensary : cases treated 21,908 (new 11,881); (2) A Library and free Reading Room : books 2,611, periodicals and dailies 10; (3) A Secondary School, recognized by the Board of Secondary Education, West Bengal with 668 boys and 90 girls; (4) Regular religious classes, occasional lectures in and outside the Ashrama, and observance of the birthdays of religious celebrities.

Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Smriti Mandir Khetri (Rajasthan)

This Centre, started in 1959, (PIN 333-503) is housed in the mansion where Swami Vivekananda stayed twice as the honoured guest of the Raja. It had (1) A Library and Reading Room : books 4,845 (issued 300), periodicals and dailies 36 ; (2) Occasional scriptural classes and lectures in and outside the centre ; (3) Celebration of the birth anniversaries of Sri Rama­krishna, the Holy Mother, Swami Vivekananda, and a few local religious festivals ; (4) A Nursery-cum-Primary School with 246 children; (5) A free Maternity and Child Welfare Centre, away from the Ashrama : cases handled 95 besides 1,022 home visits.

Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Ashrama, Raipur

Affiliated in 1968, this Ashrama on the Great Eastern Road (P. O. Vivekananda Ashrama ; PIN 492-001 ; Phone : 24589)

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conducted (1) A Charitable Allopathic-cum-Homoeopathic Dis­pensary with X-ray, E.C.G., Dental, Eye, E.N.T., Orthopaedic, Gynaecology, Paediatrics, Physio-cum-Electrotherapy and Patho­logical Laboratory sections : cases treated 87,180 (new 28,002); (2) A public Library and Reading Room : books 21,455 (issued 27,025), newspapers and periodicals 105; (3) 45 religious classes and 134 public lectures in and outside the Ashrama ; (4) Publication of Vivek-Jyoti, a quarterly journal in Hindi (17th year).

Ramakrishna Mission (Relief) Madras

This centre, located at the premises of the Ramakrishna Mission Students' Home at Mylapore (Madras 4 ; PIN 600-004) undertook relief works as and when necessary. During the year it conducted primary relief and completed 57 pucca houses and 2 Community-cum-Shelter houses in Tamil Nadu Cyclone affected areas. In May, 1979 it conducted primary Cyclone relief in Nellore and Prakasham, districts of Andhra Pradesh. The centre itself was closed in June, 1979.

SECTION III

COMBINED MATH & MISSION CENTRES

Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission Bombay

Started in 1923 and situated on the Ramakrishna Mission Marg at Khar, Bombay 52 A. S. (PIN 400-052 ; Phone : 53-2442), the Math conducted (1) Daily worship and Bhajan ; (2) 223 religious classes in and outside the Math; (3) Celebration of festivals like Kali Puja, Ganesh Puja, 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 1,27,069 (new 20,132); Indoor cases 674 (surgical 651)); (2) A Library and Reading Room : books 25,001 (issued 16,620), periodicals and dailies 81 ; (3) A Hostel for college students : inmates 40 ; (4) Mobile Dispensary : total patients 41,709 (new 10,506).

Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrighna 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, Gynaecology, Radiology and Pathology departments : beds 121, admis­sions 4,451, surgical cases 1,850. The well-equipped Eye Department is a special feature of the hospital. (2) An Out­door Allopathic-cum-Homoeopathic Dispensary : cases treated 2,76,374 (new 55,507).

A fortnightly outpatient Eye Clinic was conducted at Kosi-Kalan.

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

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Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission Mangalore (South Kanara)

Started in 1947 and later shifted to its present premises, this Math, situated on Mangaladevi Road (Mangalore 1 ; PIN 575-001 ; Phone : 23412) organized, besides conducting daily worship, Bhajan and the celebration of the birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother and Swami Vivekananda, weekly classes, occasional lectures in and outside the Math, and spiritual retreats for the devotees. The Math had a Library with 3,032 books and 23 journals.

Opened in 1951, the Mission branch conducted (1) A Boys' Home with 45 inmates ; (2) A Charitable Allopathic Dispen­sary : cases treated 32,669 (new 3,646).

Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission Rajahmimdry (East Godavari)

Started in 1951, the Math at Veerabhadrapuram (Rajah-

mundry 4; PIN 533-104; Phone : 3112) held regular worship and Bhajan, religious discourse, a Library and Reading Room : books 5,455, newspapers and periodicals 30, and celebrated the birthdays of religious leaders.

Opened in 1951, the Mission branch in the town, on the bank of Godavari, ran a Charitable Homoeopathic Dispen­sary : cases treated 12,771 (new 950). The centre participated in Cyclone Relief and Rehabilitation work in Andhra Pradesh.

Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission Bhubaneswar

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 Kali Puja and the birthdays of great saints. It has a publication department for books in Oriya.

Started in 1920, the Mission hranrh b?.H (1) One U.P. School with 150 boys and 139 girls ; (2) One M. E. School with 85 boys; (3) A Charitable Allopathic Dispensary : cases treated 27,071 (new 15,386); (4) A Library and free Reading Room : books 10,508 (issued 11,209) and periodicals etc. 86; (5) Provi-

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sion for occasional pecuniary help to the needy and some regular financial help to the poor and meritorious students.

Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna 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 4,816 and periodicals etc. 30.

The Mission Sevashrama had (1) Two Charitable Homoeo­pathic Dispensaries : cases treated 52,015 (new 10,951) ; (2) A Junior Basic School with 124 boys and 76 girls.

Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission

Ashrama, Malda

Started in 1924, this Math (PIN 732-101 ; Phone : 2479) held, besides daily worship, regular scriptural classes and Bhajan as also occasional lectures in and outside its premises. More­over, it celebrated Durga Puja, Kali Puja and the birthdays of saints and prophets.

Opened in 1942, the Mission branch conducted (1) A Madhyamik School with 610 students ; (2) An Urban Junior Basic School with 285 boys and 34 girls; (3) A Rural Junior-Basic School at Mohanpara with 82 boys and 64 girls ; (4) Two Nursery Schools with 113 children; (5) A Students' Home : inmates 28 ; (6) A free Library and Reading Room : books 5,149 (issued 6,415) ; (7) Two Charitable Homoeopathic Dispensaries at Dighalbar and Malda town : total cases treated 14,453 (new 5,626).

Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission S^vaslirania, Tsmluk (?.liJiiapore)

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 26 ; (2) A Junior Basic School with 122 boys and 97 girls;

42

(3) A Primary School with 116 boys and 84 girls; (4) A free Hostel with six inmates; (5) A Library and Reading Room : books 7,684 and periodicals etc, 23 ; (6) A Charitable Outdoor Dispensary : cases treated 33,896 (new 5,845) ; (7) An audio­visual unit.

Besides conducting religious discourses, the Math held daily worship and Bhajan, and celebrated the birthdays of some great saints.

Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission Kamarpukur (Hooghly)

Started in 1947, the Math centre (PIN 712-612 ; Phone : Kamarpukur 21) preserves the sacred place where Sri Rama­krishna was born, as also his ancestral home.

It conducted daily worship and religious class, and ob­served certain festivals and birthdays of religious celebrities.

The Mission branch had (1) A High School with 477 boys ; (2) A Junior Basic School with 173 boys and 122 girls; (3) A Pre-Basic School with 54 children ; (4) A Pre-vocational Training Centre with 86 students ; (5) A Hostel with 145 boys ; (6) A mobile audiovisual unit; (7) An Area Library with 8,805 books; (9) A Charitable Homoeopathic Dispensary : cases treated 40,020 (new 12,406).

Matrimandir and Ramakrishna Mission Sarada Sevashrama Jayrambati (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 has a small Library.

Its Math sub-centre, the Ramakrishna Yogashrama, Koal-para (P. O. Dehuapara, PIN 722-141), eight kilometres away, is a quite retreat associated with the life of the Holy Mother.

Opened in, 1930, the Mission Sevashrama had (1) A Chari­table Homoeopathic Dispensary : cases treated 32,562 (new 6,738); (2) A Junior High School with 107 boys and 44 girls;

43

(3) Two Junior Basic Schools with 210 boys and 109 girls ; (4) Two Pre-Basic (Nursery) Schools with 54 boys and 29 girls.

Ramakrishna Math and Raiiiakrislnia Mission Sevashrama Contai (Midnapore)

Started in 1913, the Sevashrama (PIN 721-401 ; Phone : 55) conducted (1) A Library and Reading Room : books 5,652 (issued 2,297) and periodicals etc. 18; (2) A Charitable Homoeopathic Dispensary : cases treated 32,790 (new 7,777); (3) A Students Home with 6 inmates; (4) Occasional pecu­niary help to the needy students.

The Math held 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 Ramakrishna 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) Weekly religious classes and occasional lectures in and outside the premises; (3) Birth anniversaries of spiritual celebrities.

The Sevashrama had (1) A Charitable Homoeopathic-cum-Allopathic Dispensary : cases treated 78,544 (new 10,050); (2) A Library and Reading Room with a separate section for children : books 18,200, newspapers and periodicals 65.

Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission Sera Samiti, Karimganj (Cachar)

Started in 1917 and affiliated in 1929, the Seva Samiti (PIN 788-710; Phone : 272) conducted (1) A Students' Home with 16 inmates; (2) A Library and Reading Room : books

44

5,005 (issued 9,221), periodicals and dailies 27 ; (3) Occasional monetary help to the needy.

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

Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama, Garbeta (Midnapore)

Started in 1915, the Sevashrama (P. O. Amlagora; PIN

721-121) had (1) A Charitable Homoeopathic Dispensary : cases

treated 11,701 (new 9,296); (2) A Junior Basic School with286 students ; (3) A Library : books 1,907.

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

Ramakrishna Ashrama and Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama, Kozhikode (Calicut)

Started in 1930 and affiliated in 1943, the Sevashrama at Rallai (Kozhikode 18 ; PIN 673-018 ; Phone : 72471) conducted (1) A High School with 612 boys and 913 girls ; (3) A Students' Home with 90 inmates ; (4) An Allopathic Dispensary : cases treated 27,561 (new 13,362); (5) Daily worship, Bhajan and discourse ; (6) Religious and cultural meetings.

The Ashrama branch at Quilandy (P. O. Melur; Dist. Kozhikode), 25 km. away, observed the birthdays of a few reli­gious celebrities, in addition to conducting regular worship, Bhajan etc.

Ramakrishna Ashrama and Kamakrishna Mission Kishanpur (Dehra Dun)

Started in 1916 and situated in a picturesque locality, the Ashrama (P. O. Raj pur; PIN 248-009) on the Rajpur

45

(Mussoorie) Road, six kilometres up Dehra Dun, conducted daily worship, weekly discourses in and outside its premises, and a Library : books 2,088 and journals 13. It also observed the birth anniversaries of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother, Swami Vivekananda and some religious celebrities.

Started in 1974, the Mission branch conducted a Charit­able Homoeopathic Dispensary : total cases treated 4,808 (new 2,113).

SECTION IV MATH CENTRES

Ramakrishna Math, Madras

Started in 1897 by Swami Ramakrishnananda, and located at 16, Sri Ramakrishna Math Road (Mylapore, Madras 4 ; PIN 600-004; Post Box No. 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) Lectures by distin­guished scientists ; (4) A monthly spiritual retreat at the Math premises; - (5) Celebration of the birthdays of Prophets and other festivals; (6) A Library with a Children's Section : books 17,798 (issued 18,781), newspapers and periodicals 393 ;

7. Three monthly journals : The Vedanla Kesari (English,66th year), Sri Ramakrishna Vijayam (Tamil, 59th year), andSri Ramakrishna Prabha (Telugu, 34th year); (8) Publicationof books : new 12 and reprints 22 ; (9) A Primary School with839 pupils ; (10) A Girls' High School : strength 728—both
8. &: (9) at George Town, Madras 1 ; (13) A Charitable Allo-pathic-cum-Homoeopathic Dispensary with Dental, Eye, E.N.T.,X-ray, Tuberculosis Clinic, Diabetic Clinic, Laboratory andSurgical sections : cases treated 1,08,652 (new 53,356); (12)Milk distribution among under-nourished children.

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 : 9,100), and a 23-bed Hospital which treated 642 indoor and 20,310 outdoor cases (new 9,160). The guest house provided opportunity for spiri­tual culture to a limited number of aspirants. Developmental programmes of farming, dairy and cultivation were initiated on a moderate scale.

The Ashrama's branch at 5 Dehi Entally Road, Calcutta 14 (PIN 700-014; Phone : 44-2898; Telegraphic address :

47

VEDANTA) undertook the following activities: (1) Reprint of 27 old titles ; (2) Publication of an English monthly, the Pra-buddha Bharata (83rd-84th year) ; (3) Religious classes and public lectures in its auditorium and outside; (4) A Library and Reading Room : books 12,427 (issued 25,818), newspapers and periodicals 89; (5) Fortnightly distribution of doles, clothes, etc. to 200 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 3,322 ; (2) Regular scriptural classes and occasional lectures in and outside the Math ; (3) A Publication Department (Phone : 55-2447) : new 1 and reprint 18 books; (4) Publication of the Bengali monthly Udbodhan (79th year). (5) Pecuniary help to some people and distribution of garments among the children of needy families.

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

Ramakrishna Math, Nagpur

Started in 1928, this Math 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 9 new titles and 14 reprints; (2) Publication of the Marathi monthly Jivan Vikas (23rd year); (3) A Library and free Reading Room : books 30,518 (issued 19,048), news­papers and periodicals 103, (4) A Students' Home with 15 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

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Nagpur ; (8) A Charitable Dispensary at Indora, a backward locality : cases treated 96,059 (new 21,330).

Ramakrishna Ashrama, Rajkot

Established in 1927, this Ashrama at Jagnath Plot (PIN 360-001 ; Phones : 24407, 22085) conducted (1) Regular worship, and religious discourses in the Ashrama, and occasional lec­tures in Rajkot and outside ; (2) A Charitable Dispensary with Ayurvedic and Homoeopathic departments : cases treated 12,471 (new 6,099); (3) A Students' Home with 74 boys ; (4) A free Library and Reading Room : books 23,694 (issued 17,655), newspapers and periodicals 137 ; (5) A Publication Department which brought out the Gujarati versions of Ramakrishna-Vivekananda literature : reprint 4 and new 3 ; (6) Birth anniversaries of religious celebrities and celebrations of fes­tivals like Kali Puja, Ramnavami, Janmashtami and Sivaratri ; (7) Inter-school and Inter-college elocution and essay competi­tions.

The newly constructed Sri Ramakrishna Temple was dedi­cated in April, 1979.

Ramakrishna Ashrama, Trichur

Started in 1924 and recognized in 1929, this Ashrama at Vilangan (P. O. Puranattukara ; PIN 680-551 ; Phone : Tri­chur 20646), six kilometres away from the town, conducted (1) A Gurukula with 96 orphans; (2) A High School with 1,147 boys ; (3) One L.P. School with 814 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 4 new books and 9 reprints; (8) Publication of Prabuddha Keralam, a Malayalam monthly (64th year) ; (9) A Printing Press ; (10) A Charitable Dispensary : cases treated 8,098 (new 3,492); (11) One indoor Hospital (20 beds) which treated 691 patients. (12) A rural Orphanage and Child Welfare centre, with 25 Harijan and destitute children.

The town branch at Punkunnam had (1) A Library and Reading Room : books 4,850, periodicals and dailies 15 ; (2) Free Sanskrit classes for 257 students.

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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 : 602681) conducted (1) Daily worship, Bhajan, bi-weekly discourse, and occasional lectures outside; (2) A Library and Reading Room : books 8,112 (issued 4,500), and periodicals etc. 26; (3) A Publication section for Kannada books ; (4) V'wekananda Balaka Sangha, a cultural and recreational centre for boys aged 7 to 15 years ; (5) A Hostel for University students (Phone : 602464) : in­mates 95 ; (6) Birth anniversaries of religious celebrities.

Its sub-centre called Vivekananda Ashrama at Ulsoor (Bangalore 8 ; PIN 560-008 ; Phone : 50966) held daily Puja and Bhajan, and observed the birthdays of some religious cele­brities.

Ramakrishna Ashrama, Mysore

Started in 192,5 and located since 1931 at its present pre­mises on Princes Road in 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 one new book and 9 reprints ; (4) Birth anniversaries of religious celebrities; (5) Library : books 6,952 (issued 2,340).

On an extensive land a little away from the Ashrama stood Sri Ramakrishna Vidyashala, a residential Secondary School (Phone : 22954) with 347 students, where along with academic studies, extra-curricular activities were held for development of personality.

The Ramakrishna Institute of Moral and Spiritual Educa­tion (Phone : 22027), an all-India. Centre housed in an im­pressive and very commodious building near the Ashrama, conducted the one-year B.Ed, course with moral and spiritual subjects (students 93). Short term courses and retreats were

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also conducted for college boys, teachers as well as general public.

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; Phone : 61988) whereto the centre of activity was shifted later, conducted (1) 240-bed Hospital (free beds 140) with 5-bed Intensive Care Unit, X-ray, Cardiography, Paedia­trics, E.N.T., Dentistry, Ophthalmic, Maternity, Psychiatry, Laboratories, and Surgical departments : cases treated—Indoor 9,691 ; Outdoor 52,786 (new 35,379); (2) A residential Auxi­liary and General Nurse-Midwifery Training Centre : trainees 53.

The Nettayam sub-centre conducted (1) Daily worship and 60 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) Monthly spiritual retreats; (4) An Ayurvedic Dispensary, a little away : cases treated 8,696.

Ramakrishna Advaila Ashrama, Kalady (Ernakulam)

Started in 1936 and recognized in 1941, this Ashrama (PIN 683-574 ; Phone : 345) conducted (1) Daily worship, weekly scriptural classes, and occasional public lectures in and outside the Ashrama ; (2) A High School with 476 boys and 365 girls; (3) A Sanskrit U.P. School with 325 boys and 209 girls; (4) A Junior Basic School with 86 boys and 94 girls; (5) A Stu­dent's Home with 135 inmates including 70 tribal and Sche­duled Caste boys; (6) A Library and Reading Room : books 6,750, periodicals and dailies 15; (7) A Publication Depart ment for books in Malayalam ; (8) A free Ayurvedic Dispen­sary : cases treated 3,681 (new 1,215); (9) Birthdays of Sri Rama­krishna, the Holy Mother, Swami Vivekananda and other

51

religious Teachers; (10) A Nutrition Programme : 200 reci­pients daily; (11) A Community Hall for the Harijans with a Library for children.

Ramakrishna Saradashrama, Ponampet

(Coorg)

Started in 1927, this Centre (PIN 571-216) conducted

(1) Daily worship and periodical Bhajan ; (2) Occasional lec­tures in and outside the Ashrama; (3) An Indoor Hospitalwith 25 beds : admissions 773 ; (4) A Charitable Outdoor Dis­pensary : cases treated 8,705 (new 6,309); (5) A Library andReading Room : books 2,500, newspapers and journals 7 ;(6) Birthday celebrations of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Motherand 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 15-bed Charitable Hospital and an Outdoor Dispensary : cases treated—Indoor 44 and Outdoor 10,507 (new 4,507). The Veterinary Section treated 454 cattle. In addition, it maintained a library con­taining 2,431 books and 16 periodicals. The birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother, Swami Vivekananda and other religious teachers were observed.

Ramakrishna Yogodyana Math, Kankurgachhi Calcutta

This Math (7 Yogodyana Lane, Calcutta 54; PIN 700-054 ; Phone : 35-2928), founded in 1883 by Sri Ram Chandra Datta, a distinguished disciple of Sri Raaiakrishna, 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 Library: books 2,100, periodicals and dailies 9;

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(3) Celebration of the birthday of Sri Ramakrishna and observ­ance of some religious festivals.

The Math's two village sub-centre at Kumirmari and Manasadwip in 24-Parganas conducted at each place a Charit­able Dispensary and a free Primary School : total patients treated 28,585 (new 8,001) and total roll strength 122 respec­tively.

Gadadhar 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 Ashrama has a Library with 2,549 books (issued 1,484) and 11 journals.

Ramakrishna Math, Cossipore, Calcutta

Established in 1946 at the garden-house (90 Cossipore Road, Calcutta 2 ; PIN 700-002 ; Phone : 52-3605) 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 and periodical Bhajan. Weekly reli­gious classes in and outside the Math, occasional meetings and the annual celebration of the Kalpataru Utsava were the main activities of the centre, which had a small Library too.

Ramakrishna Advaita Ashrama, Varanasi

Started by Swami Shivananda in 1902, the Ashrama on Ramakrishna Road (Varanasi 1 ; PIN 221-001) has all along served as a re treat lui llic oU and retired rncnks cf the Order. Besides daily worship and periodical Bhajan and the celebra­tion of the birthdays of Incarnations and Saints, it held 327 indoor religious classes, and ran a Library and free Reading Room : books 12,727 and journals etc. 19.

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Ramakrishna Math, Ootacamund (Nilgiris)

Started in 1926 and situated at a beauty spot of the famed hill station, the Ashrama at Ramakrishnapuram (PIN 643-001 ; Phone : 3,150) conducted (1) Daily worship, and congrega­tional Bhajan on Sundays ; (2) Weekly indoor and fortnightly outdoor religious discourses besides occasional lectures in and outside the town ; (3) A monthly spiritual retreat especially for local devotees ; (4) A Library and Reading Room : books 3,142, newspapers and journals 20; (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 Thukalassery (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. A new Library Building was constructed.

Its sub-centre at Palai (Kottayam : PIN 686-574) had, be­sides daily worship and weekly religious classes, a Students' Home with 10 inmates, and a small library.

Ramakrishna Math, Kanchipuram (Chingleput)

Started in 1932, this monastery at 70 Nellukara Street (Kanchipuram 2 ; PIN 631-502) conducted (1) Daily worship, weekly religious classes, and occasional public lectures in the Math ; (2) A public Library and Reading Room : books 5,078, newspapers and magazines 31 ; (3) Navaratri festival and the celebration of the birthdays of Divine Teachers.

Ramakrishna Math, Nattarampalli (North Arcot)

Started in 1908, this rural monastery (PIN 635-852) con­ducted daily worship, weekly Bhajan, and religious classes.

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Moreover, it celebrated the birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother and Swami Vivekananda in the Math and also organized such celebrations at different places in the district. Films of religious value were screened. Arrangement was made in the Math for holding free coaching classes for few local school children, to whom were distributed notebooks, slates, ink, garments, etc. Free tiffin was distributed to a limited few. A new building with Shrine and Monastery in it was constructed. The Charitable Dispensary treated 733 patients.

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, occasional Bhajan, and fortnightly Ramanam, it celebrated some birthdays of Incarnations and a few festivals. Religious discourses were held in the premises occasionally.

Ramakrishna Kutir, Almora

Founded in 1916 by Swamis Shivananda and Turiyananda, this centre (PIN 263-601) serves as a retreat for our monks. Besides occasional discourses and Bhajan, the Kutir maintained a Library : books 4,448, and periodicals 12.

Ramakrishna Math, Chandipur (Midnapore)

Started in 1916, the Math (P. O. Math Chandipur ; PIN 721-659) conducted (1) Daily worship and regular religious classes ; (2) A Charitable Dispensary : cases treated 22,487 (new 9,500); (3) A Library with 1,090 books; (4) A Primary School : ttoys 116, and twirls 83 ; (5) Occasional help in cash and kind to the poor and needy ; (6) Observance of the birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother, Swami Vivekananda and other great religious Teachers.

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Raiiiakrislma Math, Jamtara (Santhal Parganas)

Started in 1921, this monastery (PIN 815-351 ; Phone : Jamtara 73) besides serving as a place of change and rest for our monks, conducted (1) A Charitable Dispensary : cases treated 5,205 (new 3,734); (2) A tiny Library with nearly 500 books; (3) Regular worship, occasional Bhajan, and the birth anniversaries of Incarnations and also a few religious festivals ; (4) Supply of drinking water with sweets etc. to the thirsty pedestrians in summer.

Raiiiakrishiia Math, Hyderabad

Affiliated in 1973 and located at Ramakrishna Math Marg, Domalguda, Hyderabad (PIN 500-029; Phones: 64900, 61100 and 63300), this Math conducted (1) Daily worship, Bhajan and weekly discourses ; (2) Lectures in and around the twin cities as also outside ; (3) A Charitable Homoeopathic Dispensary : cases treated 11,135; (4) Observance of the birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother and Swami Vivekananda and other festivals.

The well-equipped free Library with general and children's sections had 5,275 books (issued 941) and 67 journals.

Vivekananda Balaka Sangha, a cultural and recreational centre for boys, is working on Sundays since May 1977.

SECTION V

CENTRES OUTSIDE INDIA IN BANGLADESH

A. MISSION CENTRES Ramakrishna Mission, Barisal

Started in 1904 and affiliated in 1911, this centre (on College Road), conducted (1) A Library and Reading Room with 1,707 books and 6 journals ; (2) A Charitable Homoeopathic Dispen­sary : cases treated 16,200 ; (3) Weekly religious classes ; (4) A Students' Home with 16 inmates; (5) Daily worship and other religious festivals.

Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Faridpur

Started in 1921 and affiliated in 1934, this Ashrama, apart from conducting daily worship, weekly religious classes and observance of some festivals, had (1) A Library and Reading Room with 800 books; (2) A Students' Home with 18 inmates ; (3) A Chatushpathi : students 30 ; (4) A Primary School with 100 children ; (5) A Homoeopathic Dispensary : cases treated 8,400 (new 2,400).

B. COMBINED MATH & MISSION CENTRES

Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission Dacca

Started in 1899 and affiliated in 1914 the Math conducted religious discourses and weekly classes and celebrated religious festivals like Durga Puia, Kali Puia. Nabi Day. CVmVmac Fve, Buddha Purnima, and the birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother and Swami Vivekananda. All functions were attended by large number of people belonging to different religious faiths.

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Started in 1916, the Mission branch (Phone : 250054), besides conducting a large scale relief operation, had (1) A Library : books 5,000, newspapers and periodicals 47 ; (2) An Allopathic Dispensary : cases treated 52,731 ; (3) A Junior High School with 530 students; (4) A number of Milk Feed­ing Centres for children : recipients 16,61,612; (5) A Stu­dents' Home with 25 inmates.

Ramakrishna Mission and Ramakrishna Ashrama Narayanganj (Dacca)

Started in 1909 and affiliated in 1922, this centre con­ducted (1) A Library; (2) An Allopathic Dispensary : cases treated 56,762 ; (3) A Milk Distribution Centre : recipients 2,49,654; (4) Relief work; (5) A Students' Home with 12 in­mates.

The Ashrama celebrated the birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother and Swami Vivekananda as also other reli­gious festivals.

Ramakrishna Ashrama and Ramakrishna Mission Seva Samiti, Sylhet

Started in 1916 and affiliated in 1926, the Ashrama con­ducted (1) Daily worship and Bhajan ; (2) Weekly religious classes and occasional lectures ; (3) Birth anniversaries of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother and Swami Vivekananda; (4) Durga Puja, Kali Puja, etc.

The Seva Samiti had (1) A Library and Reading Room with nearly 2,500 books; (2) A Students' Home : inmates 18 ; (3) A Homoeopathic Dispensary (operated until January 1979).

Ramakrishna Ashrama and Ramakrishna Mission Seva Samiti, Habiganj (Sylhet)

Si.aii.cd in 1921, the Ashrama conducted regular worship and religious classes as also celebrated the birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother and Swami Vivekananda, Durga Puja, Kali Puja and Saraswati Puja.

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Affiliated in 1926, the Seva Samiti had (1) A Library with 1,500 books ; (2) A Students' Home : inmates 20 ; (3) A Chari­table Homoeopathic Dispensary.

Ramakrishna Ashrama and Ramakrishna Mission

Sevashrama, Baliati (Dacca)

f

Started in 1910, the Ashrama conducted daily worship, Durga Puja, Kali Puja and a Library.

Affiliated in 1925, the Sevashrama had a Homoeopathic Dispensary : cases treated 6,850.

C. MATH CENTRES Ramakrishna Ashrama, Dinajpur

Started in 1923 and affiliated in 1942, (Phone : Dinajpur 4235), the Ashrama had (1) An Allopathic Dispensary : cases treated 45,145 (new 28,186); (2) A Students' Home : inmates 11 (free 3); (3) A Library with 1,588 books and 8 periodicals ; (4) Occasional Relief and Pecuniary help.

Birth anniversaries of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother and Swami Vivekananda and some religious festivals were observed besides conducting weekly religious classes, daily wor­ship and Bhajan. Occasional discourses were held in the town and far and near villages.

Ramakrishna Ashrama Bagerhat (Khulna)

Started in 1926, this Ashrama (Phone : 153), apart from conducting daily worship, weekly religious classes and obser­vance of some festivals, had (1) A Library with 1,748 books and 12 periodicals; (2) A Charitable Dispensary with Allo­pathic and Homoeopathic sections : total cases treated 48,349 ; (3) A Students' Home with 58 inmates of which 2 were free.

Ramakrishna Ashrama, Mymensingh

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

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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 free Library (books 2,655) and Reading Room (28 newspapers and periodicals); (3) A Sunday School for children : average attendance 392; (4) Regular religious classes for juvenile delinquents at Wathupitiwela Training School, about 44 km. away ; (5) The International Cultural Centre with guest rooms, library, etc. ; (6) Swami Vivekananda Centenary Memorial Hall, one of the biggest auditoriums in Colombo ; (7) Observance of the birth­days of great religious Teachers.

At the Batticaloa branch, besides running three orphanages with a total of 107 boys and 48 girls, regular classes were held for the inmates of Mantivu Lepers' Asylum and the prisoners of Batticaloa Jail. The students of the orphanages were given intensive agricultural training at the farm at Rugam. The Centre suffered heavy loss due to Cylone in November 1978.

SINGAPORE

Ramakrishna Mission, Singapore

The main Mission Centre, located at 179 Bartley Road, Singapore 19 (Phone : 889077), conducted (1) A Students' Home for poor boys : inmates 54 ; (2) Weekly scriptural classes 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.

The Swami Vivekananda Centenary Memorial Building which was used for meetings and scriptural classes, had a Library and Reading Room with 2,730 books and 13 news­papers and journals.

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The town branch, which formed the nucleus of Mission work in 1928, at 9 Norris Road, Singapore 0820 (Phone : 2935971) managed (1) A Library and Reading Room : books 5,388, periodicals and dailies 29 ; (2) A Girls' Upper Primary School (Tamil medium) with 85 pupils and an Adult Night School in the same building with 65 students; (3) The Kalaimagal School, 11 km. away, with 7 pupils and was closed in Dec. 1979.

FIJI

Ramakrishna Mission, Nadi

Started in 1937 and situated amid sylvan surroundings in Nadi town, the Ashrama (Post Box 9 ; Phones : 70016 and 70786) held daily worship, weekly religious classes, occasional congregational prayers, and celebrated a few festivals.

It also conducted the Vivekananda High School (Phone : 70340) for boys and girls.

MAURITIUS

Ramakrishna Mission, Vacoas

Started in 1941, this centre (Phone : 64313) conducted

1. Daily worship and discourses in the Ramakrishna Temple ;
2. Weekly religious classes and occasional lectures at differentplaces of the island; (3) A Secondary School for boys andgirls; (4) A Library for the members ; (5) Birth anniversariesof Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother and Swami Viveka­-nanda.

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 : 212-877-9197). Swami Tathagatananda, the Minister-in-charge, conducted the Sunday Service, and held every Tuesday classes on the Upanishads, and every Friday on Meditation and on Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna and spoke in different part of U.S.A. and Canada. Birthdays of Sri Rama­krishna, the Holy Mother, Swami Vivekananda, Bhagavan Buddha, Sri Krishna, as also Durga Puja, Christmas and

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Easter were celebrated. The annual 'Vivekananda Festival' took place as before. The visiting Swamis participated closely in the Centre's activities. Groups of students from colleges and churches attended a number of services and classes.

Ramakrishna-Vivekananda Centre

New York

Founded in 1933 and located at 17 East 94th Street, New York, N.Y. 10028 (Phones : 212-289^1710 and 212-534^9445 ; Cable address : RAMAVIVEK, New York), this Centre had the following activities : Swami Adiswarananda, the Minister-in-charge, conducted the Sunday Service. The Swami read and explained the Life and Teachings of Sri Ramakrishna and his direct disciples on Tuesday and Katha, Mandukya, Svetasvatara Upanisads and Yoga Vasishtha on Friday. Groups of students from different colleges and universities came to the Services, talks and lectures at the Centre. On invitation the Swami spoke to other outside institutions also. Special Services were held for the Christmas, Good Friday, Easter, Divine Mother Durga, and the birthdays of Buddha, Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother, and Swami Vivekananda.

The house at Thousand Island Park (New York State), named 'Vivekananda Cottage', where Swami Vivekananda lived and gave his "Inspired Talks" in 1895, served as a retreat for spiritual culture in summer. Daily vespers, meditation and scriptural classes were conducted during the period, attended by students and guests.

The Centre's Publication Department brought out a num­ber of valuable volumes. The Library and Reading Room for members and visiting research scholars had 974 books and 9 journals.

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 Raja Yoga. The Swami spoke in the Vedanta Centres of New York.

The birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother, Swami Vivekananda and other great religious teachers as also

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some festivals like Durga Puja, Christmas, Easter 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 on Raja Yoga were held regularly. The birthdays of some religious celebrities of diverse faiths as well as a few festivals such as Durga Puja, Christmas, Easter etc. 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 Guelf University, Canada.

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 Swami Bhashyananda, is located at 5423, South Hyde Park Boulevard, Chicago, Illinois 60615 (Phone : 312-363-0027). Besides daily worship in the shrine, Sunday Service and three week-day classes were held. Being invited, the Swami deli­vered lectures before various Vedanta groups throughout the United States and Canada.

The birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother, Swami Vivekananda and some other religious celebrities as also special worships and services were observed.

The Society conducted in another building of its own a Book-shop, a Library, and a Sunday School for children.

The Society has a monastery-retreat, named after Swami Vivekananda, at 12-2nd Avenue (via Route 2), Ganges Town­ship, Fennville, Michigan 49408 (Phone : 616-543-4545), across the Lake (north-east), about 200 km. by road. Here a large structure has been built to house a shrine, meeting hall and a museum of Indian artefacts.

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Vedanta Society, St. Louis (Missouri)

Started in 1938 by Swami Satprakashananda, this Society is located at 205 South Skinker Boulevard, St. Louis, Missouri 63105 (Phone : 721-5118). Swami Chetanananda, who be­came the Minister-in-charge after Swami Satprakashananda passed away in November 1979, gave lectures on Sundays and conducted classes on The Yoga Aphorisms of Patanjali and the Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna. He gave interviews to stu­dents and spiritual aspirants. The Society had a Library (books 1,757) and a Book-shop, and published 2 new books by Swami Satprakashananda.

Religious festivals such as Durga Puja, Good Friday, Christmas, as also the birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother, Swami Vivekananda, Swami Brahmananda, and other religious celebrities were duly observed.

Vedanta Society of Southern California Hollywood

Started in 1930, this Society has its main centre of activity at 1946 Vedanta Place, Hollywood, California 90068 (Phone : 213-465-7114). Swami Swahananda is its leader, assisted by Swami Aparananda. The Society has a temple, a monastery and a convent in Hollywood. At Santa Barbara, 135km. 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, Ramnam, twenty-four hour vigil, and Kirtan and at Santa Barbara, Ramnam and twelve-hour vigil were held every month. 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. At Trabuco and San Diego weekly lectures were held. The 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 and a memorial to Swamiji.

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

Vedanta Society of Northern California San Francisco

This Society, established by Swami Vivekananda in 1900, has now Sf'vami 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, medita. tion, and interviews with the students and spiritual aspirants, lectures were delivered by the Swamis on Sundays and Wednes­days. A Saturday evening class on the Teachings 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 and other festivals like Durga Puja, and Kali Puja 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 usual. A Sunday School for children was also conducted. Swami Prabuddhananda was invited to deliver lectures and conduct seminars at various places in the United States.

The monastery of the Society has two establishments, one in San Francisco and the other at Olema, a retreat in Marin County. There is also a convent for women at San Francisco.

This 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,UUU-acre torest retreat at Olema. in the last there is a permanent establishment.

The Annual June Reception by and for members of the Society was held in the New Temple.

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Vedanta Society, Berkeley

Started in 1939 and located near the University, at 2455 Bowditch Street, Berkeley, California 94704 (Phone : 415-848-8862), this Society has Swami Swananda as its head. Lecture on Sundays by the Swami, class on Thursdays, reading and dis­cussion on weekdays, interviews, regular worship, meditation, special celebrations, and maintenance of a library were its normal activities.

Invited by outside organizations and college, the Swami delivered several lectures in the neighbourhood and other cities of the United States, as also twice monthly in the Society's house at San Jose.

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 on the Upanishads 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 were held as usual. During the year he had to give numerous personal interviews in the Society and several lectures outside.

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 other festivals were celebrated with special programme. The Santo-dyan (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.

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55th Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97215 (Phone : 235-3919) in the attractive Mt. Tabor district. It conducted daily worship and meditation and maintained a library, and celebrated the birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna and Holy Mother, and a few religious festivals. The Swami held scriptural classes and gave interviews to spiritual seekers, and also enlightened student groups of various schools and colleges.

The Society has a retreat in a very large (120 acres), wooded area over-looking the Columbia River Valley, 40 km. away. Regular Saturday services were held and the Mahasamadhi day of Swami Vivekananda was celebrated here. A number of re­mote forest shrines are used for meditation by members and friends during vacations.

Vedanta Society of Western Washington Seattle

Started in 1938 by Swami Vividishananda who continues to be its head, this Centre stands at 2716 Broadway East, Seattle, Washington 98102 (Phone : 206-323-1228). Owing to illness of the Swami, Swami Bhaskarananda, his assistant, took over the responsibility and hdld Friday meditation classes, Tuesday classes on the Bhagavad Gita and the Sunday Service. On invitation, he spoke before different school and church groups and also at some places in Canada and Japan. The birthdays of a few Divine Personages as well as some religious festivals were observed. The Centre has a library with nearly 4,000 volumes.

A monthly retreat was conducted near Arlington in Snohomish county.

ARGENTINA

Ramakrishna Ashrama, Buenos Aires

Founded in 1933, this Ashrama has Swami Paratparananda as its leader. It has a fine home at 1149 Caspar Campos, Bella Vista 1661 (Phone : 666-0098), about 30 km. from the city.

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The Centre conducted devotional Services and meditation, and the Swami-in-charge gave occasional lectures in the city, and Sunday classes in the Ashrama on the Gospel of Sri Rama-krishna and the life of Swami Adbhutananda. He gave inter­views to spiritual seekers. He visited Sao Paulo (in Brazil) and Lima (in Peru).

The birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna and a few other spiri­tual Teachers, as also some religious festivals, were observed in the Ashrama which published so far 21 books in Spanish, including the second of three volumes of The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna.

ENGLAND Ramakrishna Vedanta Centre, Bourne End

Started in 1948 and with Swami Bhavyananda as the present Minister-in-charge, this Centre is housed in a commodious building at Unity House, Blind Lane, Bourne End, Bucks, SL8 5LG U.K. (Phone : 06285-26464; Cable address : VEDANTA, Bourne End. U.K.) about 45 km. away from Central London.

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. Vedanta for East and West, the bi-monthly organ of the Centre, entered its 28th year.

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

SWITZERLAND

Ramakrishna Vedanta Centre, Geneva

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

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the Geneva Lake, nine km. from the town (9, Chemin des Gravannes, CH. 1246 CORSIER Geneva; Phones : 022/

51-22-24 and 022/51-16-61).

The Centre conducted regular Sunday worship and medi­tation. The Swami conducted three spiritual seminaries, two in France and one in German part of Switzerland, as also regular classes on the Upanishads at the Centre. On invita­tion, he gave a series of talks on Comparative Religion and Philosophy at the University of Geneva.

The birthday of Sri Ramakrishna and Durga Puja were celebrated at the Centre.

FRANCE

Centre Vedantique Ramakrichna, Gretz

Started at Paris in 1937 and later shifted to its own home at 1, Boulevard Remain Rolland, 77220-Gretz (Phone : 407-03-11), 29km. from Paris, this Centre has as its head Swami Ritajananda, who is assisted by Swami Vidyatmananda.

The Swami-in-charge, besides conducting regular worship and meditation in the shrine, religious retreats, and obser­vance of special holy days, held the Sunday lecture and fre­quent classes as also gave interviews to people seeking spiritual advice. Moreover, he conducted a study group at Fulda in Germany and gave lectures at many places in Europe. The Centre brought out the Vedanta, a quarterly magazine in French, for the 18th 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 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 Welfare 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 the if pu-ipuse ; 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 ASSOCIA­TION OF THE RAMAKRISHNA MISSION

registered on the 4TH 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 :

1. To impart and promote the study of the Vedanta andits principles as propounded by Sri Ramakrishna and practi­cally illustrated by his own life, and of Comparative Theologyin its widest form.
2. To impart and promote the study of the arts, scienceand industries.
3. To train teachers in all branches of knowledge abovementioned and enable them to reach the masses.
4. To carry on educational work among the masses.
5. To establish, maintain, carry on and assist schools,colleges, universities, orphanages, workshops, laboratories, hos­pitals, dispensaries, houses for the infirm, the invalid and theafflicted, famine-relief works, and other education 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 cany 011 any ociier 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 ex­pressed in the Memorandum of Association; and its Head­quarters as well 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, if elected at a meeting of the Association or nominated by the Governing Body hereinafter mentioned, provided that all the Trustees for the time being of the Indenture of Trust dated the 30th day of January, 1901, usually called the Trust Deed of the Belur Math, shall be ex-officio members of the Association. (b) A person intending to be a member shall sign the declaration form annexed herewith and submit to the General Secretary an application, in a form prescribed by the Associa­tion and he shall be proposed by a member of the Association and seconded and supported by at least two members of the Governing Body.

Members' Declaration Form

(i) I look upon Sri Ramakrishna as an illustration and embodiment of the Religious 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

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

* * * * *

4. Monastic members shall not be required to pay anyadmission fee or any subscription.
5. Every lay member and every associate, unless exempted
   therefrom in writing by the Governing Body, shall pay anadmission fee of Rs. 5/- and an annual subscription of Rs. 12, j-payable in advance. The Governing Body may exempt anymember or associate from payment of all or any fees or subs­criptions.
6. 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 : —

1. 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.
2. Attend all classes formed by the Association for theinstruction of its members and receive individual instructionwhenever practicable.
3. Receive all publications of the Headquarters at aspecial discount of 25 per cent on the published price.

* * * * *

(c) 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 June, '80)

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

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

U.P.: Allahabad, Varanasi (2 centres), Lucknow, Kanpur, Vrin-daban, Almora, Shyamala Tal, Mayavati, Kankhal and Kishanpur.

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

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

Karnataka: Bangalore, Mysore, Ponampet and Mangalore.

Andhra Pradesh : Visakhapatnam, Rajahmundry and Hydera­bad.

Assam : Karimganj, Silchar and Gauhati.

Orissa: Bhubaneswar and Puri (2 centres).

Maharashtra: Bombay and Nagpur.

Arunachal Pradesh : Along, Narottam Nagar and New Itanagar.

Meghalaya : Shillong and Cherrapunji.

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

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

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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.

Sri Lanka : Colombo.

Fiji : Nadi. Singapore : Singapore.

Mauritius : Vacoas.

England : Bourne End.

France : Gretz.

Switzerland : Geneva.

Argentina (South America) : Buenos Aires.

STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS

AUDITORS' REPORT

We have examined the annexed Balance Sheet o£ the RAMAKRISHNA MISSION as at 31st March, 1979 and the attached Income & Expenditure Account for the year ended on that date which are in agreement with the books of account.

We have obtained all the information and explanations which to the best of our knowledge and belief were necessary for the purposes of the audit. In our opinion, proper books of account have been kept by the Headquarters and the Branch Centres in India of the abovenamed Mission visited by us, so far as appears from our examination of the books, and audited returns adequate for the purposes of audit have been received from the other Branch Centres in India not visited by us.

In our opinion and to the best of our information and according to the explanations given to us the said accounts give a true and fair view—

(a) in case of the Balance Sheet of the state of affairs of the above-named Mission as at 31st March, 1979.

and

(b) in case of the Income & Expenditure Account of the surplus ofits accounting year ending on that date.

3/1, Mangoe Lane,

Calcutta-700001, sircar gupta & Co.

The 30th November, 1979. Chartered Accountants