Fourth General Report - 1922

THE FOURTH GENERAL REPORT

OF

THE RAMAKRISHNA MISSION

(1923— 1924)

( With which is incorporated some up-to-date information. )

Marc-h, 1926.

ISSUED BY THE GOVERNING BODY, FROM BELTJR MATH, HOWRAH.

CONTENTS.

The Governing Body of ,the Ramakrishna Mission ... iv

Introduction ... ... ... .... r

Section A.—The Maths and Ashramas.

permanent institutions for missionary works :—

1. The Ramakrishna Math, Belur ... ... 4
2. The Ramakrishna Math, Baghbazar, Calcutta ... 6
3. The Gadadhar Ashrama, Bhowanipur, Calcutta ... 6(4), The Ramakrishna Adwaita Ashrama, Benares ... 6

5. The Adwaita Ashrama, Mayavati (Almora) ... 7
6. Sri Ramakrish Math, Madras ' ... ... 8
7. Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama, Bangalore ... 10
8. Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama, Patna .... ... n
9. Vivekananda Ashrama, Sl^amalatal (Kumaon) ... 12(10) Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama, Bombay ... ... 13

(11-20) Other Indian Maths and Ashramas , ... 14(21) Foreign Centres: —

1. Vedanta Society, New York ... ... 17,
2. Vivekananda. Ashrama, Kuala I/timper (F.M.S.) 18
3. Vedanta Society, San Francisco ... ... 19
4. Vedanta Centre, Boston ... ... ... 19

Sri Ramakrishna and S'wami Vivekananda Birthday

Celebrations . . ... ... ... 21

Section B.—Mission Proper.

A. philanthropic institutions.

At the Headquarters :— .

1. Charitable Dispensary, Behur ... ... 22
2. Temporary Relief Works organised from the

Headquarters ... ... ... 23

(3) Other Philanthropic Works from the Head-

quarters ... ... ... ... 23

II

Permanent Philanthropic Institutions affiliated to the Mission : —

(1) The Ramakrishna Mission Home of Service,

Benares ... ... ... ... 34

(2) The Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama, Kankhal

(Hardwar) ... ..." ... ... 28

3. The Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama, Rangoon 29
4. The Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama, Muthi-

gaiij, Allahabad ... ... ... 30

5. The Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama, Brindaban 30
6. The Ramakrishna Mission Branch Centre^ Dacca 32
7. The Ramakrishna Mission Branch Centre,

Narayanganj (Dacca) ... ... «••• 33

(S) The Ramakrishna Mission Branch Centre, Barisal 34(9) The Ramakrishna' Mission Charitable Outdoor

Dispensary, Bhubaneswar (Puri) ... ... 34

(10) The Ramakrishna Mission Branch Centre, Koalpara

(Bankura) ... ... ... ... 34

(u) The Ramakrishna Sevashrama, Lucknow ... 35

12. Sri Ramakrishna Sevashrama, Baliati (Dacca) ... 36
13. Sri Ramakrishna Sevashrama, Sonargaon (P. O.

Tejpur, Dacca) ••• ... ... 36

B. educational institutions

Those affiliated to the Mission : —

(1) The Ramakrishna Mission Industrial School, Belur

(Howrah) ... ... ... ... 39

(2) The Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama (Orphanage),

Sargachi (Murshidabad) ... ... ••• 39

(3) The Ramakrishna Mission Students' Home, Myla-

pore, Madras ... ... ... 4°

(4) The Ramakrishna Mission Students' Home,

Calcutta ... • ... ... ... 42

(5) The Ramakrishna Mission, Vidyapith, Deoghar

(Santhal Pargs.) ... ... ... 42

(6) The Ramakrishna Mission Free School, Dacca ... 44

III

7. The Night School, Kankhal... ... 45
8. The Sister Nivedita Girls' School Calcutta ..." 45
9. The Ramakrishna Anath Ashrama (Orphanage),

Baranagore, Calcutta ... ... " ... 48

_f (10) The Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama^ Sar{sha>

Diamond Harbour (24 Pergs.) ... ... 48

Those likely to be soon affiliated: —

1. Sri Ramakrishna Sevashrama, Bankura ... 49
2. Sri Ramakrishna Sevashrama and Saradapith,

Garbeta (Midnapore) .... ... ,-•... 50

(3) Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama, Mymensingh ... 50-

(4) _t Sri Ramakrishna Sevashrama, .Contai, Midnapore 51The different Mission Funds kept open for public Contri­butions ... ... ... ... 52

Thanks of the Mission and its appeal ... ... 53

Appendices.

Appendix A.—The Memorandum of Association ... 54

,, ' B.—Rules and Regulations of the Ramakrishna

Mission ... ' ... ... 57

•,, C.—Statement of Accounts ... ... 65

„ D.—Summary of Accounts ... ... 82

The Governing Body of the Ramakrishna Mission.

1. swami sivananda, Prsident.
2. ,, akhandananda, Vice-President. .
3. ,, —saradananda, Secretary.
4. ,, suddhananda, Joint Secretary.
5. ,, sankarananda, Do.
6. ,, dhirananda, Treasurer.
7. ,, amriteswarananda, Accountant.
8. ,, abhedananda
9. ,, subodhananda
10. ,, bodhanandA
11. ,, sachchidananda
12. , VlRAJANANDA
13. ,, achalananda
14. ,, • mahimananda
15. ,, sarvananda
16. ,, VlSUDDHANANDA
17. ,, MADHAVANANDA

Principal Banker.

the chartered bank of india, Australia & China, Calcutta.

Auditors.

messrs. B. mookherjee & Co. babu B. N. sany.\l.

THE GENERAL REPORT

OF

THE RAMAKRISHNA MISSION

C 1923—1924 )

INTRODUCTION.

In publishing in the following pages a brief account of the activities carried on by the Ramakrishna Math and Mission during the years 1923 and 1924, we first of all bow before the Almighty whose divine grace has enabled us to continue our humble work during the period under review and • also we acknowledge our gratefulness to our kind friends and sympathisers all over the country and abroad whose unstinted help and ready co-operation have been daily putting the various activities of the Mission on a sequre and enduring basis. It is extremely gratifying to note that the work of the Ramakrishna Mission is being daily appreciated by our countrymen and without a shadow of doubt it has been recognised as one of those few national movements which will contribute their quota to usher in a new India and rehabilitate the land of the Aryas to its pristine glory.

The period under report witnessed the starting of a number of branch centres in urban as well as rural areas. As it takes considerable time for all healthy movements to filtrate to the community living in far-off villages, it is quite natural that the masses will take some time before they are in a position to feel the influence started by the Ramakrishna Mission. There is a peculiar difficulty in our line of action. At this transitional period of our national life the country is divided, into two hostile camps. The one is a blind worshipper of the past and

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the other sings hallelujahs to the Western culture. We want. to eradicate neither of these elements, as both are necessary for ushering in the Greater India covered with a halo of splendour. We ask the former to assimilate the healthy ideals of the western civilisation and we exhort the latter to base their convictions on the past ideals and the evolved in­stincts of the race.

As the readers of the previous - General Reports of the Mission are aware, the Swami Vivekananda, soon after his re­turn from the West, established on ist May, 1897 an Association to unite the lay and monastic disciples of Sri Ramakfishna Deva and also to organise in a systematic way the various spontaneous activities, both spiritual and philanthropic, hitherto carried on under the guidance of his. Gurubhais. This Association which had been named as the Ramakrishna Mission ceased to exist after about three years, but it bequeathed its name to the Ramakrishna Brotherhood which carried on its missionary and philanthropic activities with the help of the followers of Sri Ramakrishna and the sympathetic public. As the Mission thrived and its activities widened, it was deemed necessary to give a legal status to it, which was done on the 4th of May, 1909, by registering the Mission under Act XXI of 1860 of the Governor General of India. The Mission as registered drew up a Memorandum of Association and put down rules and regulations for the guidance of its activities. These are given in Appendices A & B. Distinction should however be made between the Ramakrishna Math and the Ramakrishna Mission.. The former is a purely religious and monastic institution with its branch Maths .and Ashramas for the training of* Monks and Brahmacharis in the life of practical spirituality and is managed by a Board of Trustees, whereas, the latter is a philanthropic body consisting of lay as well as monastic members engaged in works of charity and public good and guided by the Governing Body composed of the Trustees of the Ramakrishna Math, at Belur, according to a different set of rules- and regulations. The members of the Ramakrishna

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Math at once become the members of the Ramakrishna Mission by identifjnng themselves with the works done by the latter. The Maths, therefore, form the fountainhead of all inspiration for the various philanthropic and educational works of the Mission. They have thus a permanent and intimate connec­tion with the Ramakrishna Mission, though they do not form a legal part of the same. The Mission is in short a collateral and dependent development of the Math itself and these twin institutions illustrate the principles of Renunciation and Service laid down by the Swami Vivekananda as the "National Ideals of India."

The works of the Mission fall under three classes, viz.

(1) Missionary work (preaching, and publishing of literature)*

(2) Philanthropic work and (-3) Educational work. Weshall take u<p these sections in order.

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SECTION A. The Maths and Ashramas.

Permanent Institutions for Missionary work. (I) The Ramakrishna Math, Belur.

The first and foremost of all the institutions that are con­ducted and controlled by the members of the Ramakrishna Order is the Ramakrishna Math, Belur, which is also the Head­quarters of the Ramakrishna Mission. Chiefly through this centre members are recruited as future Brahmacharis and Saunyasins of the Ramakrishna Mission and Math and they are trained here as workers to carry out the ideal of the Swami Vivekananda for consecrating their lives "to attain their own salvation at- well as to ameliorate the condition of humanity at large." The Belur Math also mainly supplies all its subordinate institu­tions in India and abroad with workers for the multifarious activities undertaken by the Ramakrishna Mission.

During the years under review a large number of young-men joined the Order at the Belur Math and received the re­quisite training to equip themselves for the life of monasticism. The-Senior Swamis, as usual, _were all attention to these young noviciates. Different religious practices to suit different temperaments as well as the, study of the Scriptures formed an integral part of the training imparted at the Math. The lay devotees and visitors from all over the country frequented the Math in an ever-increasing number to come in contact with the monks living there, and the opening of a new Steamer Station near the Math premises greatly facilitated the com­munication. Among, the notable visitors to the Math mention may be made of His Excellency the Governor of Bengal and the Countess of Lytton. Besides, the Swamis not in­frequently went on tour to various parts of the country to disseminate the ideals and ideas of the Sanatana Dharma and everywhere they were received with great respect and enthusiasm. One such notable tour was undertaken by Swami Shivan.andaji Maharaj, the President of the Ramakrishna

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Mission, who travelled through different parts of Southern and Western India creating great interest among the people wheje-ever he went. Some new permament centres were founded and he laid the foundation stones of centres at Nagpur, Ootacamund and Bombay. At Madras and Cudappa the Swami opened new buildings for a Residential High School and a Samajam respectively. Swami Subodhananda chiefly confined his tour to East Bengal and opened the Premananda Memorial Temple at Sonargaon. Among others, Swamis Vasudevananda, •Omkarananda and Vijayananda delivered public lectures and held conversations at various places of Bengal, chiefly on the occasions of the birthday ceremonies of Sri Ramakrishna and the Swami Vivekananda, and attracted the 3⁷oung and old to the life of Renunciation and Service. The Math also took advantage of the presence of the Swamis Bodhananda and Prakashanauda, who returned to their mother-country after working in the American continent fw about twenty years. "The two Swamis visited some of the chief cities of the country and delivered public lectures in Calcutta, Bombay, Madras, Rangoon, Patna, Benares, etc.

As in previous years, a free distribution of the booklet *' Ramanama Sankirtana " was made and another booklet, "' Shivanama Sankirtana," was published and distributed free. "The work of fhe ' Tol " for teaching the Vedanta Philosophy and other Sastras went on smoothly and regularly under the supervision of a paid Pandit, and the public was also allowed to take advantage of the classes held at the Math premises.

During the years under review the building work of the temples in memon^ of the Swamis Vivekananda and Brahma--nanda was completed. In the upper story of the Vivekananda Memorial Temple has been placed a beautiful stone emblem of OM, the s\^rmbol of the universal ideal of religion conceived by the great S^ami. The construction of the upper story of the Guest House (through the kind donation of Miss J. MacLeod, an ardent admirer of the Swamiji) was also com­pleted during this period.

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(2) The Ramakrishna Math, Baghbazar, Calcutta.

The Calcutta residence of the Holy Mother whence she stimulated and influenced the spiritual lives of hundreds of devotees and where she finally entered into Mahasatnadhi—the monastery situated at i, Mukherjee I^ane, Baghbazar—is a seat of regular worship and other religious exercises as well as the chief centre of the Ramakrishna Order wkerefrom most part of its literary activities in Bengal is carried out under the direct supervision of Swami Saradananda, the Secretary of the Mission. The Udbodhan, the Bengali monthly magazine conducted from this place, completed its 27th year in 1924. Besides the reprints of the earlier publications this centre has published during the years under review the letters of 'the Swami Turiyananda in two parts. •

(3) The Gadadhar Ashrama, Bhowanipur, Calcutta.

This monastery situated in the southern quarters of the city continued its various spiritual activities during the two years under review. Regular Pujas were performed. Spiri­tual classes were held for the benefit of the members as well as the lay devotees, and the Swami in charge, on special occasions, delivered public lectures.

(4) The Ramakrishna AJvaita Ashrama, Benares.

This monastery, where the Sadhus and Brahrnacharis have opportunities to devote their time exclusively to meditation and study of the Scriptures in the holy atmosphere of Benares under the shadow of the temple of Viswanatha, has been steadily growing into eminence, thanks to the perseverance and single-minded devotion of Swami Nirbharananda. The monastery with its decent building furnishes board and lodge to about 20 permanent members who regularly spend their time in various religious practices. The birthday anniversaries of Sri Ramakrishna and the Swami Vivekananda are celebrated here every year with appropriate ceremonies and public lectures are arranged to acquaint the public with the life and teachings

of the great Masters. It is now evident that if ampler re­sources are forthcoming, this important institution holds forth a bright prospect for developing no small amount of missionary work. For such a development,. adequate financial support through public co-operation is obviously a sine qua non.

(5) The Advaita Ashrama, Mayavati (Almora).

The special aim of this Ashrama (established under the inspiration of the Swami Vivekananda in 1899), stated briefly, is to study and practise the Advaita Vedanta in the cool seclusion of the Himalayan heights, " free from the settings of dualistic weakness," but nevertheless in entire sympathy with all other systems of discipline. As usual, spiritual and philosophical classes were held. Swami Madhavananda, the President of "the Ashrama, made a tour through the Central Provinces in March, 1923, and succeeded in impressing persons who came in contact with him with the ideals of the Order. Swami Dayananda did a similar work in the United Provinces towards the end of the year. In 1924 Swami Nikhilananda made an extensive tour through the United Provinces, Rajputana, Gujarat, and 'Kathiawar, in the course of which he delivered a series of religious lectures and held conversazioni, which were well-attended and highly appreciated by the cultured public. Among other things he succeeded in arous­ing the interest of several enlightened Indian Ruling Princes in the cause of Vedanta and in enlisting their active sympathy in the Ashrama.

Prabuddha Bharata (or Awakened India), the English Vedanta monthly conducted by the Ashrama completed its twenty-ninth year in 1924; while Samanway (or Harmony), the newly started Hindi monthly of the Ashrama, completed its third year about the same time. The latter still needs the active support of the Hindi-reading public.

The whole publication work of the Ashrama is now managed by the Publication Department, situated at i82A, Muktaram Babu Street, Calcutta, which has gradually developed into a

regular Ashrama. Besides reprints of earlier publications such as the Complete Works of the Swami Vivekananda, the Gita, etc., the Ashrama got through the press a comprehensive Life of Sri Ramakrishna in a single volume, based on high authorities, the first complete Life of the Saint in English. The Ashrama also published one Sanskrit book Sri Krishna and Uddhava, Part I with English translation and notes.

The Mayavati Charitable Dispensary completed its twenty-first year in 1924. It treated in 1923 and 1924, 3,545 and 2,533 patients respectively—both indoor and outdoor

The Ashrarfia had some distinguished Indian and Western guests during these two years.

(6) Sri Ramakrishna Matli, Madras.

During the period under review the activities of the Madras Math were of more than usual intensity and of a varied nature. In the year 1923, Swami Sharvananda made extensive tourg in Malabar, Cochin and Bombay and everywhere delivered religious lectures before appreciative audiences. He was specially invited to Bombay b3=- the Western India Vivekananda Society and he stayed there for about three months extending his tour even to Ahmedabad in Gujarat. The local centre of the Ramakrishna Math in Bombay, a separate report of which is given elsewhere, was started by him at this time. He visited Bombay several times more in the course of the year. In the month of July, 1923, under the pressing request of the proprietor, the Madras Math agreed to take charge of the Hostel Department of Sree Meenakshi College at Chidambaram. Two Swamis were accordingly sent and they remained there till the month of April, 1924. ' But as the arrangement did not prove satisfactory and convenient to our workers, it was thought advisable for the Mission to withdraw from the work. The next year Swami Sharvananda again went to Bombay, Ahmedabad and some other places in Gujarat on a lecturing tour. In May, 1924, Swami Shivanandaji Maharaj with Swami Bodhananda visited the Madras Math and the latter

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delivered a course of lectures in different parts of the city. During the' Christmas week, Swarni Sharvananda accompanied by Swami Vipulananda went over to Trincomali, Ceylen, to preside over a religious Conference. Swami Vipulananda was left behind in Ceylon to organise the Mission work there. He has taken under management about eight schools, of which one is a High School.

In Madras itself, during the period under review, Swami Sharvananda held religious classes in Queen Mary's College ; Y. M. C. A.; Sacchidananda Sangham and some other places. A few other Swamis of the Math gave religious discourses in English and Tamil. In December, 1924 Swami Kedareswar-ananda and a Brahmachari were sent to Nattarampalli, in the North Arcot District to organise in a better way this rural centre of the Math.

The strength of the Sri Ramakrishna National Girls School and Sri Sarada Matri Mandir has been steadily increasing. The working of these institutions has elicited the commenda­tion of the Department of Public Instruction, Madras.

Besides conducting the journals, Vedanta Kesari and Sri Ramakrishna Vijayam, the Madras Math published during the years under review, the sayings of Sri Ramakrishna, both in Eiglish and Tamil, a few parts of Upanishads, parts of the Complete Works of Swamis Ramakrlshnananda and Abheda-nanda and some minor Tamil and Telegu books.

Another important undertaking during this period was the South Indian Flood Relief Work in 1924. Owing to the un-precedentedly high floods in the Cauvery, the Bhavani and a few west coast rivers, the districts of Coimbatore, Salem, Tanj ore, Trichinopoly and Malabar, and parts of Cochin and Travancore States were seriously affected. Houses were washed away in thousands and fields on either bank were silted up, rendering cultivation impossible; labourers were thrown out of employment and the poorer classes were left hungry and destitute. The Madras Math in collaboration with -workers sent from the Headquarters organised relief work in the

[ 10 ]

affected area. Three kinds of work had to be undertaken : (a) Free distribution of rice and other, food-grains to the starv­ing poor and the selling of rice at reduced rates, (b) Distribu­tion of cloth to the distressed and (c) Distribution of hut-building materials and assistance to erect new huts in suitable sites. Food-grains were distributed with great discrimination. In British Malabar, in addition to free distribution of food-grains a rice depot was opened for selling rice at reduced rates t< those who could afford to pay and nearly 60 per cent, of affected villagers were benefited by this arrangement. As many as 8,084 persons were given relief in Coimbatore and Salem, 6,114 in Trichinopoly, 2,531 in Tanjore and 424 in British Malabar. Altogether there were 15 centres working to cover the needs of 174 villages. It was a heart-rending fact that among the Panchamas, Chucklers, Oddars. Pulayans and other poorer classes there were a very large number of persons badly in need of clothing with not even a sheet to cover their body. Accordingly 1,235 pieces of cloth were distributed in Tanjore, 1,601 in Trichinopoly, 1,172 in Coimbatore and Salem and 2,125 in British Malabar, Cochin and Travancore States. Hut-building was the most important substantial and permanent item of work, for which the aid of the Government as well as private owners for acquiring new sites was sought and obtained. New huts were built under the careful supervision of our workers with the greatest economy and on well-laid plans. Altogether 1,641 huts were constructed, in Coimbatore and Salem, 925 in Tanjore, 1,723 in Trichinopoly and 2,747 in Cochin, Travancore and Malabar. The total receipts during the relief work amounted to Rs. 66,439-5-2 and the expenditure to Rs. 53,706-2-0. The balance of Rs. 12,733-3-2 is deposited at the Headquarters for utilising it in the Mission Provident Relief Fund.

(7) Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama, Bangalore.

In -the attached Students' Home the strength of the boarders was 15, hailing for the most part from the mofussil.

All the boarders excepting one were successful in their res­pective examinations. The Government have sanctioned the free grant to the Home of a building site measuring 100 bj 150 feet in the Visveswara'puram extension on condition that a building at a cost of not less than Rs. 10,000 -is put up in three years' time. A building to accommodate 40 students is estimated to cost at least Rs. 20,000. If at least half of this amount could be raised from public subscriptions, the problem of the building would be solved. Charitably disposed gentle­men ma}' donate blocks in their own names and also in memory of their dear and departed relations.

The Ashrama did useful work during the period under report. The various branch centres in the town as well as in Haripad, Tiruvella, Quilandi, Trivandrum, Alleppy, Muttaim and Salem acquited themselves well.

. (8) Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama, Patna.

As mentioned in our last General Report the Ashrama was opened at Patna in June, 1922 by two Sannyasins of the Order in response to' the 'earnest desire of a number of Bengalee and Behari gentlemen of the place. Since then it has expanded quickly and¹ has hitherto directed its activities mainly under three heads, viz., (a) Missionary, (b) Philanthropic, and (c) Educational. Scriptural classes, public lectures, special dis­courses, music classes and Bhajans were some of the main items of the missionary activities of the Ashrama. About 850 classes on the Gita, the Upanishads, the Vedanta Sutras, works of £he Swami Vivekananda and the Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna were held during the years under review. Public lectures were arrang­ed during the visits of the Swaniis Atmananda, Prakashananda, Bodhananda, Nirvedananda, Suddhananda and „ Nirmalananda. Music classes and Bhajan parties were another characteristic of the Ashrama. Regular classes were held twice a week in the Ashrama to teach devotional music to boys-and youngmen. The Ashrama organised Bhajan parties which greatly helped in stimulating the religious feelings of the different sects of

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the town with whom it had the opportunity of coming in close contact through these functions.

Nursing and relief works formed the philanthropic activi­ties of the Ashrama. 'The Nursing Brotherhood tended the sick and arranged for the necessary medical aid. It nursed about 10 cases of typhoid, Cholera and other diseases during the first three years of its existence. Relief -was undertaken with the aid of the Headquarters on the occasions of the North Bengal Flood, Patna-Sahabad flood and Bhagalpur-Kushi flood. At present the educational activities of the Ashrama are con­fined to the Vivekananda Bo.vs' Association and the Turiya-nanda Library. The former has been formed so that the boys may develop harmoniously by supplementing their incomplete school education with moral, physical and aesthetic culture and turn their recreation into profitable exercises. The Association meets every day under different instructors, the average dailv attendance being 10. The Turiyananda Library lends books to the public.

This infant institution, thanks to the indefatigable zeal of the young Swamis, has already created a great interest among the cultured people of Behar. It bids fair to develop a con­siderable amount of work, provided the necessary co-operation -cemes from the public. A suitable house, a secluded medita­tion room, an out-door charitable dispensary, a free public library, a Students' Home, a spacious ground for the physical-, horticultural and other exercises of the boys of the Viveka­nanda Boys' Association and a room for their own library and to hold their juvenile discourses and music classes in, have become imperative necessities of the Ashrama to fructify its contemplated expansion.

(9) Vivekananda Ashrama, Shyamalatal (Kumaon).

The monastery, situated on' a fine peak of the Himalayas, built during the years under review a two-storied house and thereby removed the long-felt want of workmen's quarters and a suitable Charitable Dispensary with in-door arrangements.

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The Ashrama also made a valuable addition to itself by purchas­ing the adjoining property with a fine bungalow of 3 rooms and 2 outhouses. During 1923 and 1924 the number of patients treated by the dispensary was 974. The total income of the Dispensary including the balance of the previous year was Rs. 144-10-9 and the disbursements amounted to Rs. 268-3-3, leaving a deficit balance of Rs. 123-8-6. Medicines worth Rs. 94 were thankfully received from Dr. Kartick Chandra Bose, M.B., Calcutta and Messrs. B. K. Paul and Company.

(10) Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama, Bombay.

It was in February, 1923 that the Western India Viv.ekananda Society of Bombay invited Swami Sharvananda, President of the Ramakrishna Mission, Madras, to deliver a series of lectures in the city. By his lectures, discourses and private talks the Swami aroused considerable interest in the movement and won the golden opinions of the public of Bombay. Impressed by the personality of the Swami and the aims and objects of the Mission, some of the prominent members of the Society, who were keenh⁷ feeling the necessity of having a branch of the Mission in this part of India, requested the Swami to start a centre in Bombay. So the opening ceremony of the first centre of the Mission in the Bombay Presidency was performed on the igth of May at Santa Cruz by the Swami himself, aided by an enthusiastic band of admirers and devotees. Swami Sharvananda returned to Madras the same month, leav­ing Swami Viswananda in charge of the Ashrama. The Swami used to hold classes and discourses in different parts of the city as well as in the Ashrama. Swami Sharvananda also visited the Ashrama periodically and guided its affairs. The broad and catholic principles of the Mission appealed to all sections of the public and the thinking people of the city came to realise the importance of such an institution.

The Ashrama was subsequently removed to Khar, where Swami Yatiswarananda took charge of it in 1924. He, too, holds classes on religious and philosophical subjects in different

parts of the city. The -two Swamis by their successful missionary activities have made the influence of the Mission felt in the cosmopolitan city of Bombay. The Ashrama being located in rented houses during the first two years, a movement was set on foot for building a perma­nent home for it. Swami Shivananada, President of the Ramakrishna Mission, visited the centre in January, 1925, and his presence created a great deal of enthusiasm among the devotees. The Swami was given a public address of welcome. He laid the foundation of the Ashrama building on its present site at Khar. The new building has been formally opened l>y Swami Sharvananda in November, 1925 and the Ashrama has removed to its new premises.

Other Indian Maths and Ashramas.

The Maths and Ashramas enumerated in the forgoing pages do by no means exhaust the list of institutions associated with the names of Sri R_amakrishna Deva or his illustrious disciple, the Swami Vivekananda. Many Ashramas all over the country have been working silently to influence the lives of people who come in contact with them, through the ideas of the Sanatana Dharma as explained in the life of the Prophet of Dakshineswar. As it is not possible to give a detailed descrip­tion of all these Ashramas or even mention the names in this Seport, we shall supply the reader with the names and brief activities of only a few of them. Needless to say, in all these Ashramas, meditation, Japa and Scriptural classes form a part of their daily work. Again, many of them keep a small stock of medicines for helping the poor and needy, and organise relief work, as much as lies in their power, in times of necessity.

(jj) Sri Ramakrishna Math, Mulhigo.nj, Allahabad,

working under its founder and present monk in

charge, Swami Vijnananda.

(12) Sri Ramakrishna Kutir, Almora, Himalayas,-opened

under the auspices of the late Swami Turiyananda.

(13) Sri Ramakrishna Math, Dacca. It is one of the most

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important Mission centres in. Eastern Bengal-During the years under review the Swamis con­ducted 385 weekly religions classes from u different places of the town. In the Ashrama itself 106.classes were held on the Bhagavat-Gita and the works of the Swami Vivekanancla. The birthday festivals of Sri Ramakrishna, Sri Chaitanya, Lord Buddha, Sri Krishna, Jesus Christ, Swami Viveka-nanda and some of the leading disciples of Sri Ramakrishna Deva were observed with suitable ceremonies. Swami Subodhanandaji visited the Ashrama twice in 1924.

(14) Sri Ramakrishna Math, Bhubanesivar, founded by

the late Swami Brahmananda. The public is encouraged to®join the regular Scriptural classes held in the Ashrama. The Math Library is open to¹ outsiders including a large number of gentlemen who come to Bhubancswar, for a change. Besides, some poor students are given monthly help in some shape or other.

(15) Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama, Kishenpur (P. O. Raj-

pur, Dehra-Dun], started by Swami Karunananda.

(16) Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama, Mymensingh. The

foundation-stone of it was laid by Swami Shiva-nandaji Maharaj.

(17) Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama, Jamia.ru (Sonthal

Perganas), started chiefly as a health resort for the members of the Order. • During the year under review a number of Monks and Brahmacharis took advantage of the Ashrama for recuperating their health.

(18) Malri Mandir, Jayrambati, (P. O. Desra, Dit-.. Bankura).—This Ashrama, established to perpe­tuate the blessed memory of the Holy Mother inthe village of her nativity, -continued its good work

'' during the years under review. Daily worship

I 16 )

was conducted in the attached chapel. Sri Sri Sarada Vidyapith, the free Primary School, which was started with only six- students, has at present 32 students on its rolls. A Night School is also conducted by the members of the Ashrama for the benefit of the illiterate peasants and village-folk. An elementary knowledge of hygiene, history and geography is supplemented by religious training in both these institutions. During 1923 and 1924, the small charitable outdoor Dispensary supplied free medicine to 1415 and 1294 patients respectively. Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama, Dinajpur.—Besides the Scriptural classes held twice a week and the regular worship, the Ashrama organised relief works dur­ing the outbreak of Epidemic diseases and sent workers on different occasions to the villages of Bhowanipore, Bhatpara, Tegra, Bikahar, _Mohes-pur, etc.

(20} The Ramakrisltnai Ashrama, Sheila (Khasia, Hills).— This institution was started in February, 1924. It is a well-known fact that owing to some of our exclusive social laws and to¹ a greater extent, owing to the missionary activities of other religions thou­sands of Indians, specially of the backward classes, have been leaving the fold of Hinduism to' embrace other faiths. A long campaign of conversion has been going on among the hill-people of Assam, especially by the Christian missionaries. An enthu­siastic member of the Ramakrishna Order has open­ed this experimental centre for diffusing among the Khasias, a knowledge of the real truths of Hin­duism, without offering any opposition to the missionaries working there- It is gratifying to note that within a few months of its inception, the Ashrama has become very popular with the hill-tribes. The workers of our Mission have been

[ 17 ]

managing an M. E. School and the Khasia State has kindly granted an annual subsidy of Rs. 500. The number of boys on the rolls is 60. A Night

.School has also been started for the adults. Sunday sittings have been organised to explain to the Khasias in simple language the principles of Hindu religion. Weekly lectures also are given in the Khasia language. Nearly 600 patients have been

, given medicine from the attached Homoepathic Dispensary. From its very beginning the Ashrama is being materially helped by the Khasias them­selves.

(21) Foreign Centres.

(a) The Vedanta Society, New York.—The season's work (1922-1924) closed in June. In that month Swami Raghava-nanda arrived from India. The next season's work was opened in September. Swami Bodhananda planned a trip to India and sailed in November. During his absence Swami Raghavananda had the charge of the Vedanta Society. He gave a lecture every Sunday and held two classes during the week. The season's work ended in June, 1924. Besides the lectures and classes at the Vedanta Society the Swami gave lectures under other auspices also during the season. Swami Bodhananda returned from India in September 1924. Since his arrival two lectures were given on each Sunday and three classes held on weekdays. A branch Society has been opened in Philadelphia-Pa. Swami Raghavananda goes there on Sundays, holding classes and giving lectures. The detailed report of this centre will form a part of our next General Report.

The Swamis are invited from time to time to lecture under other auspices in New York and other cities. Their work is appreciated. If it be the will of the I/ord many more new centres will be opened in the near future with increasing interest and appreciation.

2

[ 18 ]

(b) The Ramakrishna Math, Kuaila Lumpur (F. M. S.).— As mentioned in our last General Report, the Ramakrishna Mission workers began their activities in the Vivekananda Ashrama, Kuala I/umpur in August, 1919. Under the manage­ment of the monks the Ashrama activities developed in various ways. The celebration of the birthday anniversary of Sri Ramakrishna Deva was added to that of the Swami Vivekananda. The monks raised funds and built therewith a pucca kitchen, purchased a large quantity of utensils as well as a. big tent for sheltering the poor people on occasions of the birthday celebra­tions. They started a Students' Fome with the object of train­ing boys according to the Brahmac, irya system of ancient India. Four religious classes were, held weekly under the auspices of the Swami in different parts of Kuala Lumpur and one in Klang. Occasional lectures were also arranged in different parts of F. M. S.

The Vivekananda Tamil School, which had been in existence even before the arrival of the monks, had no building •of its own till 1920. But in 1921, a School building was erected .•and furnished. Besides, the monks, for the convenience of the students, wanted to convert the institution into an Elementary lEnglis'h School with Tamil as the compulsory second language.

The Inspector of Schools readily granted the permission. But the members of the Ashrama did not like the idea. A mis­understanding arose between the monks and some of the mem­bers of. the institution. These members wanted to have their

'-own way in the management of the Ashrama activities. They wanted to control the work of the Swamis in various ways. For this reason the activities of the Ashrama were not proceed­ing smoothly.

N. B.—Recently we are informed that the monks have detached themselves completely from the Vivekananda Ashrama,

' leaving its control in the hands of the members. This lias been'done in March, 1925. Since then our monks have started there a separate organisation in a rented house and

[ 19 ]

named it "The Sri Ramakrishna Math". It is encouraging to note that they have already been able to enlist the sympathy of a large section of the Hindu Public of the locality.

(c) The Vedanta Society, San Francisco, California, U.S.A. —Swami Prakashananda after visiting India for a period of eight months returned to San Francisco in the latter part of June, 1923 with Swami Prabhavananda to assist him in spread­ing the universal teachings of Vedanta in America. During the Swami's absence the Sunday lectures and weekly classes were regularly held and ably conducted by some devoted students of the Society.

Swami Prabhavananda in a short while commenced giving weekly discourses on the Gita for the members and a public-lecture every Sunday, which were much appreciated. During the years under review Swami Prakashananda gave 70 dis­courses on the Upanishads and as many public lectures, while Swami Prabhavananda gave 70 discourses on the Gita and 50 public lectures. Besides, Swami Prakashananda gave practical individual instruction to many-

With two Swamis at work there was a decided increase in membership and larger attendance at the lectures (almost taxing the capacity of the Temple Auditorium). The sale and distribu­tion of Vedanta literature has also grown immensely during the period and a new pamphlet-on "Women of India" by Swami Vivekananda was published by the Society.

At the Shanti Ashrama, California, no regular summer classes were held, but groups of Vedanta students made pil­grimages there from time to time and spent a few days in seclusion and meditation by living a practical spiritual life amidst the quiet and silence of this blessed spot.

•(d) The Vedanta Centre, Boston, Mass.—During the years
under report Swami Paramananda, the Swami-in-charge_r crossed
the continent many times with halts along the way at St. Louis,IvOuisville, Dayton, Utica, Syracuse, Buffalo, Chicago⁸, etc.,where he lectured before various organisations, ever widening thecentre's field of public work. . '

[ 20 ]

During the Swami's absence from Boston, the work of the centre was ably conducted by Miss Xatherine F. Sherwood and by Miss Galene Philadelpheus through whose zealous efforts "The Eastern Cultural Club" was organised with the special aim of fostering a cultural union between the East and the West through art, industry and intellectual pursuits.

The Sun-Parlour of the Vedanta centre became a famous rendezvous for distinguished visitors from all over the world. It claimed among its guests, besides others, such prominent personalities as Dr. Rabindranath Tagore, Mr. Walter Hamp-den, the greatest Shakespearean actor, and Mrs. Marion Craig Wentworth.

In the autumn of 1923 the centre offered a unique experi­ence to its members through the celebrations of Durga puja or the Divine Mother's Feast.

The greatest activities of the centre during the years under review were manifested through the Publication Department. The poems by Swami Paramananda entitled "Soul's Secret Door" and "The Vigil" were recognised as of rare qualities by many eminent writers and critics and through them the Swami was able to convey the spirit of Vedanta to countless artistic and critical minds that could not have accepted it in any other form- A set of six volumes entitled "Practical Series" was published and another set of three volumes on Comparative Study with the titles of "Plato and Vedic Idealism" "Emerson and Vedanta," "Christ and Oriental Ideals." These along with the regular monthly publication, "Message of the East" and various pamphlets contributed greatly towards tife success of this Department.

Ananda Ashrama at I,a Crescenta, California, with its 150 acres of land, set high in the hills, far away from the bustle of trains and street cars and within easy reach of Los Angeles, Pasa-

deha and Glendale has become an accomplished fact. Roads and

*

buildings having been completed, the Cloister was dedicated in November, 1924, in the presence of 500 people. The Ashrama will serve not only as a branch of the Vedanta Centre,

[ 21 ]

•

Boston, but is to stand as a link between the life of meditation

and the life of the world.

In addition to the innumerable activities at the Ashrama •during these two years, the Swauii gave a series of lectures at the Metaphysical Library, t,os Angeles and spoke before the Woman's Club, L,'a Crescenta and the Pasadena Theosophical Society.

Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda Birthday Celebrations.

We Have barely hinted at one important function of all the Maths and Ashramas. It is the anniversary celebrations "on the. "birthdays* of Sri Ramakrishna and the .Swami Vivekananda. On these occasions "large gatherings assemble in the Ashramas. Bhajans are sung, lectures on the life and teachings of the great Master and" his illustrious disciple are delivered, a large number of people are fed and Bhaktas partake of the holy Prasada. Special mention may be made of the celebration of Sri Rama-krishna Anniversary at the Belur Math, in which not less than fifty thousand people take part.

- • , •

These, occasions furnish a great opportunity for the pro­pagation of the message of Sri Ramakrishna and the Swami Vivekananda. The large number of people who are drawn to these festivals by the names of the great Masters, come to know of their life-work and message, and some of these ultimately dedicate their lives to the ideals of Service and Renunciation preached by them.

[ 22 ] SECTION B.

Mission Proper.

We next pass on to the Mission proper, i.e. the various philanthropic .and educational institutions controlled or con­ducted by the members of the Ramakrishna Order or affiliated to the Ramakrishna Mission, as well as to its activities in the form of temporary measures on occasions of public distress undertaken in co-operation with the public.

A. Philanthropic Institutions.

( At the Headquarters. )

(/) The Charitable Dispensary, Belur :—

Not only have the people of Belur been taking advantage of the charitable dispensary at the Math, but patients from far and near also come here for medicines. The number of patients supplied with medicines in 1923 and 1924 was 10,792 and 9,979. Owing to the increase in the number "of Kala-Azar patients, special provision, so far as possible, was made in the Math dispensary for injections by specialists twice a week. Besides the distribution of medicines needy patients were supplied with free diet as well.

In this connection the thanks of the Mission are due to Messrs. B. K. Paul & Co. of Calcutta who supplied the dis­pensary with free medicines. We express our gratefulness to the Bengal Chemical and Pharmaceutical Works, Ltd. and the Indian" Chemical & Pharmaceutical Works, Ltd., Calcutta for rendering us similar services. The Mission authorities' are indebted to the Bally Municipality for its annual grant of Rs. 150 and also to the numerous doctor friends who¹ attended the patients whenever necessary. Special mention may be made in this connection of our following gentlemen :—Dr. B. B. Ghose, Dr. D. P. Ghose, Dr. S. P. Mukherji, - Dr. H. Banerji, Dr. K. C. Bakshi, Dr. S. C. Ganguli, Dr. H. C. Banerji, Mahamaho-padhyaya Zaviraj Shyamadas Bach'aspati, Zaviraj Bimalananda

[ 23 ]

Tarkatirtha, Kaviraj Kali Bhushan Sen, Kaviraj Jogendranatb Darsansastri, Dr. S. K. Ghose and Dr. J. C. Gupta..

(2)- We give below a list 'of temporary relief works organised from the Belur Math on occasions of various providential mishaps during the period under review : —

1923—i. Fire Relief at Bagda (Manbhum).

2. Fire Relief at Bhuvaneswar (Puri).
3. Fire Relief at Sarisha (24-Perganas).
4. Cyclone Relief at Ichapuram (Ganjam).
5. Flood Relief in Patna and Arrah.

1924—i. Flood Relief at Brindavan, Muttra, Rishikesh and Bhagalpur.

2. Cholera Relief at Jayanti (E. B. Ry).
3. Fire Pvelief at Boinchee (Burdwan).4- Fire Relief in Kamrtip (Assam).

.5. ,, ,, ,, Masalandapur.

6. ,, ,, ,, Semlapal (Bankura).
7. ,, ,, ,, Sarisha (24-Parganas).

8. Plague relief in the city of lyahore and in thedistrict of Rohtak (Punjab). -

The. Headquarters also sent four workers for relieving the distress of people during- the disastrous flood of Southern India and they worked in collaboration with the party organised from the Madras Math.

Reports in the form of pamphlets and account sheets have been published from time to time of all the above relief works. So we omit details here.

As usual, relief parties were sent during the years under review to the Ganga Sagar Mela held on the last day of Paush to help thousands of pilgrims who resort to that place on the occasion.

The total amount spent on all these relief works during 1923 and 1924 was Rs. 39,561-7-9.

(3) Oilier Philanthropic Works from the Headquarters : —

Many students in different schools and colleges were regularly helped with books and fees from the Poor Fund

[ 24 ]

attached to the Math. It also rendered pecuniary help every month to a large number of invalids and infirm people. Occasional help was also rendered to the poor. The scope of the Poor Fund can be usefully increased if public co-operation be forthcoming:.

Permanent Philanthropic Institutions affiliated to the Mission.

(1) The Ramakristma Mission Home of Service, Benares.

The Home completed its twenty-fourth year at the end of . 1924, in which year the results, of the indoor department sur­passed all previous records. The dictum of the Swami Vivekananda to serve God in man was carried out to the best of their ability by the workers in the various departments. The sick were given free medical treatment, nursing and diet, the destitute financial support, the old and infirm were taken care of, and neglected boys and girls were given secular and moral training.

The activities of the Home of Service are divided into three main departments—(a) Indoor service, (b) Outdoor service, and (c) Spinning and weaving department.

(a) Indoor Service.

1. Hospital -work :—The Indoor General Hospitalaccommodates without distinction of caste, creed or race allhelpless and suffering people picked up from the roadside orbathing ghats or those who themselves seek admission in it.
2. Home for male invalids;-—25 beds have been set apartfor poor invalids who come to spend their last days at Benares butwho through improvidence or unforeseen circumstances are .unable to meet their expenses.
3. Refuge for -widows amd female invalids:—This Refuge

[ 25 ]

is situated near Dasaswamedh Ghat in the house of late Babu Nibaran Chandra Das and supplies accommodation to poor widows' and female invalids who find themselves stranded at Benares "without funds or friends. For want of space in the house mentioned above, a few cases are given shelter in the General Hospital.

(4) Home for Boys : —The Home accommodates a few poorboys placed under its charge by the death of their guardians atthe Asttrama Hospital or otherwise and who have no place toreturn. In addition to the ordinary course of education in theschool, the boys are taught rudimentary home-industry andgardening and given moral and religious training under theguidance of a qualified Sannyasin worker.

. (N. B.—On account of •many causes of distraction inevitable to the life in a Sevashrama and in order to give the boys the advantage of an atmosphere of pure study, the Home of Service has made an arrangement, since the beginning of 1925, with the authorities of the Sri Ramakrishna Vidyapith at Deoghar for training there the boys sent by it. Accordingly the work of the Boys' Home has been discontinued and at present two boys have been getting education at the Vidyapith at the expense of

the Benares Home of Service).

(5) Home for Gitls:—Poor girls who have none to look

after them, are admitted here and they get their training by living with the female workers of the Home under the' com­petent Lady Superintendent of the Female Ward-

(fr) Outdoor Service.

(i) Outdoor Dispensary.—It supplies free medicines (Allopathic, Homcepathic and Kaviraji) and sometimes free diet also.

(?) Outdoor help to men and women of poor respectable families : —The Home has opened an outdoor department which distributes money or weekly doles of rice to the poor and needy families who were once well-off and who will not seek public

[ 26 ]

help on account of their former social position. Consequently the workers of the Home go to the doors of these families and distribute help to them privately. Sometimes spinning-wheels are supplied to them to> enable them to earn a part of their living at least.

(3) Special and occasional relief:—Occasional help is given, as far as possible to needy people or pilgrims in the shape of meal, clothing or passage money according to their respective needs. Poor students are also in extreme cases supplied with school fees.

(c) Spinning and Weaving Department.

The inmates of the Boys' Home as well as outsiders get advantage of this department supervised by a Sannyasin worker of the Mission. Many of the boys taught here have started looms in their homes, thus adding to the earnings of the family..

Figures relating to all the above items of relief will be found, on the next page.

Present needs of the Home.

The monthly expenditure of- the Home is more thanRs. 2,000, which is dfiefly met by casual donations and subscrip­tions. A permanent fund is an imperative necessity to put the'indo»r department on a more secure basis. Suitable quarters forthe workers, a shed for the home industry department and two-"retreats in a healthy place for both male and female workers aresome urgent needs of the Home. All well-wishers of India canfind here a golden opportunity to do their bit towards the better­ment of the civic condition in the Holy City of Benares and tobe sharers in the uplift of humanity. . '

[ 28 ]

(2) The Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama, Kankhal (Hardwar).

Through the grace of Lord and the co-operation of the kind-hearted public, the Sevashrama, as. an institution of organised charity, has reached its 24th year at the end of the period under review and its utility at a place like Hardwar, -one of the premier holy places of India has been amply demonstrated by its record of work done during these years •of its existence. The Indoor Hospital, the Outdoor Hospital, the Night School and an attached 'library are some of the prominent features of this institution and not. only a large number of patients, lay and monastic, took advantage of it • during the period under report but also a considerable number of Sadhus, Brahmacharis and Vidyarthis were benefited in various ways by the Sevashrama. Three dispensing . rooms were completed in 1923 through the kind donation of a generous Seth of Bombay. The Ashrama organised relief work during the .terrible flood of the Ganges in September, 1924. The number of books in the Library of the Ashrama was 1474. .24 monthly magazines and 9 weekly and 10 daily newspapers were also kept on the table. Among- its present needs" of the Ashrama may be mentioned the necessity of workers' quarters, a building for the Night Sfhool, a Guest-House or Dharmashala, a Rest-House for the friends and relations of the indoor patients,

*

a permanent endowment and resources for the equipment and general maintenance of the Sevashrama. The attention of the generous public is drawn to the appeal for Rs. 10,000 issued by the authorities of the Ashrama to cope with the various ' needs that will arise at the time of the Puma Kumbha Mela of 1927.

[ 30 ]

Statement of the number of patients treated during 1923 and 1924.

Year. Indoor patients. Outdoor patients.

1923. 1,183 77,659
1924. 1,113 74,128

(4) The Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama, Muthiganj, Allahabad.

Since its inception in the year 1910, the Ashrama has been continuing its useful work among the public and pilgrims of Allahabad which is not only the capital of the United Provinces but is also one of the most sacred places of pilgrimage in India. The institution has so long been distributing medicines from the out-cloor Dispensary only. To meet the increasing demand on its services the Sevashrama badly requires an in­door ward, for which a plot of land has already been purchased. A hospital with 6 beds and a surgery attached to it, and a separate room for infectious diseases might serve its present purpose. All these will cost approximately Rs. 10,000. The building construction has recently been started and we strongly appeal to the public for helping the institution to bring the construction work to a successful finish.

A statement of the work done during the period underreview is given below : —

Year. New Cases. Repeated Cases. Total.

1923 7,252 9,507 16,759

1924 9,711 7,038 16,749

(5) The Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama, Brindaban, (Muttra).

The Sevashrama at Brindaban, the chief centre of pilgri­mage of the Vaishnavas from all over India, has completed its eighteenth year at the end of the period under review. Not only did it minister to the needs of the thousands of pilgrims

[ 31 ]

that resorted to the holy place during the period, but it proved ^extremely useful to the local people of all' sections as well as to many a devout man and woman who' having retired from life come here to pass their last days in the contemplation of •God. Owing to its increased volume of work the Sevashrama now demands expansion all round. It has also become urgent that the institution should be made more efficient and well-equipped both for indoor and outdoor work. It is a matter of deep regret that Sevashrama has always been labouring under great financial stress, so much so that almost every month its income falls short of the expenditure, thus causing a debt. This "financial difficulty has become a great menace to¹ the very existence of the institution.

Among its urgent needs may be mentioned an outdoor Dispensary at a cost of Rs. 12,000, with Allopathic and Homeo­pathic dispensing rooms, a surgical ward, and separate blocks for male and female patients. Workers' quarters at a cost of -Rs- 5,000 and a Guest-house at a cost of Rs. 6,000 are also -crying necessities. Considering the amount of useful work that is turned out every year from this Ashrama, we confidently hope, our philanthropic countrymen will unlooSe ' their purse-strings to¹ secure its stability. Persons desirous of perpetuating the memory of their deceased relatives or friends may connect it with this humanitarian work by bearing the cost of any build­ing or room therein or by contributing a suitable sum towards creating a Permanent Fund for the maintenance of patients, always associating their names- with every such individual .grant.

The Sevashrama has much pleasure in acknowledging :gratefully the generous donation of Rs. 10,000 by Mr. Lalit Mohan Ghosh of Calcutta for the maintenance of 4 indoor patients, Rs. 1,000 by Mr. Narottom Das Chhabi Das, Soli­citor, Bombay (from Damodar Das Memorial Fund) towards the Permanent Fund, and Rs. 1,000 by ' the Raja Saheb of Awagarh towards the Building Fund.

The Ashrama suffered a great loss during the last Jumna

[ 32 ]

flood which was the highest in record. It lay 9 ft. under. water for five days. All Kutcha and thatched buildings collapsed and for months'the Ashrama was a scene of desolation. Our special thanks are due to the Brindaban Municipality and the authorities of the Prema Maha Vidyalaya for the ready and willing service they rendered in removing the indoor patients to safe quarters through waist-deep water.

An idea of the various kinds of work done by the Savashrama during 1923 and 1924 will be had at a glance from the following table: —

Indoor Service. Outdoor Service.

Year

No. of patients discharged cured.

No. of deaths.

No. of cases sent of Government Hospitals (Muttra & Agra).

No. of patients those who left treatment.

Total

New and repeated number of outdoor patients.

No. of people helped in their own houses.

No. of poor purdanashin ladies helped

Total.

1923. 149 24 2 5 180 17,642 5 5 17,652
1924. 138 ii i 2. 152 18,430 20 5 18,455

(6) The Ramakrishna Mission Branch Centre, Dacca.

. The activities of this centre are divided under three heads, viz. (i) Missionary, (ii) Educational and (iii) Philanthropic. A brief account of the missionary and educational work carried out by this centre during the period under report has been mentioned elsewhere." The centre has done the following kinds of philan­thropic work in 1923 and 1924.

[ 33 ]

(a) Indoor Hospital: —The work of this department duringthe two years was as follows: —

Year. No. of patients. No. cured. No transferred. No..of deaths.

1923 -24 17 6 i

1924 20 . 12 7 i

2. Outdoor Dispensary : —The total number of patientstreated was 1207 and 1149 respectively.
3. House-to-house -relief of the sick :—Number of cases re­corded was 84. -
4. Cremation or burial of the dead:—Persons dying with­out friends or relatives were cremated or buried, as the casemight be, by the workers of the Ashrarna.
5. Help to poor families:—In the year 1923,, 35 familieswere helped with 97 Mds. 32 Srs. of rice and in the followingyear 86 Mds. of rice were distributed among 34 families.

(/) Casual relief works : —

(i) Janmashtami procession relief work and Langalbund

Mela relief work in both the years.

(ii) The Ashrama organised relief work during the Cholera epidemics in the districts of Dacca, Mymensingh and Sylhet-

(7) The Ramakrishna Mission Branch Centre, Narayan-ganj (Dacca).

As mentioned in our last General Report, this centre has been formally affiliated to the Ramakrishna Mission in 1922. The workers of the Sevashrama attended, during the years under review, 450 patients in their own houses and supplied medical aid or nursing. The following is a statement of the work done by the outdoor Homeopathic Charitable Dispensary : — Year. New Cases. Repeated cases. Total.

1923 1,348 1,396 7,744

1924 910 M8? 2,397

The workers picked up 7 helpless patients from the road­side and carried them to the local Hospital for treatment. They 3.

[ 34 ]

also cremated 4 dead bodies and helped 5 families with doles of rice and money during: the years tinder report. Workers were sent annually to the Langalbund Mela to organise relief conjointly with the Dacca centre. Attached to the Ashrama are a free library, known as the "Durga Charan Library" and a Free Primary School.,

(8) The Ramakrishna Mission Branch Centre, Barisal.

This centre (a) helps distressed people and poor but promis­ing students, (b) nurses the sick, (c) assists other philanthropic societies and educational institutions and (d) organises occa­sional relief work-

During the period under review 59 families were helped with Rs. 497-1-9. Monthly and temporary help to students amounted to Rs. 37-1-6. The institution nursed 171 patients. It spent Rs. 115 in helping a Girls' School for 1923 and 1924. The Ashrama contributed its humble quota on the occasions of the Behar Flood, Cyclone at Barisal and other providential mishaps. There is a library attached to the institution.

(9) The Ramakrishna Mission Charitable OutdoorDispensary, Bhubaneswar (Puri).

This charitable institution, since its very inception in 1920,has proved a great boon to the pilgrims and people—generallypoor—of Bhubaneswar. The work of the institution has gradu­ally assumed a much larger proportion than the authorities ofthe Ashrama could anticipate. The number of patients treatedduring the years under report is 4,934 and 3,474 respectively.The Ashrama also organised relief after an outbreak of fire atKapileswar, a village in the neighbourhood. .

(10) The Ramakrishna Mission Branch Centre,
Koalpara (Bankura).

During the years under review the weaving institution had on its rolls 13 and 19 students respectively. The dispensary distributed medicines to 1,493 patients in the year 1923 and the

[ 35 ]

following year the number increased to 5,154. Besides, the Gita is explained every evening in two places of the village.

Attached to this Sevashrama, there are two institutions, viz. Sri Sri Jagadamba Ashrama and Sri Ramakrishna Yogashrama. The former owes its importance to its being the occasional residence of the Holy Mother during her life time. The Yogashrama was established in 1909 to furnish some enthusiastic yoimgmeri of the place the facility to lead a religious life as well as to afford a temporary resting place to devotees from far-off places on their way to> Jayrambati, the place of nativity of the Holy Mother. It is gratifying to note that some youngmen trained at this place have been doing useful work at various centres of the Ramakrishna Mission.

(II) The Ramakrishna Sevashrama, Lucknow.

The nucleus of a centre at I,ucknow was first laid in a rented house in 1914 and we are glad to publish that the institution has been installed in its new premises in the year 1924.

The following is a brief report of the good work done by this Sevashrama during the period under review.

17,628 patients were treated during the period at the out­door dispensary and 10 patients were treated at their own houses. 21 poor widows with children, 4 of whom belonged to respect­able families, and u persons in extremely straitened circum­stances received monthly monetary help. Temporary help in various shapes was given to 225 persons and 4 families.

Victims to the communal disturbances of 1924 in the city were relieved in various ways. During the flood in the town of Xucknow in 1923 and in the Province in 1924, the Ashrama gave relief to 10 families and 50 persons in cash and kind. They were provided with work on the Ashrama premises and elsewhere. 137 persons, mainly strangers in the city and in distress, were accommodated during the years. The Ashrama conducted a Free Night School for imparting primary education to the boys of the poor labouring classes. The average strength of the .school was 36. 24 young, intelligent but poor students obtained ,

[ 36 ]

monthly help and 25 temporary help during the period under report. There is a library, attached to the Ashrama.

The Sevashrama was formally affiliated to the Ramakrishna Mission at the extraordinary General Meeting of the Governing Body held in July, 1925.

(12) Sri Ramakrishna Sevashrama, Baliati, (Dacca District). .

The Ashrama got affiliated to the Ramakrishna Mission in 1925. The Charitable Dispensary, opened in 1924, distributed medicines during .the year to 207 persons and gave injections to 32 Kala Azar patients and treated 32 patients in their own houses. The Ashrama organised relief work during an outbreak of cholera in several villages and attended 42 patients. Cloths and rice were given to 17 distressed persons in 1923 and 1924 and two dead bodies were cremated. There are several educa­tional institutions attached to the Ashrama. The number of students on the rolls at the end of the period under review in the Vivekananda Free School '(M.E. Standard), Saradamani Girls' School and Sri Ramakrishna Chatushpathi were 33, 25 and 10 respectively. Thirty-two¹ religious classes were held for the benefit of the Ashrama members and outsiders.

(13) Sri Ramakrishna Sevashrama, Sonargaon (P. O. Tajpur, Dacca).

The Sevashrama, started in 1915, organises weekly religious classes and occasional public lectures, conducts a charitable dispensary, offers house-to-house relief, maintains a free primary school and undertakes occasional relief works- The one notable event of the institution during the period under review is the opening of the Premananda Memorial Temple by Swami Subodhananda on the 7th of May, 1924. The Swami visited the place again towards the close of the year. Daily classes have been organised to impart teligious teachings to the devotees.

The institution was formally affiliated to the RamakrishnaMission on the loth of April, 1925.

[ 38 ]

B. Educational Institutions.

The problem of education admits of being considered, under three separate divisions, -viz. education for boys, female educa­tion and mass education. The Ramakrishna Mission is pledged to work in all these directions according as means and oppor­tunity present themselves. Swami Vivekananda's idea was to, start a Central University where education must have its founda­tion secure on our ancient traditional Indo-Aryan culture and at the same time assimilate the good things of western civilisa­tion. The public mind of India has, for the past decade, been greatly exercised over this problem of national education and we are sure that after the passing away of the feverish impetu-ousity incidental to the transitional period of a national life, the thoughtful mind will gradually veer round the ideal of "Man-making Education" which the great Swami has bequeathed to posterity as his precious legacy- Until public co-operation and sympathy facilitate a large expansion of this scheme, the Rama­krishna Mission cannot take it up on any adequate scale. In this matter it has to bide its time.

Meanwhile, we rest content in taking up the problem of education according to the humble means at our disposal. As-will be seen from a perusal of this Report, the majority of our centres throughout the country* have got attached to them some sort of primary schools for imparting secular and religious-education to the masses.

The Sister Nivedita Girls' School with its two branches has been working in the direction of female education. Last but not least are the several Students' Homes where university boys-get an opportunity of living in close contact with the monks of the Mission and supplement their school or college educa­tion by a home-training based on the best elements of Eastern and Western culture. It is in this way that they can manifest mdre easily the perfection which is already in man by a harmoni­ous development of the head, hand and heart. For obvious

[ 39 ]

reasons, this element of self-culture is lacking in the education' imparted at present through the Universities.

Educational Institutions Affiliated to the Mission.

( At the Headquarters ).

(1) The Ramakrishna Mission Industrial School, Belur(Howrah).

As mentioned in our last Report, this Industrial School was opened at the Headquarters in the year 1921. It has since then been training boys in weaving and a little of carpentry, besides general instructions. They are given free boarding and lodging and supplied with other necessaries. During the four years of existence of this school 22 students finished their course of studies and have become useful members of society. The number of students in the rolls at the end of the period was 8. With the help of a kind friend the school opened in September, 1924, tailoring and carpentry classes. A great advantage of the students is that they get here an opportunity to live in the company of teachers and Sadhus of the Math, and thus they are practically brought up in a pure and healthy atmosphere where Brahmacharya, service of humanity and renunciation have been made the very ideal of life.

The financial position of the school is far from satisfactory. The expenses of the school and the boarding house are met by an annual contribution from the Mission, as well as by door-to-door collection of rice, dosations and subscriptions, and free gift of yarn and cotton. The institution stands in need of a

1. permanent building for the school and the boarding house,
2. funds for additional .looms, tailoring outfit and joiners' instru­ments, etc. and (3) funds for the maintenance of the boarders.

(2) The Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama (Orphanage)Sargachi, (Murshidabad).

For more than a quarter of a century, Swami Akhandananda, a disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Deva, has been conducting the

[ 40 ]

above institution for uplifting the condition of the masses.Absolutely convinced that there cannot be any national re­generation unless the villagers are improved both in health andeducation, the indefatigable Swami with a single-mindeddevotion has eschewed all the prospects of the town and beensilently working, inspite of his broken health, in an out of theway village, consecrating his life for the benefit of the peoplearound him. His idea is to make our help reach the people inthe villages and not to make them come to us in the town forhelp. .

The Ashrama affords the villagers opportunities for a good training in the elementary laws of hygiene. The Charitable Dispensary attached to it served 4,154 patients with medicine during the }⁷ears under review. The special feature of the Ashrama is that it is the chief centre of the Mission where orphans are taken care of. There were n such boys at the end of 1924. The average number of students in both the day and night schools was about 50.

A branch institution has been started at Berhampore which conducts a day and a night school as well as a charitable dis­pensary. Twelve students form the average daily attendance in the night school. The dispensary distributed medicines to 225 patients.

In spite of many vicissitudes, the Swami has been still conducting the institution with infinite faith in its future possi­bilities. The Ashrama has neither enough accommodation for its inmates nor sufficient funds for their maintenance. Will riot our generous countrymen extend their hand of sympathy to this useful institution?

(3) The Ramakrishna Mission Students' Home, Mylapore, Madras.

The Home showed a. good progress of work during the years under review. At the end of 1923 there were 109 students in the Home and the total strength was 125 at the end

[ 41 ]

of 1924. Of the total number 89 were pupils of the Residential High School, 29 were college students and 7 were receiving special instruction in vocational courses. The school work is entirely satisfactory. It is recognised for Forms IV, V and VI. Recently, recognition for the Lower Forms also has been applied^ for. Both in 1923 and'1924 the inmates of the Home were recipients of various scholarships. In 1924, 12 were Govern­ment scholars, 8 held college scholarships and¹ 4 were in receipt of scholarships from private associations like the Manharth Education Fund and the Naidu Sangam. The building for voca­tional training classes, begun in 1922, was completed in May of the next year. Provision has been made for a carpentry work­shop, a weaving institute, a show-room and a class-room for drawing. The Government has kindly granted Rs. 10,000 towards the cost of the building. The equipment of the Weaving section was completed in July of 1923 with 5 looms -and other accessories.

The most important feature of the Home work during the years under review was the erection of a separate block of build­ings for the Residential High School at a cost of nearly a lakh and twenty-five thousand rupees. This great step was made possible by the magnificent help rendered by the members of . the Nattukotai Nagarathar Community—a community already famous for its munificence in helping deserving enterprises. The building was formally opened by His Holiness Swami , Shivanandaji, the President of the Mission on the I2th Decem­ber, 1924.

The students conduct four monthlies—two in Tamil, one in English, and the fourth an Arts periodical. As the readers of our previous reports are aware, the ideal of the Home is to., create an atmosphere where study is not divorced from practical life. To fructify this the authorities of the Home have been trying to realise the "Gurukula" ideal where the teachers and students live together, play together and work together, thus affording excellent opportunities for the development of character on sound and proper lines. The institution deserves

[ 42 ]

public sympathy in all respects. The construction of quarters for the members of the staff and a permanent fund for carrying on the work without any pecuniary embarrassment are some of the crying needs of the Home for which public co-operation.

is sought. *

(4) The Ramakrishna Mission Students' Home, Calcutta.

It is a Home for poor and deserving youths going itp for higher education, who get here free of cost everything they require during their college career. It is run on the lines of a Brahmacharya Ashrama, co-ordinating the ancient ideals of education with the modern. The institution is licensed by the Calcutta University as a College Students' Hostel. At the end of the period under review there were 14 students in the Home, of whom 8 were free, two half-free and four paying.

Its most urgent need is a permanent residence of its own where at least one hundred students may live at a time and get facilities for earning a portion of their living by farming and profitable home industries. Fqr this is required at least 50 bighas of land in * a. healthy suburb of Calcutta within easy . reach of the Sealdah Station by railway. A sum of at least Rs. 80,000 is required for construction and necessary equipments. The Home should also have Funds to¹ maintain at least ten more free boarders. This requires fifty subscribers paying a minimum .subscription of Rs. 4 per month. The aim of the Home is to turn out efficient teachers of the masses out of the inmates. Therefore every well-wisher of the country should befriend this useful institution.

(5) The Ramakrishna Mission Vidyapith, Deoghar (Sonthal Perganas).

We gave a short notice of this institution in our last Report. The Vidyapith is a residential Brahmacharya Vidyalaya for Hindu boys and is conducted by the monks of the Ramakrishna. Order under the direct control and guidance of the authorities

[ 43 ]

of the Ramakrishiia Mission. Living in touch with the Sannyasins the boys breathe here an atmosphere of sacrifice and purity. Located in a healthy place the school gives the students every opportunity for improving' their health. It has in view all the ideals for which the modern educational world stands, namely, culture, efficiency, discipline, knowledge, character and citizenship and it hopes to turn out men who will be valuable assets to society. It aims at building their character" on national lines and in accordance with national ideals. The method followed here is the "natural method" which consists in helping the natural growth of the boys in body and mind, the teacher merely guiding and stimulating the entire process.

The course of training may be broadly divided under the following heads:—physical, intellectual, moral, poetical and religious. The course of studies 'provides for a more extensive knowledge of Bengali Literature, History, Geography and Elementary Science than what is required by the present Matriculation Standard of the Calcutta University. The boys are trained in needle-work, paper-cutting, paper-folding, gardening and carpentry. As regards leligious training, the attention of the boys is drawn to> the universal principles under­lying the creeds of different sects so that they may learn to attach more importance to' the spirit than to the forms of religion. In the attached prayer-room the boys meet together twice a day for reciting hymns and singing songs.

To meet the growing demand for accommodation in the institution, it was transferred in January, 1923, to Deoghar where it received the magnificent gift of 60 Bighas of land for its permanent site from Kumar Arun Chandra Sinha of Paikpara. During the year 1924 the Vidyapith made a considerable pro­gress towards its expansion and consolidation. The number of students swelled, the staff was strengthened by new workers and the construction of buildings on its own permanent site made some progress after the foundation stone had been laid in November, 1924 by Swami Nirmalanandaji. After passing through severe trials and various stages of development, the

. I 44 ]

Vidyapith has now reached, through the sympathy and co­operation of the kind-hearted public a stage where there can be no question as to its indispensability ' and importance. The institution maintains some free students, and the guardians of the rest of the boys contribute .monthly subscription, to meet the expenses of their respective wards.

At the end of the period under review the number of students stood at 46. Many students had to be refused admission for want of accommodation. The health of the boys continued to be satisfactory during the year—there being only a few cases of fever. The pupils of the Vidyapith have been helped to form an organisation of their own called the "Sevak Sangha" to look after their health and belongings and manage other household duties under, the supervision of the authorities.

From the above lines the readers will at once be convinced of the utility of an institution of this type. Here our benevolent countrymen will find a fit object for exercising their charity. The institution has issued an appeal for a Building Fund, a Permanent Fund, a Library and other equipments.

(6) The Ramakrishna Mission Free School, Dacca.

Sri Ramakrishna Free School, which was started in 1914 with a view to> spread education among the backward classes, taught in the years under review up to the 4th standard of the Secondary English Education. The monastic members of the Math generally formed the teaching staff. The following is a T>rief statement of the work done : —

Year. No. of working Average number Average dailydays. on the rolls. attendance.

i£23 206 104 74

1924 219 , 89 61

The attached library issued books to 2877 and 3597 readers . In 1923 and 5924 respectively. The daily attendance in the ViveUananda Gymnasiuir. was 12 on an average.

[ 45 ]

(7) The Night School, Kankhal.

This School is attached to the Ramaknslm-i missjoh Sevashrama, Kankhal and imparts free education to the children of the local depressed classes. The number of students c,n the rolls at the end of 19^4 was 35. A paid teachei has been engaged for teaching the vernacular of the province.

The school has been labouring under great difficulties for want of a suitable building. Jt is holding its classes in the Verandah of the outdoor Dispensary building of the Sevashrama which is quite inconvenient in rainy and winter seasons. The cost of construction of the Night School building has been estimated at Rs.. 5,060.

(8) The Sister Nivedita Girls' School, Calcutta.

The problem of female education in -India was an all-absorbing passion with the-Sister Nivedita. And to materialise this long-cherished object of her life she started a children's school in 1902, which since then has developed into the Sister Nivedita Girls' School with about 250-students on its rolls and two branch centres at Bally and Comilla. Through the grace of the lyord and the kind co-operation of sympathetic friends in India and abroad, the institution has imerged successfully from its many vicissitudes, financial or otherwise and its supreme usefulness to the body social on this head is clearly evidenced from the fact that a daily increasing number of students are seeking for enrolment in it, as also from the fact that Hindu fathers and guardians are always eager in calling for its help and co-operation in the establishment of branch schools in many other parts of the country.

Religion is the basis of the education imparted in the School .and great stress is always laid on the socially evolved instincts and past traditions of the race. The chief characteristic of the institution and herein lies its greatest usefulness—is that it has chalked out a via media between the orthodox method of educa­tion and the ultra-liberal type.

[ 46 ]

The total strength of the institution is about 250. We shall •divide the Report into two parts, viz. the Sister Nivedita Girls' School and the Sarada Mandir. The objects of the school and the women's work are—(a) to provide an education which will be national in type, practical and industrial to a certain extent according to necessity, and productive of strong character and self-determination on the part of the educated—by combining the modem western methods with what are purely Indian, and (b) to impart training in such a way as would make the students loyal to the cherished ideals of the Nation, and fill them with a passion of Seva or of serving their own people first, and then humanity at large. The practical result of the institution's work for the past two_ decades has been—while leaving undis­turbed the place and influence of the woman in the Hindu society and keeping intact her tenderness, humility, great power of service and self-effacement which go to make her the centre of the Hindu home—to make her more efficient in household duties and the arts and crafts auxiliary to them. She is furnished, again, with a_> more comprehensive range of mental equipment and a knowledge of the ideas of the age, which will realty make of her a vital and vigorous unit in society able to meet the new problems arising out of the social and economic changes that are coming in our present life. All this is done by an agency recruited from among themselves—by a band of women educators who, while forming part of the orthodox Hindu society and living the strictly simple and controlled life of the Brahmacharinis of old, have dedicated themselves to the cause of female education. If the women in our country are to take their proper place in society, it will be possible only after an era of extensive application, of such a method of educa­tion.

The staff of the school consists at present of 9 honorary lady teachers, 8" of whom have dedicated their lives to the cause of education and are inmates of the. Sarada Mandir and one comes from outside. Most of them are ex-students of the School and they have chosen to serve it for the love of the thing itself.

[ 47 ]

The idea of the Matri Mandir, now known as the Sarada "Mandir in memory of the Holy Mother, originated with the Swami Vivekananda who wanted to start a Home in which vrornen desiring to dedicate their lives to' the ideals of renuncia­tion and service would live with and under the hallowed personal influenc'e of the Holy Mother. The idea materialised in 1914 •only, chiefly through the efforts of the late Sudhira Devi, a disciple of the Holy Mother, and the institution is a Home for Hindu girls consecrating their lives to the ideal of renunciation and service in the shape of imparting female education as well as a Home for girl students living at a distance but desiring to avail themselves of the opportunity of studying in the School. The boarding charge is Rs. 12 per month. The average number of students in the Home during the years under review was 40. Two hand looms with several spining-wheels have been set up for the use of the inmates and are turning out clothes for their household purposes. The branch school at Bally, working on the same lines as the mother institution, had 35 students on the rolls and the average daily attendance was 30. The branch school at Comilla had also a good record of work to its credit during the period under report.

In our last Report we mentioned that only one-third of the contemplated scheme of the building construction was completed "by 1922. We are glad to announce that only one-third of the building work now remains to be finished, which we hope to complete ere long through the kind assistance of some of our Indian friends. Besides they have promised substantial help to meet the monthly expenses of the institution. What it now requires for its further development is a band of selfless workers. In connection with this we want to inform the public that the contribution from the Sara C. Bull Memorial Fund, which used to come regularly from a friend in Boston for about the last twelve years, has been discontinued from 1924. The School authorities cannot sufficiently express their gratefulness to¹ the Boston friend for his kind help to this institution during its past years of struggle.

[ 48 ]

*

(9) The Ramakrishna Anath Ashrama (Orphanage), Baranagar, Calcutta.

The objects of this institution are—maintenance and educa­tion of helpless orphan boys, free distribution of medicines and diet in case of necessity to the sick, helping poor widows, crema­tion of dead bodies and such other kindred things. At the end of the year 1934 there were 20 orphan boys in the Ashrama hailing from different parts of Bengal. 8,933 patients were given medi­cines from the outdoor Dispensary from May, 1923 to December, 1924. Besides, patients were nursed and helped with medicines and diet. Fifteen poor and helpless boys were helped with monthly doles of rice. The Ashrama stands iii need of help to finance its various departments. .

(10) The Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Sarisha, Diamond Harbour, (24 Perganas).

The Ashrama,was removed in 1924 from a rented hous'e to its own house constructed on a plot of rent-free land. It is situated near the 26th milestone from Calcutta on the Diamond Harbour Bx>ad and, is easily accessible by motor-cars.

At the end of the period under review the number of boys on the rolls was 38. For want of better accommodation the school sits at present in the open verandah of the Ashrama and on the lawn. The weaving class possesses 7 fly-shuttle looms. During the years under review 17 students were admitted into this class, which for various reason had to be temporarily suspended. (Since 1924 it has been amalgamated with the Pri­mary School). The total number of persons helped with medi­cines from the homoepathic outdoor dispensary was 2,579. The Ashrama organised a fire-relief work" and built 26 huts for the poor sufferers in 'the adjoining villages. Four families were supported with regular supplies of food and clothing, 3 students of the local High School were paid school-fees by the Ashrama, and 4 boys were entirely supported by the Ashrama during the period under report. Besides, cloths and blankets were dis-

[ 49 ]

tributed through the generosity of a Bombay friend to a large number of needy villagers. There is a library attached to the Ashrama which received with thanks many books from the Sarisha Reading Association.

The Ashrama with its varied activities has no permanent Fund. It is mainly financed through the kind monthly dona­tion of the Bombay friend mentioned above. It intends to start a demonstration farm to carry out its agricultural programme. A sum of Rs. 15,000 is required to complete the equipment for this purpose. Besides, a building for the primary school and another for the workers' quarters need a sum of Rs. 10,000. We draw the attention of the generous public to these needs of the Ashrama.

Some Institutions likely to be soon Affiliated.

We have done with the activities of the different centres formally affiliated to the Mission (vide rules I and II of the Mission's Bye-slaws). Besides these, there are several Ashramas or Societies which, though not formally affiliated to the Mission, are being conducted on the same principles by the monastic members of the Order in their individual capacity with or without the collaboration of a local committee. In some cases the landed properties of such Ashramas have been made over to the President of the Ramakrishna Order as free gifts by the donors. The Governing Body of the Mission is in full sympathy with -such Ashramas, but the public is clearly informed that these institutions are not to be regarded as branch centres of the Ramakrishna Mission which is a registered body. We give below a short description of a few of such Ashramas which "are likely, to be affiliated to the Mission in the near future.

(I) Sri Ramakrishna Sevashrama, Bankura.

*" • -

The Ashrama has been shifted to a new site in a rather uncongested and solitary part of the town. The number of cases treated by the outdoor dispensary during the years 1923 and

[ 50 ]

1924 was 839 and 1792 respectively. The patients treated and nursed in their own homes numbered respectively, 120 and 115 in these two years. The attached Home .maintained 6 students on an average during the years under review.

•

(2) Sri Ramakrishna Sevashrama and Sarada Pith,
Garbeta (Midnapur).

The Ashrama was started nearly a decade ago by a member of the Order who while working during the Bankura famine of 1915-1916 much impressed the people of the locality with the Seva work carried on by the Ramakrishna Mission. Since its very inception the Ashrama has been distributing homoepathic medicines to the poor people of the locality and arranging occasional relief works in times of necessity. Recently a day school styled Sri Ramakrishna Sarada Pith has been started for the dissemination of education of the right type among the local boys. The Ashrama intends, provided the necessary help comes from the public, to develop the school into a regular High School with agriculture and home industries included in its curriculum.

(3) Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama, Mymensingh.

The nucleus of a centre at Mymensingh was first started in the form of a library in 1912 in order to attract the young [ boys of the schools and the college to the ideals of renunciation and service. Later on the Ashrama got a great impetus from the visit of Swamis Brahmananda and Premananda whose pre­sence made a great stir among the people of the town. Follow-ing in its wake a site in the suburb of the town with a spacious compound of 3 bighas was purchased, on which the Ashrama now stands. Lastly the work was greatly accelerated by the holy visits of Swamis Premananda, Shivananda, Abhedananda arid Subodhananda. The foundation-stone of the Ramakrishna Mandir was laid by Swamis Shivananda and Abhedananda. Among the good works of the Ashrama may be mentioned the

[ 51 ]

•distribution . of free medicines, organisation of relief works •during providential calamities and monetary contribution to poor and helpless families. The attached library contains 1500 Tbooks.

• (4) Sri Ramakrishna Sevashrama, Contai,' (Midnapur).

During the years under review the Ashrama carried on its .good work in the following forms.

In the attached Home two> poor students were provided with free board and lodging. The work of the Home cannot expand for want of funds. The charitable Dispensary supplied medicines to 2500 patients. It is looked after by two physi­cians—one of them a Homcepath and the other an Allopath. The Midiiapore District Board has granted the Ashrama an annual subsidy of Rs. 300 for the purchase of medicines. The' workers of the Ashrama afforded relief to cholera patients in g different centres. Six poor familie.s were helped with doles of rice. Thirty students attended the attached Brahmananda Free Primary School, the average daily attendance being 18. Public discourses with the help of magic lanterns were organised now and then.

The Ashrama stands in urgent need of a permanent houseof its own. ,

There are Ashramas at the following places also : —Farid-pur, Jandi (Faridpur), Gauhati, Duptara (Dacca), Dinajpur, Daharkundu (Hooghly), Chandipur (Midnapore), Malda and Jaffna (Ceylon). They are as yet but loosely connected with the Ramakrishna Order, but there is a prospect of their becom­ing recognised centres of the Order some day.

Obituary.

The period under review witnessed the passing away of Swami Atmananda which melancholy event took place at Benares on the rath October, 1923. A direct disciple of the i Vivekananda, he was a silent worker and attracted every-

[ 52 ]

body who came in contact with him by the suavity of his tem­per and the practical life of a monk that he lived from day to day.

We also lost during the years under report a few young

members of the Order.

•

The different Mission Funds kept open for Public contribution.

Apart from the monastic life and discipline of the Mathsand Ashramas, the Ramakrishna Mission affords a field ofactivity where the public is invited to co-operate with the mem­
bers of the Ramakrishna Order. Generally speaking, such co­operation may either consist in an active participation in thework of the Mission as its member or associate, or in pecuniarycontribution to its funds, or in both. Persons who sympathisewith the objects of the Mission but are precluded from activeparticipation in its works by their avocation in life are welcometo co-operate with the Mission, among other ways, by sending,contributions, however small, to one or more of the followingfunds:— '

(?) Funds for the support of the permanent philanthropic

and educational Institutions.

(«') The Pi evident Relief Fund—for keeping, the resources ready- to some extent against the sudden scourges of nature such as earth-quake, pestilence, famine, flood, fire, etc.

(Hi) The General Fund—for defraying the general expenses of the Mission, such as are incurred for the inspection of centres, the holding of meetings of the Association, Missionary work, postage, print­ing, stationery, etc.

(it) The Poor Fund—for alleviating individual distresses of various kinds that claim urgent help from the Mission at its headquarters.

Contributions may kindly be sent to the headquarters of the Mission with a clear specification as to the name of the

[ 53 ]

particular institution or the kind of work for which they are -meant. Contributors may also send their money direct to the institutions of the Mission which they desire to help.

Thanks of the Mission and its Appeal.

•*

We take this opportunity to express our deep sense of gratitude to all kind donors, subscribers and sympathisers who 'by their ready assistance, financial or otherwise, have put -the different centres of the Mission on a working order, as well as to those who, in response to our appeals for funds during various providential mishaps, such as flood, famine, fire, etc., have helped us to carry on successfully these occasional relief works. The thanks of the Mission are also¹ due to the proprie­tors and editors of the English and Vernacular periodicals in India for the kindness they have shown in publishing its appeals and reports, as also to' the local gentry, official or non-,. official, in the various affected areas, whose co-operation has materially helped the Mission in conducting the relief opera­tions in those parts on different occasions. We also express our gratefulness to the local physicians of the different centres who cheerfully lent us their services whenever they were approached.

We hope the generous public all over India and abroad will ccvntimie to give the Mission the same kind co-operation and "help which they have given so¹ unstintedly in the past, so that we may realise the Truth by carrying out the ideal of Work and Worship—the gospel of the new era where in lies the hope of future. All well-wishers of India can find here a golden •opportunity to do their bit towards the amelioration of the condition of their suffering brethren and be sharers in the up­lift of humanity.

[ 54 ]

APPENDIX A. Memorandum of Association

OF

THE RAMAKRISHNA MISSION.

Registered on the 4th of May, 1909.

(Under Act XXI of 1860 of the Governor General of India

in Council.)

1. The name of the Association is THE RAMAKRISHNA. MISSION.

2. The Objects of the Association are: —

(a) To impart and promote the study of the Vedanta and

its principles as propounded by Sri Ramakrishna and practically illustrated by his own life and of comparative theology in its widest form.

(b) To impart and promote the study of the arts, sciences-

and industries.

(c) To train teachers in all branches of knowledge above

mentioned 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, orphanages, workshops,, laboratories, hospitals, dispensaries, houses for the infirm, the invalid and the afflicted, famine-relief-works, and other educational and charitable works and institu­tions of a like nature.

(f) To print and publish and to sell or distribute, gratui-

tously or otherwise, journals, periodicals, books or leaflets that the Association may think desirable-for the promotion of its objects.

(g) To carry on any other work which may seem -to the

Association capable of being conveniently carried on in connection with and calculated directly or indirectly to promote any of the before-mentioned objects.

[ 55 ]

(h) To purchase, take on lease or in exchange, hire or otherwise acquire property movable or immovable and any rights or privileges which may be deemed necessary or convenient for the purposes of the Association and to improve, develop, manage, sell, lease, mortgage, dispose of, turn to account or otherwise deal with all or any part of the property of the Association.

(i) To construct, maintain or alter any house, buildings or worksj necessary or convenient for" the purposes of the Association.

(;') To accept any gift of property whether subject, or not, to any special trusts or conditions in favour or furtherance of any of the objects of the Asso­ciation.

(k) To take such steps by personal or written appeals, public meetings or otherwise as may from time to* time be deemed expedient for the purpose of pro-• curing contributions to the funds of the Associa­tion in the shape of. donations, subscriptions or otherwise.

(I) For the purposes of the Association to borrow and raise money in such manner as the Association may think fit.

(m) To invest the money of the Association not imme­diately required upon such securities and in such manner as may from time to time be determined. (n) To undertake and execute any trust or any agency-business which may seem directly or ' indirectly conducive to any of the objects of the Association either gratuitously or otherwise.

(o) For the purpose of the Association to make, accept, endorse and excute Promissory Notes, Bills of Exchange, Hundis and other negotiable instru­ments. (p) To incorporate any institutions, societies or associa-

[ 56 ]

tions having objects wholly or in part similar to any of those of the Association and to co-operate with any person or any persons in aid of such objects.

(q) To do all or any of the above things either as principals, agents, trustees or otherwise and by or through trustees, agents or otherwise and either alone or in conjunction with others. (r) To do all such other things as are incidental or con^: ducive to the attainment of. the above objects or any of them.

3. The names, addresses and occupations of the Govern­ing Body of the Association are : — Swami Sivananda, Belur Math, Hindu Missionary . 1

,, Saradananda ,, „

,, Akhandananda ,, ,,

,, Abhedananda - ,,-• ,, —

,, Subodhananda „ ,,

,, Suddhananda ,, . ,,

,, Bodhananda ,, ,,

,, ^ Bhirananda ,, • ,, .

,, Sachchidananda ,, ,,

,, Virajananda ,, ,,

,, Achalananda ,, ,,

,, Sankarananda ,, ,,

,, Mahimananda ,, ,,

,, Sharvananda ,, ,,

,,.- Visuddhananda ,, ,,

,,, Madhavananda ,, ,,

,, Amriteshwarananda ,, ,,

[ 57 ]

APPENDIX B.

Rules and Regulations

. OF

THE RAMAKRISHNA MISSION.

OBJECTS.

»

1. The Association is established for the purposes* ex­pressed in the Memorandum of Association.

MEMBERS AND ASSOCIATES.

2. All followers, whether lay or monastic, of thePARAMAHAMSA RAMAKRISHNA may be members of .theAssociation if elected at a meeting of the- Association or nomi­nated by the Governing Body hereinafter mentioned.

3. All persons irrespective of colour, creed or caste, sym-— pathising with all or any of the objects of the Association may

be associates if elected or nominated as mentioned in rule 2, regarding the election of members.

4. Monastic members shall not be required to pay anyadmission fee or any subscription. 4
5. Every lay member and every associate, unless exemptedlerefrom in writing by the Governing Body, shall pay an admis-

' -sion fee of Rs. 5 and an annual subscription of Rs. 5 payable~by two half-yearly instalments in advance. The Governing
Body may exempt any member or associate from payment ofall or any fees or subscriptions. »

6. The annual subscription shall be commuted by a pay­ment of Rs. 100.
7. Connection of members and associates with the Associa­tion shall cease by resignation or non-payment of dues for twoyears but shall be capable of renewal in such manner as theGoverning Body may from time to time determine. _v *
8. Members shall be entitled to: —

(a) Vote at all meetings of the Association, use the Library attached to the Math at Belur in the dis-

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trict of 'Howrah and reside at the Math temporarily subject to rules and regulations prescribed by the Math authorities.

(b) Attend all classes formed by the Association for the

instructions of its members and receive individual instruction whenever practicable.

3. Receive all publications of the Association at a special* discount of 25 per cent, on the published price.
4. Mofussil members shall be entitled to receive English

or Bengali proceedings, reports and leaflets pub­lished by the Association on payment of postagedues. '*>

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

MEETINGS OF THE ASSOCIATION.

10. There shall be one ordinary meeting of the Associationin every year to be held at such place and time as the President
    shall from time to time determine.
11. Extraordinary general meetings of the Association maybe convened either by the President or by a requisition signedby not less than five members of the Governing Body or by arequisition signed by not less than 8 members of the Association.The time and place of such extraordinary meetings shall bedetermined by the President or requisitionists with the sanctionof the President.

12.' (a) Each member shall have a single vote, in all meetings of the Association except the President, who shall have a casting vote in case of a tie.

2. In the absence of the President a member of theGoverning Body of the Association will be electedto preside at any of its meetings.
3. The Secretary shall duly notify to the members ofthe time and place of the meetings of the Associa-

[ 59 ]

tion at least twenty-four hours before such a meeting- takes place.

(d) The Treasurer will collect funds, dues, donations, contributions and deposit the same in a Bank, in the name of the Ramakrishna Mission.

13. (a) Not less than five members shall form a quorum,

in any meeting of the Association, competent. to proceed with the business of the meeting. (6) The Accountant shall keep clear accounts of the income and expenses of the Association and report

the same at the meetings of the Governing Body.

*

THE GOVERNING BODY.

14. The management of the Association and its affairs shallvest in the Trustees for the time being of the Indenture of Trustdated, the 3oth day of January, 1901 usually called the TrustDeed of the Belur Math, who shall form the Governing Bodyof the Association. If at any time there shall be no actingTrustee of the said Belur Math, the Association in general meet­ing may appoint a Governing Body of the Association, Consti­
    tuted as the Association in such meeting shall determine.
15. The Governing Body shall from among its memberselect a President, a Vice-President, a Secretary or Secretaries, aTreasurer and an Accountant of the Association and assign to
    them their respective duties and they shall form the executivecommittee of the Association.
16. The Governing Body shall be competent from time to-time to frame rules for the conduct of its business and also tomake bye-laws for the management of. the Association and forthe management, conduct and carrying on of its business andaffairs and also from time to time to vary or repeal any suchrules or bye-laws.
17. The Association in general meeting may disallow,rescind, cancel or alter any such rules or bye-laws and may makerules or bye-laws for any of the purposes aforesaid.

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i8. (a) The Governing Body shall be competent to dele­gate by a certificate in writing and bearing the seal of the Association to any person or persons or body or bodies such portions of their authority as they shall from time to time think fit and at pleasure to revoke the authority* so delegated.

(b) The Governing Body may confer the honorary posi­tion of an associate upon any one who has dis­tinguished himself by education and philanthropic works or otherwise.

ig. (a) The Governing Body shall cause proper records and accounts to be kept of the Association, its affairs and property.

(b) The Governing Body shall elect workers from among ' the members and associates of the Association and authorise and empower them to raise subscriptions, donations etc., from the public, for furthering any object of the Association by giving them certifi­cates in writing bearing the seal of the Association and take accounts from them of the same. * (c) The President, or in his absence the Vice-President, or in the absence of both, the Treasurer, or in his absence, the Secretary of the Mission shall have power to withdraw money, to draw interests on Government Promissory notes and other securities for money, to renew, consolidate qr sell such securities belonging to the Ramakrishha Mission, Belur, and in doing so, he shall quote the resolu­tion of the Governing Body authorising him in that behalf,

(d) Three of the office-bearers of the Ramakrishna Mission, one of whom must be the President, if he shall be present within 20 miles of Belur, shall be competent to sell all immovable property belong­ing to the R. K. Mission and execute and register all instruments of sale in respect thereof.

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AUDIT.

20. The accounts of the Association shall be annuallyaudited by an auditor or auditors to be appointed by the Asso­ciation in meeting. •

SEAL.

21. The Association shall have a common seal of suchmake and design as the Governing Body shall decide.
22. The seal shall be affixed to all formal documents inthe presence of two members of the Governing Body of whomone shall be the President, the Vice-President or the Secretary.

CONTRACTS.

23. All contracts shall be made by two members of theGoverning Body and the President or in his _? absence the
Secretary.

MISCELLANEOUS.

24. The rules and regulations for the time being of the 'Association may from time to time be altered, added to or rescinded by the Association in general meeting.

BYE-LAWS.

1. Philanthropic, charitable or any other kind of work
   started by the Governing Body of the Ramakrishna Mission in
   co-operation with the interested people of any locality outsideof Belur shall be regarded as Branch Centres.
2. (a) These will be managed by local committees and

office-bearers, or by single individual or individuals selected from among the members and associates by the .Governing Body.

(b) The duties' and powers with which a local com­mittee or any of its office-bearers is hereby entrusted, shall, so far as applicable, be performed and exercised by single individual or individuals, authorised to manage a branch centre, the monthly

[ 62 ]

detailed account of the work done in the centre and the sums drawn and disbursed for carrying on the work being submitted directly by such indi­vidual or individuals to the Governing Body of the Mission.

3. The local committees shall direct the business of thosecentres, by rules and bye-laws framed by the Governing Bodyin consultation with the local members and associates or thepeople of the locality interested in those works.
4. Every such centre shall contribute, when capable a sumof Rupees twelve annually to the Governing Body, in considera­tion of its affiliation with the Association.
5. The sources of income of such institutions shall be sub­
   scriptions and donations from the public : and the money raisedby such means shall be exclusively used for the welfare of such
   institutions.'
6. Subscribers to such an institution, its botia fide workersand medical men and other persons who render substantial and'gratuitous service to such an institution are eligible for election •

as members and office-bearers of the local committee and shall be associate members of the Ramakrishna Mission.

7. The Governing Body of the Ramakrishna Mission shallappoint a chief Supervisor and a local committee with office­
   bearers for the management of affairs of every branch centre,which is not managed by a single individual or individuals.
8. The Governing Body of the Ramakrishna Mission shallhave power to remove and dissolve such Supervisor and local-committee and appoint others in their places.
9. The local committee shall consist of not less than 8members including the chief Supervisor and' the Secretary andeach member shall have equal power to vote.

10. Subscriptions and donations stall be received by the
    Secretary or the Assistant Secretary who shall grant a receiptfor the same.
11. All moneys and -deposit accounts, GovernmentPromissory notes and other Securities approved by the Gov-

I 63 ]

•erning Body shall stand in the name of the Ramakrishna Mission with the name of the local centres attached to it. The local Treasurer shall have power to withdraw money, to draw interest on such securities and to renew or consolidate Gov­ernment Promissory notes at the requisition of the local Secretary or the I^ocal Assistant Secretary who shall quote the resolution to the local Committee authorising him to do so.

12. The local Secretary or the local Assistant Secretary•shall call a meeting of the local committee every month, giving-due notice of the business to be brought forward before themeeting to all the members of the Committee and shall submitthe proceedings of such and other meetings to the Governing"body of the Ramakrishna Mission.
13. The local Secretary shall publish an annual report ofthe working of his Committee or branch centre. '

14. In all meetings of the local Committee the presence .-of five members shall form a quorm. In the absence of the

local President or the local Vice-President, the meeting shall , elect a President from amongst the members present.

15. All questions before a meeting of the local committeeshall be decided by a majority of votes. In cases of equaldivision, the Chairman shall have a casting vote.
16. The local Secretary or the local Assistant Secretary
    shall have power to call a meeting of the local Committee at ,any time at the request of four members of the local Committee.
17. The local Secretary and the local Assistant Secretaryshall receive representations from the public and select the"business to be taken up by the local Managing Committee at ,its sittings,' and shall hold communications on behalf of the•Committee.
18. The local Secretary and the local Assistant Secretaryshall keep a record of the proceedings of the meetings underthe signature of the Chairman, and the detailed account of the
    work done in,the centre and of the sums drawn and disbursedTsy him for carrying on the work'and shall place them beforethe monthly meeting of the local Committee.

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* *

19. The local Committee shall have power to frame new rules at any future time for the furtherance of the object of such an institution with the sanction of the Governing Body of the Ramakrishna Mission.

20. The Secretary or the Assistant Secretary of the local
    Committee should apply to the President of the Governing
    Body of the Ramakrishna Mission to empower with propercertificate bearing his own signature and the special seals ofthe Ramakrishna Mission, the workers elected by the Com­mittee for raising subscriptions and donations in aid of theinstitution. Such workers should produce them, if wanted,before all donors for their satisfaction.
21. Such workers should carry receipt books to enter thesums donated with the signature of the donors in their ownhandwritings. They should remit their collections to the localSecretaries with the names and addresses of the donors at theend of every week without fail, and the local Secretaries orthe local Assistant Secretaries should send acknowledgments,of the sums thus received, to the donors by return of post.