Thirteenth General Report - 1946

THE THIRTEENTH GENERAL REPORT

OF

THE RAMAKRISHNA MISSION

registered under act XXI of 1860 ( 1944 & 1945 )

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

Swami Vwekanandti.

INTRODUCTION History

After the passing away of Sri Ramakrishna Deva, the Prophet of the harmony of all religions, in 1886, a monastic Order bearing his name was organised by his Sannyasiri disciples headed by Swami Vivekananda, which gradually set up a twofold ideal before it: To create a band of Sannyasin teachers of Vedanta, and in conjunction with the lay disciples to carry on missionary and philanthropic work, looking upon all irrespective of caste, creed or colour as veritable manifestations of the Divine. For some time the latter work was carried on through an Association called the Ramakrishna Mission Association,- started by Swami Vivekananda in 1897, shortly after his return from the West. In 1899 he founded a Math or monastery at Belur, near Calcutta, to train a band of monks for self-realisation and for acquiring a capacity to serve the world in all possible ways. Soon after this the Math authorities took upon themselves the work of the Mission Association.

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For the efficiency of its work and for giving it a legal status, in-1909 a Society under the name of the Ramakrishna Mission was registered under Act XXI of 1860 (see Appendices A and B). Its management was vested in a Governing Body consisting of the Trustees of the Belur Math for the time being. Both the Belur Math and the Rama­krishna Mission extended their sphere of activity, and had branches in different parts of the country and abroad.

The Ramakrishna Math and the Ramakrishna Mission

Though the Ramakrishna Mission and the Ramakrishna Math, with their respective branches, are distinct institutions, they are closely related, since the Governing Body of the Mission is made up .of the Trustees of the Math ; the principal workers of the Mission are members of the Ramakrishna Math ; and both have their Headquarters at the Belur Math. The name 'Ramakrishna Mission' is, however, loosely associated by people with all Math activities also.

It is necessary to point out that the appropriation of the name of Sri Ramakrishna or Swami Vivekananda by any institution does not necessarily imply that it is controlled by the central organisation at Belur.

The Math and the Mission own separate funds and keep separate accounts of them.' The Math fund consists of sub­scriptions and donations from friends and devotees, and is sometimes supplemented by the sale proceeds of publications, while subscriptions and donations from the general public constitute the Mission fund, which is annually audited by auditors appointed in the General Meeting of the Association.

Summary of Activities

It is gratifying _ to note that despite the great War, the activities of the" Math and the Mission have shown an all-round progress during the period under review, and three centres have been added. Our generous countrymen .and friends abroad have been taking an increasing interest in our movement, which is recognised as one of the nation-~ building forces in India.

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branch centres

Along with the Headquarters at Belur there were, in 1945, 41 Mission centres, 19 combined Math and Mission centres and 31 Math centres in India. These were distributed as follows: 39 in Bengal, 7 in Bihar, 4 in Assam, 12 each in U. P. and Madras, 3 each in Mysore, Orissa and Travan-core, and 1 each in Coorg, Cochin, C. P., Delhi, Punjab, Sind, Bombay and Kathiawar. In addition, there were 5 centres in Ceylon, 1 each in Fiji, Mauritius, England, France and Argentina, and 12 centres in the United States of America. The two centres in Burma remained suspended, and there was no news about the centre at Singapore. Thus there were altogether 66 Mission centres and as many Math centres in 1945. Moreover, attached to these branch centres there were 11 sub-centres, where monastic workers resided more or less permanently.

types of work

General Service: Most of the Math and Mission centres in India and Ceylon conducted various activities ministering to the physical needs of the public in general, irrespective of caste, creed, colour or nationality. Typical of these are the Sevashramas in Benares, Brindaban and Kankhal. In 1945 there were 9 Indoor Hospitals which accommodated 11,310 patients, 61 Outdoor Dispensaries which treated 15,72,019 patients, and 41 Ashramas doing gratuitous relief and other kinds of service.

Educational Wor^:.. In 1945 there were 42 Ashramas accommodating 1,658 students, 2 Colleges with 83 boys, 23 ordinary Secondary Schools and 4 Residential Secondary Schools with 6,233 boys and 3,327 girls, 4 Industrial Schools and 8 Vocational and Agricultural Sections attached to other schools with 1,300 students, 15 Middle Schools with 1,740 boys and 979 girls, 57 Upper and Lower Primary Schools with 3,501 boys and 2,245 girls, 16 Night Schools with 483 students, and 3 Sanskrit Schools with 462 students. Thus there were altogether 15,474 boys and 6,655 girls in the different institutions. The Students' Homes at Madras and Calcutta, the educatoinal institutions in Ceylon, Coimbatore, Cherrapunji, Belur and Deoghar, and the orphanage at Rahara

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are illustrative of the work done by the Mission. Special mention. may also be made of the Industrial Schools at Madras, Belur, Sylhet and Taki.

Wort^ for Women : The Mission has ever been conscious of its duties to the women of India. Typical of the work done for them are the Sisumangal Pratishthan for expectant mothers in Calcutta, the Maternity Clinic at Jalpaiguri, the women's section of the Hospital and the attached Invalid Women's Home at Benares, the Widows' Home at Puri, the Sarada Vidyalaya in Madras, the Sister Nivedita Girls' School in Calcutta and the Sarada Mandir at Sarisha (24-Parganas). Besides, there are special arrangements for women in the other hospitals, dispensaries and schools, and some institutions are conducted particularly for them.

Rural Uplift and Wor\ among the Labouring and Backward Classes: The Math and Mission have all along tried their best for serving their more unfortunate country­men who have fallen back culturally and educationally. Permanent centres like the Ashramas in the Khasia and Jaintia Hills and at Sarisha and the Gurukula at Trichur in Cochin, have accordingly been started for helping the hill tribes, the backward classes and the village folk. Centres of this kind are responsible for conducting about 150 permanent activities of various kinds, while preaching and educative tours with magic lanterns, gramophones, etc., are also under­taken. For the labouring classes in Industrial areas the Mission conducted a good number of Night Schools and Clinics.

Relief WorJ^: Relief work of various types was under­taken by the Headquarters as well as the branch centres from time to time, the most noteworthy of which, during 1944 and 1945, were the Bengal and Orissa Cyclone Relief, and the Bengal Distress Relief. ,

Foreign Wor^: The monks of the Ramakrishna Math took upon themselves the task of carrying the message of India to distant lands, a task that had been left as a legacy by Swami Vivekananda. The various centres in North and South America, Europe and the British colonies bear ample evidence of their labour of love.

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Spiritual and Cultural: The Math and Mission centres, particularly the former, laid special emphasis on the dissemination of the spiritual and cultural ideas and ideals of the Hindus, and through various types of activity tried to give a practical shape to the teaching of Sri Ramakrishna that all religions are true. The centres established real points of contact between people of different denominations through public celebrations, meetings, classes, publications, etc. They also conducted Libraries and Reading Rooms. A number of Sanskrit Chatushpathis, too, were run, mainly for the benefit of the members of the Order. Some Math centres published books on religious subjects and six magazines in different languages. The Math centres at Mayavati, Calcutta, Madras and Nagpur, .in particular, have to their credit a con­siderable number of useful publications. Special mention should also be made of the Institute of Culture in Calcutta, which tries to bring together eminent men and women of India and other lands into cultural fellowship.

The Plan of the Report

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

SECTION I

THE MATH & MISSION HEADQUARTERS The Ramakrishna Math, Belur

It was the aim of Swami Vivekananda to found an institution where thousands of young men would be pro­vided with the means of attaining their own liberation and of preparing themselves for the service of humanity. The

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chief centre started for this purpose is the central Math at Belur, on the western bank of the Ganges, four miles from Howrah Station, and commanding a view of the temple of Dakshineswar. Associated with the holy lives of Swami Vivekananda and his worthy brother-disciples, the Belur Math, with its spacious grounds and serene atmosphere, is a place of pilgrimage for all sincere seekers of Truth.

The course of training in the Math went on without a break, and a good number of young men were initiated into Brahmacharya and Sannyasa. In the attached Chatushpathi or Sanskrit School there were four or five daily classes under a qualified teacher, in which various philosophical and reli­gious books were studied. A general class was maintained off and on for the study of the literature of the Order. The Sannyasins of the Math conducted regular religious classes in and around Calcutta, and undertook many successful lectur­ing tours. The Math has a decent Library containing about 7500 books.

The latest attraction of the Math is the magnificent stone temple of Sri Ramakrishna with its spacious Nat-mandir (prayer hall), built mainly with American help in 1938. It is the most remarkable temple of its kind in Northern India. The cost of the temple -and its allied constructions has been nearly eight lakhs of rupees. There is still a deficit of about Rs. 60,000/- to be met, which awaits the generosity of the religious-minded public.

With the construction of the temple the need of a Guest House for devotees and admirers who want to pass a few days with their families near the precincts of the Math, is being more and more keenly felt. The estimated cost of the land and building is Rs. 50,000/-, for which a nucleus has been formed with the kind donation of a friend. It is earnestly hoped that this particular want of the Head­quarters will also be shortly removed.

The Ramakrishna Mission Headquarters

The Mission Headquarters located at the Belur Math regulates the activities of its different branches. Besides this work of supervision, it conducts the following:

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i. ramakrishna mission charitable dispensary, belur ; . , ;

This popular outdoor Dispensary was founded in 1913. Besides medical relief, it supplied occasionally diet, clothes and blankets to the needy, and referred serious cases to the best hospitals.- In 1944 and 1945 it treated 36,541 and 29,223 cases, of which 33,364 and 19,610 were new cases. A perma-nent building for it was constructed in 1938. About Rs. 1,000/-of the cost is yet to be collected.

2. mass education work

In 1944 and 1945 the Mission Headquarters helped from the Mass Education Fund 7 and 13 schools, with 239 and 1,097 students, respectively. To those who believe, with Swami Vivekananda, that the well-being of a nation depends on the condition of its masses, we earnestly appeal for 'contri­butions to this fund.

3. temporary relief work

The following is a brief report of the relief activities undertaken by the Mission Headquarters in 1944 and 1945 :—

I. Bengal and Orissa Cyclone Relief

The Cyclone Relief work in Bengal and Orissa started in October, 1942, was closed at the end of June, 1944.

Gratuitous relief in the shape of regular weekly doles of foodstuffs, such as paddy, rice and dal, was given from many centres, as also clothes, blankets, mats, etc. The total quanti­ties of the main articles distributed through all the centres were roughly: Rice 97,845 mds., paddy 27,435 mds., Dal 4,000 mds., Atta 900 mds., sago 6 mds., barley 31 mds., milk products 10 mds., cloth 49,000 pieces, Chaddars 2,400, blankets and quilts 18,300, shirts and frocks 2,300, mats 5,100 and utensils 1,800.

The total receipts for this work were Rs. 4,50,195-6-11 and the total expenditure Rs. 4,49,223-8-2, the balance of Rs. 971-14-9 being credited to the Mission's Provident Relief Fund to meet the expenses of printing reports etc. Besides,

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goods worth approximately Rs. 19,51,083/- at the prevailing prices were received as donation.

Details of these can be seen from the Report published last year.

77. Distress Relief in Bengal 'find Elsewhere

The Mission's Distress Relief work in Bengal and else­where, which had begun in June, 1943, was formally closed in April, 1945. A partial report of this work up to December, 1944, appeared in the last General Report. We glean the following from the recently published Report of the whole work.

By September, 1943, the Mission had 22 centres, covering 239 villages and 10 towns including Calcutta, spread over 12 districts. Gradually the work was extended, and by Decem­ber, 1943, there were 75 centres spread over 19 districts, covering 1,169 villages and 22 towns, the total number of recipients being 1,28,972 at the end of the year. In January, 1944, after the new harvest the number came down some­what.

Gratuitous Relief was given to needy recipients by way of weekly doles of food-grains as well as clothes, blankets, etc. The total quantity of articles distributed was as follows : Rice 88,110 mds., paddy 803 mds., Dal 3,179 mds., dehydrated potatoes 344 mds., cloth 1,65,961 pieces, Chaddars 8,280, blankets 37,267, shirts, guernseys, etc. 35,734, shirting and coating 46 Thans and 5,152 yds., etc. From 9 Free'Kitchens 2,816 persons on an average were daily fed for about three months. The total quantity of foodstuffs spent for this pur­pose was: Rice 823 mds., Dal 449 mds., other food-grains 178 mds., and dehydrated potatoes 84 mds. To partly needy people, particularly lower middle-class families, the Mission supplied the necessaries of life at controlled or concession rates. Thus 9,500 families on an average per week received, especially from September, 1943 to January, 1944 : Rice 13,423 mds., Dal 157 mds., wheat and its products 7,576 mds., other food-grains 9,140 mds., cloth 29,598 pieces, Chaddars 544, Thans 60 and blankets 200. Thirty-two Uil\ Canteens served on an average 3,500 patients, children and nursing

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mothers daily for nearly 18 months, with intervals. In addi­tion, Rs. 98,131/- was spent by way of Pecuniary Help.

Medical Relief also was carried on from 122 medical units. A total of about 460 Ibs. of quinine and cinchona and about 3 lakh tablets of other anti-malarial drugs were dis­tributed among nearly 3 lakhs of patients, including repeated cases. About 26,37,000 vitamin tablets and pearls were distributed to over one lakh persons. Temporary Test Relief work, such as road construction, tank excavation, paddy-husking, paper-making and weaving, was also undertaken. And permanent Rehabilitation work was done by organizing spinning, leather work and iron works, which saved many families from disruption.

Outside Bengal also, the Mission conducted relief work on a small scale. In Assam, foodstuffs, cloth and blankets were distributed, mostly among the refugees from Bengal. In Travancore, the Mission helped the Ramakrishna Ashrama, Trivandrum, to run Free Kitchens and construct huts. In Bihar and Orissa, foodstuffs, seeds and cloth were similarly distributed.

The total receipts for this work were Rs. 12,07,617-11-11 and the total expenditure Rs. 11,66,451-7-10, leaving a balance of Rs. 41,166-4-1. In addition to cash receipts, goods worth more than rupees 25 lakhs at the prevailing prices were also received. Out of the above balance, Rs. 10,000/- has since been donated to the Boys' Home at Rahara (24-Parganas), an orphanage which sprang out of the ravage caused by the Distress. The balance also includes Rs. 9,100/- which was already spent, but which was kept as advance, inasmuch as the account was pending.

///. Burma Evacuee Relief

The Burma Evacuee Relief started in 1942 was closed in August, 1944. During the year the Mission distributed Rs.- 8,171-10-0 among 167 evacuees.

IV. A. R. P. Relief

The Mission relinquished charge of the A. R. P. Relief Centres at 3C and 10, Nalin Sarkar Street, Calcutta, at the end of December, 1944.

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V. Destitute Relief

A representative of the Mission was the ex-officio Superintendent of the Government Destitute Centre and the Government Orphanage in Nalin Sarkar Street, Shyam-bazar, Calcutta, from September and December, 1943 respec­tively to the end of December, 1944. Under his supervision more than 21,000 destitutes were collected, looked after and repatriated, and over 1,200 orphan children collected, mostly from the streets of Calcutta.

VI. Cholera Relief

The Mission Headquarters conducted Cholera Relief work on a limited scale in the Bettiah Subdivision of the Champaran District in Bihar in August, 1944.

VII. Famine Relief

Famine Relief work was conducted during 1945 in 73 villages of the Sadar Subdivision of the Bankura District, and on a small scale around Kamarpukur, in the Hooghly District. In the Bankura District, 913 mds. 2 srs. of rice, 923 blankets, 519 Chaddars, 188 pieces of cloth, 101 pants, 99 shirts and 95 frocks were distributed among 30,933 reci­pients. Besides, Rs. 1,730-15-0 was given as pecuniary help to 2,413 persons. In the Kamarpukur area, Rs. 1,127-0-0 was similarly distributed, and Rs. 373/- was spent for Test Relief work.

4. help to the poor

The Mission Headquarters also maintained a Poor Fund for mitigating individual distress, out of which it helped a number of helpless people and gave small stipends to some deserving students. The total receipts of this Fund in 1944 and 1945 were Rs. 6,098-2-0 and Rs. 9,110-8-3 respectively, and the total expenditure Rs. 1,791-7-6 and Rs. 1,963-6-6. The expenditure was comparatively small, because the Distress Relief Fund took the main brunt.

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SECTION II MISSION CENTRES

A. INSTITUTIONS OF GENERAL SERVICE

The Ramakrishna Mission Home of Service, Benares

Started in 1900 and made a branch of the Mission in 1909, it has been occupying its present premises at Laksa (Phone: 104) since 1910. The work has grown at a steady pace, and a branch Outdoor Dispensary was opened in 1931 at the Shivala quarter of the. city. The activities of the Home during the years under review were :—(1) Indoor General Hospital: Beds 115; admissions 2,051 and 2,532; daily average 95 and 110; surgical cases 283 and 328. (2) Refuge for Invalid Men : Beds 25; admissions 5. (3) Refuge for Women In­valids : Beds 50; admissions 19 and 20. (4) Home for Paralytic Patients : Admissions 11 and 12. (5) Dharmasala for poor strangers : Admissions 227 and 181. (6) Outdoor help to invalids and poor respectable ladies: Rs. 4,448-9-3 and Rs. 3,227-9-9; rice 17 mds. 16 srs. and 34 mds. 31| srs.

(7) Outdoor Dispensary (including the Shivala branch):Total cases 2,90,926 and 3,03,615; new cases 84,698 and 90,869.

(8) Special and Occasional Relief : Recipients 816 and 985.

The Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama, Kankhal (Saharanpur)

Founded in 1901, it was made a branch of the Mission in 1911. Its activities in 1944 and 1945 were:—(1) Indoor Hospital: Beds 50 ; admissions 1,316 and 1,040 ; daily average 29 and 30 ; surgical cases 42 and 64. (2) Outdoor Dispensary: Total cases 28,265 and 32,790; new cases 9,021 and 10,761.

3. Night School for Harijan boys: Students 50 and 41.
4. Library and Reading Room: Books 3,243 and 3,432;issued 3,204 and 3,642. .•' ;

The Sevashrama conducted Medical Relief during 1945 Ardhakumbha Fair at Hardwar by treating about 1,508 pil­grims at its temporary dispensary at Bhupatwala, by inoculat­ing a large number of pilgrims against Cholera, and by run-

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ning the Government First Aid Post at Kankhal in the Sevashrama premises.

The Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama, Brindaban (Muttra)

Started in 1907 and formally recognised in 1911, it has all along been doing excellent service to thousands, including pilgrims to this holy place. Its activities were :—(1) Indoor Hospital : Beds 55 ; admissions 1453 and 1379 ; daily average 38 and 34 ; surgical cases 2552 and 1121. (2) Outdoor Dis­pensary : Total cases 70,483 and 56,991 ; new cases 24,257 and 20,879; surgical cases 753 and 699.

The Eye Hospital, started in 1943, is working successfully.

The Ramakrishna Mission Sisumanga! Pratishthan, Calcutta

This first-class Maternity Hospital at 99, Lansdowne Road (Phone: South 1234), doing pre-natal, natal and post­natal work, was started in 1932. Its activities in 1944 and 1945 were :—(1) Indoor Hospital: Beds for mothers 75 and 100 and for babies 65 ; admissions 4618 and 5395. (2) Out­door Department : Total cases 14,450 and 16,921 ; new cases 4575 and 5637. (3) Sunday Clinic giving hygienic instruction to expectant mothers. (4) Systematic care of new-born babies up to school-going age through home-visits and bi-weekly clinics. (5) Training of respectable women in midwifery, obstetrical nursing and infant care.

A spacious block for the Outdoor Department was opened in December, 1945.

The Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Cawnpore

The institution, affiliated in 1931, was shifted in 1936 to its own premises at Ramakrishnanagar. Its activities were :— (1) Outdoor Dispensary : Total cases 68,610 and 71,766; new cases 14,363 and 16,298. (2) Students' Home : Boarders 6. (3) A Primary School with 261 students. (4) A Library : Books in 1945 1310 ; issued 639. (5) Religious classes, Bhajana and observance of the birthdays of great religious Teachers.

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' The Ramakrishna Mission, New Delhi

Started in the old city in 1927 and affiliated in 1930, the Ashrama was removed in 1933 to its own premises on Ibbet-son Road, off Panchkuin Road, New Delhi 2 (Phone : No. 8480). Its activities in 1944 and 1945 were :—(1) Tuber­culosis Clinic at Daryaganj: Total cases 18,359 and 19,277; new cases 655 and 677. ' (2) Outdoor Dispensary : Total cases 21,232 and 22,440; new cases 6558 and 7824.

3. Library : Books 2251 and 2412 ; issued 3428 and 2446.
4. Regular Bhajana and religious classes, the observance ofbirthdays, etc.

The Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama, Lucknow

-The Sevashrama, started in 1914, moved to Aminabad in 1924 and was affiliated in 1925. Its activities in 1944 and. 1945 were :—(1) Outdoor Dispensary : Total cases 59,815 and 67,842; new cases 12,533 and 12,800. (2) Primary School : Students 47 and, 72. (3) Night- School: - Boys 41 and 61. (4) Library and Reading Room : Books 4166 and 4436 ; issued 9431 and 8476.

* The Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Katihar (Purnea)

Started in 1926 and affiliated in 1931, this Ashrama con­ducted :—An Outdoor Charitable Dispensary : Total cases 33,710 and 33,401; new cases 8005 and 8956. (2) A Library: Books 772 and 724; issued 1642 and 931. (3) Regular religious classes and occasional lectures.

The Ashrama conducted Small-pox Relief in 1944 in the town as also in two villages.

The Ramakrishna Mission Seva Sadan, Salkia (Howrah)

The institution, existing since 1924, was affiliated in 1931. Its activities were :—(1) Outdoor Dispensary : Total cases 43,738 in 1944 ; new cases 16,673. (2) Students' Home, which had only 7 students owing to the abnormal situation. (3) Weekly religious classes.

The Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Ranch!

This picturesque Ashrama at Morabadi was started in

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1927 and made a Mission branch in 1930. It conducted :— (1) An Outdoor Dispensary : Total cases 950 and 1532 ; new cases 670 and 1197. (2) A small Library. (3) Regular reli­gious classes in the town.

The Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama, Midnapore

This Sevashrama, started in 1914, was recognised as a Mission branch in 1931. Its activities were :—(1) Indoor Hospital: Beds 12 and 6; admissions 18 and 21. (2) Out­door Dispensary: Total cases 28,610 and 19,610; new cases 14,258 and 6641. (3) Two and one Primary Schools: Students 83 and 38. (4) Library: Books 651 and 427; issued 1975 and 1827. (5) Religious classes and lectures on occasions.

The Ramakrishna Mission Library and Widows' Home, Puri

The Widows' Home was started in 1940 to enable Hindu .widows to lead a religious life. In the years under review it had 4 inmates, who were taken care of by a Lady Superin­tendent. Weekly religious classes and Bhajana were held in the Home, which were open to other ladies also.

The Ramakrishna Library with about 2100 books and the Durgamani Memorial Hall, Puri, were handed over to the Mission in February, 1944, and made a part of the Mission work in that town.

The Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Jalpaiguri

Founded in 1928, the Ashrama was handed over to the Mission in 1941. Its activities in 1944 and 1945 were:— (1) Outdoor Dispensary : Total cases 25,261 and 17,669 ; new cases 8816 and 7951. (2) Primary School for the boys of the backward classes: Students 40 and 22. (3) Free Library and Reading Room : Books 1000; issued 838 and 1008. (4) Home for poor students: Boarders 1@ and 9. (5) Domiciliary Maternity and Baby Clinic, which attended to 72 and 110 cases and 41 and 57 post-natal cases, took care of 185 and 327 modiers and 133 and 261 babies, and arranged 7 and 12 lantern lectures on maternity. (6) Free milk for 3024 and 5633 mothers and children. (7) Preaching in

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neighbouring places, and arranging public celebrations on special occasions.

The Dai Training Centre, opened in 1943, admitted 10 Dais in 1944 and 8 in 1945.

The Ashrama conducted a Milk Canteen in 1944 and 1945, when 612 and 341 mds. of milk were distributed to children and ailing persons.

The Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Salem -

The Ashrama (at Sivaswamipuram) was founded in 1928, and was affiliated to the Mission in 1940. It con­ducted :—(1) A Free Ayurvedic Dispensary: Total cases 32,999 and 31,468. (2) A Free Primary Night School for Harijan children : Strength 47 and 48. (3) Regular classes and Bhajana.

The Ashrama ran a Milk Canteen for 15 children in 1945.

The Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama, Calicut

It was started at Chellapuram in 1930 and was affiliated to the Mission in 1943. It was removed to its own premises at Kallai in 1944. It conducted :—(1) A Dispensary, which treated 57,995 and 50,081 cases, of which 9242 and 8270 were new. (2) A Home for students and orphans, which had 38 and 27 boys. (3) A weekly scriptural class for students and another for the public.

>A new building for the Orphanage and Students' Home was opened in May, 1944, and an Allopathic section was added to the Dispensary in August of the same year.

The Ramakrishna Mission Tuberculosis Sanatorium-Hospital, Ranchi

As a humble attempt to mitigate the appalling preva­lence of Tuberculosis in India, the Mission decided in 1939 to start a Sanatorium-Hospital at Dungri (P.O. Hatia), 8 miles from the Ranchi Station, where 240 acres of land were secured, and a few sheds put up for the workers to supervise the construction. Before, however, the preliminaries could be completed, the work was arrested owing to the war situation, and has remained so. till now. ... ,

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B. INSTITUTIONS MAINLY EDUCATIONAL

The Ramakrishna Mission Sarada Pitha, Belur

To impart an all-round education to young men after the ideals of Swami Vivekananda, this institution (P. O. Belur Math) was started in 1941. Its nucleus is the general section, the Vidyamandira—a Residential Intermediate College affiliated to the Calcutta University. It had 80 boys under 12 lecturers, 2 of whom were monks of the Order. It has a fine building and an excellent Hostel, ideally situated close to the Belur Math. In 1945 it sent up its third batch of 41 candi­dates for the I.A. Examination, of whom 26 passed and one got a divisional scholarship. During the year I. Com. classes were started. The College has a decent Library and a Common Room. Tutorial classes are regularly held in all subjects. In addition to academic education, the Vidya­mandira students are provided with special facilities for the harmonious growth of their head, hand and heart through extra-curricular activities.

At the Silpa Mandira (Technical Section) there were 75 electricians and 100 fitters in 1945. At the year-end there were 226 students including the Industrial School, which was amalgamated with the Sarada Pitha in April, 1945. . The boys of the Industrial School were taught cabinet-making, weaving, dyeing, calico-printing and tailoring. Religious training, physical exercise and music also received proper attention. Most of the boys, being poor, were given free board and lodging, apart from being helped with stipends.

The Ramakrishna Mission Students' Home, Madras

This premier educational institution of the Mission was started in 1905 and affiliated in 1918. It moved to its own spacious buildings at Mylapore in 1921, added a Residential High School in 1922 and an Industrial School in 1925. .The High School at Tyagarayanagar was started as a branch of the Home in 1932. The institution has been making steady progress throughout.

About half the students in the Home enjoy scholarships. Physical, moral and religious instruction, tutorial guidance,.

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and training in music and social service are a few of its special features. It works without servants, everything being done by the boys themselves. The Sevapravina Samiti, an association of 15 older students elected by the general body, managed practically everything connected with the boys. The Home has two excellent Libraries containing in all 16,024 and 16,130 books in 1944 and 1945.

The Residential High School had 166 and 168 boys during the years under review. The institution continued to produce good results at the public examinations. Small classes, simplicity in furniture and dress, individual atten­tion to boys, and a compulsory course of Manual Training are some of its' special features. During the War it was shifted to, ,yttiramerur, 53 miles from Madras, whence it was moved in May, 1946 to Attur, near Chingleput.

TSie Industrial School, which had 60 and 73 boys in 1944 and 1945, is fully equipped with precision tools and appli­ances, and teaches Automobile Engineering. The students, after completing a course of four years, appear for the Government L.A.E. Diploma Examination.

There were 286 students on the rolls of the Branch Industrial School at Tyagarayanagar. The 'Civmil' Hostel for. the technicians moved to its new building in June, 1944.

The High School at Tyagarayanagar, located in its own spacious building, had 2502 and 2525 students, and 133 experienced teachers. There is a Hostel attached to the School, which had 60 and 70 students in 1944 and 1945, and paid due attention to their moral and spiritual well-being.

The Ramakrishna Mission Calcutta Students' Home

This ideal Home for college students, recognised by the Calcutta University, was started in 1916 and was affiliated to the Mission in 1919. It imparts to its young inmates a course of thorough man-making education. Owing to the War situation it has been temp'orarily removed from its own extensive grounds on .Sir Romesh Mitter Road, P. O_v Dum Dum, to 20, Harinath De Road, Calcutta.

In 1944 and 1945 the number of free boarders was 15 and 18, that of part-free boarders 12 and 14, and that of pay-

17

ing boarders 14 and 11. During this period 11 students graduated, 16 passed the Intermediate Examination, and 1 the Medical examination. One of the students stood second in the LA. Examination in 1944, and next year one student stood first class first in the M.A. Examination in English. Three books entitled Hinduism at a Glance, Religion and Modern Doubts and Our Education, of which the author's share of profit will go to the Home, were written for a pub­lishing firm in 1944 and 1945. The establishment at Hasana-bad (24-Parganas) was temporarily shifted to a .friend's new house at Sodepur in September, 1945. From August, 1944 till the end of 1945 Rs. 810/- was spent as stipends to 10 outside students.

The Ramakrishna Mission Ashrania, Pathuriaghata (Calcutta)

This University-recognised Hostel for students, with its own three-storeyed building and an endowment, was started in 1943' at 18, Jadulal Mullick Road, Pathuriaghata, Calcutta. Its aims are similar to those of other educational institutions of the Mission. In 1944 and 1945 it had 26 and 25 students, of whom 3 and 1 were full-free, 8 and 9 part-free. Religious classes were conducted for the students twice weekly.

The Ramakrishna Mission Vidyapith, Deoghar (S.P.) '"

This is a Residential High School (P.O. Vidyapith, Deoghar) for young boys, conducted on the model of the ancient Gurukula, where the main stress is laid on the development of character and a religious spirit through self-discipline. Started in 1922, it was affiliated to the Mission in 1924. It is situated on an extensive plot of'land amid quiet, picturesque surroundings. Many of its teachers and house-supervisors are members of the Ramakrishna Order. In 1944 and 1945 it accommodated 160 and' 161 boys, 18 and 15 of whom passed the Matriculation Examination in the two years. There is provision for the teaching of music, typewriting, gardening," physical culture,' etc. The School" Library had 4853 and 5034 books, a good 'Reading Room with several newspapers and magazines, as also "a Laboratory.

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The boys conducted the periodical ' Vidyapith' and organised debates, festivals and other social activities.

Attached to the institution is a homeopathic Charitable Dispensary, which treated 3061 and 3500 cases.

The Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Shillong

The work in the Khasia and Jaintia Hills of Assam wasbegun in 1924 with a view to spreading education and general
culture among the hill-tribes, one-third of whom had adoptedalien faiths and cultures. It was made a branch of theMission in 1937. , .

The Ashrama at Shillong is the headquarters of the Mission work in these hills. In 1944 and 1945 it conducted : —(1) A Free Library and Reading Room, with 578 books in 1945. (2) Two Primary Schools at Mawkhar, within the town: Total strength 36 and 58. (3) An Outdoor Dispen­sary (in 1944) : Total cases 297. (4) Regular scriptural classes and occasional lecture tours.

: Its main activities are at Cherrapunji, 32 miles off, where it ran :—(1) A High School with 142 and 201 students. (2) A Hostel with 21 and 24 inmates, who had ample facilities for an all-round development. (3) A free Primary School with 64 and 69 children. (4) An Outdoor Dispensary: Total cases 283 in 1944.

At Sheila, 12 miles further off, .it conducted a free M.E. School with 71 and 76 students, besides otfeer activities of a religious nature.

At Nongwar, a village 8 miles below Cherrapunji, there Is a free Primary School teaching up to class IV, which had 43 and 59 children,

The Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya, '

Perianaikenpalayam (Coimbatore)

Started in 1930, the Vidyalaya (P.O. Sri Ramakrishna Vidyalaya) has quickly developed into a full-fledged Residen­tial High School, 1 with a rural service section for the surrounding villages. It Was made a branch of the Mission in 1934. During the years under review it had 115 and 127 students. Besides' the ordinary subjects of High Schools, it

19

taught tailoring,' carpentry, spinning and carding. TheWardha method of education has been successfully intro­duced in the lower forms. ; .

The boys are trained to develop their individuality. Divided into groups under their captains, they do almost all ' the work of the Ashrama. A special feature of the institution is that the classes are sometimes taken out to the adjacent villages, where magic lantern demonstrations are held, and the boys help in cleaning the surroundings. Along with intellectual training, religious, moral and physical training is adequately imparted.

The Teachers' Training School had 10 students in 1945, .of whom 7 passed the final examination. A Dispensary was added in November, 1945.

The Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Sarisha (24-Parganas)

Started in 1921, and affiliated to the Mission in 1924, this institution has devoted itself to the task of village reconstruction through the right* type of education. In this field its place in the Mission is very high. The SifysMa Mdndir or Boys' Agricultural M. E. School (strength 481 and 491), with continuation classes VII and VIII, imparts general and agricultural education, supplemented by lessons in Vratachari dance and physical culture under experts, and full opportunities for various useful social activities. In the Sarada Mandir of Girls' High School (strength 184 and 160), besides academic education, are taught cooking, sports and physical culture. Both these schools have efficient staffs, and the students are supplied with daily tiffin. Their results, particularly those of the Girls' School, have been uniformly brilliant.

The Ashrama maintains a Literary Association and a Sports Club for local youths, and takes every care to get these youths well placed in life. It runs three Hostels, one for boys and one for girls at Sarisha, and another for boys at Calcutta. 'The number of students in these hostels was 11, 9 and 8 in 1944 and 21, 10 and 8 in 1945, respectively. Of these students 5 were free and 7 part-free in 1944, and 6 were free and 3 part-free in" 1945. The physical education of the

20

girls as well as the boys is supervised by an expert. The Ashrama organises annual competitive sports for the school students of the subdivision.

Distress Relief work including Medical Relief was successfully continued by this branch throughout 1944 and up to March, 1945. Food-grains as also a large number of clothes were distributed among the needy.

The Ashrama Library, which had 832 books in 1945, is open to the public. There are separate school Libraries for the boys and girls and for the Literary Association. The Ashrama also runs an outdoor homeopathic Charitable Dis­pensary (cases treated being 28,728 and 9691, of which 9984 and 4930 were new), and helps poor people with cash and cloth.

The Ramakrishna Mission Sarada Vidyalaya, Madras

Sri Sarada Vidyalaya, Tyagarayanagar, Madras, started in 1921 by some ladies imbued with the ideal of service, was amalgamated with the Mission in 1938. From a humble beginning the institution has risen to be a self-contained centre for women's educational work. The strength of the High School in 1944 and 1945 was 1008 and 1088.

The Training School (strength 71 and 84) attached to the Vidyalaya is recognised by the Government, and trains Higher Elementary grade teachers free of charge. The unique feature of the School is the preparatory section, into which are admitted young women with little or no previous schooling. The School has a practising section attached to it with classes I to V. It runs a separate Higher Elementary School, which had 480 girls in 1944 and 611 girls in 1945. There is provision for moral and religious instruction, group singing and physical training, as also for useful excursions and extra-curricular activities. Its two Hostels accommodated 62 and 82 inmates in 1944 and 1945.

The Sister Nivedita Girls' School and Sarada Mandir, Calcutta

This free School (5, Nivedita Lane, Baghbazar) was started in 1902 by Sister Nivedita (Miss Margaret E. Noble),

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to give proper education to Hindu girls. While keeping intact the ancient Hindu ideal of womanhood, the School has all along been trying to make the girls more efficient in housekeeping and the arts and crafts auxiliary to it, so that they may solve their own problems.

The institution, housed in its own fine building, was made a branch of the Mission in 1918. It teaches up to the Matriculation standard, through 19 lady teachers, 7 of whom were honorary workers. Its strength in 1944 and 1945 was 485 and 541. In addition to academic instruction for all, 50 students were taught in 1944 drawing, music, needlework, hygiene and housekeeping. Religious training was a speciality.

The Sarada Mandir or Hostel attached to the School accommodated, in 1945, 18 inmates, of whom 7 were honorary workers. The School has got a decent Library, with 3078 books in 1945.

The Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Asansol (Burdwan)

Started in 1926, the Ashrama was handed over to the Mission in 1938, since when it has steadily developed. It runs :—(1) A High School, which had 221 and 276 boys in 1944 and 1945. (2) A Students' Home, which had 5 and 6 inmates. (3) A Library, with 732 books in 1945. (4) Regular worship, religious meetings and festivals.

The High School opened class X in 1945.

The Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya and Boys' Home, Chingleput

Started as a Higher Elementary School in 1936, the insti­tution was converted into a partly residential Secondary School in 1940, in which year the Mission took over its management. It has become a High- School since 1942. The strength of the School in 1944 and 1945 was 261 and 272, while that of the Elementary School was 94 and 87, and that of the Boys' Home was 37 and 58.₍ Besides secular education, the pupils are given, moral and religious instruction as also lessons on gardening, printing and composing. The birth-

22

days of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother and Swami' Vivekananda were also celebrated. Its Library containedabout 1500 books. '

The Vivekananda Hall, intended for congregational purposes, was opened in March, 1945.

The Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Society, Jamshedpur (Singhbhum)

Started in 1919 and affiliated to the Mission in 1927, the institution conducted :—(1) An M. E. School: Students 556 in 1945. (2) Three Primary Schools: 372 children in 1945.

(3) A Students' Home, with 30 boarders. (4) A Library andReading Room: Books 1767; issued 3115. (5) Regular
classes and occasional lectures. (6) Nursing of the sick andcremation of a few dead bodies, besides occasional help incash or kind. (7) A Night School: Students 57 in 1945.

The Society maintained a Home for Bengal Destitutes.

The Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Faridpur

Founded in 1921 and recognised as a Mission branch in 1934, it conducted :—(1) An M. E. School for girls : Strength 146 and 133. (2) A Primary School for Harijans: Strength 78 in 1945. (3) A Students' Home, having 2 and 5 students.

(4) A Library, with 305 books. (5) An Outdoor Dispensary :Total cases 17,098 and 15,580; new cases 14,748 and 13,769.(6) Regular worship and Bhajana. .. .

The Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Barnagore (24-Parganas)

Started in 1912, this institution for students was made abranch of the Mission in 1924. Grown-up boys residing inthe Ashrama are sent to the local High Schools, and youngerboys are educated in the Ashrama. The total number'ofinmates in 1944 and 1945 was 23 and 41. The SanskritChatushpathi had 11 and 8 students during the years under acompetent teacher. The Ashrama also conducted a Libraryand Reading Room : Books 3038 and 3087; issued 2347 and2956. ' '

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The Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda College, >: Madras

It is our pleasure to announce that a first grade Arts & Science College, called the Vivekananda College, was opened by the Mission at Madras in June, 1946, with the enthusiastic help of local friends. Pending the construction of its own buildings, portions of the Madras Students' Home buildings have been remodelled to accommodate the College. Details will appear in the next Report.

The Ramakrishna Mission Boys' Home, Rahara (24-Parganas)

Through the princely donation of three buildings and four gardens, Rs. 10,000/- in cash and a permanent fund of Rs. 3,00,000/- by a Bengali lady devotee, an Orphanage called the Boys' Home was started at Rahara, near Khardah, about 12 miles north of Calcutta, in September, 1944, with 37 boys including 30 destitute orphans, the victims of the terrible Bengal famine of 1943. With the admission of more of these orphans through Government help, the Home had 119 and 158 boys on its rolls during the years under review. Addi* tional structures were raised to accommodate them.

The students read in the M. E. School, extended up to Class VIII, started by the Mission in its own premises. Along with general education, lessons on religion, music, typewrit­ing, tailoring, paper-making, toy-making, gardening and leather-embossing were imparted to the boys. Due attention was paid to their physical well-being also through games etc.

The boys are encouraged to manage their own affairs under their group leaders as far as practicable. They have a Boys' Court to deal with petty offences. They ably conduct a quarterly magazine called "Ashrama," as also a weekly bulletin of current news. They have a debating society, and successfully stage religious dramas also.

A small Library with 272 volumes has been started. The Orphanage is one of the biggest in the Province, and is being run on sound lines.

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.The Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Patna • •

Started in 1922 and recognised as a Mission branch in1926, it has been occupying-its own home at Langartoly,Bankipore, since 1930. In 1944 and 1945 it maintained:—(1) A Charitable Dispensary at the Ashrama : Total case's35,337 and 48,030; new cases 5824 and 15,805. (2) A smallStudents' Home. (3) A Library, containing 697 books, ofwhich 409 were issued. (4) Religious classes, numbering 81and 112, besides arranging public meetings, and occasionallecturing tours in the province. The Ashrama' also housed aU. P. School. .

The School and Students' Home buildings were extended in 1945. '

The Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Sargachhi (Murshidabad)

This oldest Ashrama of the Mission (P.O. Mahula), started in 1897 by the late Swami Akhandananda was affili­ated in 1911. It conducted in the years under review :—(1) An Orphanage, with 4 and 3 boys. (2) An M. E. School, with 98 and 191 boys. . (3) A free Night School, with 33 and 27 boys. (4) An Outdoor Charitable Dispensary: Total cases 21,937 and 17,565 ; new cases 12,753 and 10,529. (5) A . Library : Books 3400 in 1945 ; issued 5251. (6) Regular classes . and occasional lectures' in the district town of Berhampore.,

The Ramakrishna Mission, Barisal

Started in 1904 and made a Mission branch in 1911, it conducted in 1944 and 1945:—(1) Weekly religious classes, besides arranging some public lectures. (2) A Library: Books 873 ; issued 27 (in 1945). (3) A Students' Home, with 10 and 16 inmates. " (4) Help to poor people with cash and in kind.

* The Ramakrishna Mission Institute" of
Culture, Calcutta ' ^;

' In commemoration of the first Birth Centenary of Sri Ramakrishna, this Institute was started in 1938. Its object

25

is the realisation of the universal teachings of Sri Rafnakrishna through a scientific and comparative study of the creative achievements and spiritual experiences of the diverse races and communities of mankind. During the years under review the Institute conducted :—(1) 42 and 109 classes and 19 and 37 lectures. (2) A Students' Home, with 18 and 26 inmates. (3) A fine Library, with nearly 28,107 volumes, and a Read­ing Room.

The Institute is located at 4A, Wellington Square (Phone: Calcutta 4050). In 1945 it received the gift of a large four-storeyed building, not yet vacant, at 111, Russa Road, in south Calcutta, from an enlightened Bengali lady.

The Ramakrishna Mission, Lahore

This centre was started in 1939, and is located at 16/1, Lodge Road. It conducted :—(1) An Outdoor Dispensary : Total cases 17,870 and 27,080; new cases 5873 and 9155. (2) A Library, with 787 books in 1945. (3) 52 and 25 religious classes and 17 and 15 lectures.

The centre collected and sent to the Headquarters over Rs. 6,000/- towards Bengal Distress Relief.

The Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Vizagapatam

This Ashrama was started in 1938 and received affiliation in 1939. Owing to the War situation, it was shifted to Tanuku (West Godavari) in December, 1941. The Students' Home had 43 and 10 pupils in 1944 and 1945, and the monk-in-charge gave numerous religious discourses and undertook preaching tours in different parts of Andhra.

The Ashrama returned from Tanuku to Vizagapatam in June, 1945.

The Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama, Silchar (Cachar)

This institution has been doing good work, mainly educational, among the backward classes of Assam since 1924. It was made a Mission branch in 1938. During the "years under review it maintained :—(1) Two Night Schools: •Total strength 63 and 67. (2) A Students' Home, with 8

26

and 10 inmates. (3) A Library:.. Books 1045, It also: organised 27 and 51 classes and 6 and 8 lectures, and gave,! monetary help and rice to poor people of the locality.

With help from the Headquarters, the Ashrama continued Distress Relief work throughout 1944 and up to May, 1945.

The Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Taki (24-Parganas)

Established in 1931 as a centre of rural uplift, and affiliated in 1938, the Ashrama conducted in 1944 and 1945 :— (1) An Extended M. E. School: Students 74 and 88. (2) Three U. P. Schools, one for boys, one for girls and the other a mixed one: Total strength 235 and 258. (3) An Indus­trial School, with 74 and 32 pupils. (4) A Students' Home : Boarders 19 and 15. (5) A Library, with 563 and 670 books. (6) A Charitable Dispensary : Total cases'27,169 and 22,129; new cases 9678 and 9123. (7) An Indoor Hospital : Beds 37; admissions 650 and 463 ; daily average 33; surgical cases 125 and 130; maternity cases 111 and 130. (8) Weekly religious classes and occasional lectures.

Distress Relief work, started in May, 1943, was continued till the end of January, 1945.

SECTION III COMBINED MATH & MISSION CENTRES

A. INSTITUTIONS COMBINING GENERAL

SERVICE WITH RELIGIOUS • ^;

•-.-••• ACTIVITIES

The Ramakrishna Math and Mission, Madras

This chief monastery, of the Order in South India, located at Mylapore (Phone : 86231), was founded in 1897 by the late Swami Ramakrishnananda. Its principal activities are:—

(1) Regular worship of Sri Ramakrishna in a beautiful shrine,¹

(2) Sri Ramakrishna's and Swami Vivekananda's birthdaycelebrations on a'... large scale. (3) ' Training of monastic
members in spiritual practice and altruistic service. (4) Con­ducting three monthlies, The VedantaKesari in English (31styear in 1945), 'Sri 'Ramakrishna Vijayam in Tamil'(25th year)

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i Ramakrishna Prabha in Telugu (started in July, /. (5) Publication of a good many religious books in jiiglish, Tamil and Telugu. (6) Religious discourses (1200 in 1944; 243 in 1945) at the Math and at various institutions of the city. (7) Maintaining a fine Library : Books 6365 and 6402 ; issued 1640 and 615. (8) Courses of lectures by scholars on religion and philosophy—some of them open to the public. (9) A Charitable Dispensary : Total cases in the last two years 78,170 and 79,984 ; new cases 17,128 ajid 17,614 ; surgical cases 590 and 691. (10) Rural reconstrmic-tion work in three settlements. (11) Extensive preachLng throughout the Presidency. (12) A Girls' M. E. School at George Town : Students 441 and 507.

A complete English edition of The Gospel of Sri Ran-ia-krishna and the Silver Jubilee Number of Sri Ramakrish na Vijdyam were notable publications in 1944 and 1P45 respectively.

The Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Bombay

This Ashrama, situated at Khar (Phone : 88042), vwas started in 1923. In 1944 and 1945 it conducted regular wor­ship, celebrated on a large scale the birthdays of Sri Rama­krishna and Swami Vivekananda, and arranged 201 and 2 36 religious classes and 88 and 39 lectures at Bombay, besic3es lecturing tours in the Presidency.

The Ashrama made handsome collections in cash add kind for the Bengal Distress Relief work.

The Mission Branch, opened in 1932, conducted :—(1) A Charitable Dispensary : Total cases 70,287 and 76,913; new eases 27,348 and 29,461. (2) A Library : Books 4475 and 3495; issued 1523 and 1400. (3) A Students' Hom«e : Strength 18.

It conducted Flood Relief work in the Surat District in September and October, 1944.

The Ramakrishna Math and Mission, Bhubaneswar (Puri)

This monastery, founded by the late Swami Brahmananda in 1919, conducts :—(1) Regular worship and religious classes.

28

2. A Sanskrit Chatushpathi for the monks of the Order.
3. Sri Ramakrishna festival.

The Mission branch, started in 1920, conducted in 1944 and 1945:—(1) A Charitable Dispensary: Total cases 26,489 and 24,826; new cases 6663 and 16,143. (2) A free Primary School : Students 70.

Flood Relief was done on a small scale in 1944 as also in 1945. A travelling dispensary of the branch served 4918 patients and did Cholera Relief work (38 patients), in 1945. The centre did some Fire Relief also.

The Ramakrishna Math and Mission Sevashrama, Bankura

The Math was started in 1917. During the years under review it conducted :—(1) Regular worship, 275 and 263 religious classes and a number of public celebrations. (2) A Library : Books (in 1945) 1323 ; issued 3,119.

The Sevashrama conducted :—(1) A Charitable Dispen­sary, which treated 71,860 and 70,421 cases, of which 27,073 and 24,878 were new ones. (2) Classes on Homeopathic Therapeutics for 14 and 9 students, 12 and 6 of whom were accommodated in the Ashrama. (3) A Students' Home with 11 and 18 inmates. (4) A Primary School in 1945, with 125 students.

The Mission carried on Distress Relief work including Medical Relief during the years.

The Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Dinajpur

The Ashrama was started in 1923 and the Mission branch in 1942. The Ashrama conducted:—'Regular worship, Bhajana and religious classes in the Ashrama and weekly classes in the local jail, as also occasional lectures, generally during the birthday celebrations.

The Mission branch conducted :—(1) Two CharitableDispensaries: Total cases 27,067 and 26,614 ; new cases 6132and 5123. (2) An M. E. School for girls : Students 129 and145. (3) A Students' Home : Strength 10 and 17. (4) Fourand three Primary Schools: Students 171 and 189. (5) Asmall Library, open to the public. ^: •

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It continued Distress Relief work during the period.

The Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Malda

The Ashrama was started in 1924 and the Mission branch in 1942. The former conducted regular worship, 160 scrip­tural classes (in 1945), and occasional lectures, generally during the birthday observances.

The Mission branch conducted :—(1) Three and two Night Schools : Students 76 and 52. (2) One Primary School: Students 59 and 68. (3) Two Charitable Dispen­saries : Total cases 49,885 and 53,222; new cases 10,678 and 10,710. (4) A small Library open to die public : Books 663 in 1945; issued 869. (5) A Students' Home with, 3 boys.

The Ramakrishna Math and Mission Sevashrama, Allahabad

The Math (at Muthiganj) was founded in 1908 and theMission Sevashrama in 1910. The former conducts weeklyreligious classes and occasional lectures. The birthdays ofthe Prophets were duly celebrated. . . .-

The Sevashrama conducted in 1944 and 1945 :—(1) A Charitable Dispensary: Total cases 36,665 and 40,584; new cases 7211 and 7977. (2) A Library and Reading Room: Books 1953 and 2026 ; issued 2134 and 2371.

The Ramakrishna Math and Mission, Karachi

This Math (Phone : 7168) at Garden Quarter was startedin 1936. In 1944 and 1945 it held 63 and 50 scriptural classes
and arranged a number of lectures. It also conducted regularworship, Bhajana and "a Library, with 1846 and 2676 books;issued 2996 and 3361. ' '

The Mission branch, started in 1939, rah :—(1) A Chari­
table Dispensary : Total cases 27,567 and 33,634 ; new cases5865 and 5892. (2) An Eye Clinic : Total cases 11,752'and11,210 ; new cases' 2085 and 1845. ^ (3) A Primary School forBhil children: Strength 40.' (4) A Night School with'16and 25 students. ' • " : . ' :' ""

Its Sunday religious classes had a record average attend­ance of over 2000.

30.

The Mission collected very large quantities of rice as also other contributions for the Bengal Distress Relief.

The Ramakrishna Ashrama and Mission Sevashrama, Tamluk (Midnapore)

The institution was started in 1914 and was made a Mission branch in 1929. The Sevashrama conducted :— (1) An Indoor Hospital: Beds 4 and 6; admissions 32 and 38. (2) An Outdoor Dispensary: Total cases 7749 and 6215; new cases 1902 and 1648. (3) A Primary School: Students 116 and 144. (4) A Circulating Library and a Read­ing Room: Books 2624 and 2373; issued 5111 and 1514. (4) Classes, meetings and lantern lectures.

There was a Medical Relief Centre at Sidya (in 1944), which treated 30,941 cases, of which 6397 were new.

The Ashrama conducted regular worship and Bhajana, and celebrated a number of birthdays.

The Matrimandir and Sarada Sevashrama, Jayrambati (Bankura)

The Matrimandir (P. O. Desra), established in 1920 in memory of the Holy Mother in her birthplace, conducted daily worship and celebrated her birthday as well as two other festivals.

The Mission Sevashrama, started in 1930, conducted in 1944 and 1945 :—(1) A Charitable Dispensary: Total cases 15,281 and 15,900; new cases 6970 and 8245. (2) A U. P. School, raised to M. E. in 1945 : Students 78 and 107.

The Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Mymensingh

This Ashrama, started in 1922, conducted regular worship, Bhajana and weekly scriptural classes, and arranged occasional lectures. fM

The Mission branch, opened in 1931, ran:—(1) A Library with 500 books. (2) A Students' Home : Students 5 and 4.

The Ramakrishna Ashrama and Mission Sevashrama, Sonargaon (Dacca)

Started in 1915, and affiliated to the Mission in 1925, the

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Sevashrama (at Tajpur, P. O. Aminpur) conducted :—(1) An Outdoor Dispensary : Total cases 3732 and 3320 ; new cases 1606 and 1706. (2) A Library : Books 632. (3) A Students' Home with 8 and 6 students.'

This centre continued Distress Relief in the villages in1944. ' '

B. INSTITUTIONS DOING EDUCATIONAL AND RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES

The Ramakrishna Math and Mission, Dacca

With its nucleus formed in 1899, and Seva department added in 1908, the centre was taken over by he monastic workers in 1914, and made a Mission branch in 1916. It? activities in'the past two years were :—(1) Outdoor Dispen­sary : Total cases 8290 and 6628 ; new cases 4334 and 3068, (2) Boys' M. E. School; Strength 301 and 300. (3) Mixed Primary School : Students 42 and 39. (4) A Girls' L. P. School, with 12 and 24 students. (5) Library and Reading Room : Books 3436 and 3442 ; issued 959 and 1287. (6) Religious classes numbering 111 and 143 and occasional lectures. (7) Supervision of the U. P. School for girls at Brahmankitta : Students 57.

It continued Distress Relief work during the two years.

Regular worship, Bhajana and the celebration of reHgious festivals and birthdays were the principal Math activities.

• The Ramakrishna Ashrama and Mission Seva Samiti, Sylhet (and Karimganj)

The centre was started in 1916 and was affiliated to the Mission in 1926. It also manages a sub-centre, the Seva Samiti at Karimganj, founded in 1929. Their combined activities during 1944 and 1945 were :—(1) An M^.E. School at Agna : Students 113 in 1944 ; High School Classes (added in 1943) : Students 47 and 199. (2) Six Primary'Schools': Students 168 and 206. (3) Five and six Night Schools: Strength 138 and 107. (4) Two Libraries: Books 3043 in 1945. (5) Two Charitable Dispensaries: Total cases 18,013 and 19,737 ; new cases 5899 and 6439. (6) A Students' Home, with 13 boarders. (7) Industrial School: Students 171 and

32

192. In some of the Schools, the Sylhet centre is trying to introduce agriculture, poultry-farming, weaving and brick-making.

Malaria Relief work at Baniyachong was continued in 1944, jointly with the Habiganj centre.

The Ashrama held :—(1) Regular worship, Bhajana and 339 and 509 religious classes, besides occasional lectures. (2) Birthday celebrations of the Prophets.

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

The Ashrama was started in 1920, but the Seva Samiti was recognised as a Mission branch in 1926. ' The Samiti imparts education, secular and religious, to cobblers and people of other depressed classes in the district, and organises suitable home industries for them. Three Co-operative Societies for workers in leather in the district were substantially helped during the period. The Samiti also conducted :—(1) Seven Primary Schools : Students 205 and 244. (2) A Library and Reading Room : Books 1062 and 1065; issued 2844 and 2560.

The Ashrama conducted regular worship and religious classes, organised occasional lectures, and celebrated some birthdays.

The Ramakrishna Math and Mission Sevashrama, Contai (Midnapore)

Started in 1913, the Sevashrama was made a branch of the Mission in 1927. It maintained : (1) A Library and Reading Room : Books 1479 and 1569; issued 1261 and 1813. (2) A Charitable Dispensary : Total cases 16,465 and 14,699 ; new cases 5510 and 5368. (3) A Students' Home : Boarders 10 and 9.

At Belda, 3 miles off, it ran :—(1) A U. P. School for girls : Students 46. (2) A U. P. School for boys: Students 61 and 62.

At Manasadwip, in the Sundarbans, the Sevashrama conducted :—(1) An H. E. School for boys, with 74 and 80 students, to which is attached an agricultural 'section. (2) A U. P. School for girls: Students 33 and 38. (3) A U. P.

33

School for boys: Students 81 and 106. (4) A small hostel for boys.

The '"Math conducted regular worship and weekly reli­gious classes.

The Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Narayanganj (Dacca)

The Ashrama was started in 1909, and the Mission branch in 1922. The former conducted regular worship, religious classes, anniversary celebrations, etc.

The main activities of the Mission in the past two years were :—(1) Charitable Dispensary : Total cases 9270 and 9205 ; new cases 7250 and 7439. (2) Library and Reading Room: Books 1606. (3) Students' Home: Boarders 28 and 24, who were well taken care of.

The centre continued • Distress Relief work and super­vised a temporary Relief Hospital at Narayanganj in 1944 and partly in 1945.

The Ramakrishna Ashrama and Mission Sevashrama, Baliati (Dacca)

This centre was started in 1910. The Sevashrama, whichwas made a Mission branch in 1925, conducted in 1944 and1945 :—(1) A Charitable Dispensary : Total cases 8802 and
5711 ; new cases 2950 and 3723. (2) Two Primary Schools:Total strength 63 and 51. (3) A Library and Reading Room,with 730 books. . . . .

The Ashrama conducted regular worship, weekly scrip­tural classes, Bhajana, etc. . . . .

SECTION IV

MATH CENTRES .

The Advaita Ashrama, Mayavati (Almora)

The Ashrama was founded in 1899 by two English dis­ciples of Swami Vivekananda. Situated in the solitude of deep Himalayan forests at an altitude of 6300 ft., and com­manding a magnificent view of the snow-range, it aims at

34

producing a band of self-reliant characters through study and contemplation, without the aid of ceremonials.

It is one of the three chief publishing centres of the Order, the most notable of its publications being The Complete Worths of Swami Vivetymanda (in 7 volumes) and the important English monthly, Prabuddha Bharata (50th year in 1945). During the period under review a number of new books were published, and some books were reprinted. The publication department is located at 4, Wellington Lane, Calcutta (Phone : Calcutta 4475).

The main Ashrama has a fine Library, with about 5000 books. It also runs a good Hospital with 13 beds. The figures for 1944 and 1945 were as follows,:—Indoor : Total cases 207 and 264. Outdoor : Total cases 10,265 and 11,592 ; new cases 8607 and 9105.

This centre published in 1945 the Golden Jubilee Number of Prabuddha Bharata.

The Ramakrishna Math, Baghbazar, Calcutta

Started in 1899, this Math moved in 1909 to its own 'home at 1, Udbodhan Lane (Phone : Burra Bazar 5793), which served also as the Calcutta residence of the Holy Mother. In addition to the usual routine of a monastery, it conducted a Library, with 765 books, 56 and 28 classes and 33 and 40 lectures. It is the third publishing centre of the Order, and has brought out, among other books, the Bengali editions of Swami Vivekananda's work as well as the works of Swami Saradananda. During the period under review it published a few new books and reprinted some old ones. Udbodhan_f a Bengali religious monthly, completed its forty-sixth year in 1945.

»

Sri Ramakrishna Yogodyana, Kankurgachi, Calcutta

This retreat in the suburbs of Calcutta, enshrining part of the sacred relics of Sri Ramakrishna, was founded by his lay disciple, Sj. Ramachandra Dutt, in 1883 and was sancti­fied by the Master's visit. The Yogodyana, with extensive paddy fields in the district of 24-Parganas for its maintenance, .became-a Math.branch in 1943. Its activities during 1944 and

35

1945 were:—(1) Daily worship. (2) Celebration of the birthday of Sri Ramakrishna and other festivals. (3) 41 and 39 religious classes and occasional lectures. (4) Reprint of a Bengali Life of Sri Ramakrishna by Sj. Ramachandra Dutt.

The Gadadhar Ashrama, Calcutta

This Ashrama, started in 1921 at 86A^ Harish Chatterjee Street, Bhowanipur, continued its spiritual activities. Regular worship, Bhajana, and 290 and 203 scriptural classes were conducted at the Ashrama, besides a good number of classes in different quarters of the city.

The Veda Vidyalaya, established in 1926, is a good Sanskrit Chatushpathi, teaching different branches of Hindu philosophy, literature and. 'grammar. In 1944 and 1945 it had 54 and 57 students, of whom 6 were provided in the Ashrama. . The students showed good results in the public examinations, securing Government scholarships.

The Ashrama Library contained 2361 and 2457 useful books; issued 4640 and 4580. >

The Ramakrishna Advaita Ashrama, Benares

Started at Laksa in 1902, this Ashrama provides facilities for the spiritual growth of the monastic members of the Order, for whom regular scriptural classes were held. The Ashrama has a good Library, which had 4818 and 4879 books; issued 1202 and 1153. It celebrated, among other festivals* the birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda.

The Ramakrishna Ashrama, Nagpur

The Ashrama began to function in 1928, since when ithas made steady progress. During 1944 and 1945 it con­ducted :—(1) Three Charitable Dispensaries: Total eases35,396 and 33,052; new cases 15,111 and 14,622. (2) Weeklyreligious classes, and 16 and 36 public lectures. (3) ALibrary and Reading Room : Books 4380 and 5234 ; issued2028 and 1986. (4) A Students' Home, with 6 and 12students. (5) A Study Circle, which organised public meet­ings, sometimes with the aid of the magic lantern. • *

36

and the observance of the birthdays of Sri_i Ramakrishna and other great religious personages form its general activities.

The Ramakrishna Math, Puri

This monastery was founded in 1932. Situated on the sea at Chakratirtha, it is an ideal .place for rest and contemplation, where, among other things, regular worship and Bhajana are performed.

The Ramakrishna Kutir, Almora

This centre in a Himalayan health resort was founded in1918 by the late Swami Turiyananda. Situated amidstbeautiful surroundings, it provides excellent facilities formeditation and study. It has a small Library. -

The VJvekananda Ashrama, Shyamala Tal (Almora)

This is another retreat in the Himalayas (P. O. Sukhi-dhang), which was founded in 1914. The Ramakrishna Sevashrama attached to it treated 112 and 154 indoor cases, and 5741 and 6356 outdoor cases, of which 4803 and 5425 were new ones. In addition the Veterinary Section treated 1701 and 3092 cattle'and horses.

The Ramakrishna Ashrama, Kishenpur (Dehra-Dun)

This Ashrama (P. O. Rajpur) was started in 1916 in a picturesque .valley four miles from Dehra-Dun,. on the Mussoorie Road. It is a delightful place for meditation. Besides regular worship, it conducts a Library with abouf 1220 books and a Charitable Dispensary, which treated 2666 and 1966 cases, of which 1692 and 1033 .were new ones.

Sri Sarada Kutir, Barlowganj (Dehra-Dun)

This new retreat, located in a small house at Barlow-ganj, 3 miles below Mussoorie, near the main road, was donated to the Belur Math in 1944 by a friend. It serves the purpose of a summer resort for our monks.

The Ramakrishna Ashrama, Kallmpong (Darjeeling)

A new commodious house with-"1^ acre of land, ideally situated at the hill station of Kalimpong and commanding

38 •

a fine view of the snow-range, is a useful acquisition to the Belur Math. Since April, 1944, it has mainly been serving as a retreat for our monks.

The Ramakrishna Ashrama, Chandipur (Midnapore)

This Ashrama (P. O. Math Chandipur), started in 1916, conducted:—(1) Regular worship and classes, and occasional lectures. (2) A Charitable Dispensary : Total cases 12,104 and 8640 ; new cases 6353 and 2970. (3) A U. P. School for boys : Strength 45. (4) An L. P. School for girls: Strength 25 and 22. (5) A small Library.

The Ramakrishna Sevashrama, Garbeta (Midnapore)

The Ashrama completed its thirtieth year in 1945. It conducted :—(1) Regular worship. (2) A Charitable Dis­pensary : Total cases 4206 and 6048 ; new cases 1283 and 2041. (3) A Night School, with 28 and 45 students.

The Ramakrishna Ashrama, Bagerhat (Khulna)

The centre was started in 1926. During the period under review it conducted:—(1) Worship and -scriptural classes. (2) A small Library. (3) A Primary School : Students 53 and 42. (4) A Dispensary : Total cases 1756 and 1843 ; new cases 942 and 1353. The birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda and the Holy Mother—the last one organised by ladies—were duly celebrated.

The Ashrama continued Distress Relief work in 1944.

The Ramakrishna Ashrama, Jamtara (Sonthal Parganas)

This, monastery was started in 1921, and on account ofits climate has been of great benefit to convalescent membersof the Order. Besides regular worship, it conducted aCharitable Dispensary (total cases 12,361 and 10,248 ; new.cases 5401 and 3248), and a small Library. .

The Ramakrishna Ashrama, Jahndi (Faridpur)

Started in 1918 and recognised as a Math centre in 1931,

39

The Vedanta College, Bangalore

The institution was started in 1939 for the benefit of young spiritual aspirants. Under the guidance of monks, the students read Ramakrishna-Vivekananda literature and various scriptures, and lead a disciplined life. Part of the funds being locked up owing to the death of the founder during the period under review, the College could admit only 3 students on an average.

The Ramakrishna Ashrama, Mysore

This Ashrama (Phone : 535), -started in 1925, moved to its own premises at Vani Vilasa Mohalla in 1931. Besides regular worship and Bhajana, it conducted in 1944 and 1945: (1) A Library and Reading Room : Books .2945 and 2965; issued 7216 and 6240. (2) A Students' Home : Boarders 24. (3) Celebrations of the birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda and the Holy Mother.. (4) 28 and 37 lectures in and outside the city. It also supervised a Night School (attendance 22 and 34) and a Co-operative Society at Padavarahalli.

A few books in Canarese and English have been published by the Ashrama.

TRAVANCORE STATE The Ramakrishna Ashrama, Trivandrurn

Ever since its inception in 1924, this imposing Ashrama, situated on a hill at Nettayam,, six miles from the town, has been doing good work in and around the town. In 1944 and 1945 it conducted :—(1) 648 scriptural classes besides some lectures. (2) Prabuddha Keralam, a Malayalam monthly (30th year in 1945). (3) A Charitable Ayurvedic Dispensary: Total cases 32,784 and 8382 ; new cases 9978 and 3551. (4) An Allopathic Dispensary: Total cases 25,294 in 1945 ; new cases 8635. (5) A Primary School: Boys 50 and 39.

The Ashrama has published Malayalam editions of some Ramakrishna-Vivekananda literature.

With help from the Headquarters and the Government, it continued Distress Relief work at Thuravoor, in North Travancore, in 1944 and partly in 1945. The local Harijans were helped with cash and clothes, and were also taught

41

spinning, weaving and coir-making. Food was distributed to 5105 people. Tiffin and milk were supplied during the period to 99,466 and 71,319 children. Many poor boys were given primary education.

The Ramakrishna Advaita Ashrama, Kaladi

This Ashrama at the birthplace of Sankaracharya was started in 1936 and was made a Math branch in 1941. It conducted in the years under review:—(1) 128 and 92 religious classes in and outside the Ashrama. (2) 71 and 145 lectures at different places within and outside the State. (3) A Library: Books 2022. (4) Two Sanskrit Schools, teaching Ayurveda also : Students 326 and 405. (5) The Vedanta Siromani section, equivalent to the College standard, had 5 students, of whom 4 came out successful at the last Entrance Examination. (6) A Students' Home : Boarders 24 and 33. (7) Daily religious classes for them. (8) Celebra­tion of the birthdays of the Founders of religions.

In 1945 the Ashrama ran a Milk Canteen, where 2100 children on an average per month were fed with milk.

The Ramakrishna Ashrama, Tiruvalla

This Ashrama, started in 1913, moved to its commodious home in 1930. Besides regular worship, Bhajana, 62 and 78 classes and a few lectures in and outside the Ashrama, it guides the activities of a few smaller centres in Travancore.

Other Ashramas in Travancore

The following small centres in Travancore follow the usual Ashrama "routine of worship, classes, Bhajana, etc., and possess small libraries:

The Ramakrishna Ashrama, Palai ^: Started in 1926, it conducted two mixed Primary Schools, with 249 students.

The Ramakrishna Ashrama, Adoor : Started in 1931, it conducts weekly religious classes in the Leper Colony at Noornad.

The Ramakrishna Ashrama, Moovatupuzha : Started in 1930, it works among Harijan students.

The Yogananda Ashrama, Alleppey : Started in 1925.

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COCHIN STATE

The Ramakrishna Ashrama, Trichur

From a small beginning in 1924, this Ashrama, situated at the Vilangans, four- miles from the town, has developed into an educational centre, mainly for Harijan boys and girls. It was recognised as a Math centre in 1929. It is divided into the following sections :—(1) A Gurukula for boys: Boarders 13 and 30. (2) A Gurukula for girls: Boarders 12 and 48. (3) A Vidyamandira, or High School, with 522 and 630 students. (4) An Industrial section, with 11 and 40 students. (5) A Library : Books (1945) 3048 ; issued 846.

The Industrial section trains the boys in weaving, mat-making, knitting, embroidery, etc. In the Primary section of the High School, boys and girls are taught free of charge. In' the Gurukulas the inmates, most of whom are free or part-free boarders, live a simple, regulated life of self-help and study under the supervision of qualified resident teachers. Due attention is paid to their spiritual development as well.

The Ashrama exerted itself for the economic and cultural uplift of the Harijan masses, and conducted weekly classes in the Trichur Central Jail.

In 1945 the Ashrama opened a Library in its own new building at Ponkunnam, Trichur. Towards the close of the year, the new High School building of the Ashrama was also opened.

SECTION VI

CENTRES OUTSIDE INDIA

IN BURMA . The Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama, Rangoon

Started in 1921 on an extensive plot of land on Merchant Street, East Rangoon, this biggest, efficiently managed hospital of the Mission—which was the second largest hospital in Burma—maintained till 1941 an Indoor Hospital with 200 beds divided into 12 wards, and an Out­door Dispensary with a daily average of over 1000. The

43

Burma Government made a grant of the site to the Seva-shrama in 1939, and the Corporation of Rangoon made a gift of the structures in 1940.

The bombing and machine-gunning of the Sevashrama by the Japanese in December, 1941, and the subsequent events led to the closing of the work. Arrangements are being made to reorganise it shortly.

The Ramakrishna Mission Society, Rangoon

After twenty years of existence in different forms, .the Society was made over to the Mission in 1921. The Library and free Reading Room conducted by it steadily grew in popularity and size, and supplied a vital need of the city in the sphere of intellectual and moral education till 1941, when the Library, including the Tamil Ladies' section, had nearly 9500 volumes, and the Reading Room had 80 papers and 48 periodicals. The Library had 1400 regular borrowers, and the average daily attendance at the Reading Room was about 125.

The Society also arranged frequent lectures and weekly classes on the scriptures and the teachings of Sri Rama­krishna, attended by over 400 persons on an average, and celebrated the birthdays of the World-Teachers. It had its own three-storeyed building in 1940. The free Guest House afforded temporary lodging to persons passing through Rangoonl|

This centre was also suspended for over four years owing to the disturbances of the War, but work has been resumed since June, 1946.

IN CEYLON The Ramakrishna Mission (Ceylon Branch)

In 1924 the management of a number of schools in Batticaloa, Trincomalie and Jaffna was handed over to the representatives of the Mission, and in 1929 the Ramakrishna Mission (Ceylon Branch) was incorporated. The work is steadily growing.

The Ashrama at Colombo, started in 1930, moved to its own home near the beach on 44th Lane, Wellawatta, in 1936.

44

Besides daily worship, weekly classes in Tamil and English and occasional lectures in and outside the Ashrama, it conducts a free Library, with over 1000 books, and a free Reading Room. The catholicity of the centre has attracted people of various denominations in the Island. Owing to the War emergency its activities during the first half of 1944 were carried on from a rented building at Wellawatta. Then it returned to its own premises (Phone : No. 8253).

The educational activities of the Mission comprise 3 English Schools, which had 562 and 668 students in 1944 and 1945, coaching up students for the local S.S.L.C.' (Eng.), Cambridge Senior and London Matriculation examinations, and 17 Tamil Schools, with 3274 and 3871 students. Of these, 13 schools are in Batticaloa, 2 in Trincomalie, 4 in Jaffna and 1 at Lunugala, in Badulla.

Of the three English Schools, the Shivananda Vidyalaya at Kalladi-uppodai, • Batticaloa, is a Residential High School, which had 246 and 241 students. Besides imparting physical, moral and religious education, the school has earned a name for good teaching. The School at Trincomalie has developed into a well-equipped Senior Secondary English School. The Vaidyeswara Vidyalaya at Vannarponnai, Jaffna, is also progressing.

There is an Orphanage for girls attached to the Girls' School at Karativu, in Batticaloa.

IN STRAITS SETTLEMENTS The Ramakrishna Mission, Singapore

The Mission centre at Singapore was started in 1928. It has got two large buildings at 9 and 38, Norris Road. Up to 1941 two weekly scriptural classes in English and Tamil used to be organised at Singapore, and occasional religious lectures in different parts of Malay. Every year up to 1945 the birthdays of the great Teachers of the World were cele­brated.

The centre conducted till 1941 a Tamil and an English School each for boys and girls with a total average of 240 students, and a Night School for about 90 adults. Under the auspices of the centre the Young Men's Cultural Union

45

functrcmrc¹ uiroughout 1941. The Schools were disrupted by the War, and will be reorganised in ^.ue course.

On the outbreak of the War in 1941, the Mission con­ducted a small First Aid Post for air-raid victims, and from 1942 to 1945 it provided free medical treatment for over 864 patients. During the period it also distributed over 728 mds. of rice and other foodstuffs and 8448 pieces of cloth regularly or casually to needy people.

For the Boys' Home, about 6 acres of land was purchased in 1941, and between 1942 and 1945 three dormitories were erected, the strength at the end of 1945 being 99 (mostly orphans).. A Girls' Home was started in 19 ^?. The number on the rolls was 55 (mostly orphans).

In 1945 the Mission conducted a te< o-ry Indoor Hospital with 80 beds (total admissions 9" ; daily average 40), while its two temporary outdoor Dispensaries treated 3391 cases, the daily average being 50. The Mission also maintained a Destitute Relief Camp from September to . December, 1945, where 50 male and 30 female inmates were given medical relief. In addition, food and clothing were regularly supplied to a good number of destitute people.

. - • IN FIJI

Vedanta Work at Nadi .

The Vedanta work, started in Fiji by Swami Avinash-ananda in 1937, is being successfully carried on by Swami Rudrananda since 1939. He has all along been trying for the educational and cultural uplift of the Indian community. His main work is to guide the educational activities of the South Indian Sanmarga Aikya Sangam, a recognised philan­thropic body. With Nadi as his centre, he has toured the whole Island, conducting Bhajana and worship, particularly during the Dussera Festival. He has also guided the activities of a number of young men's and ladies' Associations, and ably conducted 12 Schools for young men. In the course of these activities the Swami gave a large number of lectures, besides interviews. The Students' Home run by him at Nadi took good care of about 60 children.

46 .

IN MAURITIUS

The Ramakrishna Mission, Port Louis

As a. result of Swami Ghanananda's efforts since this ce,,;re was established in 1941 at 42, Louis Pasteur Street, Port Louis, and the Ramakrishna Mission, Mauritius Branch, was incorporated next year.

The activities of the centre during the period under, review were :—(1) Preaching, religious classes in and out­side the Ashrama, individual religious instructions, and, celebration of the birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna and other Teachers., (2) A small Library and F iding Room, which had 220 and 201 readers. (3) The holding of 94 and 65 classes by the Institute of Culture for teaching Tamil, Hindi and Sanskrit (daily average attendance being 12), and occa­sional lectures. (4) Two Night Schools, which together had over 200 and 113 pupils. (5) A Sevashrama (Dispensary), which treated 3750 and 5431 patients.

A Hindu Orphanage was opened by H. E. the Governor in the Mission's own premises at _Vacoas, 12 miles from Port Louis, in October, 1944. It had 24 inmates in 1945. The same year a Hindu Infirmary was started with Government help at Vacoas to accommodate poor sick mothers and other ailing women. It had 13 inmates. A Fancy Fair was suc­cessfully held to help these institutions.

The Mission conducted during 1945 Cyclone Relief work, distributing food, clothing, etc., and building huts. Towards the close of the year the Mission also took up Distress Relief work.

IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

The Vedanta Society, New York

This oldest Vedanta centre in the United States of America was started in 1894 as a result of the fervour created by Swami Vivekananda in the country, and was incorporated in 1898. Housed at 34 West 71st Street, the Society has, among other things, a good Library on literature.

The season's work begins in October and erids in June. A sermon was preached every Sunday by Swami Bodha-

47

nancla, the Minister-in-charge, and scriptural classes were held twice a week. Practical training in meditation as well as interviews was given: The Society celebrated the birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda.

The Ramakrishna-Vivekananda Centre, New York

This centre, founded in 1933 by.Swami Nikhilananda, moved to its own five-storey home at 17 East 94th Street in 1939. Services are conducted on Sundays, and scripture classes on Tuesdays and Fridays. Interviews are also granted to aspirants, and meditation is taught. The centre observes the Durga Puja, Christmas, Easter and the Birthdays of Buddha, Swami Vivekananda and Sri Ramakrishna. The last one is attended with a dinner, at which well-known speakers as well as visiting Swamis address the .guests.

Swami Nikhilananda brought out two English editions of the Bhagavad-Giia in 1944. He was invited to speak at a number of Clubs and Societies. The centre was visited by some groups from Schools and Colleges.

'In the autumn of 1945, the beginnings of a Students' Home were made with the extensive remodelling of the basement of the Centre. During the year a large number of Hindu students passing through New York on their way to various universities in the United States sought advice from the Swami and were entertained at the Centre.

During the 1944-45 season Swami Yatiswarananda of the Philadelphia centre conducted the Gita class every Tuesday evening.

The Vedanta Society, Providence (R. I.)

The Society was started by Swami Akhilananda in 1928. In 1931 he dedicated the temple at 224 Angell Street, a fine edifice in the best section of the city. Services are conducted by the Swami every Sunday, and scriptural classes are held , every. Tuesday. Meditation also is taught. The Lending. Library is open to the members. Individual instructions are. regularly given to the students. The Swami is invited by various public bodies: including Universities to speak on India and • the Hindu philosophy.' He also gives 'Radio talks.

48

The birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda, Buddha and Krishna, as well as Christmas, Easter and other special days were duly observed by the Society.

The Ramakrishna Vedanta Society, Boston (Mass.)

This centre was also started by Swami Akhilananda in 1941. It has its own commodious home on Bay State Road, at Deerfield Street, situated on the Charles River, in a very respectable quarter of the city. A Sunday service at 11 a.m. and two weekly classes at 8 p.m., besides interviews and the observance of special days in an appropriate manner,

constitute the activities of this centre.

i

The Vivekananda Vedanta Society, Chicago (Illinois)

This Society was started by Swami Jnaneswarananda in 1930. After his premature death, Swami Vishwananda has. been in charge of it since 1938. Services are conducted on Sundays at the Kimball Hall, and weekly classes at the Swami's own residence at 506, Deming Place. Individual instructions are also given to aspirants.

The Vedanta Centre, St. Louis (Missouri)

This centre, located at 5463 Delmar Boulevard (Apt. 122), was started by Swami Satprakashananda in 1938. He gives a lecture every Sunday and holds three classes every week, one of which is devoted to meditation. He also gives interviews to individual aspirants. He was invited to address several institutions of the city. The Durga Puja, Christmas and the birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Viveka­nanda, among others, were specially observed. The Lending Library was of use to the members and friends.

The Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood

This centre, situated at the Vivekananda Home, 1946 Ivar Avenue, was started by Swami Prabhavananda in 1930, since when it has been steadily growing. Worship and meditation formed part of the daily routine of the Home.

Sunday services and week-day classes were regularly held by the Swami. The bi-monthly journal, Vedanta and the West, ably conducted by this centre, completed, its eighth year in 1945,

49

The Durga/Puja, Kali Puja and Shivaratri were observed, and celebration, of the birthdays of some of the great Teachers of the world was also an annual feature.

In 1944 the centre received from a student the gift of 12£ acres of land with a fine building at Santa Barbara, 86 miles off, and from another student the cost of purchasing 16 acres of land adjacent to it. The new place as well as part of the Hollywood Home is being utilised for the accom­modation of Western monastic inmates. The same year Swami Prabhavananda brought out- an edition of the Bhagavad-Gita and a Life of Swami Brahmananda, both in English.

The Vedanta Society of Northern California, San Francisco

The Society, started under the inspiration of Swami Vivekananda in 1900, is located at the Hindu Temple, 2963 Webster Street. Swami Ashokananda, the leader, lectured on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings at the ^Society Auditorium. On Fridays he held a scripture class preceded by a short meditation. He conducted a Sunday School for children, gave interviews to many seekers, and was often invited to deliver lectures in intellectual circles. The Society observed certain special days, which were well attended.

The Shanti Ashrama, or 'Peace Retreat,' in San Antone Valley, started in 1900 by the late Swami Turiyananda, is attached to this centre. Situated amidst, beautiful mountain scenery, about 100 miles from the city, it has been an, excellent place for meditation to the students of the Society.

An Ashrama for the use of the Swami was built in 1938 on Lake Tahoe, in the solitude of the Sierra Nevada range, about 150 miles north of San~ Francisco.

The Vedanta Society of Northern California, East Bay Centre, Berkeley

This centre in the University town of Berkeley, opposite San Francisco, was started by Swami Ashokananda in 1939, and, has a beautiful home of its own at the corner of Haste and ,Bowditch Streets., Here, besides conducting Sunday evening services and study classes on Mondays, the Swami gives individual instructions to a good many students.

50

The Vedanta Society, Portland (Oregon)

The Society was started in 1925. After a short suspen­sion, it was reorganised in 1932 by Swami Devatmananda, its present leader. In 1943 it moved to its own home, the Vedic Temple, 1877 S.W. Park Avenue.

In addition to two Sunday services and two weekly
classes, social gatherings were occasionally held. Thebirthdays of Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda,among others, were publicly celebrated. '

The Society has also got an annexe called Sri Rama­krishna Ashrama, with 120 acres of hilly land commanding gorgeous views, 20 miles from the city. It is a charming retreat for seekers of truth.

The Ramakrishna Vedanta Centre, Seattle (Washington)

This centre in the great north-western port of the United States was started by Swami Vividishananda in 1938, and has its own three-storeyed home at 2716 Broadway North. Here a lecture was delivered by him every Sunday, and religious classes were held twice a week. He also gave individual instructions, and observed a number of special days.

The Vedanta Centre, Philadelphia (Pennsylvania)

This centre, located at 1808 Pine Street, was temporarily started by Swami Yatiswarananda in 1942. Sunday services and week-day classes were regularly held by thevSwami, and individual instructions were given to seekers.

IN ARGENTINA (SOUTH AMERICA)

The Ramakrishna Ashrama, Buenos Aires

This Ashrama in the foremost city of South America has been successfully run by Swami Vijayananda, its founder, since 1933. It has its own beautiful home at Bella Vista, F.C.P. The Swami's public lectures in English and radio talks in Spanish were much appreciated. He has been hold­ing every week several scriptural classes, which, are well attended.. The Ashrama has been publishing,, among other things, Swami Vivekanarida's works in Spanish.

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IN ENGLAND

The Ramakrishna-Vivekananda Vedanta Society, London

This centre, started by Swami Avyaktananda in 1934, hasits present headquarters at 24 Northside, Streatham Common,London, where, in spite of the War, he held weekly lectures
and meditation classes. Besides, he went on lecture tours toBath, Bristol, Bournemouth, Brighton, Leeds, Southport andother places. He also spoke on Vedanta, Yoga and Compara­tive Religion at the invitation of different societes in London.Christmas, Easter, Whitsun and Summer Schools were held.Conventions lasting for a week were organised, on 'Founda­tions for Tomorrow' at Leeds in 1944, and on ' TowardsWorld Peace' in London in 1945, in which distinguishedrepresentatives from various religions, churches and societiestook part. '. ,

IN FRANCE The Vedanta; Centre, Paris

The nucleus of this centre was formed by Swami Siddheswarananda in 1938. It made steady progress and was located at 51, Avenue Alphand, Saint Mande', near Paris, when the War broke out. The Swami moved from one place to another, keeping in touch with his students through a correspondence course, till he settled in 1940 at Montpellier, in Southern • France. Here he began to deliver weekly lectures, attended mostly by appreciative University people.

He returned in the middle of 1945 to his old quarters at Saint Mande', arid has begun reorganising the work.

CONCLUSION ^:• Birthday Celebrations

The general features of the Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Viv'ekananda birthday celebrations organised by the Ashramas all over"' India and abroad are:. Special worship, Homa (making offerings in the consecrated fire), chanting of sacred texts, Bhajaria and Sankirtana (devotional music, often, in. chorus), distribution of Prasada. (sacramental food) to the

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Thanks and Appeal

We take this opportunity to express our deep sense of gratitude to all those kind contributors, friends . and sym­pathisers who by their ready assistance, financial or other, have helped us to carry on our different activities. Our thanks are also due to the proprietors and editors of various newspapers for kindly publishing our appeals and reports, as also to the gentry, official or non-official, in the relief areas for their timely assistance. We also express our gratefulness to those local physicians of the different centres who kindly volunteered their services.

We hope the generous public all over India and abroad will continue to help the Mission as unstintedly as in the past, so that we may all realise the Truth by carrying out the twofold ideal of work and worship. All well-wishers of India may find here a golden opportunity to do their bit of service for their suffering brethren.

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APPENDIX A

EXTRACTS FROM THE MEMORANDUM OF ASSOCIATION OF THE RAMAKRISHNA MISSION

registered ik may, 1909, under act XXI of 1860 of the

governor-general of india in council

\

1. The name of the Association is .the ramaksishna mission, It may also be spelt as ramakrishna mission.

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.

(&) To impart and promote the study of the arts, sciences and industries.

3. 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.

(<?) 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.

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

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

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APPENDIX B

EXTRACTS FROM THE RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE RAMAKRISHNA MISSION

1. The Association is established for the purposesexpressed in the Memorandum of Association ; and its Head­quarters as well as the registered office is at Belur Math,District Howrah.

Members .and Associates

2. (a). All followers, whether lay or monastic, of theParamahamsa Rarnakrishna may be members of .the Associa­tion if elected at a meeting of the Association or nominatedby the Governing Body hereinafter mentioned, provided thatall the Trustees for the time being of the Indenture of Trustdated the 30th day of January, 1901, usually called the TrustDeed of the Belur Math, shall be ex-officio members of theAssociation.

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

Members' Declaration form ' .

I wish to be a member of the Rarnakrishna Mission Belur, Howrah. I look upon Sri Rarnakrishna as an Illustra­tion and Embodiment of the Religion Eternal, whose life and teachings help one to understand the plan and purpose of all the religions of the world and their underlying truth and harmony.

I look upon all religions as paths to God, and shall tryto live in peace and fellowship with the followers-of allreligions. • - ^: • - •"-.-•- '

I have full sympathy with all the objects of the Rama" krishna Mission as set forth in the Memorandum of Associa­tion, and I will actively co-operate with the work of the Mission.

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I shall pay the admission fee and an annual subscription of Rs. 12/- (or Rs. 350/- at one time) and shall abide by the rules, regulations and bye-laws of the Association.

3. All persons irrespective of colour, creed or caste,
   may be associates, if elected at a meeting of the Associationsympathising with all or any of the objects of the Associationor nominated by the Governing Body.
4. Monastic members shall not be required to pay anyadmission fee or any subscription.
5. Every lay member and every associate, unless exempt­ed therefrom in writing by the Governing Body, shall pay anadmission fee of Rs 5/- and an annual subscription of Rs. 12/-payable in advance. The Governing Body may exempt anymember or associate from payment of all or any fees orsubscriptions.
6. The annual subscription may be commuted by theGoverning Body on payment of Rs. 350/-.
7. (#) Connection of members and associates with theAssociation shall cease by resignation, death, removal or non­payment of dues for two years, but shall be capable of renewalin such manner as the Governing Body may from time totime decide.

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 district 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 instruction of its members and receive individual instructions whenever practicable.

(c) Receive all publications of the Association at a special discount of 25 per cent, on the published price.

(d). Mofussil members shall be entitled to receive theproceedings, reports and leaflets published by the Association
on application. ' :

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

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APPENDIX C

TEMPORARY RELIEF ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN SO FAR

tie and Distress Relief :

11896 and 22 subsequent years, in altogether 70 ; districts. Maximum in a year, 23 districts.

| Relief:

11899 and 27 subsequent years, in altogether 76 districts. Maximum in a year, 7 districts.,

ry Relief: ' Plague : In 1899-1900 and 3 subsequent years.

Cholera: In 1913 and 10 other years, in al­together 13 districts.

Small-pox: In 1936 and 1937. Influenza: In 1918-19, in 4 districts. Malaria: In 1943.

At Ganga Sagar Mela: In 1912, 1914 and 12 successive years.

At Kumbha Mela : In 1930 and 3 other years.

is and Tornado Relief :

1919 and 14 subsequent years, in, altogether 18 districts. Maximum in a year, 4 districts.

lelief:

1915 and 17 subsequent years, in altogether 25 districts. Maximum in a year, 6 districts.

uake and Landslip Relief : 1899 and 3 subsequent years, in 9 districts.

Zelief: In 1930 and 1941, in 4 districts.

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8. Coolie Relief: In 1921.
9. Wetter Scarcity Relief : In 1920-21.

10. Cloth Relief: In 1919, in many districts.
11. Evacuee Relief: In 1942-44, in many districts.

Besides these, temporary relief work of various kinds was organised by the branch centres of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission from time to time.

The districts in the above list covered almost all theProvinces of India, including Burma.

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APPENDIX D

DISTRIBUTION OF CENTRES AND SUB-CENTRES (1945)

Bengal: Calcutta (8 centres), Barnagore, Rahara, Taki, Salkia, Belur (3 centres), Sarisha, Asansol, Midnapur, Tamluk, Chandipur, Garbeta, Contai, Bankura, Jayram-bati, Koalpara, Sargachhi, Bagerhat, Barisal, Malda, Dinajpur, Jalpaiguri, Kalimpong, Dacca, Narayanganj, Sonargaon, Baliati, Faridpur, Jahndi, and Mymensingh.

Assam : Shillong, Silchar, Sylhet, Karimganj & Habiganj.

Bihar: Patna, Katihar, Jamshedpur, Ranchi, Dungri, Deoghar and Jamtara.

Orissa: Puri (2 centres) and Bhubaneswar.

U. P. : Allahabad, Benares (2 centres), Lucknow, Cawnpore, Brindaban, Almora, Mayavati, Shyamala Tal, Kankhal, Kishenpur and Barlowganj.

Sind: Karachi.

Delhi: New Delhi.

Punjab : Lahore.

Bombay Presidency : Bombay.

Kathiawar : Rajkot.

C. P. : Nagpur.

Madras: Madras (3 centres), Conjeeveram, Chingleput, Nattarampalli, Perianaikenpalayam, Ootacamund, Vizagapatam, Salem, Quilandy and Calicut..

Travancore: Trivandrum, Kaladi, Tiruvalla, Alleppey, Adoor, Palai and Moovatupuzha.

Mysore : Bangalore (2 centres) and Mysore.

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centres outside india Coorg: Ponampet. Cochin : Trichur.

Ceylon: Colombo, Batticaloa, Trincomalie, Jaffna and Lunilgala.

Mauritius: Port Louis.

Fiji: Nadi.

Straits Settlements : Singapore.

England: London.

France: Paris.

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

Argentine Republic (South America) : Buenos Aires.

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