General Report - 1956

THE GENERAL REPORT

OF THE

RAMAKRISHNA MISSION

( registered under act XXI of 1860)

For the 58th & 59th Years (1954 & 1955)

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

Swami Vivekananda

INTRODUCTION

History

Just 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 at Barnagore, near Calcutta, by his Sannyasin disciples headed by Swami Vivek-inanda, which gradually set up a twofold ideal before it : To :reate 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 sr colour as veritable manifestations of the Divine. For some ;ime the latter work was carried on through an Association :alled the Ramakrishna Mission Association, started by Swami i/ivekananda in 1897, shortly after his return from the West, [n 1899 he transferred the Math or monastery of Barnagore ,o its'present home at Belur, almost facing Calcutta, where t set it'self to train a band of monks for self-realisation and ^:or acquiring a capacity to serve the" world in all possible ways, ioon after this the Math authorities took upon themselves the vork of the Mission Association.

For the efficiency of its work and for giving it a legal tatus, a Society under the name of the Ramakrishna Mission

was registered in 1909 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

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Though the Ramakrishna Mission and the Ramakrishna Math, with their respective branches, are distinct institutions, they are closely related, inasmuch as 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 audited 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

The activities of the Math and the Mission have showna general progress during the period under review. Ourgenerous countrymen, as also friends abroad, have been takingan increasing interest in our movement, which is recognisedas one of the nation-building forces in India. In May, 1954,a Mission centre was started at Karan Nagar, Srinagar, inKashmir (discontinued in 1956). 'And in the same month amonastery for women, the first in the Order in India, wasestablished, in Central Calcutta, ........

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The eleven centres in East Pakistan have not yet been able

/ to tide over the difficulties created by the partition of 1947.

The Mission hopes to resuscitate in the near future the Lahore and Karachi centres somewhere in India—probably at Chandigarh and Gandhidham (Kandla), respectively—as soon as conditions are favourable.

The most outstanding event of the period under review was the celebration of the Birth Centenary of the Holy Mother, Sri Sarada Devi, the divine consort of Sri Ramakrishna, throughtout India as also abroad, for a whole year beginning with her luni-solar birthday, the 27th December, 1953. On "the initiative taken by the Headquarters, devotees joined the monks in making it a success, with the result that after its inauguration at the Belur Math, it was celebrated not only in almost all the centres of the Ramakrishna Order but also in innumerable other places with a varied programme, more or less elaborate according to circumstances. Generally it comprised some of the following functions : Special worship and rituals, devotional music, feeding, memorial meetings, elocution or essay competition among students, publication of her life and teachings in different languages and other books, the Holy Mother's life in pictures or clay models, cultural and other exhibitions, healthy amusements, processions and pilgrimages. The concluding celebrations also took place on a grand scale at the Headquarters or in Calcutta, commencing in the middle of December, 1954.

centres

Along with the Headquarters at Belur, there were in December, 1955, 41 Mission centres, 14 combined Math and Mission centres, and 30 Math centres in India, which were distributed as follows : 31 in West Bengal, 12 in Uttar Pradesh, 16 in Madras, 7 in Bihar, 4 each in Assam and Travancore-Cochin, 3 in Orissa, 2 in Mysore and 1 each in Coorg, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Kashmir, Bombay and Saurashtra. In addition, there were 2 Mission centres, 6 combined Math and Mission centres, and 3 Math centres in East Pakistan, 2 Mission centres in Burma, 1 Mission centre each in Ceylon, Singapore, Fiji, Mauritius and France, 1 Math centre each in England

and Argentina, and 11 Math centres in the United States of America. Thus there were altogether 70 Mission centres and 66 Math centres. Moreover, attached to the branch centres there were 10 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 Burma conducted various activities ministering to the physical needs of the public in general, irrespective of creed, colour or nationality. Typical of these are the Sevashramas at Banaras, Vrindaban, Kankhal and Rangoon and the Sanatorium at Dungri, Ranchi. In 1955, there were !6 Indoor Hospitals, which accommodated 18,786 patients, and 61 Outdoor Dispensaries, which treated 23,06,172 patients. Besides, gratuituous relief and other kinds of service were rendered by some of the Ashramas.

Educational Work : In 1955, 2,475 boys and 208 girls were accommodated in 51 Students' Homes. Two Colleges had on their rolls 1,651 students. The Teachers' Training College at Perianaickenpalayam (Coimbatore) had 71 trainees. There were 36 High Schools with 12,003 boys and 4,241 girls, and 79 Lower Grade Schools with 9,824 boys and 4,914 girls. Besides, there were four institutions for training nurses and midwives. Thus there were altogether about 25,902 boys and 9,485 girls in the different institutions. The Students' Homes at Madras, Belgharia and Calcutta, the Schools and Colleges at Madras, Kalady (Travancore-Cochin), Perianaickenpalayam, Cherrapunji, Belur, Sarisha, Jamshedpur, Asansol and Deoghar as also in Ceylon and Singapore, and the orphanage at Rahara (24-Pargs.) are illustrative of the educational work done by the Mission. Special mention may also be made of the Industrial Schools at Madras and Belur as also the Social and Adult Education work in the latter place.

Work for Women : The Mission has ever been conscious of its dutie^ to the women of India. Typical of the work done for them are the Shishumangal Pratishthan and the Matri-bhavan for expectant mothers in Calcutta, the Maternity

Clinic at Jalpaiguri, the women's sections of the Hospitals at Banaras and Rangoon, the attached -Invalid Women's Home at Banaras, the Sarada Vidyalaya at 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 Work among the Labouring and Back­ward Classes : The Math and Mission have all along tried their best for serving their unfortunate countrymen who have fallen back culturally or otherwise. Permanent centres like the Ashramas at Cherrapunji and Sarisha and the Gurukula at Trichur in Travancore-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 over 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 Work : In 1954, the Mission conducted Flood Relief work in the Lakhimpur District of Assam, Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar Districts of West Bengal, Purnea and Darbhanga Districts of Bihar, and Dacca and Faridpur Districts of East Pakistan, as also the Rehabilitation work in the East Goadavari District of Andhra. In 1955, Flood Relief was conducted in the Malda District of West Bengal, Goalpara and Dhubri Districts of Assam, Darbhanga District of Bihar, Cuttack District of Orissa, Jaunpur and Azamgarh Districts of Uttar Pradesh, and Tanjore and Ramnad Districts of Madras, as also in the District of Dacca in East Pakistan.

Foreign Work : The monks of the Ramakrishna Math took upon themselves the task of carrying the message of India to distant lands. The various centres in North and South America, Europe and outlying parts of Asia bear ample evidence of their labour of love carried on through preaching, publication, etc.

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Spiritual and Cultural ; Both Math and Mission centres laid special emphasis on the dissemination of the spiritual and cultural ideals of India, and through various types of activity tried to give a practical shape to the teaching of Sri Rama-krishna that all religions are true. The centres established real points of contact between people of different faiths through public celebrations, meetings, classes, publications, etc. They also conducted libraries and reading rooms. -A number of Sanskrit Chatushpathis too were run, partly for the benefit of the members of the Order. Some Math centres published books on religious subjects and eight magazines in different languages. The Math centres at Mayavati, North 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 in cultural fellowship.

The Plan of the Report

The activities of the Math arid 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 in India, and Section V 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 chief centre started for this purpose has long been situated at Belur (Phones : Howrah 391 and 912), on the western bank of the Ganges, four miles from Howrah Station. Associated with the • holy lives of Swami Vivekananda and his worthy brother-disciples, the Ramakrishna Math, Belur, or the Belur Math, as it is called in short, with its spacious grounds and serene atmosphere, is a place of pilgrimage for many sincere seekers of Truth.

The course of training in the Math went on without a break, and a number of young men were initiated into Brahmacharya and Sannyasa. In the attached Chatushpathi or Sanskrit School there were regular classes under a qualified teacher, in which philosophical and religious books were studied. 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 9,440 books.

An attractive feature of the Math is the magnificent stone temple of Sri Ramakrishna with its spacious Natmandir (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. Uufortunately, there is still a deficit of over Rs. 25,000/- to be met.

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 was long being keenly felt. A portion of the ground floor only has been constructed. The estimated

cost of the rest of the building is Rs. 1,25,000/- which, it is hoped, will be forthcoming.

The Ramakrishna Mission Headquarters

The Mission Headquarters (Phone : Howrah 391), located at the Belur Math, regulates the activities of its different branches. Besides this work of supervision, it conducts the following :

1. the ramakrishna mission charitable dispensary, belur

This popular Outdoor Dispensary was founded in 1913, and had its own building in 1938. Besides medical relief, it supplied occasionally diet, clothes and blankets to the needy, and referred serious cases to the best hospitals. In 1954' and 1955, it treated 33,213 and 32,689 cases, of which 12,844 and 13,111 were new cases'. The Dispensary needs equipment, for which help from the kind-hearted public will, we hope, come in adequate measure.

2. mass education work

The Mission Headquarters helped from its Mass Educa­tion Fund 5 schools, with 380 and 438 students respectively in 1954 and 1955'. To those who believe, with Swami Vivek-ananda, that the well-being of a nation depends on the condition of its masses, we earnestly appeal for contributions to this fund.

SECTION II MISSION CENTRES

A. INSTITUTIONS OF GENERAL SERVICE

The Ramakrishna Mission Home of Service! Banaras

Started in 1900 and made a branch of the Mission in 1909, it has been occupying its own premises on Ramakrishna Road at Laxa (Varanasi 1 ; Phone : 604) since 1910. A branch Outdoor Dispensary has been working since 1931 at the Shivala Quarter of the city.

The work has grown at a steady pace. The activities of the Home during the'years under review were—(1) Indoor General Hospital : Beds 115 ; admissions 2930 and 3097 ; sur­gical cases 620 and 585. (2) Refuge for Invalid Men : Beds 25 ; inmates 4 and 5. (3) Refuge for Invalid Women : Beds 50 ; inmates 22 and 21. (4) Outdoor help to invalids and poor middle-class women : Rs. 3,531/6/2 and Rs. 3,890/2/3, besides some cloth and blankets. (5) Outdoor Dispensary (including the Shivala Branch) : Total cases 2,33,266 and 3,22,710; new cases 50,128 and 79,051. Special and occasional Relief : Recipients 572 and 458. Milk Canteen : 7,218 Ibs. of milk powder distributed; daily recipients 450 persons on an average.

A wing of the Out-patients' department, an X-ray build­ing and a workers' block were opened in 1955.

The centre also conducted Flood Relief work in the ditricts of Azamgarh and Jaunpur in U.P. during 1955.

The Birth Centenary of the Holy Mother was celebrated on a large scale for a week in October, 1954.

The Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama, Kankhal (Saharanpur)

Founded in 1901, it was made a branch of the Mission in 1911. Its activities in 1954 and 1955 were—(1) Indoor Hospi­tal : Beds 50, admissions 1,445 and 1,437 ; surgical cases 83 and 149. (2) Outdoor Dispensary : Total cases 57,347 and 73,844; new cases 19,854 and 22,963 ; surgical cases : 588 and 511; Laboratory tetsts : 1,924 & 2,396. (3) Library and Reading Room : Books 4,191 and 4,235 ; Periodicals 22 and 26; Books lent 1,405 and 1,093. (4) Temporary Relief :

1954. Skimmed milk powder 7,050 Ibs.; Vitamin tablets 6,000;
1955. Skimmed milk powder 7,245 Ibs.; Family food packets100; Cottonseed oil 300 gallons; Butter oil 1,540 Ibs.

The construction of the Doctors' Quarters and another building made substantial progress in 1955.:

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The Ramaftrishna Mission Sevashrama, Vrindaban (Mafhura)

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 during the period under report were—(1) Indoor Hospital : Beds 55; admissions 2,105 and 2,517; surgical cases 3,379 and 1,818. (2) Outdoor Dispensary : Total cases 1,41,770 and 1,41,590; new cases 44,898 and 45,894; surgical cases 2,001 and 1,813.

The Eye Hospital, started in 1943, has been a special feature of the Sevashrama. Operations like corneal grafting, implantation of plastic lenses and vitreous replacement were successfully performed.

The scheme of rebuilding the Sevashrama on the 23-acre land on Mathura Road, acquired in 1951 to avoid erosion by the Jamuna and for other reasons, which is estimated to cost about 19 lakhs of rupees, is being hampered by lack of funds.

The Ramakrishna Mission Shishumanejal Prafishfhan, Calcutta

This institution (99 Lansdowne Road, Calcutta 26; Phones : 46-1233 and 1234), started humbly in 1932, has grown into a first class Maternity Hospital with 160 beds. It is housed in its own extensive premises in a fine locality of South Calcutta. The Pratishthan devotes itself to : (1) Rendering antenatal care to expectant mothers, (2) Hospital confinement and treatment of gynaecological cases, (3) Child care : Neo-natal management and postnatal follow-up of infants and toddlers, (4) Training of midwives.

Its activities during 1954 and 1955 were—Indoor Department : Admissions 4,787 and 5,339; new-born babies 3,676 and 3,968. Death rate : mothers .18 and .1% ; babies 4.03 and 4.1%. All premature babies weighing 4 Ibs. 8 ozs. and under are kept in a separate unit and are given special nursing and medical attention. Outdoor Department : Total cases 25,747 and 26,973 ; new cases 9,9.70 and 10,460. Training Section : Senior Midwives, passed 27 and 24; Junior

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Midwives, passed 20 and 15. Free patients : 51.5% during the years under review.

The Nurses' Hostel and other Staff Quarters were completed at a cost of nearly Rs. 7,50,000/- and opened in 1955.

The Ramakrishna Mission Mafribhavan, Calcutta

This institution (7A, Sreemohan Lane, Calcutta 26; Phone : 46-4133) was started in 1950 and is steadily growing. It has 16 beds, of which half are free. It treats antenatal and natal cases in the Indoor Department, and antenatal and postnatal cases in the Outdoor Department. During the period under review, the Indoor Department . treated 896 and 900 patients. The death rate of mothers was nil in 1954 and only 1 in 1955 ; that of babies during the • period was 2.5%. The Outdoor Department treated 5,466 and 6,266 cases, of which 1,280 and 1,545 were new ones. In the Indoor section, considerably more than half were free patients.

The Ramakrishna Mission Tuberculosis Sanatorium, Dungri (Ranch!)

The Sanatorium is situated on a picturesque plot of land measuring 265 acres, at an altitude of 2,100 ft., 10 miles from the Ranchi Railway Station, to the. east of Chaibassa Road (Post Office : .R. K. Mission T. B. Sanatorium; Phone: Ranchi 248; Telegraphic address : recovery.) It was opened in 1951 with 32 beds, and has since been developing rapidly. It had 101 beds at the end of 1955. Admissions in 1954 and 1955 : 113 and 92 ; discharged: 78 and 86.

All facilities for diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary Tuberculosis have been provided. There are five resident doctors, including an expert' who had special training in .. Wales and U.S.A. Though small in size, the Sanatorium is now one of the foremost institutions of its kind in the country. The results of treatment have been extremely satisfactory. A number of cases were under observation and discharged as non-tubercular. On an average, 15 patients were treated free of all charges, and an equal number received various concessions.

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There is a nucleus for after-care work also, about half a dozen ex-patients being absorbed in different departments of the Sanatorium, so that they may be rehabilitated in due course.

The Outdoor Homoeopathic Dispensary proved a boon to the neighbouring villagers. It treated 4,105 patients in 1954, but the number swelled to 10,283 in 1955.

The Ramakrishna Mission, New Dglhi_

Started in the old city in 1927 and affiliated in 1930, the Ashrama was removed in 1935 to its own premises on Ramakrishna Mission Road. New JDelhi 1 (Phone : 48480). It has : (1) An Outdoor T.B. Clinic, located since 1948 in its spacious three-storyed building at Karolbagh, which has a laboratory for clinical bacteriological work and is provided-with the latest equipment. The Clinic treated in 1954 and 1955, 83,369 and 84,126 cases, of which 1,461 and 1,401 were new cases. Its 24 and 28 observation beds treated 359 and 388 patients. Under the Home Treatment Scheme, Health Visitors and doctors were deputed to educate suspects about health rules, and to give treatment to those unable to attend, the Clinic in person. (2) An Outdoor Dispensary : Total cases 40,978 and 36,768 ; new cases 8,912 and 7,068. (3) A Library : Books 6,387 and 6,943; issued 6,569 and 6,039. (4) Arrangements for regular religious classes in the Mission premises and at the Vedanta Samiti, Delhi University, as also occasional lectures in various colleges and other institutions both in, and outside Delhi, the number of lectures delivered being 108 and 128. (5) Annual observance of the birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother and Swami Vivekananda in the Ashrama and different parts of the city. The Centenary of the Holy Mother was celebrated at the Mission and at various other places in the city with an impressive seven days' programme in 1954.

A kitchen building costing Rs. 25,000/- and a Staff Quarters' building for the T.B. Clinic at a cost of Rs. 53,000/-were completed during 1954. A spacious building for the Library and Lecture Hall and a large temple to Sri Ramakrishna were under construction.

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The Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrma, Luclcnow

The Sevashrama, started in 1914 and located since 1924 at Aminabad (Phone : 4694), was affiliated in 1925. Its activities in 1954 and 1955 were—(1) Outdoor Dispensary : Total cases 1,12,011 and 1,09,742; new cases 27,013 and 25,928.

2. Library and Reading Room : Books 5,899 and 7,110.
3. Regular outdoor classes and occasional lectures.

The Centenary of the Holy Mother was celebrated in a befitting manner for five days in December, 1954.

The Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Kanpur

The institution, affiliated in 1931, was shifted to its own premises at Ramakrishna Nagar (Phone : 3391) in 1936. Its activities in 1954 and 1955 were—(1) Outdoor Dispensary : Total cases 1,03,640 and 1,00,761 ; new cases 27,243 and 26,308,

2. A Higher Secondary School, with 410 and 442 boys;percentage of passes in the High School Examination 97% and94%, one student securing the 9th position in the State.
3. Library : Books 4,010 and 5,000 ; issued 3,930 and 2,804.
4. Two physical culture institutes, one exclusively for theHarijans. (5) Religious classes, Bhajana and observance ofthe birthdays of great religious Teachers.

In 1954, a special Eye section was added to the Dispensary with six temporary beds for cataract operation. Cases treated : 1,315 and 2,556; operations 67 and 80.

The School added three class-rooms and a corridor to its building during the period under review.

The Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Jalpaiguri

Founded in 1928, the Ashrama was handed over to the Mission in 1941. Its activities in 1954 and 1955 were^—(1) An Outdoor Dispensary: Total cases 12,423 and 16,216; new cases 4,486 and 5,677. (2) A Domiciliary Maternity and Baby Clinic : Total cases 2,130 and 2,406; new cases 111 and 126. Confinements 59 and 69; babies taken care of.415 and 376. Milk distribution among 37,240 and 38,070 recipients. (3) A Students' Home : Inmates 19 and 13. (4) A Primary School for boys of the backward classes : Students 30 and 26.

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(5) An Adult Night School for the backward classes.: Students 18 and 16. ,(6) A Free Library and Reading Room : Books 1,211 and 1,318; issued 2,086 and 2,450. (7) Preaching in neighbouring places, and arranging public celebrations on special occasions.

Flood Relief work was undertaken in 1954-55, in which, in addition to free doles, 82 huts were constructed, and 6 bullocks were distributed.

The Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Salem

The Ashrama, situated on Ramakrishna Road, Sivaswami-puram, was founded in 1928 and was affiliated to the Mission in 1940. It conducted in 1954 and 1955—(1) A Dispensary : Total cases 29,648 and 32,413. (2) A Primary Night School for Harijan children at Kallankuttucherry, Pudur : Strength 50 and 60. (3) A small Library. (4) Daily Bhajana and weekly discourses. (5) Birthday celebrations in the Ashrama and other places in the district.

The Ashrama has an Emergency Indoor Ward with six beds.

The Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama, MicJnapore

This Sevashrama, started at Sujaganj in 1914, was recognised as a Mission branch in 1931. Its activities in 1954 and 1955 were—(1) An Outdoor Dispensary with arrangement for an Eye Clinic : Total cases 33,967 and 38,581. (2) A Residential High School and a U.P. School, with a total strength of -327 and 386 boys in the two years. (3) A Hostel for boys of the Secondary section : Inmates 87 and 82. (4) A Circulating Library and Free Reading Room.: Books 5,438 and 5,490; issued 6,892 and 7,090 (5) Regular religious classes and annual observance of birthdays and other festivals, as also lectures from time to time. (6) Distribution of milk and butter oil to 2,500 sick and 150 needy families.

The Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama, Calicut

Started at Chalapuram in 1930, affiliated to the Mission in 1943 and removed next year to its own premises at Kallai (Calicut 3, Phone : 471), this centre conducted during the

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period under report—(1) A High. School with 211 and 479 students. (2) A Primary School with 125 and 250 pupils. (3) A Students' Home, which had 46 and 65 boys. (4) An Allopathic Dispensary, which treated 37,112 and 53,212 cases. (5) Daily Bhajana for the students of the Home and special Bhajana and discourses for school students every Sunday.

During the period under review, four buildings were constructed to accommodate the High School, Dispensary, Students' Home, Kitchen and Dining Hall.

Tire Ramaicrishna Mission Ashrama, Katihar (Purnea)

.This Ashrama was started in 1926 and taken over by the Mission in 1931. In 1954 and 1955 it conducted—(1) An Outdoor Homoeopathic Dispensary : Total cases 23,710 and 32,703. (2) A Tree Library: Books 736 and 1,648; issued 1,266 and 1,135. (3) A Secondary School for displaced children, with 291 boys and 39 girls in 1954, and 385 boys and 41 girls in 1955. (4) A small Students' Home with 4 and 5 students, mostly free. (5) Regular religious classes and occasional lectures in and outside the Ashrama.

Flood Relief work was also undertaken in 1954 and 1955.

The Ramakrisfina Mission Ashrama, Ranch!

This picturesque Ashrama at Morabadi, situated at the foot of a hillock, was made a branch of the Mission in 1930. Its activities during the period under review were—(1) An Outdoor Dispensary : Total cases 7,002 and 7,653. (2) Library : Books 503 and 514, periodicals 11. (3) Regular worship and religious classes. (4) Observance of the birthdays and occasional lectures in the Ashrama and outside.

The Ramakrishna Mission Library, Puri

The Library is being run by the Mission since 1944. In 1954 and 1955 it had 13,893 and 13,911 books, and issued 22,256 and 22,796. The average daily attendance was 178 and 187.

Regular scriptural classes and public meetings on the birthdays were arranged. Juvenile recreation through healthy games etc. was also provided for boys. The institution is

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publishing the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivek-ananda in the Oriya language.

B. INSTITUTIONS MAINLY EDUCATIONAL

The Ramakrishna Mission Sarada Pifha, Belur

To impart an all-round education to young men after the ideals of Swami Vivekananda, this institution .(P.O. Belur Math, Dist. Howrah; Phone : Howrah 1292) was started in 1941. It now consists of the following activities :

The Vidyamandira (Phone : Howrah 1349) : This wholly' residential Intermediate College affiliated to the Calcutta University in Arts (including Commerce) and Science had.202 boys ori its rolls in 1954 and 1955, who were accommodated in hostels under the supervision of monastic members of the Order. The boys • were given a regular course of study, work, prayer, games and various extra-mural activities/ and were occasionally taken out to different industrial and cultural centres. Religious classes were regularly held both in the college and in the hostels. Poor brilliant students received financial aid. All the 66 and 90 students that were 'sent up for the University Examinations in 1954 and 1955 came out successful, thus creating a record in the University. In the I.A. Examination of 1954, the 2nd and 8th places, and in that of 1955, the 3rd, 8th and 10th places in the University were secured by students of this college, besides a large number of scholarships. The college had its own dispensary and hospital with 10 beds. Towards the end of 1955, a block was added to one of the two main hostels, and the inmates of the third hostel were removed there. The construction of the Gymnasium, long held up for want of funds, was resumed in 1955 with grants from the Central and State Governments.

The Shilpamandira : It imparts free training for periods ranging from one to three years to deserving students in such subjects as Electrical Engineering, Auto-mechanics, General Mechanics of various forms, Carpentry, Weaving and Tailor­ing. A large number of refugee students were trained in one year's course in different trades. Impressed by its results, the

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Central Government included it under the First Five-Year Plan and sanctioned grants for its upgrading. Accordingly, the three-year Licentate Course in Civil Engineering was opened in 1954 for post-Matric students, and next year similar courses in Electrical and Mechanical Engineering were added.

The Shilpamandira had 307 and 354 students in 1954 and 1955, of whom 111 and 109 came out successful. In addition to free training for all, needy boys were also helped with cash stipends. Training in higher courses was charged, but poor meritorious students were given financial aid. Buildings and workshops for accommodating the Licentiate Courses, costing more than Rs. 6 lakhs, were under construction.

The Shilpamandira was also engaged in devising and manufacturing small machines, and has got to its credit patents for several kinds of Gas Plants for producing gas from petrol, cow dung, domestic sewage, etc. Several such plants have been installed in different places in West Bengal, Bihar and Orissa.

The Janasikshamandira : This department of Social (Adult) Education continued its beneficent activities through night schools, film shows, magic lantern lectures, youth camps, library movement, etc. Its mobile audio-visual unit visited a number of places propagating hygiene and general educa­tion. The Library Section successfully organised a mobile library, loaning books out to village readers at their homes. The Department further organised a number of centres for distribution of free milk, food packages, tiffin, etc. to the destitute and also to the undernourished children living in the bustees and villages. In times of epidemic, vaccination was given.

Adequate land and buildings were secured near the institu­tion, and all its activities were shifted there early in 1955. With financial help from the Central and State Governments, , a scheme for further expansion and consolidation was drawn up* and was under execution at the close of the year.

The Tattwamandira : The monks of the centre con­tinued the public classes on the scriptures and the discourses on various religious topics. They also went on lecture tours

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to different places. The Chatushpathi, under an erudite Pundit, successfully taught the monastic inmates Indian philosophy, particularly Vedanta.

The Social Education Organisers' Training Centre (Phone : Howrah 188) : Along with the latest teaching on such subjects as rural economics, civics, co-operative agriculture and rudiments of health and hygiene, this Department also seeks to instil into its students a spirit of service. The scheme for it was drawn up in co-operation with the Community Projects Administration of the Government of India, who sanctioned grants for implementing it in 1955. A separate plot of land with a spacious building was procured, and arrangement were almost complete to start the institution in January, 1956, with a batch of 20 trainees, drawn from different States in India.

The Sarada Pitha has thus become a great seat of learning.

The Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananefa College, Madras

The Vivekananda College was opened at Mylapore (Madras 4; phone : 85257) in 1946 to help hundreds of deserving students who cannot get admission to any college in Madras. Admission is made mainly on merit, irrespective of caste or community; only Harijan applicants were all offered seats.

The strength of the College was 1,443 in 1954 and 1,449 in 1955. The Honours course in Sanskrit was opened in 1954.

In the University examinations, the tradition of brilliant success has been kept up. In 1954, one of the students stood first in B.A. Mathematics (Honours) and another, second in M.A. Mathematics. All the 52 B.A. Honours and 4 M.A. students who appeared in 1954 came out successful. In 1955, three of its students secured the 2nd, 4th and 5th places in B.A. Honours Mathematics, and two more students stood first class first and second respectively in B.A. Honours Economics in .the Madras University.

The College Library had 13,665 books in 1955 as against 12,628 in the previous year.

19

Religious instruction on a broad, non-sectarian basis is provided for all classes, congregational prayers every Monday forming a special feature.

The various college associations were active throughout the year. Excursions were taken by the Natural Science section boys to important places.

The Government of Madras sanctioned an independent N.C.C. platoon with one officer and 36 cadets for this college in 1954. A few of the students are cadets in the N.C.C. Batteries and the N.C.C. Wing.

The construction of an open-air theatre under the Youth Welfare Scheme of the Government of India was completed at a cost of Rs. 26,000/'- during the period under report. It is used for some classes also. Students contributed manual labour for part of the unskilled portion of the work.

The Ramakrishna Mission Students' Home, Madras

The institution was started in 1905 and affiliated to the Mission in 1918. It moved to its own spacious buildings at Mylapore (Madras ' 4) in 1921, added a Residential High School in 1922 and an Industrial School in 1925. It has been making steady progress throughout. The Golden Jubilee of the Home was celebrated in March, 1955, and on this occasion an illustrated Souvenir containing articles, reminiscences and messages was published.

About half the students in the Home enjoyed scholar­ships. Physical, moral and religious instruction, tutorial guidance, and training in music and social service are a few of its characteristics. Many of the domestic duties are done by the boys themselves. The Sevapravina Samiti, an associa--tion of old students elected by the general body, managed practically everything connected with the boys. The Home has an excellent Library, which had 9,116 and 9,255 books in 1954 and 1955.

The Residential High School' had 167 and 169 boys during the years under review. The institution continued tp produce good results at the public examinations. Small classes, simplicity in furniture and dress, individual attention

20

to boys and a compulsory course of Manual Training are some of its special features. Since 1946 it has been at Attur, near Chingleput. The Higher Elementary School at Malliankaranai (Uttiramerur), started in 1945, had a strength of 143 and 170 boys and 24 and 33 girls. The Harijan Hostel attached to the school had 33 inmates.

The Home accommodated 45 and 46 college boys in 1954 and 1955. The Centenary Elementary School, taken over by the Mission in 1945, had 305 and 361 students.

The Industrial School, renamed the Technical Institute in 1947, had 63 and 72 boys. The Institute is fully equipped with precision tools and appliances, and teaches Automobile Engineering. The students, after completing a course of three years, appear for the Government L.A.E. Diploma Examination.

The Ramakrishna Mission Calcutta Sfudenfs' Home, Belgliaria (24 Parganas)

This Home for college students, recognised by the Calcutta University, was started in 1916. It imparts to its young inmates a course of thorough man-making education, and is specially meant for indigent students of approved parts, who get here free board, lodging, etc. during their college career. In April, 1954, the Home was shifted to its permanent residence (P.O. Belgharia, Dist. 24 Parganas ; Phone : Panihati 244), which is a fairly big campus measur­ing about 34.6 acres. It is dose to the Belgharia Station and is about 7 miles from Calcutta. There have been raised 11 brick-built houses and a modest temple with a prayer hall, which was dedicated by the President of the Order. The Centenary of the Holy Mother was celebrated in a befitting manner with a varied programme.

In 1954 and 1955, the number of free boarders was 32 and 38, that of part-free boarders 8 and 11, and that of paying boarders 20. Out of the total subscription received during these two years, about 24% and 25% were contributed by ex-students of the Home. In 1954, all the 22 students who appeared in the Intermediate and Degree examinations, and in 1955, 20 out 23 students, came out successful, some of the Inter examinees obtaining Government scholarships. A

21

manuscript magazine entitled Vidyarthi was -conducted by the 'students. A free Primary School for unlettered adults is being run by them. A library containing nearly 1,850 well-chosen books on various, subjects afforded the students facilities for extending their studies beyond the college curriculum.

The Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, PatJiuriagliafa (Calcutta)

This University-recognised Hostel for students, which has a six- and a five-storeyed building as also an endowment, was started in 1943 at 18 Jadulal Mullick Road, Pathuriaghata, Calcutta (Phone : 33-5541). Its aims are similar to those of other educational institutions of the Mission. In 1954 and 1955 it had 116 and 122 students, of whom 89 and 96 were full-free, 10 and 19 part-free and the rest paying. The Library had 3,317 and 3,621 books. Religious classes, debates, etc. were conducted frequently. During the years under review, the students showed very creditable results in the University examinations, two standing first class 2nd and first class 6th in the M.A. and M.Sc. Examinations in History and Geology respectively. The students brought out two manu­script journals, entitled Udayachala and Rashmi.

The successful Social Education Centre for the Harijans at Rambagan, in North Calcutta, run by the Ashrama, taught 50 and 51 adults and 101 and 126 children. A cottage industry section was also added. The small library attached to the centre had 300 and 488 books.

A medical section was also started in 1955, which treated 7.44 cases including repeated ones. Two free Milk Canteens were conducted under the supervision of the Ashrama, the average number of recipients being roughly 400 and 800 in the two years under review. The Ashrama also arranged to distribute an additional quantity—some 60,000 Ibs.—of milk powder through other social service institutions. Social welfare and training activities were also taken up in various rural areas of West Bengal from time to time. Film shows, Jatras, Kathakatas and cultural functions constituted the

22

prominent features of the social education activities of the

Ashrama.

The Ramakrisiina Mission VidyapHh, Deoghar (S.P.)

This is a Residential High School (P.O. Vidyapith, Deoghar; Phone : Deoghar 33) for 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 1954 and 1955 it accommodated 228 and 235 boys, 9 and 23 of whom passed the School Final Examination. There is provision for the teaching of music, painting, type­writing, tailoring, gardening and physical culture.

The School has a Library, which had 6,525 and 6,955 books, a good Reading Room with several newspapers and magazines, and a Laboratory. The boys conducted two periodicals called Viveka and Kishalaya and organised debates, festivals and other social activities.

Attached to the institution there is a Charitable Dispen­sary, which treated 4,106 and 10,948 patients, including poor villagers from the neighbouring places.

The Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya, Perianaickenpalayam (Coimbafore)

The Vidyalaya completed twenty-five years of its service in February, 1955. Affiliated to the Mission in 1934, it became a full-fledged residential High School in 1937. Since 1939 .it has been the leading institution in Basic Education in South India. The Basic School was started in 1940, and the Basic Training School in 1942, followed a few years later by the Rural Dispensary and Rural Service Centre. The year 1950 saw the opening of the Teachers' College, and 1951 the School of Engineering. The Vidyalaya is situated on a plot of one hundred acres, and the annual expenditure is nearly seven lakhs of rupees. There are four hostels for students in the different sections. A beautiful temple and prayer hall serves the spiritual needs of the inmates.

23

The Silver Jubilee of the Vidyalaya was celebrated in November, 1955. Dr. Rajendra Prasad, who was to preside on the occasion, came to Coimbatore for the purpose, but could not attend the function owing to sudden ill health. So Sri Sri Prakash, the Governor of Madras, deputised for him. Miniature libraries worth Rs. 200/- each were presented to 100 elementary schools on the occasion.

The strength of the various institutions in the Vidyalaya in the years 1954 and 1955 was as follows : High School 178 and 176 ; Basic Training School 58 and 60 ; Retraining in Basic Education 73 and 78; Senior Basic School 246 and 350 ; Post-graduate Teachers' College 57 and 71 ; School of Engineering 31 and 38; Rural Dispensary: 21,902 and 19,503 cases. With the co-operation of the Ford Foundation and the Government of India, an extension and Research Department was opened in the Teachers' College in 1955. The birthday of Sri Ramakrishna was celebrated as usual, when nearly 20,000 people attended, and special trains were arranged.

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

». Started in September, 1944 with only 37 orphans, the Home (Phone : Barrackpore 80) had on its rolls 278 and 290 boys in 1954 and 1955. It is the biggest orphanage of the Mission, situated near the Khardaha Ry. Station, 12 miles to the north of Calcutta, and is also approachable by bus.

The Home conducts a Junior Basic School, a Senior Basic School, a Secondary School, a Primary School, a Technical School and a Vocational School, all recognised by the State Government. Along with general education, the boys were given lessons on religion, music and technical and vocational subjects. Attention was paid to their physical well-being, and . an interesting programme of extra-curricular activities was gone through. The boys joined the National and the Auxiliary Cadet Corps, and w^Tent out for camping and excursion.

In order to develop their individuality and sense of discipline, they are given a certain amount of freedom in

24

managing their own affairs under the guidance of .experienced teachers. They have a debating society and ably conducted a quarterly magazine and a weekly bulletin of current news. They staged religious and historical dramas very successfully. The Home also conducts a District Library for North 24 Parganas.

The Ramakrishna Mission Boys' Schools, Tyagarayanagar, Madras

This group of Schools and the attached Hostel (Madras 17), started in 1932 and 1934 respectively, had been under the management of the Mission Students' Home at Madras till 1948, when they were constituted into a separate branch centre.

During the years under review, there were 2,711 and 2,874 students in the- three High Schools, while the Hostel had 76 and 74 inmates. Due attention was paid to their, moral and spiritual well-being. The three Elementary Schools had 1,407 and 1,486 students. A new building was constructed for one of them in 1954 at a cost of Rs. 20,000/-.

All the Schools have Libraries, containing in all nearly 25,000 books.

The Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Sarisha (24 Parganas)

Started in 1921 and affiliated to the Mission in 1924, this institution has successfully devoted itself to the task of village reconstruction through proper education. It activities during the period under review were as follows :

The Boys' High School, with agricultural and weaving sections attached to it, had 247 and 275 students in 1954 and 1955. It has since been reshaped as a Multipurpose High School with provision for Class XI, diversification of courses into General, Technical and Scientific starting at Class IX. Of the total cost of Rs. 2,75,000/-, the Government bears seven-eighths.

As usual, the boys participated in various inter-school games and sports at the Sub-divisional and District levels, winning trophies and certificates. The N.C.C. Troops of the

25 - -

school enrolled 66 cadets and 2 officers, and held regular parades throughout the year. A party of 80 students and teachers went out on an educational tour up to the Mayurakshi Project. Cultural programme^ like socials, dramatics, debates and magazines were continued. The school sat every day after a congregational prayer at the Ashama shrine. There is ample provision for physical culture under the supervision of experts. Training in social service forms a part of the education imparted here. A Hostel i» also run, which had 100 and 110 inmates.

The Girls' High School :' It became a sponsored insti­tution of the Government in 1955. It too sat daily after assembly prayer. Its strength in 1954 and 1955 was 134 and 154. Besides academic education, the girls were taught music, folk dance, sewing, embroidery, domestic hygiene, sports and physical culture. The School purchased a bus in 1955. Attached to the School there is a Hostel, which had 34 and 46 inmates.

Basic Primary Schools No. 1 and 2 had on their rolls 295 and 308 children.

The Residential Basic Training College for Women Teachers had 33 and 42 trainees.

A Technical Section was opened in the Girls' High School in 1954 both for the school pupils and for the general womenfolk. Training, was given in weaving, tailoring, knitting, embroidery and hose-making.

A Community Centre for village women was started in 1954. It held its regular cultural sittings presided over by newly literate village women. The Centre has also a literacy class and a small library, and is managed entirely by ladies at the Government's cost.

Two Social Service Camps—one for boys and the other for girls—were conducted at Government cost in 1955. Each camp accommodated 60 workers (all students and teachers of the institutions at Sarisha) and continued for one month. The boys renovated a narrow village road one mile long and 4£ feet high.' The girls' camp undertook the cleaning of the village, conducted literacy classes and established

26

useful contacts with the village women among the education­ally backward communities.

An Area Library, with 8 and 7 branch libraries, was successfully conducted.

The Ashrama also runs an Outdoor Dispensary, which treated 8,110 and 13,440 cases, of which 4,689 and 7,534 were new cases.

Nine complete Social Education Centres, recognised by the State Government, were run by the Ashrama, with an average roll strength of 219 and 196.

. The Ramakrishna Mission Sara da Vidyalsya, Madras

Sri Sarada Vidyalaya, Tyagarayanagar (Madras 17), 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, consisting of a High School, a Training School with a preparatory class, a Higher Elementary School and a Model Elementary School.

The strength of the Girls' High School in 1954 and 1955 was 1,614 and 1,702 respectively. It had 60 and 62 teachers on an average. The School had its own new three-storeyed buildings with 45 class rooms in 1954.

The Training School had 258 and 259 students, under 11 teachers. A bungalow was purchased for it in 1955 to serve as a Hostel. With a view to converting it into a Basic Training School from the next mid-year, a new building was erected for it in 1955, the Government of India contributing two-thirds of the cost.

In the Girls' Higher Elementary School there were 765 and 799 pupils, with 24 teachers. The Model Elementary School had 516 and 555 pupils, with 16 teachers. The latter added two standards during the period under review.

. The Vidyalaya possesses two Libraries containing" 9,727 and 10,202 volumes. There is ' provision for moral and 'religious instruction, group singing, special worship, Bhajana

27.

and physical training as also for useful excursions and. extra­curricular activities., ' •;.

The three Hostels of the Vidyalaya had a total strength of 146 and 135 girls. Of these the Training School Hostel and the Lady Teachers' Hostel are located in their own premises. All the Hostels are under the supervision of lady teachers.

The Holy Mother Centenary Celebrations were held in the Vidyalaya with due solemnity in November, 1954. All the school children and staff of both the Boys' Schools and Girls' Schools in Tyagarayanagar participated in this function, function.

The Ramakrishna Mission Sisfer Nivedifa Girls' School and Sarscla Msnc!ir, Calcutta

This School (5 Nivedita Lane, Calcutta 3 ; Phone : Burra Bazar 2062) was started in 1902 by Sister Nivedita (Miss Margaret E. Noble), a dedicated disciple of Swami Vivek-aiianda, 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 can solve their own problems.

The institution is housed in its own fine four-storeyed building and was made a branch of the Mission in 1918. It teaches up to the School Final standard, and has 28 lady teachers on an average, the majority of whom were dedicated workers. Its strength in 1954 and 1955 was 621 and 595. Of the 22 students sent up for the School Final Examination in 1954, 21 came out successful, while there was cent per cent success for 25 students in 1955.

Up to 1946 the whole' institution imparted free educa­tion; but in 1949 the Secondary section was affiliated to the Calcutta University, and began charging fees according to Government and University rules, though it provided ample relief for poor and meritorious students. The Primary Section, with 244 girls in 1954 and 243 in 1955, still continues to be free.

* 28"

- The institution has an Industrial Section, recognised by the Government, which helped 49 and 51 poor middle-class women to learn certain arts and crafts to make them self-supporting. Since 1949 students of this Section have been appearing successfully in the Lady Brabourne Diploma Examination.

Religious training was a speciality of this institution. The Sarada Mandir or Hostel attached to the School accom­modated SO and 32 students and 17 and 20 dedicated workers in the years under review. The School has got a decent Library, with 4,228 books at the end of 1955.

The School successfully celebrated the Holy Mother Centenary in November, 1954.

The Ramaltrishtia Mission Asiirama, Asansol (Burdwan)

Started in 1926, the Ashrama, situated on the Grand Trunk Road (Phone : Asansol 437), was handed over to the Mission in 1938, since when it has steadily developed. It conducts : (1) A High School, which had 479 and 480 boys in 1954 and 1955, (2) A Primary Section, with 140 and 138 boys, (3) A Students' Home, which had 13 and 11 inmates, (4) A Library with 2,141 and 2,866 books, (5) A Reading Room, with 2 dailies and 17 and 25 monthlies, (6) Regular worship, religious classes, meetings and festivals.

During the period under review, the Ashrama acquired half an acre of adjacent land, and two buildings were con­structed, while a third—for the Multi-purpose School—was begun. The Holy Mother Centenary was duly celebrated for 16 days in March-April, 1954, at the Ashrama and in the neighbourhood. Temporary relief was given to some dis­tressed refugees.

The Ramakrishan -Mission Instifufe of Co If ore, Calcutta

The Institute is housed in its own building at 111 Russa Road, Calcutta 26 (Phone: 46-1230). Founded in 1938, it has now grown into a recognised centre of learning and culture. Through its publications as well as weekly

classes, public lectures and international symposia, all well attended, the Institute has been a forum for the discussion of modern social problems from the perspective of both Indian thought and world culture. It also serves as a meet­ing ground for eminent Eastern and Western scholars, providing a fine opportunity for the development of humanistic and social studies on a comparative basis. .

The outstanding features of its work during the years under review were : (1) A Library, with about 25,000 books, (2) A Reading Room equipped with 222 and 294 Indian or foreign journals and daily attended by an average of 60 readers, (3) Weekly public lectures on subjects of social, socio-religious and cultural importance by Indian and foreign scholars, (4) International symposia, 4 1955, (5) Weekly classes on the Upanishads, the Gita, etc., (6) Special meetings, 13 and 9; Special discourses, 10 in 1955, (7) Hindi Classes, attended by 176 and 215 students, (8) A Sanskrit Chatushpathi, with 13 students on an average, (9) Publication of a monthly Bulletin, (10) Sending of Volume IV (The Religions) of the second edition of The Cultural Heritage of India, an encyclo­pedic history of Indian culture and civilisation, to the press, (11) A Students' Hostel, with 17 and 25 inmates, (12) Promot­ing cultural relations between India and other countries, (13) Providing facilities for research students, (14) Display of documentary films, (15) Musical soirees, (16) Hospitality to foreign guests.

A new building for the Institute on its site near the Ballygunge Lakes was commenced in July, 1955. It will include a big auditorium, a library and reading rooms, offices, a students' hostel as also special facilities for non-resident students, staff quarters, a guest house, and a universal meditation hall.

The Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Shiliong

The Ramakri'shna Mission started its activitieis in the Khasia and Jaintia Hills in 1924 with a Primary School at Sheila, a village about 45 miles from Shiliong. The activities were then extended to Shiliong, where a Library and a Primary School were started along with occasional activities in

30

other places. The Shillong branch was recognised by the Mission in 1937- For the efficient management of its expanded activities, Cherrapunji was made a separate centre in 1949, with the Sheila and Nongwar schools also under it. The Library and Reading Room, which had 30 periodicals as well as 3,000 and 3,352 books in 1954 and 1955, was quite popular. Books issued : 3,109 and 5,899.

For children including tribal ones, the Mission conducted the Sarada Samsad, which, besides its weekly sittings devoted to songs and speeches on various topics in different languages, arranged occasional discourses by eminent persons. The Mission duly observed a number of anniversaries and festivals, which, consisting of lantern lectures, children's sports, exhibi­tions, etc., were popular even with the tribal people. In 1954 and 1955, 128 and 153 weekly religious classes and 13 and 3 lectures were arranged- in various localities of Shillong, which were well attended.

The Charitable Dispensary treated 38,758 patients in 1954 and 38,327 in 1955. The centre also ran a small Students' Home mainly for tribal boys, and an L.P. School in a local Harijan Colony (Students : 16 and 19), and organised lecture tours in different parts of the State including tribal areas.

The centre enthusiastically solemnised the Holy Mother Centenary in March and December, 1954, at Shillong and twenty-six other places in Assam.

With funds from the Headquarters, the centre conducted Flood Relief in North Lakhimpur and Kamrup in 1954. In 1955, it undertook Flood and Scarcity Relief in the Goalpara District, and Water Scarcity Relief in the Nowgong District.

The Ramskrishna Mission Ashrams, Cherrapunji (Assam)

The work was started in 1931 as a part of the Shillong centre, and as already stated, was converted into a separate centre in 1949. Its main activities in 1954 and 1955 were— (1) A High School with 178 and 193 students, which had a Vocational Section (mainly weaving) attached to it, (2) A

31

Hostel, with 19 and 27 inmates, who had facilities for an all-round development. .(3) A Primary School with two branches, having a total roll strength of 126 and 131. (4) Weekly Bhajanas and discourses. (5) A Homceopathic Dispensary, with a daily average of 11 patients.

At Sheila, 13 miles down, it conducted an M.E. School with 93 and 80 students, and an Ashrama with a Library and free Reading Room. Twice a week Bhajanas and classes were held, and every year the Durga Puja was celebrated.

At Nongwar, a village 9 miles below Cherrapunji, a free Primary School was run with 70 and 71 children, and an M.E. School with 35 students each year.

At Mustoh, a village between Nongwar and Sheila, the centre financially helped a free Primary School with 37 and 32 children.

The Ashrama serves to spread cultural ideas among the hill tribes.

The Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya and Boys' Home, Chingleput

Started as a Higher Elementary School in 1936, and made a branch of the Mission in 1940, the institution became a High School in 1942 (Phone : 36; Telegraphic address : Gadhai). Its strength in 1954 and 1955 was 506 and 550, and that of the Boys' Home 51 and 55. Situated amid attractive surroundings, the School imparts to its pupils, besides secular education, moral and religious instruction as also lessons on gardening, printing and composing. A Girls' High School, started in 1950, had 345 and 402 students in 1954 and 1955. A number of birthdays were duly celebrated. The institu­tion's Library had over 3,730 books.

The Ashrama joyously celebrated the Holy Mother Qentenary in December, 1954.

The Ramakrishrta Mission Vivekananda Society, Jamshedpur (Singhbhum)

Started in 1920 and affiliated to the Mission in 1927, the centre, situated at Bistupur (Phone ; 65 JR), conducted in

32 - '

1954 and 1955 the following—-(1) Four High Schools (of which two were for girls), 3 Middle Schools and 3 U.P. and 2 L.P. Schools (of which one is a Night School in Hindi alone)—in all 12 Schools with 4,020 and 4,314 pupils on their rolls in 1954 and 1955. While 1 U.P. and 2-L.P. Schools are for Kindi-speaking children only, there are Hindi sections in one of the Girls' High Schools and in two Middle Schools. In the other schools, Hindi is taught as a compulsory subject to pupils whose mother tongue is not Hindi. There is a yearly school magazine. (2) Two Students' Homes with 29 and 30 inmates. (5) A Library and Reading room with 1,530 books, 10 periodicals, 3 weeklies and 3 dailies. (4) Eight school Libraries with 6,287 and 7,998 books. (5) Weekly classes and occasional lectures on religio-philosophical subjects. (6) Regu­lar pucuniary help to poor students and others.

The centre celebrated the Holy Mother Centenary in December, 1954, with great eclat. It built a large dining hall in 1955.

TJia Ramaknsfjua Mission Ashrams, Bsrnaeore (24 Parganas)

Started iii 1912, this institution for students was made a branch of the Mission in 1924 (Calcutta 36; Phone : Burra Bazar 2624). It had on its rolls 124 and 135 students during 1954 and 1955, all reading either in the High School or in the Primary School, both situated within the Ashrama. Day scholars are admitted to both the Schools. In the High School, there were 362 and 450 boys, and in the Primary School 246 and 300 pupils in 1954 and 1955 respectively.

Along with general education, the boys were given lessons on religion, music, gardening, etc. Training in drills and parades on military lines was also given, and arrangements were made for games and sports. The boys were taken on excursions to places of historic importance and subjected to rigid camp discipline, which they liked.

The Sanskrit Chatushpathi had 25 and 32 students.

The Ashrama Library was split into two, the Ashrama and the School Library, having about 3,500 books in all.

Tft© Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Pafns

Started in 1922 and recognised as a Mission branch in 192,6, it has since 1930 been occupying its own home at Langartoli (P.O. Bankipore, Patna 4; Phone: 2183). In 1954 and 1955 it conducted—(1) Two Charitable Dispenstries, one Homoeopathic and the other Allopathic, at the Ashrama; total cases 70,033 and 71,328'in the former and 14,566 and 22,305 in the latter (new cases : 11,090 and 7,482 in the first, and 2,92.2 and 4,146 in the second). (2) A free School, mainly for Harijan and other backward community boys (strength 143 and 130). (3) A Library and a free Reading Room containing, in the two years under review, 1,828 and 2,128 books and 6 and 20 periodicals. (5) Regular religious and cultural classes and discourses in and outside the Ashrama (150 classes and 15 discourses in 1954, and 300 classes aiid 150 discourses in 1955).

A large building for the Library was almost completed in 1955,

Flood Relief work was undertaken by the centre in North Bihar in 1954 and 1955, weekly doles being given to some 8,500 and 5,000 people for over six and seven weeks respectively, and about 16,800 pieces of clothes, 2,513 woollen blankets and 15 mds. of milk products were distributed in two years. Medical aid was also given to the sick.

The Ramakrishna Mission AsfiramB* Sargachhi (MurshidabaeJ)

This oldest Ashrama of the Mission (P.O. Mahula) was started in 1897 by the late Swami Akhandananda and was affiliated in 1911. It conducted in the years under review—

1. A Junior (4-class) High School with 128 and 132 students.
2. A Primary School with 203 and 200 students. (3) Anoutdoor Charitable Dispensary: Total cases 7,451 and 5,517;new cases 2,878 and 2,302. (4) A Library and Reading Room(Books 5,609 and 5,382; issued 5,122 and 5,260; periodicals 21,
   daily papers 2). (5) Birthday celebrations. (6) Lectures for theremoval of illiteracy among the masses and the improvementof sanitation in the villages. (7) Daily classes and occasional
   lectures in the district town of Berhanipore. (8) Occasionalhelp in cash and kind.

The Ramalcrishna Mission Ashrama, Visalcfiapafnam

This Ashrama at. Maharanipetta (Visakhapatnam 2; Phone : 255), built on the Beach Road and commanding an excellent view of the Bay of Bengal, was started in 1938.

In 1954 and 1955, the Ashrama conducted—(1) A Students' Home with 20 students. (2) A Library and Reading Room with 1,591 and 1,753 books (issued 763 and 632). (3) Occasional scriptural discourses.

At the request of the authorities of the Hindusthan Shipyard, Visakhapatnam, the Ashrama started a Middle School there in June, 1955. It had 73 boys and 17 girls on its rolls.

The Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama* Taki (24 Parganas)

Established in 1931 as a centre of rural uplift and affiliated in 1938, the Ashrama conducted in 1954 and 1955—(1) An H.E. School (students 182 and 213). (2) Three U.P. Schools—one for boys, one for girls and the other a mixed, one—total -strength 307 and 286. (3) A Students' Home (inmates 25 and 28). (4) A Library. (5) A Charitable Dispensary (total cases 57,187 and 63,920).

The Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama, Silehar (Cachar)

.This institution has been doing good work in the District of Cachar since 1924. It was made a branch of the Mission in 1939. During the years under review it maintained —(1) A Students' Home with 12 and 18 'inmates. (2) A Library with 1,047 books (issued 583 and 1083).

The centre arranged 41 and 92 religious classes and organ­ised 21 and 6 lantern lectures in the villages of the District onhygienic subjects. It also gave monetary help and rice dolesto the poor of the locality. The Holy Mother Centenary wasduly celebrated in November, 1954. Birthdays of Sri Rama-krishha and Swami Vivekananda, among others, wereobserved. • : ; •

35

The Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Manasac!w!p (24 Parganas)

Started in 1928 as a branch of the Contai Ashrama, it was raised to a separate centre in 1955. During the period under review, the centre conducted—(1) Two Primary Schools, one' for boys (converted into Junior Basic) and another for girls (special cadre)—average roll strength 135 and 35 respectively— both being maintained by the District School Board. (2) One recognised High School : Strength 197 and 194, 125 and 106 of whom were part-free. (3) A small Students' Home for boys. (5) A free Library and Reading Room : Books 500 and 900 ; issued 203 and 407. It also guided two Night Schools in the neighbouring villages with'an average strength of 25.

The Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Srinagar, Kashmir

The centre was started in a rented building at Karan Nagar, Srinagar (Kashmir) in May, 1954. Besides daily worship, it conducted in 1954 and 1955—(1) An allopathic Dispensary : Total cases 12,018 and 19,394; new cases 3,883 and 6,099. (2) A Library and Reading Room : Books 439 and 545 ; issued 87 and 250. (3) Weekly scriptural classes and occasional lectures.

SECTION III COMBINED MATH & MISSION CENTRES -

The Ramakrishna Math and Mission, Madras

This is one of the oldest and most influential centres of the Order. Started in the year 1897 by Swami Ramakrishna-nanda, a direct disciple of Sri Ramakrishna, at Mylapore (Madras 4; Phone : 71231 ; Post Box No. Mylapore 635) away from the bustle of the city, in the vicinity of old, sacred temples, this monastery has all along been actively ministering to the spiritual and other needs of the public.

During the years under review, the Math principally con­ducted—(1) Daily worship of Sri Ramakrishna. (2) Lectures and religious classes (970 in 1954 and 810 in 1955). (3) Lecture

tours in various parts of the State. (4) Celebration of the birthdays of the Prophets and other festivals. (5) A Library open to the public : Books 8,607 and 8,751. (6) Three monthly journals : The I'edanla Kesari (English, 41st year in 1954), Sri Ramakrishna Vijayam (Tamil, 34th year in 1954) and Sri Ramakrishna Prabha (Telugu, llth year in 1954). (7) Weekly religious instruction to the inmates of the Lady Willingdon Leper Sanatorium at Chingleput. (8) A Higher Elementary Girls' School at George Town, Madras (Strength : 545 and 577). (9) Publication of a large number of books in English, Tamil and Telugu. New books published during the period 20; reprinted 39. (10) A Charitable Dispensary : Total cases : 1,07,439 and 1,10,403; new cases 27,427 and 32,757 ; minor surgical cases 650 and 423. (II) Distribution of milk to undernourished women and children : Total 26,965 and 77,625.

The Holy Mother Centenary was duly celebrated at the Math and various parts of the city in December, 1954. About 1£ acre of adjacent land was added to the Math in 1955.

Cyclone and Flood Relief was started by the Mission Branch in Rainnad and Tanjore Districts in December, 1955. It also undertook Fire Relief in North Arcot.

The RamakrisSina Mission Ashrama, Bombay

This Ashrama, situated at Khar (Bombay 21; Phone : 88442), was started in 1923. In 1954 and 1955 it conducted— (]) Daily worship. (2) Celebration on a large scale of a number of birthdays. (3) 123 and 129 religious classes, and 98 and 74 lectures in and outside the State.

The Mission branch, opened in 1932, conducted—(1) A Charitable Dispensary with Allopathic, Homoeopathic and Ayurvedic sections: Total cases 1,64,412 and 1,81,743; new cases: 27,879 and 25,610; in-patients 370 and 138. (2) A Library: Books 6,605 and 6,770; issued 1,630 and 2,230. (3) A Students' Home : Strength 50 and 62. The centre collected and sent to different centres of the Order Rs. 2,72,904/-and Rs. 74,723/4/3 for Flood Relief in 1954 and 1955.

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The Ramaltrishna Mission and Ashrama, Mangalore (South Kanara)

This centre, started in 1947, moved in 1951 to its own extensive premises on Mangaladevi Temple Road (Mangalore 1 ; Phone : 412). Besides daily worship, Bhajana and the celebration of the birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother and Swami Vivekananda, the Ashrama organised occasional lectures or discourses and weekly classes in and outside the Ashrama. The Ashrama Library issued 869 and 1,077 books.

The Mission Branch was opened in 1951. It conducted a Boys' Home for deserving indigent boys. There were 35 and 40 of them during the two years under review. An Allopathic Charitable Dispensary was opened in April, 1955. Total cases 25,563 ; new cases 7,677.

The Ramakrishna Math and Mission, Rajahmundry (East Godsvari)

This Math was started at Veerabhadrapuram in 1951. It has some houses, land and a Permanent Fund. In addition to regular worship, Bhajana and scriptural classes, it conducted a Library and Reading Room and celebrated the birthdays of the Prophets.

A Mission branch was started in September, 1954, which took up the Students' Home opened two months earlier. The Home had its own building before the year was out, and had 21 inmates at the end of 1955.

In August, 1955, JO Adult Education Centres were started in 6 surrounding villages. The total number of .pupils was 350.

Flood Relief and Rehabilitation work was continued in the East and West Godavari Districts throughout 1954 and was closed in November, 1955. From 1953 to 1955, the total amount spent was over Rs. 7,07,500/-.

The Ramakrishna Mafh and Mission, ~

Bhubaneshwar (Puri)

This imposing monastery, founded by the late Swami Brahmananda in 1919, is situated in a secluded part of

sa

the town. It conducts daily worship and regular religious classes and celebrates the birthdays of the Prophets. It has a Library, which had about 1,800 books in 1955. During the period under review it published a few books in Oriya.

The Mission branch, started in 1920, conducted in 1954 and 1955—(1) A free U.P. School (Students 154 and 148). (2) A Charitable Dispensary (Total.cases 26,919 and 28,191; new cases 14,418 and 15,160).

The Ramakrishna Hath and Mission Sevashrsma, Bankura

The Math was started in 1917. During 1954 and 1954 it conducted—(1) Daily worship, 51 and 153 religious classes and a number of public celebrations. (2) A Library (Books 1,948 and 2,006 ; issued 2,034 and 1,879).

The Sevashrarna conducted—(1) Three Charitable Dis­pensaries, which treated in all 88,158 and 84,694 cases, of which 25,223 and 24,917 were new ones. (2) Classes on Homoeopathic Therapeutics for 5 boys each year. (3) A Students' Home with 14 and 11 students. (4) Pecuniary help to a few. Also at Ramharipur, 20 miles off : (1) A Primary School with 85 boys and 37 girls in 1954 and 79 boys and 35 girls in 1955. (2) A High School with 209 and 203 students.

(3) A small Library.

Tne Ramaknshna Mission Ashrama> Malela

This Ashrama was starte'd in 1924 as a Math centre, and a Mission branch was added in 1942. During the period under review, regular scriptural classes and Bhajana and occasional lectures were held both within and outside the Ashrama. The Math celebrates the birthdays of the Prophets of all faiths.

The Mission branch conducts—(1) Four Primary Schools : (Pupils 502 and 517). (2) One Adult School, with 25 students each' year. (3) A High School, with 350 and 278 students.

(4) A Homoeopathic Charitable Dispensary, which treated39,715 and 56,012 cases. (5) A Milk Canteen : Average dailyrecipients 392. (6) A Library with 1,027 books, which was

39

well utilised. (7) A Students' Home with 16 and 14 inmates, many of whom were free or half-free. (8) A Children's Club for about 250 and 200 children. Flood Relief work was under­taken in 1955, and food grains as also blankets, medicines, etc., were distributed,

The Rasnakrishna Math and Mission Sevashrama, Allahabad

The Math (P.O. Muthiganj) was founded in 1908, and the Mission Sevashrama in 1910, by the late Swami Vijnan-ananda, a disciple of Sri Ramakrishna and the fourth President of the Order. The - Math conducted 90 and 98 religious classes and arranged occasional lectures. The birthdays of the Prophets were duly celebrated.

The Sevashrama conducted in 1954 and 1955—(1) A Charitable Dispensary : Total cases 49,735 and 46,679; new cases 10,566 and 9,582. (2) A Library and Reading Room : Books 3,099 and 3,211; issued 1,741 and 2,044.

The Ramakrishna Ashrama and Mission SevasSirama, Tamluk (Nndnapore)

This institution was started in 1914 and was affiliated to the Mission in 1929. Its activities in 1954 and 1955 were— (1) An Industrial School with 12 and 24 students. (2) Primary School (Strength 213 and 211). (3) A Circulating Library and a Reading Room (Books 3,905 and 4,062; issued 7,851 and 6,491). (4) An Outdoor Dispensary : Total cases 7,546 and 7,799; new cases 2,220 and 2,144. (5) Regular classes and occasional lectures. (6) Occasional help in cash and kind.

The Ashrama conducted daily worship and Bhajana andcelebrated a number of birthdays. ^r . - •

The Mafrimandir and Sarada Sevashrama, jayrambati (Bankura)

The Matrimandir, established in 1920 in memory of the Holy Mother at her birth-place, conducted daily worship and three festivals. It conducted a small Library.

A Natmandir or prayer hall was added to the Mother's

.. ⁴⁰

temple, and her marble statute' installed in the sanctum by the President of the Order on the 8th April, 1954. It was a part of the grand public celebration of her Centenary. About three lakhs of spectators, besides 250 monastics of the Order and 2,500 devotees of both sexes, participated in it during the three days of the festival. Temporary accommodation with pipe water and electricity was provided for the latter, and a special train was arranged from Howrah to Vishnupur and back. A succession of religious functions and amusements with the feeding of 10,000 people on the dedication day made the occasion an unforgettable one.

The Mission Sevashrama, started in 1930, conducted in 1954 and 1955—(1) A Charitable Dispensary : Total cases 21,714 and 30,216; new cases 5,967 and 7,534. (2) An M.E. School with about 250 and 258 students.

The Ramakrishna Math and Mission, Kamarpukur (Hooghly)

The house at Kamarpukur where Sri Ramakrislma was born, with some contiguous land, was secured, and a combined

Math and Mission centre was started in 1947.

The Math conducted daily worship of Sri Ramakrishna and observed some birthdays and festivals. It also held daily religious classes.

The Mission branch conducted—(1) An Outdoor Dispen- • sary : Total cases 19,114 and 21,962; new cases 6,017 and 7,116. (2) A Junior Basic School : Students 110 and 108.

3. A Social (Adult) Education Centre : Students 35 and 33.
4. A Library : Books 1,000.

The Ramakrishna Math and Mission Sevsshrama, Confai (Midnapore)

Started in 1913, the Sevashrama was made a branch of the Mission in 1927. It maintained—(1) A Library and Reading Room : Books 2,031 and 1,893; issued 1,462 and 1,778. (2) A Charitable Dispensary : Total cases 10,271 and 16,900; new cases; 4,532 and 5,452. (3) A Students' Home ; Inmates 8 each year.

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At Belda, 6 miles off, it ran- a U.P. School with 32 and ."5 girls and 77 and 74 boys.

The report of Manasadwip, which was a branch of this Ashrama, will be found elsewhere.

The Math conducted daily worship, weekly religious classes and occasional public lectures in different parts of the Subdivision.

The Ramskrishna Ashrama and Mission Seva SsmHi, Karimganj (Cachar)

The Seva Samiti, started in 1917, was affiliated in 1929 as a sub-centre of the Sylhet Seva Samiti. Exit in October, 1949, for facility of work, it was made a branch centre of the Math and Mission.

The Seva Samiti does mainly educational work. During the years under review it maintained—(1) A Students' Home with 12 students. (2) Two L.P. Schools : Total Strength 83 and 85. (3) A Library and Reading Room : Books ],219 and 1,250 ; issued 1,808 and 3,498. (4) A moving Library for the rural areas with 490 books; issued 2,003 and 1.628.

A Homoeopathic/ Dispensary was opened in 1955. It treated 1,160 patients including repeated ones.

The Ashrama conducted regular worship, Bhajana and daily religious classes, organised occasional lectures, and celebrated the birthdays of the Prophets.

The Ramakrishna Math-and Mission Sevashrama, Garbefa (Midrsapore)

The Math (P.O. Amlagora), was started in 1915." Part of its work was converted in 1951 into a Mission branch, which conducted in 1954 and 1955—(1) Charitable Dispensary : Total cases 4,747 and 3,356; new cases 4,140 and 2,500. (2) A Students' Home with 5 inmates. (3) A Primary School with 38 boys and 37 girls from 1955.

The Math conducted daily worship. 6

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SECTION IV

MATH CENTRES

The Advaifa Ashrama, Msyavaii (A'mora)

The Ashrama was founded in 1899 by an English couplewho were disciples of Swami Vivekananda. Situated in thesolitude of deep Himalayan forests, and commanding amagnificent view of the snow-range, it aims at producing aband of self-reliant characters through study and contempla­tion) -without the aid of ceremonials. • /

It is one of -the four chief publishing centres of the Order, the most notable of its publications being : The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda (in 8 volumes), The Great Women of India and the important English monthly, Prabuddha Bharata (60th year in 1955). During the two years under review 19 and 60 books were reprinted, and 2 newly published. The Publication Department is located in its own house at 4 Wellington Lane, Calcutta 13 (Phone : 24-2901).

The main Ashrama at Mayavati has a fine Library with over 5,500 .books. It also runs a useful Hospital with 13 beds. The figures for 1954 and 1955 were : Indoor, total cases 201 and 163; Outdoor, total cases 12,484 and 10,231.

In appreciation of its services, the State Government has begun to construct a jeepable road to connect the Ashrama wit.h the Bus route at Lohaghat. It has also started laying a pipe line, one mile long, for the supply of water from a spring, The work is expected to be completed in 1956.

The Ramakrishna Mafh, Cossipore, Calcutta

This*Math was started in 1946 in the famous garden house (90 Cossipore Road, Calcutta 2; Phone : Cossipore 2568), where Sri Ramakrishna passed the last days of his life with his disciples and entered Mahasamadhi. The historic house, being too old and dilapidated, was reconstructed in 1954 just as it was when the Master lived in it. " It was consecrated by the President of the Order on January I, 1955. Regular worship, observances of certain festivals and regular scriptural

43

classes are the main activities of the centre. The Holy Mother Centenary was celebrated in 1954,

The Ramakrishna Math, Baghbazar* Calcutta

Started in 1899, the Math moved in 1909 to its own home at 1, Udbodhan Lane (Calcutta 3 : Phone : Burra Bazar 2447), which served also as the Calcutta residence of the Holy Mother. In addition to the usual routine of a monastery, it conducts a Library, and arranges religious classes and lectures. It is one of the four publishing centres of the Order, and has brought out, among other things, Bengali editions of Swami Vivek-ananda's works as also the works of Swami Saradananda and Sister Nivedita. During the period under review, it published a few new boolcs and reprinted a large number of the old ones. Udbodhan, a Bengali religious monthly, completed it's 56th year in 1955.

The Ramakrishna Yogodyana, Kankurgachhi, CaieuHa

This Math at Kankurgachhi (Calcutta 11 ; Phone : Burra Bazar 2928), a suburb of Calcutta, was founded by Sj. Rama-chandra Datta, a distinguished lay disciple of Sri Ramakrishna, in 1883 and was sanctified by the Master's visit. It enshrines part of the sacred relics of Sri Ramakrishna in the main temple, reconstructed in 1931. The Yogodyana became a Math branch in 1943. Its activities during 1954 and 1955 were—(1) Daily worship. (2) Celebration of the birthday of Sri Ramakrishna and other festivals. (3) Regular religious classes and occa­sional lectures. The centre has a small Library.

The Gadadhar Ashrama, Calcutta

This Ashrama, started in 1921 and 86A, Harish Chatterjee Street, Bhowanipore, Calcutta 25, continued its spiritual activities. Besides daily worship, Bhajana and the observance of annual celebrations, it conducted frequent scriptural classes in the Ashrama.

The Veda Vidyalaya, a Sanskrit Chatushpathi, started in 1926, teaching different branches of Hindu philosophy, literature and grammar, is the outstanding work of the

44

Ashrama. In 1954 and 1955 it has 25 and 23 students, of whom 2 were provided in the Ashrama.

The Ashrama Library contained 2,452 useful books (issued 868'and 919).

Sri Ssrada Mark, Daksliineswar ( 24 Pargs. )

In fulfilment of Swami Vivekananda's desire, a monastery for women at last quietly came into being in the year of the Holy Mother's Birth Centenary, in May, 1954, in a house gifted to the Mission on C.I.T. Road, Entally, Calcutta. Some of the dedicated women workers of the Mission and Math became the first inmates of this nunnery. Already a plot of land measuring over 6 acres on the Ganges at Dakshineswar (P.O. Ariadaha), not far north of the Kali Temple, with two buildings had been secured at a cost of about Rs. 4,35,000, and after extensive alterations in the main structure, the nuns moved to this permanent home on the 2nd December, 1954. During this early period, they have concentrated on a medita­tive life so as to prepare themselves for a life of service. This monastery, like other monasteries of the Order, is under the control of the Trustees.

The Ramafcrishna Ashrama, Nagpur

The Ashrama (P.O. Dhantoli; Phone : 3422) began 10 function in 1928, since when it has made steady progress and grown into an important publication centre of the Order. During 1954 and 1955 it conducted—(1) Two Charitable Dispensaries, one at the Ashrama (Total cases 36,222 and 39,221 ; new cases 9,991 and 8,029) and another in the back- • ward locality of Indora (Total cases .42,857 and 52,109; new cases 15,216 and 15,541). (2) A Library and Free Reading Room: Books 7,800 and 8,100; issued 4,396 and 4,430. (3) A Students' Home : Inmates 25 each year. (4) A Publi­cation Department, having to its credit a large number of Hindi and Marathi books connected with the Order. (5) Weekly religious classes' and public lectures, numbering 81 and 72. (6) A Study Circle, which organised debates and public meetings, sometimes with the aid of the magic lantern.

45

(7) Observance of the birthdays of various Prophets andSaints. •

The RamakrisKna Advaifa Ashrama, Banaras

Started at Laxa (Banaras 1) in 1902, this Ashrama provided facilities for the spiritual growth of the monastic members of the Order, for whom daily scriptural classes were held. During

1954 and 1955 it conducted amongst others things :

1. Religious classes for the public numbering 136 and 352.
2. Occasional public lectures. (3) A good Library with6,208 books; issued 2,276 and 2,795.

The Rsmakrishna Ashrama, Oofacemund

This Ashrama at Ramakrishnapuram, a beauty-spot of the famed hill station, was opened in 1926. During 1954 and

1955 it conducted^-(l) Regular worship. (2) 68 and 72classes in and outside the Ashrama, besides 27 and 18 publiclectures. (3) Sunday prayers and religious classes at theLaivrence Public School, Lovedale, for the Hindu staff andpupils. (4) A Library and Reading Room : Books 1,876 ;issued 720 and 601. (5) Observance of the birthdays of theFounders of religions and other festivals.

Besides keeping in touch with some of the villages, ihis centre serves, in a humble way, the cultural and spiritual needs of the District as also of a section of visitors to the town.

Tha Ramakrishna Ashrama, Trkhur (Tr'svaneore)

From a small beginning in 1924, this Ashrama, situated at the Vilangans, four miles from the town, has developed into an important educational centre, mainly for Harijan boys and girls. It was recognised as a Math centre in 1929. During the years under review the Ashrama conducted—(1) A Gurukula for boys : Inmates 35 and 62. (2) A Gurukula for girls : Inmates 18 and 27. (3). A High School with 890 and 1,017 students. (4) An Industrial School with 39 students in weaving. (5) A Co-operative Society for the School and another for the Harijans. (6) A Charitable Dispensary with

46

3 beds; Indoor patients 34 and 46; outdoor new patients 6,650 and 11,709. (7) A Library at the Ashrama : Books 5,166 and 4,400. (8) A Library and Reading Room at Punkunnam : Books 1,012 and 1,044. (9) Religious classes for the public : 137 and 124. (10) Distribution of rice and milk powder and butter oil supplied by the U.N.I,C.E.F., Indian Red Cross Society and CARE. (II) Daily worship and Bhajana in the Harijan colonies at Adat and Parikatt. (12) Two Night Schools for Adults in the Harijan Welfare Centres at those two places. (13) A Women's Section in the Saradamandira with six Brahmacharinis. (14) Rural Recon- • struction activities, such as soap making, bee-keeping, aid to workers in carpentry, smithy, etc. (15) A creche for children of working mothers with 10 and 38 children.

The Rsmaknshna Ashrama, Raj!<of

The Ashrama/ established in 1927, was shifted to its permanent site in Jagnath Plot (Phone : 407) in 1934. It is doing useful service to the public in various ways. In 1954 and 1955 it, conducted—(1) A Charitable Dispensary with Ayurvedic and Homoeopathic sections : Total cases 20,142 and 22,732 ; new cases 4,804 and 4,932. (2)-A Students' Home with 36 and 26 inmates. (3) A Library and Reading Room : Books 6,072 and 7,250; issued 14,288 and 12,932. (4) A small Publication Department. (5) Regular religious classes and occasional lectures at Rajkot and other places. (6) Birthday anniversaries of religious celebrities.

A big Library building was begun in 1954 and opened by Dr. S. Radhakrishnan in October, 1955. The total cost was over rupees one lakh.

The Ramakrishna Ashrama, Bangalore

The Ashrama was founded in 1903 by the late Swami Ramakrishnananda, and moved to its own home at Basavangudi (Bangalore 4; Phone 3939) in 1909. Besides daily worship and Bhajana, it conducted in 1954 and 1955— (1) Weekly public discourses at the Ashrama and the Vivekananda Ashrama, Ulsoor, and occasional lectures else­where. (2) Scriptural study classes, mostly for college students. (3) Interviews and instructions to spiritual aspirants.

47

(4) Weekly moral instruction in the Central Jail. (5) Cele­bration of some birthdays. (6) A Library and Reading Room : Books '2,628 and 3,085; issued 2,149 and 1,529; magazines 17 and 18. (7) A Cultural and Recreational Centre for boys of the age of 7-15 : Attendance on weekdays about 75; on Sundays, about 150. (8) A similar Sunday Section for girls, opened in 1955 : Attendance at the year end 'about 80. (9) A Students' Home : Inmates 17 and 11. Construction of a spacious' building for the Students' Home made much progress in 1955.

The Ramakrishna Ashrama, Mysore

Started in 1925, the Ashrama (Phone : 535), moved to its own premises at Vani Vila's Mohalla (P.O.) in 1931. It had a beautiful temple and prayer hall in 1950. A magnifi­cent Hostel with a capacity for 200 students, on an extensive and commanding site close to the Ashrama, was also opened about the same time. This was converted into a Residential High School in 1952 : Strength 121 and 150. During the years under review, with the help of the Central Government, the following improvements were effected in the School : The Library, the Laboratory and the History-Geography section were expanded. A gate and compound wall, a stadium with a pavilion, a swimming pool and a dairy were built, and a few acres of land brought under cultivation.

'Besides regular worship and Bhajana, the Ashrama con­ducted in 1954 and 1955—(1) A Library and Reading Room : Books about 3,200. (2) Regular classes and occasional lectures in and outside the city." (3) Extensive publication of books in Canarese. (4) Celebration of certain birthdays.

The Rarnakrishna Ashrama, TrivaneJrum

Started in 1924 in an imposing stone building on the top of a hill six miles from Trivandrum, this Ashrama has since extended its services to the town (Trivandrum 1). During 1954 and 1955 the following activities w.ere undertaken—(1) An Outdoor Dispensary: Total' cases 32,147 and 35,705; new cases 12,498 and 15,057. (2) An Indoor Hospital with 50 beds : Aver age: number of beds occupied : 43 and 26. (3) An

Ayurvedic Dispensary : Total cases 7,300 and 14,773. (4) Daily feeding of milk and codliver oil to about 125 children. (5) Weekly discourses : 168 and 104; Public lectures : 45 and 50.

The Ramakrishna Advaifa Ashrama, Kalady (Travancore)

This Ashrama at the birth-place of Sri Sankaracharya was-started in 1936 and was made a Math branch in 1941. Besides daily worship it conducted in 1954 and 1955 : (1) 50 and 32 indoor religious classes for boys of the Students' Homes, (2) 150 and 100 lectures at different places. (3) An Orphanage with 10 Harijan inmates each year, and a second one with 15 other inmates in 1955. (4) Lunch for 200 young students each year. (5) A Milk Canteen, for an average of 170 children and 95 mothers in 1954, and 100 children and 30 mothers in 1955. (6) An Ayurvedic Dispensary with 3,118 and 4,215 out­door patients in the two years. (7) A Primary School : Strength 316 and 232. (8) A Sanskrit Middle School :• Students 305 and 215. (9) An English High School : Strength 160 and 158. (10) A Students' Home, with 38 and 34 inmates. A second one was started in November, 1955, with 35 students. (11) A Library and Reading Room with 4,074 and 5,011 books and 30 and 31 periodicals. (12) The Malayalam monthly Prabuddha Keralam (40th year in 1955). (13) A Publication Department for books in Malayalam. (14) Celebration of birthdays and other festivals.

The Ramakrishna Ashrama, Tim va If a (Travancore)

Started in 1913, the Ashrama moved to its own home in 1930. Besides conducting regular worship, Bhajana, 156 and 229 classes and 135 and 176 lectures in and outside the Ashrama, it guided the activities of a few smaller centres in Travancore-Cochin.

Other Ashramas in Travancore

The following small Math centres in Travancore carry on such Ashrama activities as worship, the holding of classes and Bhajana, and also possess small libraries :

49

The Ramakrishna Ashrama, Palai : Started in 1926, it conducted : (1) Weekly religious classes and (2) a Students' Home with 7 inmates.

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

The Ramakrishria Ashrama, Muvatupuzha : Started in 1930.

The Yogananda Ashrama, Alleppey : Started in 1925.

The Rarnalcrishna Mafli, Kanchipuram (ChingFepuO

This monastery (70 Nellukara Street) was founded in 1932. In 1954 and 1955 it conducted—(1) 69 and 73 religious classes and 39 and 17 public lectures in the Math. (2) A public Library and Reading Room : Books 5,547 and 5,660; issued 12,888 and 14,386 ; average daily attendance 280 and 161. (3) Celebration of the birthdays o," the Prophets.

A lecture hall on the first floor -was added in 1954.

The Ramakrishna Math, Naffarampalli (North Arcof)

This, rural monastery with its small Library and Reading Room completed forty-seven years of its useful life in 1955. Besides daily worship and religious classes, it conducted weekly Bhajana in the Math. Lectures were occasionally delivered in the neighbouring villages. A number of birthdays were also observed.

The Sarsdashrama Ponampef (Coorg)

The Ashrama was started in 1927. Besides regular wor^: ship and Bhajana, occasional lectures were arranged. It con­ducted in 1954 and 1955—(1) A Charitable Dispensary : Total cases 28,100 and 35,172; new cases 15,092 and 20,277. (2) Dis tribution of milk, ghee, cheese, etc. to sick children and nursing mothers : 12,204 in 1954 and 1,30,326 in 1955. (3) A small Library. (4) Observance of the birthdays of Sri Rama­krishna and the Holy Mother. A Dispensary building at a cost of Rs. 50,000 was^ under construction in 1955.

Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama, Quilandy (Calicuf)

The Ashrama was started in 1915. Worship, Bhajana and" the observance of certain birthdays form its general activities.

50

The Ramakrishna Mafh, Pun

-• This monastery was founded in 1932. Situated on the sea at Chakratirtha, it is an excellent resort for contemplation, where among- other things, daily worship and Bhajana are performed.

The Viveksnanda Ashrama, Shyamala Tal (Almora)

This Himalayan retreat (P. O. Sukhidhang, Via Tanak-pur)'was founded amid picturesque scenery in 1915. It has a Library with nearly 2,070 books and'is an ideal place for con­templation and study. The Ramakrishna Sevashrama, a hos­pital of 12 beds attached to it, treated during the two years under review 137 and 216 in-patients and 6,751 and 8,543 out­door cases (new cases 5,486 and 6,381). Its Veterinary Section treated 1,896 and 2,502 animals.

The Ramakrishna Kufir, Almora

Situated in a beautiful Himalayan setting, in full view of 'the perpetual snows, this Ashrama has become a favourite re­treat for our monks ever since its foundation by the late Swami Turiyananda in 1916. Its Library of over 2,100 books is open to the public. The Ashrama conducts regular classes and occasional Bhajana, and offers limited accommodation to reli­gious-minded visitors and pilgrims to Mt. Kailas.

The Ramakrishna Ashrama, Kishesipur (Dehra-Dum)

The Ashrama (P. O. Rajpur). was started in 1916 in a picturesque valley four miles above Dehra-Dun on the ' Mussoorie Road. It is a delightful place for meditation. Besides'regular worship, it conducted a Library, which in 195i and 1955, had 1,388 and 1,395'books, and a Charitable Dis­pensary, which treated 2,274 and 1,909 cases (new cases 963 and 761). Some monetary help was also given to the poor.

In 1954, the Centenary of the Holy Mother was observed. The Sarada Kufir, Barlowganj (Dehra-Dun)

*

This small retreat, situated three miles below Mussoorie "near the" main road, was founded in 1944. It serves as a pleasant summer resort for the monks of the Order.

51

The Ramalcrishna Ashrama, Kalimpong (Darjeeling)

This ideally located Ashrama at a moderate height, not far from Calcutta and commanding a fine "view of the sriow-range, was also started in 1944. It has mainly been serving as an excellent retreat for our monks.""

The Ramakrishna Ashrama, Chsno'ipur (Nidnapore)

The Ashrama (P. O. Math Chandipur), started in 1916, conducted—(1) Regular worship and classes. (2) A Charitable Dispensary: Total cases 30,436 and 32,554; new cases 13,601. and 15,001. (3) A U. P. School : Strength 126 and 122. 74) A Library with 465 and 536 books; issued : 550 and 745.

The RamaEtrishna Ashrama, Jamtara (Sonthal Parganas)

^: This monastery was started in 1921 and on account of its climate has been of great benefit to members of the Order. It conducts—(1) A Charitable Dispensary : Total cases in 195-t and. 1955, 4,757 and 10,454. (2) A Library: Books 426 and 440. (3) Regular worship, Bhajana, observance of some birth­days and religious festivals. (4) Occasional 'classes or lecture* in some neighbouring towns.

In 1954, the Ashrama conducted two small Fire Relief works and in 1955 another small one. It also gave occasional pecuniary help to the needy.

The Ramakrishna Ashrama, Koalpara (Bankura)

This Ashrama (P. O. Kotalpur), founded in 1909 on the' road to Jayrambati, at a distance of five miles from it, is a quiet retreat associated with the memory of the Holy Mother.

SECTION V

CENTRES OUTSIDE INDIA IN EAST PAKISTAN

A. MISSION CENTRES .

The Ramakrishna Mission, Barisal

Started in 1904 and made a Mission branch in 1911, it con­ducted in 1954 and 1955—(1) Weekly religious classes; 11 and 7 public lectures. (2) A Library : Books 450 in 1955 ; issued 310 and 1,275. (3) A Students' Home with 13 and 10 inmates.

(4) Help to poor people in cash and kind.

The Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Faridpur

Founded in 1921 and recognised as a Mission branch in 1934, it conducted during the years under review—(1) An M. E. School (Strength 56 and 76). (2) A small Library. (3) An Out­door Dispensary : Total cases 3,975 and 5,092 ; new cases 1,445 and 1,393. (4) Regular worship, Bhajana and classes.

(5) Birthday celebrations of the Prophets. (6) Pecuniary helpto the poor. (6) Cyclone and Flood Relief in 1954 and FloodRelief in 1955.

B. COMBINED MATH AND MISSION CENTRES

The Ramakrishna Math and Mission, Dacca

With a nucleus formed in 1899 and the Seva Department added in 1908, the centre was taken over by the monastic workers in 1914 and made a Mission branch in 1916. During 1954 and 1955 it conducted—(l)-An Outdoor Dispensary: Total cases 6,970 and 8,224; new cases 654 and 846. (2) A Boys' School (up to Class VIII) : Strength 195 and 255. (3) A Library and Reading Room : Books about 3,000 ; issued 1,276 and 683 ; magazines 23 and 32 ; newspapers 4 and 6. (4) Religious and cultural talks 81 and 60; lectures 19 and 34. (5) Distribution of small sums to the needy. (6) Cremation: 20 and 72 cases.

The Math Section conducted regular religious conversa­tions as well as daily worship and prayer. It also celebrated the birthdays of some Prophets and Saints.

53.

The Ramafcrishna Ashrama and Mission Seva Samiti, Sylhet

The centre was started in 1916 and was affiliated to the Mission in 1926. It also run a Sub-centre, the Seva Samiti at Karimganj, which was made a branch centre of the Mission in 1949. During 1954 and 1955, the Seva Samiti conducted— (1) Nine Primary Schools : Students 224 and 213. (2) A Charitable Dispensary : Total cases 5,976 and 6,080. (3) A Library : Books 1,723 ; issued 320 and 281.

The Ashrama held : (1) Daily worship and Bhajana. (2) Weekly religious classes and occasional lectures. (3) Birthday celebrations of the Prophets.

Tke Ramakrishna Mission Astirsma, Narayanganj (Dacca)

The Ashrama was started in 1909 and affiliated to the Mission in 1922. During the period under review, the Mission conducted—(1) A Charitable Dispensary : Total cases 3,675 and 2,963 ; new cases 799 and 589. (2) A Students' Home with 4 and 9 free boarders. (3) Flood Relief work.

The Math section conducted regular worship, Bhajana, anniversaries, religious festivals, etc.

The Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Dinajpur

The Ashrama was started in 1923 and the Mission branch in 1942. The Mission branch conducted in 1954 and 1955— (1) Two Charitable Dispensaries : Total cases 14,117 and 14,614. (2) An H. E. School for girls : Students 117 and 164. (3) Three Primary Schools : Strength 238 and 202. (4) A small Students' Home. (5) A Library and Reading Room open to the public : Books 428 ; periodicals 5.

The Ashrama conducted regular worship, Bhajana and religious classes, as also some festivals and birthday celebra­tions and lectures in the Ashrama and outside.

The Centenary of the Holy Mother was duly observed in1954. ' .

54-

The Ramakrishna Ashrama and Mission Seva Samifi, Habiganj (Sylher)

:-.'.'- The beginning of the Ashrama dates from 1921, but the Seva Samiti was recognised as a Mission branch in 1926. Prior to 1947 the Samiti did good work by organising a Co-operative Society, a Night School and suitable home industries among the cobblers in the neighbourhood. During the years under review, it conducted—(1) Two Primary Schools : Total strength 34 boys and 16 .girls and 37 boys and 16 girls. (2) A Library and Reading Room : Books 1,152. (3) Helping the indigent in cash and kind.

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

The Ramakrishna Ashrama and Nission Sevashrama, Baliati (Dacca)

The centre was started in 1910. The Sevashrama, which was made a Mission branch in 1925, conducted in 1954 and 1955—(1) A Charitable Dispensary : Total cases 8,981 and 17,487 ; new cases 3,526 and 4,432. (2) A Primary Girls' School with 68 and 82 students. (3) A Library and Reading Room with 905 books in 1955.

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

C. MATH, CENTRES' ' '

The Ramakrishna Ashrama, Bsgerhat (Khufna)

• This Ashrama was founded in 1926. During the period under review, it mainly' conducted : (1) Regular worship and scriptural classes. (2) A small Library. (3) Pecuniary aid to the needy.

The Ramakrishna Ashrama, Mymensingh

'. This centre, started in 1922, conducted—(1) Regular wor­
ship, Bhajana and religious classes, as also occasional festivalsand lectures in and outside the Ashrama. (2) A small Library.(3) A Night School : Strength 15 and. 22, (4) Distribution of
small sums to the needy. ' . ;

55

The Ramakrlstina Ashrama, Sonargaon (Dacca)

Started as a Sevashrama in 1915 at Tajpur (P.O. Amiri-pur), it was affiliated to the Mission in 1925. The Mission branch was discontinued in 1950.

The Ashrama conducted regular worship and Bhajana, besides celebrating the birthdays of the World Teachers.

IN BURMA

The Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama, Rangoon

Started in 1921 (present address—262 Merchant Street; Post Box-No. 859, Rangoon; Phone: Myoma 152), this big Hospital of the Mission steadily grew in size, becoming the second largest Hospital in Burma, till it was suspended in 1942 owing to the exigencies o£ World War II.

In 1947, a small Outdoor Dispensary was started on the old site, followed by wards for 50 in-patients. Soon it was run­ning full Outdoor and Indoor Departments, which latter had 148 beds in 1954 and 1955. It has separate Medical, Surgical, Cancer, Eye and V. D. Wards for both men and women. Radium, Physio-therapy and Diathermic treatment have been introduced. The Hospital possesses one of the finest X-ray apparatuses in Burma and a portable X-ray set. Its Deep X-ray Therapy Unit, with an output of 2,50,000 volts, is the second of its kind in Burma.

During, the two years under report, the Hospital has pro­gressed very much. Improvements were introduced in the operation theatre as well as in the nursing system. A steam laundry, a two-storeyed building to accommodate thirty nurses and another to serve as the family quarters of compounders, a Cancer Ward with 10 beds and a boundary wall, costing in all about Rs. 2,85,000/-, were constructed. A large two-storeyed building with the latest amenities to house the Out-patient and administrative departments was completed in 1955 at a cost of Rs. 5,00,000/- (and was opened by the Prime Minister of Burma on the 4th January, 1956). In addition, 1.7 acre of adjacent land was secured from the Government of Burma. The roads within the hospital were also turned to reinforced concrete.

56

The figures for 1954 and 1955 were—(1) In-patients' Department : Admissions 3,980 and 4,032. (2) Out-patients' Department : Total cases 2,30,222 and 2,23,294.

The Ramakrishna Mission Society, Rangoon

After twenty years of existence in various forms, the Society was affiliated as a Mission Branch in 1921. The Society has its own three-storeyed building at 230 Botataung Pagoda Road (Phone : Myoma 888) with a free Guest House in an adjacent building. During the years under review, the Society conducted : (1) 44 and 79 indoor scriptural classes. (2) 23 and 19 lectures on educational and cultural topics by outstanding persons. Through the courtesy of the different Embassies and the Stage and Film Department of the Govern­ment of Burma, 8 and 5 Film Shows on educational and cul­tural topics were arranged in 1954 and 1955, and 14 and 31 lectures were delivered in different parts of the city and the countryside. The birthdays of the World Teachers and great Saints were duly observed. The Holy Mother Centenary was celebrated on a grand scale in December, 1954.

The Guest House of the Society accommodated 10 and 23 families. In 1954 and 1955, the Library had nearly 12,000 and 13,000 books in nine different languages (Issued 6,117 and 9,074). The Reading Room had 18 and 22 newspapers and 93'and 110 periodicals, the daily average attendance being 100 and 125. Free Language classes were held in 1955. During the period under review, the Society published a few books in Burmese and English.

IN CEYLON

The Ramakrishna Mission (Ceylon Branch)

In 1924, the management of a number of schools in Trincomalie, Jaffna and Batticaloa was handed over to the representatives of the Mission, and in 1929 the Ramakrishna Mission (Ceylon Branch) was incorporated by an Act of the Legislature. The work has since been slowly and steadily developing.

The Ashrama at Colombo, started in 1930, moved to its own home near the Beach on Ramakrishna Road (Colombo 6 ;

57

Phone: 8253) in 1936, Besides daily worship "and weekly classes in Tamil and English at and outside the Ashrama, it conducted a free Library with about 2,100 books and a Reading Room, the daily attendance being 25 to 30. The catholicity of the centre has attracted people of various denominations in the Island. The Sunday religious classes for Hindu children in the Ashrama premises had an average attendance of 250. Fortnightly religious classes were con­ducted for youthful Hindu offenders at the Wathupitiwela Training School, about 25 miles from Colombo.

The educational activities of the Mission, spread over the Districts of Batticaloa, Badulla, Jaffna and Trincomalie, aim at the revival of learning and culture among the masses. In 1954 and 1955, the Mission taught 7,068 and 7,265 students through 47 and 53 teachers in 24 institutions, including 4 English schools. During these two years, it maintained 2 Hostels with 190 and 200 boarders and 3 Orphanages with 125 and 120 inmates. Special emphasis was laid on the study and practice of religion. Efforts have been made to give an agricultural and industrial bias in all the schools.

"S-

The capacious Madam (Pilgrims' Rest House) at the holy seat of Kataragama, 185 miles from Colombo, fitted with all modern conveniences, was very popular among all sections of people.

The Holy Mother Centenary was observed throughout 1954 in various parts of the Island. It was inaugurated by Srimati Vijaylaxmi Pandit.

The Ramakrishna Mission, Singapore

With its Headquarters at 9 Norris Road (Singapore 8; Phone : 80249) , this Mission centre was started in 1928. Having successfully undertaken various activities during and just after World War II, the centre resumed its normal work in 1946.

In the years under review, it conducted: (1) Weekly scriptural classes in English and Tamil in the city, and occa­sional religious lectures there and in different parts of Malay. (2) Celebration of'the birthdays - of great Teachers of the

58

world, (3) The Vivekananda Boys' School (Standard VII) with 90 and 110 students. (4) The Saradamani Girls' School (Stand­ard VI) with 115 and 140 pupils. (5) The Ramakrishna Night School with 82 and 75 adult students. (6) A Library and Reading Room, the former having 3,046 books in 1955.

The Mission has a branch in the outskirts of the city at 179 Bartley Road (Singapore 19; Phone 89077) amid pictures­que surroundings. The Boys' Home here accommodated 60 and 50 boys, all of whom were free boarders. Most of them, in addition¹ to their general education, received training in tailoring at the Home. The imposing Ramakrishna Temple with its lecture hall was of great utility.

IN Fiji

The Ramakrishna Mission, Nadi

Started in 1937, the Vedanta work in Fiji has been carried on since 1939 by Swami Rudrananda, who has been helping the educational and cultural uplift of the Indian community in the Colony in various ways. The work, was incorporated as a branch of the .Ramakrishna Mission in 1952. It is run­ning a High School and a Library at Nadi. The strength of the School in 1954 and 1955 was 298 and 329, including 43 girls. A few of the students were sent to Indian educational institutions for higher study, all expenses for their tuition and maintenance being borne by the latter. The Students' Home accommodated 72 and 82 boys, while the Girls' Hostel had 19 and 21 inmates. At the close of 1954 the Library had over 5,000 volumes, including some in braille, and the attached Reading Room nearly 400 newspapers and periodicals in various languages from different parts of the world. A qualified librarian is in charge of the Library, which has a 16 mm. projector, and educative films are frequently shown to the public. The Library is a Volunteer Educational centre for the United Nations in Fiji.

• The centre has an Ashrama with extensive grounds at Tailevu, close to Suva, the capital of the Colony.

Scripture and prayer classes on Sundays, Bhajana on Ekadasi days and Fridays, and the celebration of Hindu festi-

, - 59

vals like the Durga Puja. as well as the birthdays of the.
Prophets were held as usual during the two years, j

The Holy Mother Centenary celebrations, started in December, 1953, were enthusiastically continued throughout the Colony from March to June, 1954.

IN MAURITIUS

The Ramalcrishna Mission, Port Louis

As a result of Swami Ghanananda's efforts since 1939, this centre was established in 1941 at Port Louis (Phone : Port Louis 567), and the Ramakrishna Mission, Mauritius Branch, was incorporated next year. In 1944 it acquired a house at Vacoas, 12 miles off (Phone : Vacoas 313).

The work of the Mission in 1954 and 1955 mainly con­sisted of: (1) Running an Orphanage' for Hindu children at Vacoas with some 20 inmates. (2) Conducting a Hindi School with about 60 children. (3) Holding regular classes in the Ashrama. (4) Preaching in different towns and villages twice a week on an average, the Mission having its own transport arrangement for this purpose. (5) Celebration of some birth­days.

IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Tfse Vedanta Society, New York

This is the first Vedanta centre in U. S. A., being founded by Swami Vivekananda in 1896 and incorporated in 1898. It has its own five-storey building at 34 West 71st Street, New York 23 (Phone : Trafalgar 4-8691).

Swami Pavitrananda has been in charge of the centre since 1951. A sermon was preached by him every Sunday, and a class on the Gita, and later Raja Yoga, was conducted every Tuesday. There was a special class for the members for meditation and study on Fridays. Birthdays of Sri Rama­krishna, the Holy Mother, Swami Vivekananda and Lord Buddha "as well as Christmas and Easter were celebrated with special programmes. Several lectures were arranged on India and cultural subjects, in which distinguished speakers of inter-

60

national reputation addressed the gatherings. Visiting Swamis from other Vedanta centres in America occasionally addressed the congregation, drawing large audiences.

Students of Comparative Religion from New York Univer­sity and other groups came by appointment to hear talks by the Swami on Hinduism.

The most outstanding event of the year 1954 was the cele­bration of the Holy Mother Centenary, which evoked great fervour.

Under the auspices of the Voice of America, the Swami gave radio talks to Far Eastern countries. The Swami also addressed several meetings arranged by different religious insti­tutions and organisations.

The Ramakrishna-Vivekananda Cenfre, New York

This centre, founded in 1933 by Swami Nikhilananda, is located in its own home, also five-storeyed, at 17 East 94th Street, New York 28 (Telephone : Atwater 9-1710). Services are conducted on Sundays and scripture classes on Tuesdays and Fridays. A spacious Library is provided for the use of the students. The Centre observes the Durga Puja, Christmas, Good Friday, Easter, and the birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda and Lord Buddha. A bronze bust of the Holy Mother was dedicated in the chapel in June, 1954. Numerous guest speakers have addressed the congregation from time to time, including visiting Swamis of the Order.

The historic house at Thousand Island Park, New York State, where Swami Vivekananda gave his 'Inspired Talks' in 1895, since named the Vivekananda Cottage, is being used as a retreat during summer.

During each of the years under review, Swami Nikhila-qanda, in addition to eight weekly lectures on "The Wisdom of India" at Columbia University, has lectured and conducted chapel services at a number of colleges and universities.

Early in 1954, he took part in several functions connected with the Columbia University Bicentennial Celebrations, also lecturing on "The Universe as Pure Being" as one of twelve

61-

scholars on-the University's coast-to-coast radio programme,"Man's Right to Knowledge." . -' • :

Swami Nikhilananda, while in America, has translated many books, which have been published either from the Centre or through outside publishers. Among these are The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna, the Bhagavad-Gita and the Upanishads. During his visit to India for six months, Swami Ritajananda reached New York in October, 1954, as the Assistant Swami.

The Vedanta Society, Providence (R. I.)

This Society was started by Swami Akhilananda iti 1928. It received as donation the Temple at 224 Angell Street (Prov­idence 6 ; Telephone : Gaspee 1-3960), in the best section of the city, which was dedicated in 1931. Till the arrival of Swami Sarvagatananda as the Associate Swami in October, 1954, the services were conducted by Swami Akhilananda every Sunday and classes on Tuesdays and Fridays. There­after the duties have fallen on the new Swami. Interviews are given for the mental and spiritual development of seekers. A Lending Library is open to the members.

Swami Sarvagatananda has also been invited by different educational and religious groups to participate in their functions.

Certain birthdays including those of Lord Buddha and Sri Krishna as well as Christmas and Easter, and other special days like the Durga Puja. were duly observed. Many visiting Swamis have spoken at the Sunday services.

The Ramakrishna Vedanfa Sociefy, Boston ,

(Massachusetts)

This Society was also started by Swami Akhilananda in1941. Shortly after, it received as gift its commodious home at58, Deerfield Street (Boston 15; Telephone: .Kenmore6-5320) on the Charles River, in a very respectable quarter ofthe city: Services are conducted by the Swami on Sundaysand classes on Thursdays. He gives extensive interviews £oall who want them. . ::' , : . '.

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The Swami was invited by Harvard and other Universities, as also by many national organisations, and is more or less closely associated with many more educational, cultural or religious bodies in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. He has continued to be active in the Massachusetts Institute of Pas­toral Counselling as a member of the Board of Governors. He also gave talks over the radio.

The special days mentioned in connection with Providence were also duly observed here.

The Society has a Retreat^ the Sarada Ashrama, overlook-'f ing the Atlantic Ocean, on an exte'risive'plbt of land at Marsh-field, about 30 miles from Boston, where meditation classes and spiritual talks are conducted by the Swami for part of the year, and many of our Swamis in U. S. A. as also devotees of the Providence and Boston centres spend their vacations.

The Vivekananda Vedanta Society, Chicago (Illinois)

The Society was started in 1930 by Swami Jnaneswar-ananda, on whose death, Swami Vishwananda has been in charge since 1938. In 1955, it had its own home at 44, East Elm Street, Chicago 11, which was dedicated on the 6th May, the birthday of Buddha. Swami Vishwananda now conducts the Sunday services at the centre (Phone : Whitehall 4-3543) at 11-30 a.m., while classes for meditation and study of the Bhagauad-Gita are held on Wednesday evenings. (Previously the Sunday lectures were delivered at the Fine Arts Building, and weekly classes held at 506 W. Deming Place.) The Swami gives instructions to aspirants for concentration. The Durga Puja, Kali Puja and the birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda are specially observed, in which ministers of Christian churches have been participating.

- ; ~ The Vedanta Society, St. Louis (Missouri)

This centre was started by Swami Satprakashananda in 1938, and moved to its own premises at 205, South Skinker Boulevard (St. Louis 5; Telephone: Cabany 5118) in 1952. He lectured on Sundays and held a class on the Gita or the Upanishads and meditation on Tuesdays. He also gave inter­views to many individual aspirants and was invited to speak

65

before several religious or educational institutions. In 1955 he participated in a TV programme on Comparative Religions at Washington University as a representative of Hindu thought and culture. The Durga Puja, Christmas and the birthdays of Buddha, Sri Krishna and Shankara as well as of Sri Rama-krishna and Swami Vivekananda, among others, were specially observed. The Lending Library of the centre was well utilised by the members and students. The Swami visited India by air in August and returned in November, 1955.

The Vedanfa Society of Southern California, Hollywood

This centre was started in 1930 by Swami Prabhavananda, who is still its leader. Its headquarters is at 1946 Vedanta Place (Hollywood 28; Phone : Hollywood 5-7114 ; Cable address : vedapress Los Angeles). Sunday services and two weekly classes are held at this centre. The Society also main­tains the Sarada Math for women at Santa Barbara on the north, and the Ramakrishna monastery at Trabuco Canyon on the south. In all three establishments, morning and even­ing meditation periods are observed, and daily worship is per­formed. Ramanama is sung every fortnight. The Durga Puja, Kali Puja and Shivaratri are celebrated annually, as are the birthdys of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother, Swami Vivekananda and Swami Brahmananda.

Swami Prabhavananda was assisted by Swami Aseshananda up to January, 1955, and from July on by Swami Vandanananda, who was sent from India. Several scheduled classes and lec­tures were arranged weekly at the three locations by the two Swamis. Through the Society's publishing department, Vedanta Press, translations and new books on Vedanta are issued, and Indian books are stocked for distribution to American booksellers. The Press publishes Vedanta and the West, a bi-monthly periodical established in 1938. A book­shop featuring books on all religions is maintained at the Hollywood premises.

A beautiful Vedanta Temple was nearing completion at Santa Barbara in 1955 (opened in February, 1956).

64

The Vedanfa 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 (San Francisco 23 ; Phone : Fillmore 6-1265). Swami Ashokananda is the leader, and he is assisted by Swami Shantaswarupananda. Public activities at the San Francisco centre consisted mainly of two lectures and one class weekly. Birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother and Swami Vivekananda, as -well as of Sri Krishna, Buddha and Christ were celebrated. A Sunday School for children was also con­ducted. Individual spiritual guidance was an important fea­ture of the centre's activities.

The Shanti Ashrama or Peace Retreat in San Antone Valley, started in 1900 by the late Swami Turiyananda as part of this centre, was irretrievably damaged by forest fire in 1952.

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

A branch centre has also partially come into being during the period under report, at Sacramento, the State capital. Sunday services and weekly classes are conducted there by one of the Swamis.

In 1946, the Society purchased 2,000 acres of wooded land at Olema, in Marin County, an hour's drive from San Fran­cisco. One of the beauty-spots of California, it is being developed as a magnificent retreat.

The Hindu Temple at San Francisco being very old and inadequate to accommodate the growing congregations, a stately new Temple with a spacious auditorium was under construction at a short distance from the present site. During the period under review, it made considerable progress.

It is interesting to note that a number of young men, attracted by the Vedantic ideal, have dedicated themselves to the cause and are living the life of Brahmacharins under the care of Swami Ashokananda,

65

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

This centre in the University town across the Bay, at 2455 Bowditch Street (Berkeley 4 ;. Telephone : Asbury 3-8862), was started by Swami Ashokananda in 1939, and has a fine home of its own. Swami Shantaswarupananda, who is in active charge of the centre, gave lectures every Wednesday and also held regular Thursday evening classes. Swami Ashoka­nanda also gave. lectures here occasionally. On several occa­sions, Swami Shantaswarupananda lectured to appreciative outside audiences.

The Vedanta Society, Portland (Oregon)

The Society was started in 1925 by Swami Prabhavananda. After a short suspension, it was reorganised in 1932 by Swami Devatmananda, sent from India. In 1943, it moved to its own home, the Vedic Temple, 1877 S. W. Park Avenue (Portland 1 ; Phone : Beacon 1688).

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

During the period under review, in addition to the Sun­day services and weekly classes, social gatherings were occasion­ally held. The Swami also spoke to several visiting groups. The usual birthdays and special days were observed.

A new Temple was substantially complete at the Retreat by July, 1954. A bronze head of Sri Ramakrishna, by Miss Malvina Hoffman, had already been installed in it in April. Dedication ceremonies were held on the 1st August by Swamis Devatmananda, Prabhavananda and Pavitrananda.

Swami Devatmananda, because of his prolonged illness, returned to India in December, 1954. Then in February, 1955, Swami Aseshananda came from Hollywood and took charge. He added a Thursday class at the Vedic Temple, and transferred the Sunday services in summer to the Retreat.

In March, 1955, the centre had a brief visit from Swami, 9

66

Prabhavananda, who spoke to a capacity audience at the Vedic Temple.

The Ramaksishna Vedanfa Centre, Seattle

(Washington)

This centre in the beautiful north-western seaport of the United States was started by Swami Vividishananda in 1938, and has its own three-storeyed home at 2716 Broadway North (Seattle 2 ; Phone : Capitol 1228). 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. In 1954, the Swami visited Honolulu, where he delivered three lectures and held some classes. He has also been occasionally invited by out­side institutions to lecture on Indian philosophy.

IN ARGENTINE REPUBLIC

The Ramakrishna Ashrama, Buenos Aires

This Ashrama in the foremost city of South America hasbeen successfully run by Swami Vijayananda, its founder, since.1933. It has its own fine home at Bella Vista (1149 GasparCampos). The Swami's public lectures both in English andSpanish and radio talks in Spanish were much appreciated.During the years under report he held a good number ofclasses and gave many public lectures in the city, while therewas a question class every week. The Ashrama has been pub­lishing, among other things, Swami Vivekananda's works inSpanish. . '

IN ENGLAND The Ramakrishna Vedanfa Centre, London

Started in 1948 by Swami Ghanananda, this Centre moved to its own premises at 68 Dukes * Avenue, Muswell Hill, London N. 10 (Phone : Tudor 3075, Cable address : Vedanta) in 1952.. It is situated in a quiet and peaceful locality on the west of Alexandra Park, and is about half a mile from High-gate Tube Station.

The Swami lectures on Thursdays at the Kingsway Hall .and gives a discourse on Sundays at the Centre. In 1954 and

67

1955, over 225 lectures 'and discourses were thus delivered. Interviews were given to visitors and spiritual instructions to earnest seekers. The Swami went on a short visit to India in January, 1955. In his absence, the lectures at the Kingsway Hall were kept up by Sir John Stewarf-Wallace and Mr. Kenneth Walker.

Vedanta for East and West, the bi-monthly of the Centre, entered its fifth year in September, 1955.

Besides holding public celebrations of the birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother and Swami Vivekananda, the Centre duly observed the Durga Puja, Dipali, Christmas Eve, Buddha Day and other sacred anniversaries, some of which drew large audiences.

In 1954, the Centre celebrated the Holy Mother Centenary amidst great enthusiasm, its principal features being an inter-religious Conference of Women—-the first of its kind in the West—in June, 1954, a special number of Vedanta for East and West and a radio talk on the Holy Mother, which were followed by the publication of a volume entitled, Women Saints of East and West, in December, 1955.

IN FRANCE

The Ramakrishna Vedanta Cenfre, Paris

The nucleus of this centre was formed by Swami Yatiswar-ananda in 1936. Next year Swami Siddheswarananda took up the work, which steady progress. When the War broke out, the Swami moved to southern France, where he worked. After the end of the War, the Paris work was resumed. For the general public, regular lectures were given at the Sorbonne under the auspices of a society for philosophical research. These lectures were well attended.

The centre purchased in 1948 a fine property at Gretz, Seine-et-Marne, about 22 miles from Paris. The place is designated as Centre Vedantique Ramakrichna and is situated on Boulevard Victor Hugo (Phone : 311 a Tournan). Besides lectures, and interviews given here, the Centre organises throughout the year 'Retreats' for the devotees.

68

Since 1951, cultural activities have been started at the Ashrama like those of the Institute of Culture in Calcutta.

In 1953, the Centre was turned into a registered Associa­tion, thus giving the work legal stability.

Swami Siddheswarananda had a serious illness in 1954, and he was assisted in his work between August, 1954 and April, 1955 by Swami • Nishreyasananda, who on his way to France made a very successful lecturing tour for nearly five months in East and West Africa covering the following countries : British East Africa, Nyasaland, Northern and Southern Rhodesia, Nigeria and Gold Coast.

CONCLUSION

Birthday Celebrations

The general features of the Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda birthday celebrations organised by the Ashramas all over India and abroad are : Special worship, Homa (making offerings in the sacred fire), chanting of scriptural texts, Bhajana and Sankirtana (devotional music, often in chorus), distribution of Prasada (sacramental food) to the devotees, feeding of the poor in large numbers, and lectures on the lives and teachings of Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda by eminent speakers, including capable Swamis of the Order. Thus the message of Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda is steadily spreading, and many young and ardent souls are coming into closer touch with the ideals of the Mission.

Funds Needing Public Help

The Ramakrishna Mission affords opportunities for the wider public to co-operate with the members of the Rama­krishna Order in carrying out various types of work chalked out by Swami Vivekananda for serving humanity. Such co­operation may consist in active participation in the work of the Mission as its members or associates, or in contribution to its different funds. Ladies and gentlemen who sympathise with the objects of the Mission, but are unable directly to take part in its activities, are cordially invited to help it by

.69

sending contributions, however small, to one or more of the following funds, which need their active support :

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

(n) The Provident Relief Fund, to meet such scourges of Nature as famine, flood, fire, pestilence and earthquake, throughout the country.

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

(iv) The Mass Education Fund.

(v) The Mission Workers' Fund, for the treatment or special diet of workers who fall sick.

(vi) Funds for the maintenance of the different permanent medical and educational institutions mentioned in the Report.

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

Thanks and Appeal

We 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, and 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 unstintedly, so that we may all realise the Truth by carrying out its twofold ideal of work and worship. All well-wishers of India may find here a golden opportunity to help their suffering brethern.

78 . .:,; -": _;

APPENDIX A

EXTRACTS FROM THE MEMORANDUM OF ASSOCIATION OF THE RAMAKRISHNA MISSION

registered.in may; 1909, under act XXI of I860 of the governor-general of india in council

1. The name of the Association is THE RAMKRISHNA MISSION. It may also be spelt as RAMAKRISHNA MISSION.

The objects of the Association are :

1. To impart and promote the study of the Vedantaand its principles as propounded by Sri Ramakrishna andpractically illustrated by his own life, and of ComparativeTheology in its widest form.
2. To impart and promote the study of the arts, sciencesand 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.
5. To establish, maintain, carry on and assist schools,colleges, orphanages, workshops, laboratories, hospitals, dis­pensaries, houses for the infirm, the invalid and the afflicted,famine-relief works, and other educational and charitableworks 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.

79 APPENDIX B

EXTRACTS FROM THE RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE RAMAKRISHNA MISSION

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

Members and Associates

(2) (a) All followers, whether lay or monastic, of the Paramahamsa Ramakrishna may be members of the Associa­tion, if elected at a meeting of the Association or nominated by the Governing Body hereinafter mentioned, provided that all the Trustees for the time being of the Indenture of Trust dated the 30th day of January, 1901, usually called the Trust Deed of the Belur Math, shall be ex-ofncio members of the Association.

(&) A person intending to be a member shall sign the declaration form annexed herewith and submit to the General Secretary an application, in a form prescribed by the Asso­ciation, and he shall be proposed by a member of the Associa­tion and seconded and supported by at least two members of the Governing Body.

Members' Declaration Form

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

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

(iif) I have full sympathy with all the objects of theRamakrishna Mission as set forth in the Memorandum ofAssociation, and I will actively co-operate with the work ofthe Mission. , .' '

3. All persons irrespective of colour, creed or caste, sympathising with all or any of the objects of the Associa-

80

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

4. Monastic members shall not be required to pay anyadmission fee or any subscription.
5. Every lay member and every associate, unless exemptedtherefrom in writing by the Governing Body, shall pay anadmission fee of Rs. 5/- and an annual subscription of Rs. I2/-payable in advance. The Government Body may exempt anymember- or associate from payment of all or any fees or sub­scriptions.
6. The annual subscription may be commuted by theGoverning Body on payment of Rs. 350/-.
7. (a) Connection of members and associates with theAssociation shall cease by resignation, death, removal or non­
   payment of dues for two years, but shall be capable of renewalin such manner as the Governing Body may from time to time

decide.

* * * *

8. Members shall be entitled to : —

1. Vote at all meetings of the Association, use theLibrary attached to the Math at Belur in the district ofHowrah and reside at the Math temporarily subject to rulesand regulations prescribed by the Math authorities.
2. Attend all classes formed by the Association forthe instruction of its members and receive individual instruc­tion whenever practicable.
3. Receive all publications of the Headquarters at aspecial discount of 25 per cent on the published price.
4. Mofussil members .shall be entitled to receive the pro­ceedings, reports and leaflets published by the Association onapplication.

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

81 APPENDIX C

TEMPORARY RELIEF ACTIVITIES UP TO 1953

1. Famine and Distress Relief :

In 1896 and 27 subsequent years, in altogether 87 districts. Maximum in a year, 23- districts.

2. Flood Relief :

In 1899 and 30 subsequent years,, in altogether 80 dis­tricts. Maximum in a year, 7 districts.

3. Sanitary Relief :

(a) Plague : In 1899-1900 and 3 subsequent years.

'(b) Cholera : In 1913 and 10 other years, in altogether 13 districts.

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

(e) Malaria : In 1943.

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

(g) At Kumbha Mela : In 1930 and 4 other years.

4. Cyclone and Tornado Relief :

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

5. Fire Relief :

In 1915 and 18 subsequent years, in altogether 26 districts. Maximum in a year, 6 districts.

6. Earthquake and Landslip Relief :

In 1899 and 3 subsequent years, in 10 districts.

7. Riot Relief : In 1930, 1941 and 1946-47, in 9 districts.
8. Coolie Relief : In 1921.
9. Water Scarcity Relief : In 1920-21.

10. Cloth Relief:. In 1919, in many districts.
11. Evacuee and Refugee Relief : In 1942-44, 194748 and

1950-53, in many districts, 11

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12. Refugee Rehabilitation : In 1947-51, 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 the Provinces of undivided India, including Burma.

APPENDIX D DISTRIBUTION OF INDIAN CENTRES (1955)

West Bengal : Calcutta (10 centres), Barnagore, Dakshineswar, Rahara, Taki,. Belur (2 centres), Sarisha, Asansol, Midna-pore, Tamluk, Chandipur, Garbeta, Contai, Malda, Bankura, Jayrambati, Koalpara, Kamarpukur, Sargachhi, Jalpaiguri and Kalimpong.

Assam : Shillong, Cherrapunji, Silchar and Karimganj.

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

Orissa : Puri (2 centres) and Bhubaneshwar.

U. P. : Allahabad, Banaras (2 centres), Lucknow, Kanpur, Vrindaban, Almora, Mayavati, Shyamala Tal, Kankhal, Kishenpur and Barlowganj.

Delhi : New Delhi. Bombay : Bombay. Saurdshtra : Rajkot. M. P. : Nagpur.

Madras : Madras (5 centres), Ranch ipuram, Chingleput, Natta-rampalli, Perianaickenpalayam, Ootacamund, Salem, Cali­cut, Quilandy and Mangalore.

Andhra : Rajahmundry and Visakhapatnam.

Travancore-Cochin : Trivandrum, Kalady, Tiruvalla and Trichur.

Mysore : Bangalore and Mysore.

Coorg : Ponampet. .

Kashmir : Srinagar. •

IN MEMORIAM

During the period under review, the Mission lost the following valuable workers and friends :

1954

Swamis Ambikananda, Ameyananda, Bhagavatananda, Atmaprakashananda and Vimalananda, as also Dr. Charu Chandra Bose, Dr. Sachindra Bhushan Pal, Sri Dwijendra Nath Roy Choudhury, Sri Fani Bhushan Chatterjee, Sri Prabodh Chandra Mallick and Sri Sushil Kumar Mukherjee.

1955

Swamis Bhadrananda and Gangananda, Sri Krishnapada Mitra, Rai Bahadur Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Sri Amulya Chandra Mukherjee, Dr. Bamandas Mukherjee, Sri Bimalendu Bhushan Basu and Sri Nanda Nandan Bose.