Ramakrishna Mission Reports: General Report

THE GENERAL REPORT

OF THE

Ramakrishna Math & Mission

For 1959

[Their 73rd and 63rd year respectively]

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

—Swami Vivekananda

INTRODUCTION

History

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

For the efficiency of its work and for giving it a legal status, 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 Bodyconsisting of the Trustees of the Belur Math for the timebeing. Both the Belur Math arid the Ramakrishna Missionextended their spheres of activity, and had branches in differentparts of, the country and abroad. .

The Ramakrishna Math and the Ramakrishna Mission

Though the Ramakrishna Mission and the Ramakrishna Math, with their respective branches, are distinct institutions, they are closely related, 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 fees from students etc. as well as subscriptions and donations from the general public mainly constitute the Mission fund, grants from the Government and public bodies often being common to both. The Mission fund is annually audited by auditors appointed in the General Meeting of the Association.

Summary of Activities

Except in East Pakistan, the activities of the Math and the Mission have shown a general progress during the year under review. Our generous countrymen and the Government, as also friends abroad, have been taking an increasing interest in our movement, which is recognised as one of the nation-building forces in India. A new Mission centre has been added at Khetri in Rajasthan.

The eleven centres in East Pakistan have not been able to tide over the difficulties created by the Partition of 1947, nay their prospect seems to be gloomier. The Mission hopes to resuscitate the Karachi centre most probably at Gandhidham, Kandla, in Gujarat State, as soon as conditions are favourable.

centres

Along with the Headquarters at Belur, there were in December, 1959, 45 Mission centres, 15 combined Math and Mission centres, and 29 Math centres in India, which were distributed as follows : 33 in West Bengal, 12 in Uttar Pradesh, 12 in Madras, 7 in Bihar, 6 in Kerala, 4 each in Assam and Mysore, 3 each in Bombay and Orissa, 2 in Andhra and 1 each in Delhi, Rajasthan and Punjab (I). 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 and Mauritius, 1 Math centre each in Switzerland, England and Argentina, and 10 Math centres in the United States of America. Thus there were altogether 74 Mission centres and 66 Math centres. Moreover, attached to the branch centres there were over 22 sub-centres, where monastic workers resided more or less permanently.

types of work.

Medical Service: Most of the Math and Mission centres in India, Pakistan 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 Varanasi, Vrindaban, Kankhal, Trivan-drum and Rangoon, the T.B. Sanatorium at Dungri (Ranchi) and the Seva Pratishthan, Calcutta. The Rangoon hospital had provision for the treatment of Cancer with radium and deep X-ray therapy. In 1959 there were 12 indoor Hospitals, which accommodated 22,582 patients, and 65 outdoor Dispensaries, which treated 28,90,903 cases, including old ones. And the Veterinary section of the Shyamala Tal Ashrama treated 2,692 animals. _;

Educational Work: The organisation ran during the year 2 general Colleges at Madras and Belur (Howrah}—the

latter residential—with 1,774 students on their rolls, 3 B.T. Colleges at Belur, Tirupparaitturai (Tiruchirapalli) and Peria-naickenpalayam (Coimbatore) with 155 students, 3 Basic-Training Colleges—at Perianaickenpalayam, Madras and Sarisha (24-Pargs.), the last two for girls—with 307 students, 2 Junior Basic Training Colleges with 200 students, 2 Colleges for Physical Education and Rural Higher Education and a School of Agriculture with 69, 174 and 29 students respectively at Perianaickenpalayam, 2 Social Education Organisers' Training Centres there and at Belur with 137 students, 4 Engineering Schools with 1,296 students, 8 Junior Technical or Industrial Schools with 327 boys and 127 girls, 84 Students' Homes or Hostels, including some Orphanages, with 5,423 boys and 525 girls, 3 Chatushpathis with 42 boys and 5 girls, 12 Multi-purpose Schools with 3,225 boys and 717 girls, 27 Secondary Schools with 10,179 boys and 4,934 girls, 7 Senior Basic Schools with 696 boys and 969 girls, 19 Junior Basic Schools with 2,202 boys and 741 girls and 106 Lower and other grades of schools with 12,701 boys and 9,671 girls. The Seva Pratishthan, Calcutta and the Rangoon Sevashrama trained nurses, the number of trainees being 121. Thus there were altogether 38,702 boys and 18,044 girls in the educational institutions run by the Math and Mission in India, Pakistan, Ceylon, Singapore, Fiji and Mauritius. The Students' Homes at Belgharia, Narendrapur and Madras and the Schools or Colleges at Cherrapunji, Calcutta, Belur, Sarisha, Midnapore, Jamshedpur, Asansol, Deoghar, Kanpur, Madras, Mysore, Perianaickenpalayam, Tirupparaitturai, Calicut, Trichur and Kalady (Ernakulam) as also in Ceylon and the Boys' Home at Rahara are illustrative of the educational work done by the organisation.

Work for Women: The Mission has ever been conscious of its duties to the women of India. Typical of the work done for them are the Maternity Section of the Seva Pratishthan and the Matribhavan for expectant mothers in Calcutta, the Domiciliary and Maternity Clinic at Jalpaiguri, the women's sections of the hospitals at Varanasi, Vrindaban and Rangoon, the attached Invalid Women's Home at Varanasi, the Sarada Vidyalaya at Madras, the Sister Nivedita Girls' School and the

Women's Welfare Centre 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 to serve their unfortunate countrymen who have fallen back culturally or otherwise. Permanent centres like the Ashramas at Cherrapunji and Sarisha and the Gurukula at Trichur have accordingly been started for helping the hill tribes, the backward classes and the village folk. Centres of this kind are responsible for conducting numerous activities of various kinds, while preaching and educative tours with magic lanterns, gramophones and so on are also undertaken. For the labouring classes in industrial areas the Mission conducted a number of Night Schools etc.

Relief Work: In 1959 the Mission conducted Flood Relief in the Kamrup and Cachar districts of Assam; in Howrah, 24 Parganas, Midnapore and Burdwan districts of West Bengal; and, on a vast scale, in Kutch and Surat districts of Bombay. A small Fire Relief work was also undertaken in the Bankura district of West Bengal.

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 the foreign countries of Asia bear ample evidence of their labour of love carried on through preaching, publications, etc., as also medical or educational work.

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 Ramakrishna that all religions were 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. At least ten centres published books on religious subjects and ten magazines in different languages. The Math centres at Mayavati, Bagh-bazar (Calcutta), Madras and Nagpur and the Mission centre at Tirupparaitturai, 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 has been trying 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 and the Mission have been described in this Report in six Sections. Section I deals with (he Math and Mission Headquarters, Section II with Mission centres only, classified into (A) Institutions mainly medical 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 (Howrah)

It was the aim of Swami Vivekananda to found an institution where thousands of young men would be provided with the means of attaining their own liberation and of preparing themselves for the service of humanity. The chief centre started for this purpose has long been situated at Belur (Phones : 66-2391 and 66-3619), on the western bank of the Ganga, 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 over 10,445 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 was nearly eight lakhs of rupees. Unfortunately, a deficit of nearly Rs. 14,137/-still stands.

The need of a Guest House for devotees and admirers who want to pass a few days with their families near the precints of the Math was long being keenly felt. A portion of its 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 : 66-2391)', located at the Belur Math, regulates the activities of its different branches. Besides this work of supervision, it conducted 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 1959 it treated 35,587 cases, of which 14,372 were new cases. The Dispensary needs equipment as well as contributions for meeting its recurring expenses, 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 1 school with 21 students in 1959. To those who believe, with Swami Vivekananda, that the well-being of a nation depends on the condition of its masses, we earnestly appeal for contributions to this fund.

3. help to the poor

The Mission Headquarters also helped 91 families and 208 students, including Sind refugees, regularly, and 305 families and 68 students temporarily, with a total outlay of Rs. 27,191 /-.

SECTION II MISSION CNETRES

A. INSTITUTIONS MAINLY MEDICAL

The Ramakrislma Mission Home of Service, Varanasi

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 : 2604) 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 in 1959 were—(1) Indoor General Hospital : Beds 115; admissions 3,401; surgical cases 726. (2) Refuge for Invalid Men : Beds 25 ; inmates only 8, for lack of funds. (3) Refuge for Invalid Women : Beds 50 ; inmates 24. (4) Outdoor help to invalids, poor middle-class women and poor students : Rs. 3,656/-, besides some books, cloth and blankets. (5) Outdoor Dispensary (including the Shivala Branch) : Total cases 2,64,190 ; new cases 62,902 ; Laboratory tests 8,088 ; X-ray 1,185. (6) Distribution of powdered milk to 600 persons daily on an average.

The Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama, Kankhal (Saharanpur)

Founded in 1901, it was made a branch of the Mission in lyll. Its activities in 1959 were—(1) Indoor Hospital : Beds 50; admissions 1,543; surgical cases 198. (2) Outdoor Dispensary : Total cases 1,00,445 ; new cases 24,747 ; surgical cases 336; Laboratory tests 4,976; X-ray 637 ; physio-Therapy 775.

A two-storeyed building for the kitchen and monastic workers' quarters was begun during the year.

The Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama, Vrindaban (Mathura)

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 in 1959 were—(1) Indoor Hospital : Beds 55, extra 10 ; admissions 2,093 ; surgical cases 1,569. (2) Outdoor Dispensary : Total cases 1,07,432; new cases 44,656; operations 1,080.

The Eye Hospital, started in 1943, has been a special feature of the institution.

The construction of the rupees 12-ilakh hospital buildings made appreciable progress during the year.

The Ramakrishna Mission Seva Pratishthan, Calcutta

This institution, formerly known as Sishumangal Pratishthan (99 Sarat Bose Road, Calcutta 26; Phones : 46-1233 and 46-1234), completed its twenty-eighth year in 1959. Started in 1932 as a small outdoor antenatal and postnatal Clinic with domiciliary maternity service, it grew into a first class Maternity and Gyne Hospital with 150 beds. In 1956-7 it was converted into a General Hospital with the addition of 50 general beds (Medical and Surgical) for men and women, as also 10 paediatric beds for children, bringing the total to 210, of which 70 beds were free.

The institution is housed in its own premises in a fine locality of South Calcutta, covering an area of 1.6 acre of land, with a beautiful Nurses' Hostel and other Staff quarters accommodating nearly 225 inmates. The standard of the hospital is well above the average. It has got a competent staff and a fairly equipped laboratory, a 500 m.a. X-ray plant, an air-conditioned Operation Theatre with modern instruments and appliances and an all-electric laundry plant.

The Pratishthan is recognised as a Training School for both Auxiliary and Senior Nurse-Midwives. In 1959, 16 Auxiliary Nurse-Midwives passed their final examination, and have been appointed by the Government of West Bengal in the different Welfare Extension Projects of the State.

Its activities in 1959 were : Indoor Department— Admissions : Adults 5,394; new-born babies 3,516. Death rate : Adults 1.5 per 1000; infants 40.1 per 1000. Outdoor Depart-

ment: Total cases 37,579; new cases 15,138. Training Section : Roll strength 93. Free patients : more than 46% of the total admissions.

A five-storeyed R. C, structure for housing the General Section is under construction.

The Ramakrishna Mission Matribhavan, Calcutta

This institution (7A, Sreemohan Lane, Calcutta 26; Phone : 46-4133) was started in its own premises in 1950 and is steadily growing. It has 40 beds, half of which are free. It treats antenatal and natal cases in the Indoor and antenatal and postnatal cases in the Outdoor Department. In 1959, the Indoor Department treated 1,972 patients, of whom 1,462 were free. There was no maternal death. The death rate of babies was 24 per 1000. The Outdoor Department treated 14,133 cases, of which 3,803 were new antenatal cases, 4,891 old antenatal cases, 3,485 babies and 1,945 mothers (postnatal). Outdoor treatment is free for all.

The Ramakrishna Mission Tuberculosis Sanatorium, Dungri (Ranchi)

The Sanatorium is situated on a picturesque plot of land measuring 282 acres, at an altitude of 2,100 ft., nine miles from the Ranchi Railway Station, to the east of Chaibassa Road (Post Office : Ramakrishna Sanatorium ; Phone ; Ranchi 248 ; Telegraphic address : recovery). Although the move for it had started in 1939, preparations were upset by the War ; so the institution could be opened only in 1951 with 32 beds, and has since been developing rapidly. It has at present 189 beds, including 9 additional beds.

An air-conditiotoed Operation Theatre and Recovery Room, 4 X-ray plants, including one of 500 m.a. with tomograph attachments, a well-equipped Laboratory, a Recreation Hall with a permanent stage and auditorium, projectors for showing films, and an After-care Colony with a Tailoring Department and a Poultry Farm, are some of the prominent features of the institution. There are four resident medical officers, the chief of whom had his training in Tuber-

culosis in Wales and the U.S.A. There are facilities here for advanced thoracic surgery.

During 1959, 388 patients (172 of the previous year and 216 newly admitted) were treated in the Sanatorium, of whom 214 were discharged. Eighty-three patients were treated free of all charges and 25 at concession rates, while 644 patients were given medical advice and assistance in the Outdoor Department. In the After-care Colony, there were 25 ex-patients, 6 of whom were given training in the Tailoring Department, and others employed in various departments of the Sanatorium.

In the Outdoor Homoeopathic Dispensary, 10,226 patients of the locality and the villages near by were treated free. Financial and other help was given to a number of needy people.

The Ramakrishna Mission, New Delhi

Started in the old city in 1927 and affiliated in 1930, the Ashrama was removed in 1935 to its own premises on Ramakrishna Akhrama Marg, New Delhi 1 (Phone : 48480). It has : (1) A T.B. Clinic at Karolbagh, located since 1948 in its spacious three-storeyed building, with a separate double-storeyed staff quarters. It has a Laboratory for clinical bacteriological work and is provided with the latest equipment. Its outdoor section treated 1,14,650 cases in 1959, of which 2,006 were new cases. In its 28 indoor observation beds were treated 459 patients, of whom 240 were new ones. 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 Homoeopathic Dispensary : Total cases 52,011 ; new cases 13,527. (3) A Library with a separate children's section : Books 11,591 ; issued 11,391 ; newspapers and journals 146; average daily attendance 380. (4) Gita class on Sunday evenings and lectures on popular subjects on Saturday evenings in the spacious auditorium : Average attendance 1,320 and 850 respectively. (5) Religious classes on Sunday mornings at the Delhi University under the auspices of the Vedanta Samiti :

Average attendance 150. (6) 129 lectures in the various colleges and cultural institutions of Delhi and other parts of India : Total attendance 38,630. (7) Celebration of the birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda and the Holy Mother at the Mission and six other localities of Delhi. (8) The Sarada Mandir, a religious and moral instruction class for children aged 6 to 12, had about 70 children, who were taught through stories, Bhajana and drama.

The Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrania, Lucknow

This Sevashrama, started in 1914 and located since 1924 at Aminabad (Phone : 4694), was affiliated in 1925. Its activities in 1959 were—(1) Outdoor Dispensary : Total cases 1,79,971 ; new cases 32,112, surgical cases 8,575, dental cases 1,227; Ultra-violet and Infra-red cases 554; X-ray 351. (2) A Library and Reading Room : Books 7,327 ; issued 4,732 ; 8 daily papers and 30 periodicals. (3) Regular indoor classes 315, average attendance 60. (4) Public lectures 3 ; average attendance 400. (5) Celebration of certain birthdays etc.

The Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Kanpur

The institution, affiliated in 1931, moved to its own premises at Ramakrishna Nagar (Phone : 23391) in 1936. Its activities in 1959 were—(1) Outdoor Dispensary; Total cases 1,18,151 ; new cases 23,752 ; surgical cases 2,613 ; temporary indoor cases 36. (2) A Higher Secondary School with 483 boys. (3) Library: Books 5,220; issued 3,144. (4) Two Physical Culture institutes, one exclusively for the Harijans. (5) Religious classes, Bhajana and observance of the birthdays of great religious Teachers.

The Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Jalpaiguri

Founded in 1928, the Ashrama (Phone : Jalpaiguri 344) was handed over to the Mission in 1941. Its activities in 1959 were—(1) An Outdoor Dispensary-; Total cases 17,456; new cases 6,082. (2) A Domiciliary Maternity and Child Welfare Clinic : New cases 108 ; home visits 1,307 ; confinements 39 ;

clinic attendance 342 mothers, 106 children. Milk distribution among 1,17,229 recipients. (3) A Students' Home : Inmates 24. (4) A Primary School for 22 boys and 10 girls of the backward classes. (5) A free Library and Reading Room : Books 1,350; issued 3,126. (7) Regular religious classes in the Ashrama. (8) Occasional lectures in and outside the Ashrama.

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 1959—(1) A Charitable Dispensary : Total cases 49,262; new cases 17,511. (2) An Emergency Indoor Ward with 6 beds attached to the Dispensary. (3) A Library : Books 895. (4) Daily worship and Bhajana and weekly Bhagavata class. (5) Special Bhajana on Saturdays by ladies, followed by scriptural readings. (6) Sunday gymnasium, recitation and Bhajana for schoolboys : average attendance 25. (7) Birthday celebrations in the Ashrama and other places in the district.

The Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Katihar (Purnea)

This Ashrama was started in 1926 and was taken over by the Mission in 1931. In 1959 it conducted—(1) A homoeopathic and an allopathic Dispensary : Total cases 45,127 ; new cases 13,925. (2) A Free Library, including a children's section: Books 3,008 ; issued 2,081. (3) A Secondary School, mainly for displaced children, with 662 boys and 153 girls. (4) A Students' Home with 12 inmates, of whom 3 were free and 3 part-free. (5) Regular religious classes and occasional lectures in and outside the Ashrama. (6) Weekly doles of rice collected by the school students given to 5 poor families regularly, the sale proceeds of the balance going to help poor students. (7) Nearly 536 Ibs. of powdered milk was distributed in liquid form among 6,877 school children.

The Ministry of Rehabilitation granted Rs. 50,000/- for the extension of the school building. The new building is under construction.

The Ratnakrishna Mission Ashrama, Ranchi

This picturesque Ashrama at Morabadi, situated at the foot of a hillock, was made a branch of the Mission in 1930. Its activities in 1959 were—(1) An Outdoor Dispensary : Total cases 9,423; new cases 4,677. (2) A Library and Reading Room : Books 1,394; newspapers and periodicals 73. (3) Regular worship and observance of the birthdays, (4) 13 public meetings, 8 cinema and magic lantern shows, 27 musical soirees. (5) 200 indoor and outdoor classes in and outside the Ashrama. (6) Powdered milk given fortnightly to 1,620 persons at the rate of 1£- Ibs. per head for 10 months, and blankets to 54 persons.

B. INSTITUTIONS MAINLY EDUCATIONAL

The Ramakrisluia Mission Sarada Pitha, Belur

To impart an all-round education to our young men after the ideals of Swami Vivekananda, this institution (P.O. Belur Math, Dist. Howrah ; Phone 66-3292) was started in 1941. It now has the following activities :

The Vidyamandira (Phone : 66-3349) : This wholly residential Intermediate College, affiliated to the Calcutta University, had 213 boys on its rolls in 1959, who lived in two hostels under the supervision of monastic members of the Order. The boys had to go through 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 the hostels. Poor brilliant students received financial aid. In the I.A. Examination of 1959, all the 36 candidates passed, 29 of them being in the 1st division, while the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th and 10th places as well as three first-grade and five second-grade scholarships were secured by the students of: this college. In the I.Sc., all the 69 candidates passed, 66 ,ot them being in the 1st division, while the 3rd, 9th and 10th places in the University and 3 first-grade and 2 second-grade.

scholarships were obtained by the students of this college. The Vidyatnandira had its own dispensary and hospital with 10 beds. A unit of the National Cadet Corps was raised in the college under the 8th Bengal N.C.C. Battalion, which came out with flying colours in the camp held at Chittaranjan. (It is a three-year Degree College since 1960.)

The Shilpamandira (Phone : 66-3308) : It imparts free training for one to three years to deserving students in Electrical Engineering, Auto-mechanics, General Mechanics, Carpentry, Weaving, Tailoring, etc. For post-Matric students, it provides a three-year Licentiate Course in Civil, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering.

The Shilpamandira had a total of 677 students on its rolls, of whom 514 were in the diploma section. In the L.M.E. and L.E.E. sections there were cent per cent successes, while in the L.C.E. section 56 out of 59 came out successful. In the Hostel attached to this department (Phone : 66-2912), there were 98 students in 1959 under the care of 3 monastic members. A Recreation Hall-cum-Auditorium costing about Rs. 51.000/-, built as a Campus Work Project, was completed during the year. From the Junior Section of the Shilpamandira, 154 out of 173 candidates passed the Final Examination.

The Shilpamandira is also engaged in devising and manufacturing small machines, and already has patents for different types of Gas Plants. Many such plants have been installed in West Bengal, Bihar and Orissa. Electric clocks of an improved type and a special type of Roots Blower are also in use.

The Jana^ikshamandira (Phone : 66-3643) : This department of Social (Adult) Education organised night schools, film shows, magic lantern lectures, youth camps, library movement, etc. Its mobile Audio-visual unit visited places propagating hygiene and general education. The Library Section, besides running its central lending section, successfully conducted a mobile library, loaning books out to village readers at their homes. This department further organised a number of centres for distributing free milk, food packages, tiffin, etc. to the destitute and the undernourished children living in the bustees and villages. It also supplied free tiffin to about 150

children daily. A Youth Camp was organised to train young-men in social service. The construction of a spacious Assembly Hall was completed during the year.

The Tattwamandira: It held Sunday religious classes for the public. The Ghatushpathi, under an erudite Pundit, successfully taught the monastic inmates Indian philosophy, particularly Vedanta. Efforts are being made to start a higher Sanskrit institution at Nilambar Babu's garden, Belur.

Social Education Organisers' Training Centre : (Phone : 66-3578) : With the help of the Government, this section was started in 1956 to train graduate students from different States in various aspects of social service, with an emphasis on social education. There were two sessions in 1959. Total number of trainees : 101.

The Shikshanamandim : (Phone : 66-3695) : This is a B.T. College under the University of Calcutta. It is a wholly residential institution, and there were 59 trainees on its rolls in 1959. All the 46 trainees that appeared for the University Examination during the year came out successful.

Relief Work : The students of the Sikshanamandira and the S.E.O.T.C. and the workers of the Janasikshamandira conducted Flood Relief work in several villages of Howrah and Hooghly. Foodstuffs, clothing, blankets, medicines, paddy seeds, and other articles of daily use were distributed among the sufferers. Economic relief work was being continued in some of the selected distressed areas by supplying free chickens and ducks etc.

The Sarada Pitha has thus become a great seat of learning and aspires to grow still further.

The Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda College, Madras

The Vivekananda College was opened at Mylapore (Madras 4; Phone : 71057) in 1946 to help hundreds of deserving students who were unable to get admission to any college in Madras. Though admission was made mainly on the basis of merit, all Harijan and Backward Class students who applied

for admission were admitted. The strength of the college in 1959 was 1,561.

The College has been affiliated for the new M.A. Degree Course in Economics, Philosophy and Sanskrit, and M.Sc. Degree Course in Mathematics and Chemistry on inter-collegiate-cum-University basis. Professors of each college take the classes in their respective colleges, and all the students in the city attend the respective college for study.

The College maintained its high standard of results in public examinations. There were cent per cent passes in B.A. (Hons.) Final Mathematics, Economics, Philosophy and Sanskrit, and M.A. Mathematics and Philosophy. The students secured high results in the different subjects of the Degree Courses.

Scholarships were granted during the year to 131 poor and deserving students to the value of Rs. 18,871/-. Besides, Government and Harijan Welfare departments are helping the students of the Harijan and Backward Communities with scholarships.

The College Library had over 24,876 volumes and 68 periodicals. The fourteen College Associations were active and were addressed by several specialists on useful subjects.

The College won special distinctions during the year in various sports, tournaments and N.C.C. Meets. The students also won medals and prizes in elocution contests and for activities under the Fine Arts Association.

The College successfully celebrated certain birthdays. The religious instruction classes held every Monday, consisting of the chanting of Vedic hymns, the recitation of prayer songs and thought-provoking addresses by eminent persons on religious topics, were special features of this institution.

The Yogasana classes, as also weight-lifting and muscular training Courses were conducted as usual.

There were 225 inmates in the Hostel.

The Ramakrishna Mission Students' Home, Madras

The institution was started in 1905 and was affiliated to the Mission in 1918. It moved into its own buildings in 1921.

A Residential High School was added in 1922, and a Technical Institute in 1925. The Home now has three distinct sections—• the Collegiate, the Technical and the Secondary. The first consists of boys who study in colleges in the city. The Technical and Secondary sections are entirely residential.

The chief event of the year was the starting of the Diploma . Course in Mechanical Engineering in accordance with the Central Government scheme.

Education in the lower secondary forms for the poorer sections of the community being now free in all schools in the State, there was a dearth of suitable applicants in these forms in the Residential High School. Accordingly, form I was closed in June, 1959, as a first step. It is hoped that ultimately the Residential High School will be a Higher Secondary School with the four higher standards.

Under a scheme of the Central Government, the expansion of the Automobile Engineering section was taken up first, and subsequently the provision of buildings and equipment for Mechanical Engineering. Nearly rupees two lakhs was spent on new buildings, and a little less on equipment and machinery up to the end of 1959.

During- the year, there were 37 inmates in the College section, 96 in the Technical Institute and 170 in the Residential High School. In all the sections, nearly 90% of the students enjoyed scholarships and fee concessions. The results in the various examinations were good.

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.

In 1959, the two High Schools had 2,601 students, the Middle School 605 boys and the three Elementary Schools 1,065

boys and 800 girls, while the Hostel had 75 inmates. Due attention was paid to their moral and spiritual well-being.

The number of boys who appeared in the S.S.L.C. Examination from the two High Schools was 262 and 117. The percentage of passes was 77.5 and 74.3 respectively.

The Ramakrishna Mission Sarada Vidyalaya, Madras

Sri Sarada Vidyalaya, Tyagarayanagar (Madras 17), started in 1927 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

o o

centre for women's education, consisting of a High School, a Basic Training School with a preparatory class, a Higher Elementary School and a Model Higher Elementary School.

The strength of the Girls' High School in 1959 was 1,773. It had 65 teachers on an average. In the S.S.L.C. Examination, out of 232 students 223 came out successful (97%). The School has its own three-storeyed building with 43 sections. An Open-Air Theatre, Music Halls and a Home Science Block were built during the year.

The Basic Training School, housed in its own three-storeyed building on Burkitt Road, had 176 trainees and 13 teachers.

In the Girls' Higher Elementary School there were 884 pupils, with 22 teachers. The Model Higher Elementary School (Senior Basic), which is the practising section for the students of the Basic Training School, ran in its three-storeyed permanent building in the compound of the Training School with 664 pupils and 17 teachers.

The Vidyalaya possesses two Libraries containing 12,831 volumes in all. There is provision for moral and religious instruction, group singing, special worship, Bhajana and physical training as also for useful excursions and extracurricular activities.

The six hostels of the Vidyalaya, including an orphanage with 28 inmates, had a total strength of 311 girls. Of these, the Training School Hostel and Lady Teachers' Hostel

are located in their own premises. All the Hostels are under the supervision of lady teachers.

With the sanction of the Central Social Welfare Board, a Condensed Training Course for adult women was started in a rented building in 1959, and 25 adult women were admitted. They were coached up for the E.S.L.C. Examination, after passing which they would be taken for Gram Sevika training by the Board. These women were housed, fed and educated with the financial assistance of the Board.

The birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother, Swami Vivekananda and other great personages were celebrated in a fitting manner.

The Ramakrishna Mission, Chingleput Branch

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 1959 was 393, and that of the Boys' Home 40. 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 270 students in 1959, and the Elementary School had 141 boys and 94 girls. A number of birthdays were celebrated with great eclat. Teaching of devotional songs and Bhajana by a qualified Bhagavatar during weekly holidays was introduced from 1958. A large illustrated School Annual is being published every year. The institution's Library had 3,831 books.

The Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya, Perianaickenpalayam (Coimbatore)

This (P.O. Sri Ramakrishna Vidyalaya, Phone : 1055; Telegraphic address : kalvi) is a comprehensive educational undertaking located on a plot of 210 acres, about 11 miles from Coimbatore on the Ootacamund Road. Excepting the Senior Basic School, which provides for the children of the village, most of the students of its other sections live in the seven

attached hostels. The Vidyalaya completed twenty-nine years of its service in February, 1959. Affiliated to the Mission in 1934, it has become a leading centre of education in South India. Brief reports of its various institutions for 1959 are given below.

Multi-purpose School : The strength of it was 182. In addition to the normal academic courses, Engineering and Agriculture are also provided as courses. Students' self-government is a main feature with the students' co-operative society, students' ministry and students' court.

Basic Training School : It had 73 students. All the students sent up for the public examination came out successful.

Senior Basic School : Strength 563, of whom 222 were girls. It had classes from I to VIII, under 17 teachers. Yarn and cloth worth Rs. 1,260/- were produced.

B. T. College : Strength 50. The optional subjects provided are English, Mathematics, Tamil, Science, Basic Education and Social Studies. The College has a well-equipped audio-visual section. Of the 50 students sitting for the examination, 42 came out successful.

School Extension Service : This Department was started in 1955. Workshops, seminars, study groups, conferences, library and audio-visual services, starting of science clubs, organising educational exhibitions, and publication of newsletters and reports were conducted, in which over 866 teachers from 174 different High Schools in the districts of Salem, Nilgiris, and Coimbatore participated.

Research : The project taken last year, namely, "Study of the Socio-economic Conditions of the High School pupils in Coimbatore District", has been completed. The subject, "Causes of Resistance to Basic Education", has been taken up. The area of study will be confined to Madras State, and it is expected to take two years.

College for Physical Education : It trains teachers according to the method approved by the Government of Madras. There were 69 pupils, of whom 26 were in the Higher grade and

43 in the Lower. Out of 85 students appearing in the public examination, all but two came out successful.

Rural Institute : This is one of the ten selected by the Central Government for evolving a new type of rural higher education. In addition to academic education, extension work in the surrounding villages formed an important part. It had the following wings :

School of Engineering : It offers a three-year Diplomacourse in Civil Engineering. The number of students was 152.Its Certificate course, recognised by the State Government, ismeant for students who have studied up to the fourth form.It had 56 students. All the 12 students sent for the finalexamination came out successful, and all have been employed.
School of Agriculture : Strength 29. The MadrasGovernment has appointed all the 8 students who passed out ofthe School as Gramsevaks.
College for Rural Higher Education : This consistsof a four-year course after the School Final for securing theDiploma in Rural Services. The strength of the College was174. Tutorial system was followed. The Diploma is equal toDegrees for purposes of employment.

Industrial Section : It provides training in various aspects of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering to the students of the Engineering School. Electric motors from 1 H.P. to 10 H.P. in three phases were manufactured.

S.E.O.T.C. : The Social Education Organisers' Training Centre had 36 trainees hailing from four States.

Rural Dispensary : This well-equipped Dispensary with X-ray etc. treated 14,287 cases, of which 8,337 were new ones.

Sri Ramakrishna Birthday Celebration : It was attended by 23,000 people.

Publications : There were a few publications during the year.

Central Library : It has 22,300 books in addition to the sectional libraries. Open access system is followed; 23,199 volumes were issued.

The Ramakrishna Mission Tapovanam, Tirupparaitturai (Tiruchirapalli)

Sri Ramakrishna Tapovanam, which had been functioning as a registered Society since 1942, became a branch centre of the Ramakrishna Mission in the latter part of November, 1958. It is situated on the Kaveri, 10 miles from Tiruchirapalli. Its aim is to help cultural renaissance following the lives and teachings of Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda, and to spread education on national lines.

The activities of the centre in 1959 were : (1) Spiritual Retreats in various places for imparting practical instruction to earnest aspirants. (2) An efficient and mainly residential Multi-purpose School with 397 boys. Units of the Auxiliary Cadet Corps, St. John Ambulance, Junior Red Cross and Boy Scouts were functioning in the School. (3) The Gurukula or hostel with 323 inmates, who led a co-ordinated, intensely religious life. In October, the Extension to the Hostel buildings, constructed at a cost of Rs. 89,723, was declared open by the Union Minister for Education. (4) A Higher Elementary School in the premises of the local Shiva temple, which had 281 boys and 162 girls. Midday meals were provided for poor children. (5) A B.T. College, running on Gurukula lines with 46 trainees. (6) A Library with over 1,500 volumes. (7) The highly popular Tamil monthly, Dharmachakrarn (8th year in 1959). (8) A Publishing House, which has so far brought out over 56 popular religious and school-books printed in its own press. (9) Celebration of Sri Ramakrishna's birthday on a big scale as also other observances. (10) Religious discourses given in many places of Tamil Nad and neighbouring States. (11) An Outdoor Dispensary : Total cases 18,627 ; new cases 7,686. (12) An agricultural Farm and Dairy, run on improved modern lines.

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 in 1959—(1) A High School with 509 boys, and 324 girls. (2) A Lower Primary School with 261 boys and 211 girls. (3) A Students' Home

with 63 inmates. (4) An Allopathic Dispensary, which treated 29,810 cases; new cases 7,002. (5) Daily Bhajana for the students of the Home, and special Bhajana and discourses for school students every Sunday.

In October, 1959 the Community Hall, built at a cost of Rs. 84,000/-, was declared open.

The Ramakrishna Mission Calcutta Students' Home, Belgharia (24 Parganas)

This Home for college students, recognised by the Calcutta University, was started in 1916. It imparts to its inmates a course of man-making education, and is specially meant for indigent students of approved parts, who get here free or part-free board, lodging, etc. during their college career.

Since 1954, the Home has been occupying its own residence (P.O. Belgharia, Dist. 24 Parganas ; Phone : 56-2670), which measures about 36 acres. It is close to the Belgharia Railway Station and is about 7 miles from Calcutta. Besides accommodation for 100 students, the Home has a modest temple and prayer hall, a spacious Library and other amenities. A small workshop with a rice-huller, a wheat-crusher, an oil-press and a tiny bakery, a dairy, and pisciculture on a modest scale, afford the students opportunities for varied practical training.

The number of free, part-free and paying inmates during the year was 57, 9 and 22 respectively. 34% of the year's subscriptions was contributed by ex-students of the Home. Out of 32 students who sat for the Degree and Intermediate Examinations, 28 came out successful, 18 of the latter group being placed in the first division and one securing Government scholarship.

The institution is run on the lines of the ancient Gurukula. Every morning and evening there is congregational prayer. The boys manage the chapel and attend to all minor household duties. They run a free Night School for unlettered neighbouring adults. A manuscript magazine called Vidyarthi is also brought out by them. The Home has a Library with about 3,050 well-chosen books in the general section, and 1,360 books in the text-book section.

The Shilpapiiha, a Technical Institution for three-year diploma courses in Civil, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering for 540 students, was started in 1958. It is wholly sponsored by the Government.

The Shilpapitha building was formally opened on the 13th December by the Union Minister of Scientific and Cultural Affairs. In addition to the unveiling of an oil-painting of Swami Nirvedananda, the late founder of the Home, by the Educational Secretary to the Government of West Bengal, a commemoration volume on the Swami was brought out by the ex-students of the Home.

The Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Narendrapur (24 Parganas)

This institution began as a University-recognised students' hostel in 1943 at 18 Jadulal Mullick Road, Pathuriaghata, Calcutta 6, with aims similar to those of other educational institutions of the Mission. Towards the end of 1958, the activities of the Ashrama were shifted to Narendrapur (Phone: 46-2214), eleven miles to the south-east. In 1959 the Ashrama had 391 inmates, of whom 184 were free and 93 part-free. Thirty of these were blind students. As usual, the selection was confined to poor meritorious boys, preferably from displaced families and depressed classes, as also those physically handicapped. The students did well at the different examinations, five of them securing First Class, one in M.A. and four others in M.Sc.

Throughout the year, the students carried on regular social service work of various types. Amongst the Harijans in Calcutta slum areas, they conducted through the Vivekananda Social Welfare Centre : (1) A nursery school for 42 children under 5 years; (2) A basic school having 151 children aged 6 to 14 ; (3) Two night schools for adults with 66 students; (4) A medical service centre ; (5) An Industrial Training Centre.

The Ashrama ran 45 milk-distribution centres in different parts of West Bengal, chiefly among school children.

The Institute of Social Education and Recreation, which is a branch of this Ashrama, has now 15 centres, chiefly in the rural areas, for both adult literacy and social education work

on an extensive scale. Besides conducting night classes for adults, its programme included the following items : (i) Cultural functions including observance of the birthdays of great men ; (ii) Sports competitions; (iii) Publication of wall-magazines and monthly journals ; (iv) An educational and recreational fair called Ramakrishna Mela at its headquarters lasting for a week ; (v) Essay competitions ; (vi) Organising group discussions (symposia) and seminars among the field workers ; (vii) Training in various vocations and crafts.

The Library had 10,769 books. Besides serving the local people, it issued books to readers of rural areas through its branch units.

The residential Multi-purpose School, started in 1958, had 171 students. (A residential three-year Degree College has been started from 1960.)

The Ramakrishna Mission Vidyapith, Deoghar (S.P.) and Purulia

This is a residential High School for boys conducted on the model of a Gurukula, where stress is laid on the development of character and a well-integrated personality through harmonious attention to the body, mind and spirit. Started in 1922, it was affiliated to the Mission in 1924. In 1958 a residential Multi-purpose School was started at Purulia with Humanities, Science, Technology and Fine Arts as its courses (P.O. Vivekanandanagar; Phone : Purulia 160), and only classes IV to VIII remained at Deoghar (P.O. Vidyapith ; Phone: Deoghar 33).

Both the institutions are located on extensive plots of land amid quiet, picturesque surroundings. Many of the teachers and house supervisors are members of the Ramakrishna Order. In 1959, there were 215 boys at Deoghar. There is provision for the teaching of music, painting, tailoring, gardening and physical culture through games, sports, drills, excursions, camping, etc. At Purulia there were 106 boys in Classes IX and X. There were arrangements for extra-curricular activities, games and sports, as at Deoghar.

Both at Deoghar and Purulia there are Libraries and Reading Rooms. The boys of both jointly conducted two manuscript magazines, Vivek and Kishalay, as also a printed annual, Vidyapiih. They also organised debates, festivals and other social activities at both places.

At Deoghar there is a Charitable Dispensary, which treated 15,224 cases (new cases 3,371), including poor villagers from the neighbourhood. Powdered milk was distributed to a large number of the needy and undernourished. The institution at Deoghar possesses a good Dairy yielding daily 4 mds. of milk on an average, as also serviceable vegetable garden.

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

Started in 1944 with only 37 orphans, the Home (Phone: Barrackpore 80) had on its rolls 538 boys in 1959. It is the biggest orphanage of the Mission, situated near the Khardaha Railway Station, 12 miles to the north of Calcutta, and is also approachable by bus. It is a mainly residential educational institution for orphans and poor boys only, who are provided with all necessities so as to create a home atmosphere for them.

The Home stands on 37 acres of land containing 21 dormitories, a Children's Section, 3 school buildings, staff quarters, kitchen and dining hall, workshops, cowshed, Library building, College building, etc.

It conducts two Junior Basic Schools, a Senior Basic School, a Multi-purpose School, a Vocational School and a Junidr Technical School. 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 also with an interesting programme of extra-curricular activities.

Besides the schools, the Home conducts a District Library and a Junior Basic Training College. The Library had 12,329 books and 74 service unit libraries, situated in the northern side of this district, which issued 35,903 books during the year. The Training College had 100 trainees on its rolls, who lived

in the attached Hostel. In their first public examination all came out successful, 10 securing 1st class.

The N. C. C. and A. C. C, troops had 82 and 120 cadets with 4 officers. They held regular parades throughout the year.

The Home has recently constructed a fine temple containing a marble statue of Sri Ramakrishna with a Prayer Hall having accommodation for nearly 600 students.

For imparting social education to the people of the locality, the Home, besides its six social education centres dispersed through the village, arranged educative film shows every Saturday, and the boys also participated in social service by repairing roads, cleaning jungles and distributing milk powder to the poor.

In order to develop their individuality, the boys were given a certain amount of freedom in managing their own affairs. They had a Debating Society and a Boys' Court, and they ably conducted a quarterly magazine and weekly bulletins of current news.

The Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Sarisha (24 Parganas)

Started in 1921 and affiliated to the Mission in 1924, this institution (Phone: Diamond Harbour 29) has successfully devoted itself to the task of village reconstruction through proper education. Its activities in 1959 were as follows:

The Multi-purpose Boys' School, with Humanities, Technical and Scientific courses, had 293 students. The staff consisted of 24 teachers, including 3 part-time professors and 2 workshop instructors. Out of 19 boys taught in Class XI, 18 came out successful at the School Final Examination in 1959.

As usual, the boys took part in inter-school games and sports. Two N.C.C. and one A.C.C. Troops regularly held their parades all the year round and attended the Annual Training Camps organised by the Military Headquarters. The A.C.C. Section stood first in the Camp. Cultural programmes like socials, dramatics, debates and magazines were continued. The Hostel had 132 inmates, of whom 12 were free, and 9

enjoyed concessions. There were daily congregational prayers, religious classes and physical exercises for the inmates.

The Multi-purpose Girls' School : Sponsored by the Government with Humanities, Home Science and Fine Arts courses, it had 217 students. The staff consisted of 21 teachers, of whom 3 were part-time. Besides academic education, the girls were taught music, folk dance, sewing, embroidery, domestic hygiene, sports and physical culture. The Hostel had 69 inmates, of whom 5 were free, and 7 enjoyed concessions. One N.C.C. troop was opened under a trained Lady N.C.C. Officer, a member of the teaching staff of the school. The number of girl cadets was 33.

The Senior Basic School for boys, comprising classes VI to VIII, had 83 students. That for girls had 83 students.

Financed by the District Board, three Junior Basic Schools together had 185 boys and 207 girls. The residential Basic Training College for Women Teachers had 58 trainees. All but one came out successful in the year under review. The cost of running it was borne by the Government. The Pre-Basic (Nursery) School had 37 children.

The Technical Section is very popular. It trained 40 students in weaving, tailoring, knitting, embroidery and sock-making. The total output of this section found ready markets and fetched Rs. 5,351/-.

The Community Centre for village women 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. At the Community Hall for men at Bagdipara, Sarisha, attractive Kathakatas were held occasionally.

Two Social Service Camps—one for boys and the other for girls—were conducted, also at Government cost. Each camp accommodated 50 workers (all being students and teachers of the institutions at Sarisha) and continued for 15 days. The boys constructed and repaired a number of village roads. Cleaning campaigns by the campers, cultural classes, discussions and debates also formed part of the programme. The girls' camp

undertook the repair of village roads and social education work among the women in the backward areas.

The Central Library at the Ashrama with 6 branch libraries was successfully conducted. The total number of books in 1959 was 4,789, that of periodicals 17 and of daily papers 6. The number of regular readers in the different branches was 1,214, and the number of villages served was 132.

Nine complete Social Education Centres, 5 for men and 4 for women adults, recognised by the State Government, were run by the Ashrama, with an average roll strength of 167, of whom 114 were men.

The Audio-visual Unit gave film shows whenever weather permitted it.

The Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama, Midnapore

This Sevashrama (Phone : Midnapore 156), started at Nutanbazar in 1914, was recognised as a Mission branch in 1931. Its activities in 1959 were—(1) A Higher Secondary Multi-purpose School with 359 students. (2) A Junior Basic School: Strength 204 boys and 70 girls. All the students sent up passed the Final Examination. Another building for a second unit was under construction. (3) A Hostel for the Secondary Section with 114 boys. One boy represented West Bengal at the Students' Rally on the Republic Day in Delhi. (4) A Circulating Library and Free Reading Room: Books 5,663 ; issued 9,517. (5) An Outdoor Dispensary with an Eye Clinic and Pathological Department: Total cases 48,361 ; new cases 18,755. (6) Regular religious classes, annual observance of birthdays and other festivals, and occasional lectures. (7) Help in cash amounting to Rs, 3,900/- to poor students and needy persons. (8) Milk distribution to patients, nursing mothers and children. (9) Educational films shown from time to time.

The Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Barnagore, Calcutta 36

Started in 1912, this educational institution for boys was made a branch centre of the Mission in 1924. During the year

under review it had 170 residential students, of whom 34 were either free or concession-holders. They read in the following Ashrama schools: A Multi-purpose School with 675 students, a Senior Basic School which had 98 students, a Primary School with 302 students and two units of Junior Basic School with 169 and 165 students.

Besides general education, the boys were given religious and moral training. They also learnt music under competent teachers and Bhajanas under the monastic members. Training in drill and parade on military lines was given, and there were arrangements for all kinds of games and sports.

The Ashrama had also a Night School with 35 students and a Sanskrit Chatushpathi with 20 students.

There were four Libraries—two belonging to the Ashrama and the Multi-purpose School, and the other two Central Social and Community Centre Libraries—containing 4,021 books in all.

The boys were taken out to Antpur, Dt. Hooghly, the birth-place of Swami Premananda, where they led a rigid but pleasant camp life for a week.

The Homoeopathic Charitable Dispensary treated 26,035 patients, of whom 5,240 were new cases.

The Ramakrishna Mission Sister Nivedita Girls' School, Calcutta

This School (5 Nivedita Lane, Calcutta 3 ; Phone: 55-2062) was started in 1902 by Sister Nivedita (Miss Margaret E. Noble), the illustrious dedicated disciple of Swami Vivekananda, to give proper education to Hindu girls. The institution is housed in its own two four-storeyed buildings, and was made a branch of the Mission in 1918.

The Secondary Section was converted into a Multi-purpose School in 1957. There were 27 teachers in the High School and 8 in the Primary Section. The roll strength was 500 in the High School and 230 in the free Primary Section. Religious training is a speciality of this institution. In the year under review an adjoining plot of land was acquired.

The institution has an Industrial Department for adult women. It had 70 students, who received training in various crafts free of charge. They appeared successfully, as usual, in the Lady Brabourne Needlework Diploma Examination. The Department has earned a good name for the quality of its products.

The Sarada Mandir or hostel attached to the School accommodated 40 students and 19 dedicated workers. The School Library had 6,750 books.

The RamakrisJma Mission Women's Welfare Centre,

Calcutta

This centre was started in 1956 at P. 22, C.I.T. Road, Entally, Calcutta 14, in a house belonging to the Mission. Its objects are to organise regular classes and lectures for women and to impart elementary knowledge in Bengali, History, Geography and Arithmetic to poor, adult women and grown up girls of the locality as also to give them some kind of vocational training.

During 1959 it conducted 35 religious classes on Wednesdays and 31 public lectures on social, cultural and other subjects on Saturdays. Most of the speakers were ladies, the average attendance in these classes and lectures being 78 and 90 respectively. Besides, 11 lectures, debates, symposia and film shows were arranged during the birthday celebration of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother and Swami Vivekananda.

With the help of a small grant from the Education Directorate of the Government of West Bengal, 24 women were given free education. Of the 11 women who sat for the literacy Test conducted by the Government, 10 were successful.

The institution maintains a small public Library with 760 books (issued 447), while 63 Intermediate students availed themselves of the free Text-book Library. They were given free coaching and refreshment. A Study Circle was formed to discuss the lives and teachings of great men.

: The Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture, Calcutta

Established in 1938 after the birth Centenary of Sri Ramakrishna, the Institute is now housed in a magnificent new building at Gol Park, Calcutta 29 (Telephones: 46-4612, 46-4613, 46-5678 and 46-5679). The Institute has a threefold aim: (a) a proper interpretation and appraisal of Indian culture in all its aspects; (b) the promotion of mutual knowledge and Understanding between India and other countries; and (c) the promotion of the study of the cultural heritage of rnankind-as-a-whole as a background to the individual cultures of the world, for the purpose of providing channels for mutual appreciation and awareness of the solidarity of mankind. The work of the Institute is significant not only to modern India but also to all the countries of the world in their search for mutual understanding, co-operation, and peaceful co-existence. From humble beginnings the Institute has grown into a recognised centre of learning and is an international forum for the meeting of minds. It has attracted great interest from the public and from many leading scholars in India and abroad. The Institute works in co-operation with Unesco, discussions with whom were held during the year in preparation for an East-West cultural conference in 1961 to be held at the Institute in connection with Unesco's Major Project for the Mutual Appreciation of Eastern and Western Cultural Values.

The work of the Institute was conducted during the first part of 1959 at the old address at 111 Russa Road, and later in the new building as successive sections became ready for occupation, until in December, 1959 the move to the new building was completed. The year's work included: (1) A library of 25,190 volumes, of which 1,403 were added during the year. (2) A reading room with 280 Indian and foreign journals, and an average daily attendance of 60 readers. (3) 44 weekly public lectures and 10 special meetings addressed by Indian and foreign scholars on subjects related to the Institute's aims. (4) 48 weekly classes on the Mahabharata, and six Upanishads. (5) One Kathakata. (6) Bi-weekly Hindi classes, attended by 62 students. (7) A Sanskrit Chatushpathi

35,

with 8 students. (8) A small weekly study circle reading Ramakrishna-Vivekananda literature. (9) A monthly Bulletin (10th year). (10) Preparation of The Cultural Heritage of India, 2nd edition, Volume II, dealing with Itihasas, Puranas, etc. which was sent to the press. (11) A small museum and art gallery, (12) A students' hostel with 16 boarders. (13) Four resident research scholars. (14) Six visitors accommodated in the guest house. (15) 7 receptions given in honour of Indian and foreign visitors. (16) A Students' Day Home, which was free, with 800 students, and a text-book Library, recreation room, showers, and meals at a nominal charge.

Outstanding features of the Institute's new building are: (1) an auditorium to seat 1,000; (2) a lecture hall; (3) a museum and art gallery; (4) a universal meditation hall; (5) a spacious library and reading room, with a children's section ; (6) rooms for classes and seminars; (7) a music room; (8) a Students' Day Home; (9) an international scholars' residence; (10) an international guest house.

The Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Asansol (Burdwan)

Started in 1926, the Ashrama, situated on the Grand Trunk Road (Phone: Asansol 2937), was handed over to the Mission in 1938, since when it has steadily developed. The High School has been converted into a Multi-purpose School with three streams—Science, Technical and Humanities. The total roll strength in the Secondary Sections is 639. Other activities of the Ashrama were: (1) A Primary Section with 211 boys. (2) A Students' Hostel with 16 inmates. (3) A Library with 4,263 books. (4) A Reading Room with 2 dailies and 20 monthlies. (5) Regular worship and religious classes, and occasional meetings and festivals.

Another hostel attached to the Multi-purpose School for 20 students was completed in 1959.

The Ashrama conducted relief work in the district of Burdwan among 4,500 flood-affected people.

The Ramakrishna Mission Ashrania, Shilloiig

The Ramakrishna Mission started its educational activities in the Khasia and Jaintia Hills in 1924 with a Primary School at Sheila, a village about 45 miles from Shillong. The activities were gradually extended to Nongwar, Cherrapunji and Shillong. The Shillong Branch was recognised by the Mission in 1937. For facility of work, Cherrapunji, which ran a High School, was made a separate centre in 1949, with the Sheila and Nongwar schools under it.

The Shillong centre has considerably developed and is located at Laitumkhrah (Phone: 676). In 1959 it conducted the following activities—(1) A Charitable Dispensary with a good Laboratory, an Eye and an X-ray section, an Electrotherapy unit as also an Homoeopathic section, which treated 54,165 cases; new cases 28,934. (2) A Library and Reading Room with 4,679 books, 10 dailies and 26 periodicals; books issued 8,857. (3) A Students' Home mainly for tribal boys: Inmates 19. Free board and lodging were given to almost all the Khasi and Mizo students of the Home. (4) The Sarada Samsad, a cultural society for children, which arranged 223 classes and 16 occasional discourses by eminent persons in different languages. (5) 53 religious and cultural classes at the Ashrarna and other areas of the town, as also Rama Nama Bhajana in many quarters. (6) A few public meetings and documentary film shows in the Ashrama. (7) Anniversaries and festivals, including lantern lectures, children's sports and essay competitions. (8) An L.P. School with 9 free students in a near-by Harijan colony. (9) Publication of books in Assamese and Khasi languages, one Bengali book being added this year.

In 1959, the Ashrama conducted a Night School for Khasi children at N>artiang village of the Jowai Subdivision of the United K. & J. Hills. Also, with the help of the newly started Mobile Dispensary, medicines were regularly distributed among patients of Nartiang area.

The Ramakrishna Mission Ashrania, Cherrapunji (K. & J. Hills)

The work was started in 1931 as a part of the Shillong centre and was, as stated above, converted into a separate centre

in 1949. Its main activities in 1959 were—(1) A High School with 207 boys and 108 girls. (2) A Vocational School with weaving, tailoring, typewriting and soap-making sections, with 3 boys and 17 girls. (3) A Hostel with 69 inmates. (4) A Primary School with two branches, having 89 boys and 86 girls. (5) Weekly Bhajanas and discourses.

At Sheila, 13 miles down, it conducted an M.E. School with 48 boys and 25 girls, 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 29 boys and 40 girls, and an M.E. School with 33 boys and 31 girls.

At Sohbar, about 8 miles down, it had a Junior Basic School with 45 boys and 45 girls, and an M.E. School for 13 boys and 7 girls with a Technical Section attached to it.

At Wahkaliar and Laitduh, about 11 and 8 miles respectively from Cherrapunji, the Mission ran two M.E. Schools with a total strength of 11 boys and 14 girls. At Laitduh there was also a Primary School with 16 boys and 14 girls.

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

The Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Society, Jamshedpur (Singhbhum)

Started in 1920 and affiliated to the Mission in 1927, the centre, situated at Bistupur [Phone: 2573B (City)], conducted in 1959 the following: (1) Five High Schools (of which two were for boys, two for girls and one for both in separate shifts) with 1,057 boys and 949 girls, 4 Middle Schools with 1,916 boys and 1,494 girls, 3 U.P. Schools with 667 boys and 585 girls and 2 L.P. Schools (one of them a Night School in Hindi alone) with 98 boys and 31 girls—in all 14 Schools with 6,797 pupils on their rolls. While 1 U.P. and 2 L.P. Schools are for Hindi-speaking children only, there are Hindi sections in 2 Girls' High Schools, 3 Middle Schools and 1 U.P. School in all classess along with Bengali sections. In the other schools,

Hindi"is taught as a compulsory subject to pupils whose mother tongue is not Hindi. There is an annual school magazine. (2) Two Students' Homes with 34 inmates. (3) A Library and Reading Room with 3,053 books, 12 magazines, 2 weeklies and

2 dailies. (4) Twelve School Libraries with 14,146 books. (5)Weekly classes and occasional lectures on religio-philosophical
subjects. (6) Regular pecuniary help to poor students andothers. (7) Regular audio-visual instructions with the helpof a 16 mm. projector. (8) Excursions and picnics. (9) Seasonalgames and sports. (10) Celebration of certain birthdays in the
Prayer Hall of the Society.

A Science Laboratory at a cost of Rs. 10,000/- has been set up in the Mission's Lady Indra Singh High School. Fans have been installed in the class rooms of 4 High Schools and

3 Middle Schools at a cost of Rs, 25,000/-. A boundary wallwith lavatories inside the compound have been put up at acost of Rs. 7,500/- in the V.U.P. School, Bhuiyadih (a Harijan
School). A boundary wall with gates has also been put up inthe Students' Home at Sakchi, on the bank of the river Subarna-rekha.

The Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama. Pain a

Started in 1922 and recognised as a Mission branch in 1926, the Ashrama moved to its own home at Langartoli (Ramakrishna Avenue, Patna 4; Phone : 2183) in 1930. In 1959 it conducted—(1) Two Charitable Dispensaries, one Homoeopathic and the other Allopathic. Total cases 71,887 and 48,464 respectively (new cases: 7,371 and 7,068). (2) A free U. P. School mainly for Harijan and other backward community-boys (strength 189). (3) A Library and free Reading Room containing 5,532 books (issued 8,606) and 72 periodicals. (4) Scriptural classes held regularly in and outside the Ashrama numbering 299 and 32 respectively. (5) A Students' Home for college boys with 26 inmates, of whom 15 were free. (6) Birthday celebrations of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother, Swami Vivekananda and other prophets as also Durga Puja and Kali Puja.

The construction of a building for the Students' Home was completed and declared open by the President of India on October 6.

The Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Sargachhi (Murshidabad)

This oldest Ashrama of the Mission (P.O. Sargachhi Ashrama) was started in 1897 by Swami Akhandananda and was affiliated in 1911. It conducted in 1959—(1) A Junior Basic Teachers' Training College with 100 trainees. (2) A Multi-purpose School with Humanities, Science and Agriculture with 148 students. (3) Two Junior Basic (Primary) Schools with 263 boys and 123 girls. (4) An Adult School with 113 students. (5) An outdoor Charitable Dispensary : Total cases 13,646; new cases 7,993. (6) Six Libraries with free Reading Rooms : Books 8,510, issued 6,887 ; periodicals 64, newspapers 24. (7) Daily worship, Bhajana and religious classes, and anniversaries of the birthdays of the Prophets at the Ashrama. (8) 20 classes and 6 lectures with average attendance of 45 and 200 respectively. (9) Birthday anniversaries of Sri Ramakrishna and Swamiji and occasional classes and lectures at the Berhampore town centre. (10) Occasional help in cash and kind.

The Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Taki (24 Parganas)

Established in 1931 as a centre of rural uplift and affiliated in 1938, the Ashrama conducted in 1959—(1) a High School with 324 students. (2) Three U. P. Schools—one for boys, one for girls and the other a mixed one—with a total strength of 208 boys and 135 girls. (3) A Students' Home with 39 inmates, of whom 5 were free. (4) A small Library. (5) A Charitable Dispensary : Total cases 81,500, new cases 35,190.

The Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama, Silchar (Cachar)

This institution has been doing good work in Cachar since 1924. It was made a branch of the Mission in 1939. In

1959 it conducted—(1) A Students' Home with 29 inmates, including 12 tribal boys. (2) A Library with 1,350 books; issued 421. (3) 46 religious classes in the Ashrama, 9 lectures in the district on religious and cultural subjects, and 4 lantern lectures in different places on cultural and hygienic subjects. (4) Celebration of the birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother, Swami Vivekananda and others.

Pecuniary help was given to 38 persons, and regular doles of rice to 6 deserving families.

With help from the Headquarters, relief was given to the middle-class people of the locality during the Flood of 1959. With powdered milk supplied by the Government, a milk canteen was run for three months.

The Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Manasadwip (24 Parganas)

Started in 1928 as a branch of the Contai Ashrama, this institution in Sagar Island was made a separate centre in 1955. In 1959 it conducted—(1) A High School with 211 boys. (2) Two Basic Primary Schools, one for boys and another for girls, with total strengths of 140 and 71 respectively, both maintained by the District School Board. (3) A small Students' Home. (4) Occasional religious classes and discourses or lectures at the Ashrama and outside. (5) Birthday anniversaries of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother and Swamiji.

The centre has a School-cum-Community Centre, started three years ago, having a free Reading Room and a Lending Library for the public under a Basic-trained teacher, who goes about and delivers lectures among the rural folk with the help of a magic lantern on health, hygiene, education and subjects of general interest.

The Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Puri

The Library is being managed by the Mission since 1944. In 1959 it had 16,600 books (issued 22,000). Its free Reading Room had 10 dailies and 60 magazines, the daily average attendance being 200. Regular scriptural classes were held, and discourses by eminent Pandits were arranged occasionally.

The Children's Section had an average daily attendance of about 55. It provided facilities for indoor and outdoor games also. Special classes and lectures were arranged for the juvenile members from time to time, as also sports, recitations and lecture competitions during festivals.

The Short-stay Home for students provided free board and lodging, coaching, physical training, training in scouting and social services as well as general education in recognised institutions. It had 60 students, of whom 20 were Adivasis or Hari-jans, and 20 belonged to other backward classes.

The Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Visakhapatnam

This Ashrama at Maharanipeta (Visakhapatnam 2; Phone : 561), situated on the Beach Road and commanding an excellent view of the Bay of Bengal, was started in 1938.

In 1959 the Ashrama conducted—(1) A Students' Home with 11 inmates. (2) A cultural, play and recreational centre called the Balamangalam for children aged 7 to 12 on Sundays. Its small Library consisting mostly of illustrated books was used daily. Every week lessons in Sanskrit were given on easy lines, and an intense audio-visual education was provided for the children as also the public through documentary film shows. (3) A Library and Reading Room with 1,884 books (issued 83); 6 newspapers and 20 magazines. (4) Expounding of the Valmiki Ramayana every Sunday and occasional scriptural discourses. (5) a Preparatory School for children aged 3 to 6, called Sri Sarada Bala Vihara, started in 1958. having 37 boys and 28 girls on its rolls. (6) An Adult Education Centre, started in December for the benefit of the fishermen, in their colony. (7) Celebration of the birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna and others.

The Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Chandigarh

The Lahore Branch of the Mission, suspended in 1947 owing to the violent post-Partition communal riots, was resuscitated at Chandigarh, the new capital of Punjab (India),

in a rented house in 1956. In 1958, a building was constructed on its permanent site measuring 3 acres (purchased in 1955), and the Ashrama moved there (Sector 15B, Chandigarh 2; Phone : 787). A chapel was maintained, and in the year under report Sri Ramakrishna Gospel Class in Hindi as also Rama Nama Sankirtana was conducted every Sunday (number of classes 56). There was the nucleus of a Library with 716 books (issued 854). The construction of the Library hall was completed. Occasional lectures were arranged in and outside the Ashrama. A homoeopathic Charitable Dispensary was opened. Total cases 7,100; new cases 2,736. The birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother and Swami Vivekananda were celebrated.

The Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Sinriti Mandir, Khetri (Jaipur)

The mansion at Khetri in Rajasthan where Swami Vivekananda stayed as the honoured guest of the Raja, together with another house, was donated to the Mission in December, 1958 for starting a centre in memory of Swamiji. A branch centre was started there and placed under a Managing Committee in May, 1959, which was to run it without any resident monastic inmates. The work was yet to take shape.

SECTION III

COMBINED MATH & MISSION CENTRES

The Ramakrishna Math and Mission, Madras

This is one of the oldest and most influencial centres of the Order. Started in 1897 by Swami Ramakrishnananda and occupying since 1907 its own home at 11 Sri Ramakrishna Math Road, Mylapore (Madras 4; Post Box Mylapore 635 ; Phone 71231), near the Kapaliswara temple, this monastery has all along been actively ministering to the spiritual and other needs of the public.

In 1959 the Math principally conducted—(1) Daily worship of Sri Ramakrishna. (2) 95 lectures and 120 religious classes at the Math and 124 classes at other places in the city, including the Madras Penitentiary. (3) Lecture tours to different parts of the State and outside. (4) Celebration of the birthdays of the Prophets and other festivals. (5) A Library open to the public. Books 10,113 ; newspapers and periodicals 167 ; books issued 1,321. (6) Three monthly journals : The Vedanta Kesari (English, 46th year), Sri Ramakrishna Vijayam (Tamil, 39th year) and Sn Ramakrishna Prabha (Telugu, 16th year). (7) Publication of 2 new books and reprinting of 15 old ones. (8) A Higher Elementary Girls' School at George Town, Madras (strength 681). (9) A Charitable Dispensary with Allopathic, Homoeopathic, Dental, E.N.T., X-ray and Surgical sections : Total cases 1,54,175 : new cases 49,184; minor surgical cases 592; 819 specimens examined in the Laboratory. (10) Doling powdered milk to a total of 1,07,178 undernourished women and children, and medicated milk among 8,283 sickly and rickety babies.

The Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Bombay

This Ashrama, situated at Khar (Bombay 52, Phone : 88442), was started in 1923, and had its own home in 1924. In 1959 it conducted—•(!) Daily worship and Bhajana. (2) Celebration on an imposing scale of a number of birthdays.

(3) 187 religious classes at the Ashrama and in the city, and 65 lectures within and outside the State.

The Mission Branch, opened in 1932, conducted in 1959—

(1) A Charitable Dispensary with Allopathic, Homoeopathicand Ayurvedic sections : Total cases 1,97,855; new cases30,660; in-patients 31. (2) A Library: Books 9,138 issued4,009. (3) A Students' Home : Strength 74.

The Mission Centre also conducted, in 1959, very extensive Flood Relief work in Kutch and Surat at a cost of several lakhs of rupees, which continued up to the next year.

The Ramakrishna Mission and Ashrama, Mangalore (South Kanara)

This centre, started in 1947, moved in 1951 to its own extensive premises on Mangaladevi 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 weekly classes and occasional lectures or discourses in and outside the Ashrama. The Ashrama Library had 2,019 books; issued 807.

The Mission Branch was opened in 1951. It conducted in 1959—(1) A Boys' Home with 41 deserving indigent boys.

(2) An Allopathic Charitable Dispensary : Total cases 42,862 ;new cases 7,864.

The Ramakrishna Math and Mission, Rajahmundry (East Godavari)

The Math was started at Veerabhadrapuram (Phone : 112) in 1951 with some houses, land and a Permanent Fund. In 1959, in addition to regular worship and Bhajana, it conducted 50 scriptural classes, arranged 12 lectures in and outside the town, maintained a Library and Reading Room and celebrated the birthdays of the Prophets. The Library had 3,000 books and 25 periodicals and newspapers.

The Mission Branch, opened in 1954, conducted a Students' Home, located in its own building, which had 10 inmates in 1959, all of whom were free. The town centre,

opened in July, 1957 near the bank of the Godavari, conducted regular worship, a free Library (with 980 books and 40 journals etc.) and a Homoeopathic Dispensary (Patients 600). Daily religious discourse is a regular feature of this centre and is quite popular.

Occasional pecuniary help was given to needy people and students.

The Ramakrishna Math and Mission, Bhubaneswar

This imposing monastery, founded by Swami Brahma-nanda in 1919, is situated in a secluded part of the town. It conducted daily worship and regular religious classes and celebrated the birthdays of the Prophets. It has a Library, which had 1,924 books in 1959. The Math published the second edition of the Ramakrishna Lilamrita (in Oriya).

The Mission Branch, started in 1920, conducted in 1959— (1) A free U.P. School with 151 boys and 64 girls. (2) A Charitable Dispensary : Total cases 23,702 ; new cases 13,660.

The Ramakrishna Math and Mission Sevashrama, Bankura

The Math was started in 1917. In 1959 it conducted—(1) Daily worship. (2) 360 indoor and 8 outdoor religious classes. (3) A number of public celebrations. (4) A Library and Reading Room, which had 3,431 books, 30 periodicals and 3 newspapers ; issued 2,588 books.

The Sevashrama conducted—(1) Three Charitable Dispensaries (including one at Ramharipur, a village 20 miles off), which treated in all 85,650 cases, of which 14,936 were new ones. (2) A Junior Basic School with 48 boys and 28 girls. (3) A Students' Home with 20 inmates. (4) Pecuniary help to a few and distribution of some foodstuffs, blankets, cloth, etc.

At Ramharipur, the Sevashrama also ran : (5) A High School with 243 boys. (6) A free Primary School with 103 boys and 24 girls. (7) A School-cum-Community Centre, which had a Night School with 18 students and a Library with 785 books (issued 705), and did social education work through lantern

lectures, readings from the Ramaya,na and the Mahabharata, arid instructive talks.

Fire relief help was given to 9 families of Ghota Birbhan-pur village in the district.

Government Test Relief works were conducted iri the •Ramhari-pur area under the supervision of this centre.

The Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Malda

This Ashrama was started in 1924 as a Math centre, and a Mission Branch was added in 1942. Regular scriptural classes and Bhajana as also occasional lectures were held both within and outside the Ashrama. The Math celebrates the birthdays of the Prophets of all faiths.

The Mission Branch conducted in 1959—(1) A High School with 440 students. (2) An Urban Junior Basic School with 179 boys and 37 girls. (3) Three Primary Schools for tribals, refugees, etc. in rural areas with 189 boys and 88 girls. (4) A Junior Basic School at Mohanpara with 60 boys and 41 girls. (5) A School-cum-Community Centre at Mohanpara with 45 adults. (6) Three Social and Adult Education centres in the tribal and backward areas of the district with 105 boys and 9 girls. (7) A Night School with 26 adults. (8) A Pre-basic (Nursery) School with 43 boys and 36 girls. (9) A Women's Home Industry centre with 41 girls. (10) A Students' Home with 17 inmates. (11) A Library and Reading Room with 1,305 books (issued 802), 22 magazines and 2 dailies. (12) A Children's Club with 75 boys and 125 girls. (13) Six Milk distribution centres feeding daily 620 children on an average from six primary schools. (14) A Homoeopathic Dispensary with branches at Narayanpur and Ghitkol. Total cases 53,931 (new cases 9,018). (15) Distribution of frocks, shirts, etc. among the poor people.

The Samakrishna Ashrama and Mission Sevashrania, Tamluk (Midnapore)

This institution was started in 1914 and was affiliated to the Mission in 1929. Its activities in 1959 were—(1) An Industrial School with 36 students. (2) A Junior Basic School

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with 74 boys and 67 girls. (3) A Library and Reading Room : Books 5,030 ; issued 4,209. (4) An Outdoor Dispensary : Total cases 28,442; new cases 6,653. (5) Regular classes and occasional lectures. (6) Casual help in cash and kind. (7) Distribution of milk among 27,922 recipients.

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

The Matrimandir and Sarada Sevashrama, Jayrambati (Bankura)

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

The Mission Sevashrama, started in 1930, conducted in 1959—(I) A Charitable Dispensary : Total cases 25,791, new cases 4,791. (2) A Junior High School with technical subjects, having 200 boys and 36 girls. (3) A Pre-Basic (Nursery) School with 17 boys and 31 girls. (4) A Night School for adults with 23 students.

The Ramakrishna Math and Mission, Kamarpukur (Hooghly)

This centre was founded in 1947 for preserving the house where Sri Ramakrishna was born.

The Math conducted daily worship and religious classes and observed some birthdays and festivals.

The Mission branch conducted in 1959—(1) An Outdoor Dispensary : Total cases 12,565; new cases 4,023. (2) A Senior Basic School with 60 boys. (3) A Junior Basic School with 75 boys and 38 girls. (4) A Pre-Basic School with 19 boys and 21 girls. (5) A School-cum-Community centre : Students 32. (6) A Library with 2,000 books. (7) A Students' Home with 20 inmates.

The Ramakrishna Math and Mission Sevashrama, Contai (Midnapore)

Started in 1913, the Sevashrama was made a branch of the Mission in 1927. In 1959 it maintained—(1) A Library and

Reading Room : Books 4,343, issued 8,961 ; 20 magazines etc. (2) A Charitable Dispensary : Total cases 37,401 ; new cases 10,425. (3) A Students' Home with 11 inmates. (4) A U.P. School at Belda, 6 miles off, with 60 boys and 34 girls.

Distribution of powdered milk among 260 children and aged people daily on an average was made.

The Math conducted worship and religious classes daily, and organised public lectures occasionally in different parts of the Subdivision,

The Ramakrishna Math and Mission Sevashrama, Allahabad

The Math (P.O. Muthiganj) was founded in 1908 and the Mission Sevashrama in 1910 by Swami Vijnanananda. The Math conducted 60 religious classes and arranged occasional lectures. The birthdays of the Prophets were duly celebrated.

The Sevashrama conducted in 1959—(1) A Charitable Dis pensary : Total cases 40,532 ; new cases 9,535. (2) A Library and Reading Room : Books 5,722 ; issued 3,939; 29 magazines and 6 newspapers.

The construction of the Shrine and Prayer Hall was complete, and the dedication took place in December 1959.

The Ramakrishna Ashrama and Mission Seva Samiti., Karimganj (Cachar)

The Seva Samiti, started in 1917, was affiliated to the Mission in 1929 as a sub-centre of the Sylhet Seva Samiti. But after the Partition, for facility of work it as well as the Ashrama there was made a branch centre of the Math and Mission in 1949.

In 1959 the Samiti maintained—(1) A Students' Home with 23 inmates. (2) Two L.P. Schools : Total strength 57 boys and 24 girls. (3) A Library and Reading Room : Books 1,634*; issued 3,989; dailies and periodicals 20. (4) A Moving Library for the rural areas with 490 books; issued 925. (5) A Homoeopathic Dispensary : Total cases 2,165. (6) Disposal of 24 unclaimed dead bodies. (7) Doling of rice to 180

recipients and pecuniary help to some families. (8) 300 religious classes for the boys of the Home.

Flood Relief work was conducted, in which 300 families of the Subdivision were distributed rice, clothes, medicines, bamboos, etc. This was followed by industrial Test Relief work.

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

The Ramakrishna Math and Mission Sevashrama, Garbeta (Midnapore)

The Math (P.O. Amlagora) was started in 1915. Part of its work was converted in 1951 into a Mission branch, which conducted in 1959—(1) A Charitable Dispensary : Total cases 3,009; new cases 1,194. (2) A Students' Home with 15 inmates. (3) A Junior Basic School with 65 boys and 49 girls. (4) A small Library. (5) Distribution of powdered milk among children and the aged.

The Math conducted daily worship and celebrated the birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna and the Holy Mother.

SECTION IV

MATH CENTRES

The Advaita Ashrama, Mayavati (Almora)

The Ashrama was founded in 1899 by Capt. and Mrs. Sevier, English disciples of Swami Vivekananda. Situated in the solitude of deep Himalayan forests, and commanding a magnificent view of the snow-range, it aims at producing a band of self-reliant characters through study and contemplation, without the aid of ceremonials. The attached guest houses provide opportunities for spiritual culture to a limited number of aspirants.

It is one of the chief publishing centres of the Order. The Publication Department is located in its own house at 4 Wellington Lane, Calcutta 13 (Phone : 24-2901). In 1959 its activities were—(1) Reprinting 4 books. (2) Publication of the important English Monthly, Pra.buddha Bharata (64th year). (3) Religious classes and public lectures in and around Calcutta.

In 1958 the Advaita Ashrama came in possession of the estate of the late U. N. Deb of 5 Dehi Entally Road, Calcutta 14, about a mile south-east of its Calcutta Branch. A four-storeyed building is under construction, and the Branch will shift towards the end of 1960, to conduct a Library and Lecture Hall as also some philanthropic work (Phone : 44-1214).

The Ashrama at Mayavati has a fine Library with over 6,000 books. It conducted in 1959 a useful Hospital with 21 beds, which treated 489 indoor patients and 19,001 outdoor

cases (new cases 14,938).

The Hospital was enabled by the Central Government to improve its equipment and accommodation. The Mayavati Ashrama also made some additions and alterations to it in 1959.

The Ramakrishna Math, Cossipur, Calcutta

This Math was started in 1946 in the famous garden house (90 Cossipore Road, Calcutta 2; Phone : 56-2568) where Sri

Ramakrishna passed the last few months of his life with his disciples and entered Mahasamadhi. The old house, being rickety, had to be rebuilt. Now it looks as it did when the Master lived in it. Daily worship, weekly scriptural classes in and outside the Ashrama and the celebration of certain festivals were the main activities of the centre.

The Ramakrishna Math, Baghbazar, Calcutta

Started in 1899, the Math has been occupying since 1909 its own home at 1 Udbodhan Lane (Calcutta 3; Phone : 55-2447), which is famous 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 chief publishing centres of the Order, having mainly brought out Bengali editions of Swami Vivek-ananda's works as also other important literature in Bengali and English. In 1959 it reprinted 15 old books, besides publishing Udbodhan, the Bengali monthly of the Order, which completed its 60th year. The Library had 1,939 books and issued 2,234.

The old three-storeyed building at 3 Udbodhan Lane, donated to the Math in 1956, was thoroughly renovated, three spacious halls being constructed for the Library, religious classes, etc.

The Ramakrishna Yogodyana, Kankurgachhi, Calcutta

This Math (Calcutta 11 ; Phone : 35-2928) in eastern Calcutta was founded in 1883 by Sj. Ram Chandra Datta, a distinguished lay disciple of Sri Ramakrishna, 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 in 1959 were—(1) Daily worship. (2) Weekly religious classes and occasional lectures. (3) Celebration of the birthday of •Sri Ramakrishna and some other festivals. The centre has a small Library.

The Gadadhar Ashrama, Calcutta

This Ashrama, started in 1921 at 86A, Harish Chatterjee Street, Bhowanipore, Calcutta 25, continued its spiritual

activities, consisting of daily worship and Bhajana and the observance of some annual celebrations.

The Veda Vidyalaya, a Sanskrit Chatushpathi started in 1926 for teaching different branches of Hindu philosophy as well as Sanskrit literature and grammar, is the outstanding-work of the Ashrama, In 1959 it had 19 students, including 5 girls. The Vidyalaya has its own Library of rare Sanskrit books.

The Ashrama Library contained 2,890 useful books and issued 923.

The Sarada Math, Dakshineswar (24 Parganas)

In fulfilment of a cherished desire of Swami Vivekananda, this convent came into being in 1954 in a house at Entally, Calcutta, with some of the dedicated women workers of the Mission and the Math as its first inmates. In December of that year it moved to its own extensive premises on the Ganga at Dakshineswar (P. O. Ariadaha ; Phone : 56-2566), not far north of the Kali Temple. Here, in 1959, in addition to daily worship, Bhajana, scriptural study and a life of meditation, weekly religious classes and Rama Nama Sankirtana on Ekadashi days were held, which were open to ladies only. The Math Library had 1761 books.

The centre was given an independent status in August, 1959 and is managed by the nuns themselves. They also have managed the Sister Nivedita Girls' School, the Matribhavan and the Women's Welfare Centre in Calcutta.

The Ramakrishna Advaita Ashrama, Varanasi

Started by Swami Shivananda at Laxa (Varanasi 1) in 1902, the Ashrama provided facilities for the spiritual development of the monastic members of the Order, for whom daily scriptural classes were held. In 1959 it also conducted—(1) Daily worship and Bhajana and the celebration of the birthdays of the Incarnations and Saints. (2) Religious classes for the public, numbering 292. (3) Occasional public lectures. (4) A Library and free Reading Room with 7,058 books (issued 1,093) and 18 journals etc.

The Ramakrishna Ashrama, Nagpur

The Ashrama at Dhantoli (Nagpur 1 ; Phone : 3422) began to function in 1928, since when it has steadily grown in importance. It is the Hindi and Marathi publication centre of the Order. In 1959 the Ashrama conducted—(1) Two Charitable Dispensaries, one at the Ashrama (total cases 14,323 ; new cases 2,398), and another in the backward locality of In-dora (total cases 1,26,238 ; new cases 35,846). (2) A Library and free Reading Room : books 14,680; issued 11,275 ; newspapers 44, periodicals 53. (3) A fine Students' Home : Inmates 26.

Publication of 2 new books and reprinting of 5 old ones.
A promising Marathi monthly Journal, Jivan-Vikas (3rdyear). (6) Religious classes and public lectures numbering 154.(7) A Study Circle, which organised debates and public meetings, sometimes with the aid of the magic lantern. (8) Observance of the birthdays of the Prophets and Saints.

The Ramakrishna Ashrama, Rajkot

The Ashrama, established in 1927, moved to its permanent site in Jagnath Plot (Phone : Rajkot 407) in 1934. In 1959 it conducted—(1) A Charitable Dispensary with Ayurvedic and Homoeopathic sections : Total cases 44,194 ; new cases 6,935. (2) A Students' Home with 45 inmates. (3) A Library and Reading Room : Books 10,060, issued 18,863. (4) A small publication department for books in Gujarati. (5) Regular religious classes and occasional lectures at Rajkot and other places. (6) Birthday anniversaries of religious celebrities.

The new Dispensary scheme was completed during the year under review at a cost of Rs. 1,09,690/-, and the new building was opened in September by the President of India.

Jointly with the Ramakrishna Mission, Bombay, this Ashrama did Flood relief and rehabilitation work in Kutch.

The Ramakrishna Ashrama, Ootacamund

The Ashrama at Ramakrishnapuram, a beauty spot of the famed hill station, was opened in 1926. In 1959 it conducted —(1) Daily worship. (2) Congregational prayer and chanting on Sundays at the Ashrama. (3) 39 indoor and 42 out-

door classes, besides several lectures in the district and outside.

(4) Periodical visits to a number of villages in the district.

(5) A Library and Reading Room : Books 2,169, magazines 21,newspapers 2. (6) Celebration of Sri Ramakrishna's birthdaywith the feeding of 7,000 people and observance of the birthdays of the Founders of religions and other festivals. (7) MilkCanteen for about 100 children daily except school holidays.

The centre in a humble way ministers to the cultural and spiritual needs of the district, as also of a section of visitors to the town.

The Ramakrishna Ashrama, Trichur

From a small beginning in 1924, this Ashrama, situated at the Vilangans, four miles from the town, has developed into an important educational centre. It was recognised as a Math Centre in 1929. In 1959 the Ashrama conducted—(1) A Gurukula for boys with 85 inmates. (2) A Gurukula for girls with 35 inmates. (3) A High School with 714 boys and 502 girls. (4) An Industrial School with 41 students in weaving and needlework. (5) A Co-operative Society for the School and another for weaving. (6) A Charitable Dispensary : Total cases 23,880; new cases 10,343. (7) A small Library at the Ashrama. (8) A Library and Reading Room at Punkunnam : Books 5,158, newspapers 3, magazines 12. (9) Religious classes for the public numbering 104. (10) Distribution of 24,300 Ibs. of milk powder supplied by CARE to needy villagers. (11) Daily worship and Bhajana in the Ashrama Gurukulas, at Punkunnam and in the Harijan colonies at Adat and Parikkat. (12) A Women's section with two nuns and three Brahma-charinis. (13) A creche for 30 children of working mothers. (14) Celebration of birthdays and other festivals. (15) Publication of Swamiji's Jnana Yoga., Part I and Thus Spake the Holy Mother in Malayalam.

The Ramakrishna Ashrama, Bangalore

The Ashrama was founded in 1903 by Swami Rama-krishnananda, and moved to its own home at Basavangudi (Bangalore 19; Phone : 3939) in 1909. It conducted in 1959 —(1) Daily worship and Bhajana. (2) Weekly public discourses

at the Ashrama in English and Kannada and occasional lectures elsewhere. (3) Weekly classes on religion and spiritual life, separately for men, women and college boys. (4) Interviews and instructions to spiritual aspirants. (5) Weekly moral instructions in the Central Jail. (6) A Library and Reading Room : Books 3,319, issued 1,179; magazines 17. (7) A small publication department for Kannada books. (8) A Cultural and Recreational Centre for boys aged 7 to 15 : Attendance on weekdays about 75 ; on Sundays about 200. (9) A similar Sunday Section for girls : Attendance about 120. (10) A Students' Home for University boys with 90 inmates. (11) Birthdays of the Incarnations. (12) Swami Vivekananda Ashrama, Ulsoor : Daily Puja and occasional Bhajana.

At the main Ashrama, the new Temple and Prayer Hall with an auxiliary block providing sanitary and other facilities for devotees was completed at a total cost of about Rs. 1.5 lakhs. The former was opened by the General Secretary on the 2nd August, 1959.

The Indoor Games Hall of the Students' Hostel was also completed during the year, at a cost of about Rs. 10,000/-.

The Ramakrishna Ashrama, Mysore

Started in 1925, the Ashrama (Phone : 535) has been in its own premises at Vani Vilas Mohalla (Mysore 2) since 1931. It has a beautiful Temple and Prayer Hall as also a superb Hostel with a capacity for 200 boys on an extensive and commanding site close to the Ashrama. This was converted into a Residential High School in 1952. Strength in 1959 : 160. Of the 22 students who appeared in the S.S.L.C. Examination, 21 passed, 18 in the 1st division. The School conducted typing, drawing, painting and music hobby classes.

A psychology unit has been set up to test the intelligence and aptitudes of individual students and to guide them in selecting their future lines. As usual, the boys were taken on excursion to places of historical and religious importance. The result was very successful.

The Ashrama conducted in the year—(1) Daily worship and Bhajana, and Rama Nama Sankirtana on Ekadashi days.

(2) A Library : Books 4,321 ; issued 1,100. (3) Regular classes and occasional lectures in and outside the city. (4) A large Publication Department for books in Kannada, which published 2 new books and reprinted 4 old ones. (5) Celebration of certain birthdays.

The Ramakrishna Ashrama, Trivandrum

Started in 1924 on the top of the Nettayam hills about six miles from Trivandrum, the Ashrama has got an extension in the city at Sastamangalam, Trivandrum 1 (Phone : 2551).

Besides daily worship and the celebration of the birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda, the Ashrama undertook in 1959 the following religious and cultural activities —(1) Religious classes and discourses numbering 180. (2) Public lectures 31. (3) Sunday religious instruction and social gatherings for children.

It also undertook the following medical work : —(1) A Hospital at Sastamangalam, which treated 2,198 indoor and 45,126 outdoor cases (new cases 18,230); 117 major and 1,880 minor operations. The hospital maintains a well-equipped laboratory and has. an X-ray plant as also arrangements for physical therapy. (2) An Ayurvedic Dispensary, which treated 2,341 new cases and 2,388 old ones. (3) An Antenatal Clinic and a Section for Confinement, which attended to 272 delivery cases within and outside. A Milk Canteen for about 80 children was conducted.

The Ramakrishna Advaita Ashrama,* Kalady (Ernaknlam)

This Ashrama at the birth-place of Sri Sankaracharya was started in 1936 and was made a Math Branch in 1941. It conducted in 1959—(1) Daily worship. (2) Religious classes for boys of the Students' Home. (3) Lectures numbering 140 at different places. (4) Two Orphanages with 30 inmates. (5) A Milk Canteen: Daily average of recipients 150, with milk supplied by CARE. (6) A Dispensary : Total cases 10,157; new cases 4,325. (7) An L. P. School with 196 boys and 149 girls. (8) A Sanskrit U. P. School with 154 boys and 97 girls. (9) An English High School having 163 boys and 143 girls. (10) A

Gurukula with 23 inmates. (11) A Library and Reading Room with 3,610 books and 25 periodicals and newspapers. (12) The Malayalam monthly Prabuddha Kerala.m (44th year). (13) A Publication Department for books mainly in Malayalam. (14) Celebration of birthdays and other festivals.

The construction of a large Auditorium with Library was nearing completion.

The Ramakrishna Ashrama, Tiruvalla (Kerala)

Started in 1913, the Ashrama had its own home in 1930. Besides regular worship and Bhajana as also the celebration of some birthdays, it conducted in 1959 Sunday classes at the Ashrama and in some temples near by. It maintained a small Library and guided the activities of a few smaller centres in Kerala. Skimmed milk supplied by the Health Department was distributed to 100 children daily from September onwards.

Other Ashramas in Kerala

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

The Yogananda Ashrama, Alleppey : It was started in 1924. Regular worship and Bhajana, Sunday classes and annual birthday celebrations are the main activities.

The Ramakrishna Ashrama, Palai : Started in 1926, it conducted in 1959 weekly religious classes.

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

The Ramakrishna Ashrama, Muvatupuzha : Started in 1930, it has been helping a few college students.

The Ramakrishna Math, Kanchipuram (Chingleput)

This monastery (70 Nellukara Street) was founded in 1932. In 1959 it conducted—(1) 31 religious classes and 16 public lectures in the Math. (2) A public Library and Reading Room : Books 6,281, issued 12,741 ; magazines 43, newspapers 7 ; average daily attendance 180. (3) Discourses on Tiruppavai

for a month. (4) Celebration of the birthdays of the Prophets and the Navaratri Festival.

The Ramakrislma Math, Nattarampalli (North Arcot)

This rural monastery with its small Library and Reading Room completed fifty-one years of its existence in 1959. Besides daily worship and occasional religious classes, it con ducted weekly Bhajana in the Math. Lectures were occasionally delivered in the neighbouring villages. A number of birthdays were observed at the Math, and the birthday celebrations of Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda were organised in different places.

The Saradashrama, Ponampet (Coorg)

The Ashrama was started in 1927. It conducted in 1959 —(1) An indoor Hospital with 12 beds. Admissions 307 ; operations 154. (2) An outdoor Charitable Dispensary : Total cases 31,297 ; new cases 15,312. (3) Distribution of milk etc. regularly to 1,000 families. (4) A Library and Reading Room open to the public : Books 926; periodicals etc. 16. (5) Occasional lectures in and out of the Ashrama. (6) Observance of the birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna and the Holy Mother. (7) Weekly Bhajana for the children of the town : Average attendance 40.

The Ramakrishna Ashrama, Quilandy (Calicut)

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

The Ramakrishna Math, Puri

This monastery was founded in 1932. Situated on the sea at Chakratirtha, it is an excellent place for contemplation. Besides daily worship and Bhajana, the Ashrama celebrated some birthdays and other festivals.

The Vivekananda Ashrama, Shyamala Tal (Almora)

This Himalayan retreat (P. O. Sukhidhang, Via Tanak-pur) was founded amid charming scenery in 1915. It has a Library with 2,075 books and is an ideal resort for meditation

and study. The Ramakrishna Sevashrama, a hospital of 12 beds attached to the Ashrama, treated in 1959, 196 indoor and 7,368 outdoor cases (new cases 5,727). Its Veterinary section treated 2,692 animals.

The Ramakrishna Kutir, Almora

Situated in a beautiful Himalayan setting with full view of the perpetual snows, this Ashrama has become a favourite retreat for our monks ever since its foundation by Swami Turiyananda in 1916. Its Library of over 4,300 books is open to the public. The Ashrama conducts daily classes and occasional Bhajana, and offers limited accommodation to religious-minded visitors and pilgrims to Mt. Kailas.

The Ramakrishna Ashrama, Kishenpur (Dehra-Dun)

The Ashrama (P. O. Rajpur) was started in 1916 in a picturesque valley four miles above Dehra-Dun on the Mus-soorie Road. It is a delightful place for meditation. Besides daily worship, it conducted a Library, which had 1,398 books, 8 magazines and 2 newspapers, and a Charitable Dispensary, which treated 2,848 cases (new cases 1,040). It also celebrated some birthdays and arranged a few public meetings at Dehra-Dun.

The Sarada Kutir, Barlowganj (Dehra-Dun)

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

The Ramakrishna Ashrama, Kalimpong (Darjeeling)

This ideally located Ashrama commanding a fine view of the snow-range was also started in 1944. Besides serving as an excellent retreat for our monks, it kept its Library open to the public. It also held occasional religious discourses in the town.

The Ramakrishna Ashrama, Chandipur (Midnapur)

The Ashrama (P. O. Math Chandipur), started in 1916, conducted in 1959—(1) Daily worship and classes. (2) A Charitable Dispensary : Total cases 38,009, new cases 12,107.

(3) A U.P. School : Boys 45, girls 43. (4) A Library with 872 books (issued 1,300) and some magazines etc.

The Ramakrishna Ashrama, Jam tar a (Sonthal Parganas)

This monastery was started in 1921 and has on account of its climate benefited the members of the Order. In 1959 it conducted—(1) A Charitable Dispensary : Total cases 3,631, new cases 3,118. (2) A Library with about 500 books. (3) Regular worship, Bhajana and the observance of some birthdays and religious festivals. (4) Distribution of 27,000 Ibs. of milk powder among about 1,000 families for 6 months. (5) Pecuniary help to some needy persons for repairing their broken huts.

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 PARIS IAN

A. MISSION CENTRES The Ramakrishna Mission, Barisal

Started in 1904 and made a Mission branch in 1911, it conducted in 1959—(1) Daily worship and Bhajana. (2) 42 indoor and 14 outdoor religious classes and 11 lectures. (3) A Library with 320 books (issued 270), 3 magazines and 1 newspaper. (4) A Students' Home with 13 inmates. (5) Help to poor people in cash and kind. (6) Celebration of the birthdays of great religious teachers.

The Ramakrishna Ashrama, Faridpur

Founded in 1921 and recognised as a Mission branch in 1934, the centre conducted in 1959—(1) An M. E. School with 32 boys and 44 girls. (2) A Students' Home with 6 boys. (3) An Outdoor Dispensary : Total cases 2,099 ; new cases 739. (4) A small Library. (5) Regular worship, Bhajana and classes. (6) Birthday celebrations of the Prophets. (7) Help to the poor in kind and cash.

B. COMBINED MATH AND MISSION CENTRES

The Ramakrishna Math and Mission, Dacea

With a nucleus formed in 1899 and the Seva Department added in 1908, the centre was taken over by the monastic workers of the Belur Math in 1914 and made a Mission branch in 1916. In 1959 it conducted—(1) An Outdoor Dispensary : Total cases 2,376 ; new cases 358. (2) A Boys' School (up to Class VIII) : Strength 408. (3) A Library and Reading Room : Books 3,010 (issued 362); magazines 3, newspapers 12. (4) Religious and cultural talks 70 ; lectures 6. (5) Distribution of small sums to the needy.

The Math Section conducted regular religious conversa-

tions as well as daily worship and prayer. It also celebrated the birthdays of some Prophets and Saints, the Durga Puja,

etc.

The Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Narayanganj (Dacca)

This Ashrama was started in 1909 and was affiliated to the Mission in 1922. The activities of the Mission section in 1959 were—(1) A Charitable Dispensary : Total cases 1,981 ; new cases 987; minor surgical cases 694. (2) A Students' Home with 9 inmates, all free. (3) A small Library and Reading Room : Books 848 (issued 611); magazines 17, newspapers 3. (4) Help in cash.

The Math section conducted—(1) Regular worship and Bhajana. (2) 17 indoor classes and 16 lectures. (3) Celebration of some anniversaries and religious festivals.

The Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Dinajpur

The Ashrama was started in 1923 and the Mission branch in 1942. The latter conducted in 1959—(1) A Charitable Dispensary : Total cases 10,516; new cases 1,790. (2) A Students' Home with 10 inmates. (3) A Library and Reading Room with 507 books, 4 magazines and 2 newspapers. (4) Occasional help in cash and kind to the needy.

The Ashrama conducted regular worship, Bhajana and religious classes, and celebrated some festivals and birthdays.

The Ramakrishna Ashrama and Mission Seva Samiti,

Sylhet

The centre had its inception in 1916 and was affiliated to the Mission in 1926. Up to 1949 it also ran a sub-centre at Karimganj. In 1959 the Seva Samiti conducted—(1) Eight Primary Schools with a total of 242 boys and 189 girls. (2) A Charitable Dispensary : Total cases 10,088 ; new cases 6,061. (3) A Library : Books 1,762; issued 469. (4) A Students' Home with 11 inmates. (5) Help to the poor in cash and kind. (6) Helping the cremation of unclaimed dead bodies.

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

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

The Ashrama dates from 1921, but the Seva Samiti was recognised as a Mission branch in 1926. In 1959 it conducted —(1) An Outdoor Dispensary, started during the year : Total cases 2,778 ; new rases 1,036. (2) A Students' Home with 12 inmates. (3) Two Primary Schools for cobbler children : Total strength 32 boys and 20 girls. (4) A Library and Reading Room : Books 1,409 (issued 700), magazines 2, newspapers 2. (5) Helping the indigent in cash and kind.

The Ashrama conducted regular worship and religious classes and celebrated some birthdays.

The Ramakrishna Ashrama and Mission Sevashrama, Baliati (Dacca)

The centre was started in 1910. The Sevashrama, which was made a Mission branch in 1925, conducted in 1959—(1) A Charitable Dispensary : Total cases 5,412, new cases 4,344. (2) A Primary Girls' School with 102 students. (3) A Library and Reading Room with 1,004 books (issued 256), magazines 2.

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

C. MATH CENTRES

The Ramakrishna Ashrama, Bagerhat (Khulna)

This Ashrama was founded in 1926. In 1959 it mainly conducted—(1) Regular worship and scriptural classes. (2) A small Library with 664 books (issued 716). (3) A Students' Home with 7 boys, of whom 3 were maintained free. (4) Pecuniary aid to the needy.

The Ramakrishna Ashrama, Mymensingh

This centre, started in 1922, conducted in 1959—(1) Regular worship, Bhajana and religious classes. (2) A Students' Home with 19 inmates. (3) A Night School : Strength 23 boys and 14 girls. (4) A small Library and Reading Room : Books 225, issued 342. (5) Occasional festivals

and lectures in the Ashrama. (6) Helping the needy with cash and in kind. (7) Religious classes for students.

The Ramakrishna Ashrama, Sonargaon (Dacca)

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

The Ashrama conducted in 1959 regular worship and Bhajana, besides celebrating the birthdays of the Prophets and Durga Puja. It also conducted—(1) An Outdoor Dispensary : Total cases 3,275; new cases 2,075. (2) A Students' Home with 7 inmates. (3) A Library with 602 books (issued 415).

IN BURMA

The Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama, Rangoon

Started in 1921 (262 Merchant Street, Post Box 859, Rangoon; Phone : 10152), this big hospital of the Mission grew to be the second largest in Burma till it was suspended in 1942 owing to the war.

Reopened in 1947, it now has 162 beds. It has separate Medical, Surgical, Paediatric, Cancer and Eye Wards for both men and women, as also quarters for the staff and nurses.

The hospital has surgical and radio-therapeutic facilities for the treatment of Cancer.

Recently the hospital could secure the services of a well-known surgeon (retired), an able physician, a radio-therapist, an anaesthetist, two eye specialists and a paediatric and thus give better and efficient service to the public in general. It has also secured, with the approval of the Union Government of Burma, the efficient services of two expert postgraduate nurses on loan from the Government of West Bengal.

An up-to-date clinical laboratory was maintained. Besides routine examinations gastric analysis and biopsy for malignant growth were also done regularly.

A scheme to collect blood for transfusion to the hospital patients in case of necessity was taken up in 1959. It has been very useful and has fulfilled a long-felt want. During the year

122 bottles of blood were received and transfusions given to the patients.

The number of cases treated in the indoor department in 1959 was 4,075, and that in the outdoor department 2,23,287, of which 66,663 were new cases. Moreover, 2,248 major and 5,368 minor operations were performed.

The Nurses' Training Centre, recognised in 1957 by the Burma Government, had 28 students on its rolls. Six out of the seven who appeared at the final examination have come out successful.

The foundations of the Auxiliary Staff Quarters and the Nurses' Hostel were laid by the Union Minister for Labour and the President's wife, respectively, on 24.2.59 and 14.10.59. The Auxiliary Staff Quarters was completed (opened by the then Health Minister on 24.1.60), and the Nurses' Hostel was nearing completion. For the construction of the Nurses' Hostel, the Government of India has contributed k. 1,00,000, a third of the estimated cost.

The Ramakrishiia Mission Society, Rangoon

After twenty years of existence in various forms, the Society was affiliated as a Mission Branch in 1921. It has its own three-storeyed building at 230 Botataung Pagoda Road (Phone : 11626) with a free Guest House in an adjacent building. In 1959 the Society conducted : (1) A Free Open-Access Reference and Lending Library and Reading Room with nearly 26,354 books in seven different languages (issued 30,270), 23 dailies and 125 periodicals; daily average attendance 325. (2) Publication of two author catalogues of the library in book form. (3) 82 indoor classes on the scriptures and lives of saints. (4) 14 outdoor scriptural classes. (5) 45 lectures (with or without audio-visual aids) on educational and cultural topics by outstanding persons. (6) 2 Symposia. (7) 6 Seminars. (8) 15 Film Shows on educational and cultural topics through the courtesy of the different Embassies and the Stage & Film Department of the Government of Burma. (9) 7 Musical Evenings. (10) 62 lectures in different parts of the city and countryside. (11) Free Burmese Language Class. (12) Pub

licatipn of 2 books in Burmese and a Bulletin. (13) Celebration of the birthdays of World Teachers and great Saints, that of the Buddha being on a grand scale. (14) a Guest House which accommodated 14 families. (15) Display of news and music through its Ki-valve radiogram. .. . -

During the year under review,- the monk-in-charge made extensive tours to various parts of the country and disseminated culture through public lectures and discussion groups.

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 ari Act of the Legislature. The work has since been developing.

' The Ashfama at Colombo is the headquarters of the work. Started in 1930, it occupied its own home, near the beach, on Ramakrishna Road (Colombo 6 ; Phone : 8253) in 1936. The catholicity of the centre has attracted people of various denominations in the Island. In 1959 it conducted—•(!) Daily \\orship and weekly classes in Tamil and English in and outside the Ashrama. (2) A free Library with about 2,280 books and a Reading Room with 10 newspapers and 36 magazines. (3) Sunday religious classes for about 175 children in the Asbrarna. (4) Fortnightly religious classes for youthful offenders at the Wathupitiwela Training School, about 28 miles from Colombo.

The President of India laid the foundation for the International Cultural Building on the 17th June, 1959.

The educational activities of the Mission, spread over the districts of Batticaloa, Badulla, Jaffna, Vavunia and Trincomalie, aim at the revival of learning and culture among the masses. In 1959 the Mission taught 5,326 boys and 3,440 girls through 296 teachers in 26 institutions, including 4 English High Schools. It also maintained 2 Hostels with 170 boys and 3 Orphanages with 40 boys and 60 girls. Special emphasis

was laid on the study and practice of religion. In all the schools, efforts were made to give an agricultural and industrial bias.

The capacious Madam (Pilgrims' Rest House) at the holy seat of Kataragama, 180 miles from Colombo, fitted with modern conveniences., was very popular among all sections of people. As in previous years, the Madam supplied free meals each day to about 4,000 pilgrims for 16 days during the Esala Festival in July.

IN SOUTH-EAST ASIA

The Ramakrishna Mission, Singapore

This Mission centre with its headquarters at 9 Norris Road (Singapore 8; Phone : 35249) was started in 1928. Having successfully undertaken various activities during and just after World War II, the centre resumed its normal work in 1946.

The Library and Reading Room at the headquarters had 4,252 books (issued 1,342), 66 journals and 6 daily newspapers. They were made use of by 3,094 persons.

Weekly scriptural classes were conducted with occasional breaks, and interviews were given to visitors and spiritual aspirants. Under the auspices of various other organisations, the Swami-in-charge delivered 16 lectures in the City and in Malaya/-¹ Thailand, Cambodia and South Vietnam, Many distinguished persons visited the centres, and some of them delivered lectures at the Mission auditorium.

For want of accommodation, the Vivekananda Tamil School and the Saradadevi Tamil School are run at 38 Norris Road in two sessions, one in the morning and the other in the afternoon. The former had 128 boys and 19 girls, and the latter 157 girls. The adult night classes for 60 pupils and religious classes for 50 children were conducted in the same building.

The Boys' Home at 179 Bartley Road (Singapore 19; Phone : 89077) had 50 inmates, who were either orphans or very poor boys, their ages ranging from 6 to 17. They all

studied in local Primary, Secondary or Technical schools, besides receiving training in self-help, team-spirit and clean and healthy living.

The opening ceremony of the new wings of the Home was performed by the General Secretary on the 6th June.

In the Sri Ramakrishna Temple here, the birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda and Sri Krishna were celebrated in a befitting manner.

IN FIJI The Ramakrishna Mission, Nadi

The work in Fiji, started in 1937 for the educational and cultural uplift of all the races in general and Indians in particular in the Colony, was incorporated as a branch of the Ramakrishna Mission in 1952. Swami Rudrananda has all along been in charge of the centre.

The Ashrama is situated amid sylvan surroundings in the Nadi township (Phone : 16), where scripture, prayer and Bhajana classes were held weekly. Religious classes were held in several towns, including the capital Suva.

The educational work of the centre was carried on mainly through a High School (Phone : 444), a Library, a Students' Home and a Girls' Hostel. The High School had on its rolls 196 boys and 43 girls. The two Hostels had 60 boys and 10 girls respectively, and the Library about 8,000 books and over 400 periodicals etc.

The Students' Home continued to be the centre of many social and cultural activities at Nadi, and the students took an active part in various public celebrations.

The new school buildings, put up at a cost of more than £20,000 at Malolo, near Nadi, were formally opened by the Governor of Fiji in February.

IN MAURITIUS The Ramakrishna 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 1959 consisted mainly of : (1) Running an Orphanage for Hindu children at Vacoas with some 20 inmates. (2) Conducting a Hindi School with 49 boys and 67 girls. (3) Running a small Library at Vacoas. (4) Holding regular classes in the Ashrama. (5) Preaching in different towns and villages twice a week on an average with its own transport. (6) Celebration of some birthdays.

Under a Government Scheme, the centre is growing tea and foodstuffs on the 34 acres provided by the Government.

IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

The Vedanta Society, New York

This is the first Vedanta centre in the U.S.A., being started by Swami Vivekananda in 1894 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. In 1959 a sermon was preached by him every Sunday, and a class on the Upanishads 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 were celebrated with special programmes.

Ten groups of students With their instructors attended special lectures at the centre as well as some of the scheduled weekly meetings.

Swami Pavitrananda wrote a paper for and took part as a representative of Hinduism in the Peace Conference in Princeton, organised under the Carnegie Foundation. This three-day meeting was attended by leaders of various religous groups and persons interested in the problems of world peace.

The Vedanta Society was a host to members of the Liberal Ministers' Club in a luncheon meeting for discussion to widen the views about religion. This year there was one guest speaker—a Jewish Rabbi, who spoke on "Spiritual Practice in Judaism".

The Ramakrishna-Vivekananda Centre, 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, N.Y. (Telephones : Atwater 9-1710 and Lehigh 4-9445, Cable address : ramavivek, New York). Services are conducted on Sundays and scripture "classes on Tuesdays and Fridays from September to June. A spacious Library and a Reading Room are provided for the use of members and visitors. The Centre observes the Dtrrga Puja, Christmas, Good Friday, Easter and the birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother, Swami Vivekananda and Lord Buddha. In September, 1959 Swami Budhananda arrived from India to take up work as Assistant Swami.

The 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, when scripture classes and devotional services are daily conducted.

During the year under review, Swami Nikhilananda with several members of the Centre visited India from January to April. A Brahmacharin from the Centre received Sannyasa at the Belur Math in March. On the Swami's return trip, he inaugurated the Ramakrishna-Vivekananda Society in Tokyo. He later attended the Third East-West Philosophers' Conference at the University of Hawaii as a Senior Program Member from India. During the autumn he conducted a credit course on Hinduism for honour students at Douglass College, in the State University of New Jersey. He also lectured at Stanford University, California, and at Denison University, Ohio, where he addressed a convocation of the University and several meetings of the Philosophy Department.

Among the publications of the Centre are complete aridabridged editions of The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna, theBhagavad-Gita and Self-Knowledge. Four volumes of theSwami's annotated translations of the Upanishads have .beenpublished by Harper & Brothers, New York, as well as hisbook, Hinduism: Its Meaning for the Liberation of theSpirit.

The Vedanta Society, Providence (R.I.)

This Society was started by Swami Akhilananda in 1928. It received as donation its home at 224 Angell Street (Providence 6; Telephone : Gaspee 1-3960), in the best section of the city, which was dedicated in 1931. Swami Sarvagatanartda, -the associate Swami, held Sunday services and classes on Tuesdays and Fridays. Swami Akhilananda gave interviews duririg the first part of each week. The birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna:, the Holy Mother, Swami Vivekananda, Swami Brahmananda^ Buddha, Sri Krishna and Jesus and some other holy days wer6 observed. A public banquet was given on Sri Ramakrish'na's birthday, in which notable speakers addressed the gathering.

Swami Akhilananda continued his activities in the Rhode Island Ministers' Union, the Universal Club of Ministers, the Rhode Island Philosophical Society and the World Affairs Council. He attended conferences and meetings in different parts of the country, and he also addressed various groups -in religious and cultural organisations as also students at various universities and colleges. Swami Sarvagatananda was "also invited by these groups to participate in their functions, H-5 continues to be a member of the Universal Club for Ministers.

The Ramakrishna Vedanta Society,

Boston (Massachusetts) %

This Society was also started by Swami Akhilananda¹ "in 1941. Shortly after, it received as gift its commodious home at 58 Deerfield Street (Boston 15 ; Telephone : Kerimore 6-5B20) on the Charles River, in a very respectable quarter of the city. In 1959 services were conducted by the Swami on Sundays and classes on Thursdays, fie gave extensive interviews to all

wanted them. Swami Sarvagatananda assisted him in various activities.

The same birthdays and holy days as at Providence were observed here in a similar fashion.

Swami Akhilananda conducted weekly services and regularly gave instructions to the students at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He also met with the University officials bi-weekly for conference on the religious programme for the students, and served as a special member of the committee for planning the religious training of the Institute.

The Swami was on the Board of Governors in the Massachusetts Institute of Pastoral counselling, and was a member of the University Club of Boston and other organisations too numerous to mention. During the year, he was invited to speak at the following universities and colleges : Brown University, Harvard University, Boston University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Chicago, University of Illinois, Northwestern University, University of Michigan, University of Virginia, Ripon College, Albion College and Olibart College. He also attended conferences and meetings in various parts of New England and throughout the country.

The Society has a retreat, the Sarada Ashrarna, on an extensive plot of land at Marshfield, close to the Atlantic Ocean, about 30 miles from Boston. Meditation classes and spiritual talks were conducted there during summer by the Swamis for the devotees of both Providence and Boston centres.

The Vivekananda Vedaiita Society, Chicago (Illinois)

The Society was started in 1930 by Swami Jnaneswar-ananda, on whose untimely death Swami Vishwananda has been in charge since 1938. In 1955 it had its own home at 44 East Elm Street, Chicago 11 (Phone: Whitehall 4-3543), where Swami¹ Vishwananda conducts the Sunday services at 11-30 a.m., while meditation and Gita classes are held on Wednesday evenings. He also gave instructions to spiritual aspirants. The Durga Puja, Kali Puja and the birthdays of

Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda were specially observed.

The birthday of Sri Ramakrishna was celebrated by holding a banquet at Hotel North Park. Reverend Homer Jack, a pastor of the Unitarian Church, was one of the guest speakers. He had visited India a few years ago. He spoke very highly of the future of the Ramakrishna Mission.

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: Pa. 1-5118) in 1952. As before, he lectured on Sundays and held classes on the Hindu scriptures and meditation on Tuesdays. Groups of students from many educational centres and churches attended the lectures. He also gave interviews to individual aspirants and was invited to speak on Hindu Religion and Philosophy before several religious or educational institutions. He went to the Hollywood centre in August and stayed there for a month. He also went to San Francisco centre in October, He spoke in both these places. The Durga Puja, Christmas and the birthdays of Buddha, Sri Krishna and Shankara as well as of Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda, among others, were specially observed. The Lending Library of the centre was well utilised by the members and friends.

The Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood

This Society was started in 1930 by Swami Prabhavananda, who is still its leader. Swami Vandanananda joined him as Assistant Minister in 1955. The main centre of the Society is at 1946 Vedanta Place (Hollywood 28; Phone: Hollywood 5-7114; Cable Address : vedapress, Los Angeles). In addition to the public centre at Hollywood and the Vedanta Temple at Santa Barbara, 86 miles north of Los Angeles, the Society maintains at Santa Barbara the Sri Sarada Math for women, which had quite a number of Brahmacharinis and women probationers, and the Ramakrishna Monastery at

Trabuco Canyon, 65 miles to the south, which had three Brahrnacharins and ten male probationers. Lay membership numbered nearly four hundred.

In all three establishments, morning and evening meditation periods are observed, and daily worship is performed.Rama Nama is sung every fortnight. The Kali Puja andShivaratri are celebrated annually, as .are the birthdays of SriRamakrishna, the Holy Mother, Swami Vivekananda andSwami Brahmananda. Lectures are given each Sunday atboth the Hollywood and Santa Barbara temples, and twoclasses are held weekly at Hollywood and one fortnightly atSanta Barbara. •.

Through the Society's publishing department, Vedanta Press, translations and new titles on Vedanta are issued, and Indian books are stocked for distribution to American booksellers. The Press publishes Vedanta and -the West, a bimonthly periodical started in 1938. Since 1950 a bookshop featuring books on all religions has been maintained at the Hollywood premises.

In 1959 five Brahmacharinis from the centre were given Sannyasa at the Santa Barbara convent in August in the presence of eight Swamis. Three women probationers were also given Brahmacharya.

In September Swami Prabhavananda, accompanied by the five new Sannyasinis, flew to India for several months' pilgrimage, when Swami Ritajananda acted as Guest Speaker in Hollywood and Santa Barbara.. Later on he has been appointed a permanent Assistant.

The Vedanta Society of Northern California,San Francisco .

This Society, established by Swami Vivekananda in 1900, comprises three centres—San Francisco, Berkeley and Sacramento. Swami Ashokananda has been in charge of the Society since 1932. He is assisted by Swamis Shantaswarup-ananda and Shraddhananda.

The Society '(Headquarters is : located at the Hindu Temple, 2963 Webster Street (San Francisco 23 ; Telephone;:

Fillmore 6-1266). To accommodate the growing congregation, a spacious new Temple was built at.2323 Vallejo Street (San Francisco 23 ; Telephone: Walnut 2-2323), which was dedicated during the Durga Puja of 1959 with ceremonies lasting from October 7 to 11. Nine Swamis from other Vedanta centres in the United States took part in the services, and several hundred devotees, including many from those centres, were present.

Since then, worship has been conducted in the new Temple twice daily, and the auditorium has been open for meditation all day. The 'public lectures, delivered every Sunday morning by Swami Ashokananda and ori Wednesday evenings by the other two Swamis alternately, were transferred there, and the attendance has appreciably increased. The main business offices and the welLequipped -library (about 12,000 books) were also moved. Individual interviews were given in both places by Swami Ashokananda.

The weekly Upanishad class, conducted by Swami Shraddhananda, as also the Sunday School for children aged 6 to 16 continued at the old Temple. The birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother and Swami ViVekananda, as well as those of Sri Krishna, Lord Buddha and the Christ, were celebrated. The weekly Sanskrit classes were held regularly. Another weekly class on "Western Thought" was given by one of the able women members. The Sunday afternoon class on the Gita was continued. The assistant Swamis lectured on invitation at other institutions.

The monastery of the Society now has three permanent establishments. One is located at the old Temple in San Francisco;. another, at the Olema Retreat; the .third, at the Sacramento branch centre. In. October of the year under review, eight members of the monastery received Brahmacharya.

The old retreat called the Shanti Ashrama, located in the San Antone Valley, about 80 miles from San Francisco, was visited during the year by some devotees. The 150-acre retreat on Lake Tahoe, Sierra Nevadas, was utilised by the Swamis during summer. The: 2,QOO:acre wooded retreat at Olema, in Marin County, continued to. be developed.

East Bay Centre : This branch centre, located at 2455 Bowditch Street, Berkeley (Berkeley 4; Telephone: Thornwall 8-8862), was established by the Society in 1939. Swami Shantaswarupananda, the resident minister, gave a public lecture each Sunday and took a class each Thursday evening. In addition to daily morning and evening worship, vespers were held twice weekly. The Swami also gave private interviews. The Durga Puja and the birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother and Swami Vivekananda were celebrated. The New Year's Eve Vigil has become increasingly popular, as has the May pilgrimage to the Olema Retreat. Also held here was the annual June Reception, given jointly by the three centres. The Library was in use throughout the year.

Sacramento Centre : Started informally in 1949 and affiliated in 1952, this Branch Centre is located at 1337 Mission Avenue, Sacramento County (P.O. Carmichael; Telephone : Ivanhoe 9-5137). During 1959, a public lecture, preceded by worship, was given every Sunday morning by Swami Shraddhananda, who spent two days of each week there. The finishing of the auditorium, library and office rooms proceeded steadily throughout the year. The centre has not yet been opened to the public.

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, and is now under the leadership of Swami Aseshananda. It is located at its own home, the Vedic Temple, 1877 S. W. Park Avenue (Portland 1 ; Phone : Capitol 3-1688).

In addition to two Sunday services and classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays, all the customary holy days were observed. The Library maintained by the Society has been widely used.

The Society also has a charmhig Retreat, known as Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama, consisting of 120 acres of heavily wooded land, several buildings and a temple overlooking the Columbia River Valley. During the summer months, all Sunday morning services were held here, followed by helpful

discussion. Several members passed their vacations here in quietude.

Swami Aseshananda was invited to speak at Portland State and Lewis and Clark Colleges as also in the Unitarian Church. In March he spoke at the annual celebration of Sri Ramakrishna's birthday in the Seattle Centre and participated in a symposium held there. During the Brotherhood Week, the Swami spoke under the auspices of the National Conferences of Christians and Jews at Maryhurst Women's College, the Agenda Club and other places.

The Centre was visited by Swamis Vividishanarida, Vandanananda^ and Ritajananda during the summer months. In August Swami Aseshananda spoke at a public service held at the Sarada Math in Santa Barbara. In October he participated in the dedication of the new Vedanta Temple in San Francisco, and spoke at the public service.

The Vedanta Society of Portland continues its three periods of daily meditation, when devotees gather for silence and prayer to Sri Ramakrishna.

The Ramakrishna Vedanta 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 in 1959 a public lecture was delivered by him every Sunday, and weekly religious classes were held. He also gave individual instructions and observed a number of special days. He was invited by some outside institutions to lecture on Indian philosophy. In August, 1959, he visited Honolulu, in Hawaii, and delivered lectures and held classes for four weeks.

IN ARGENTINA The Ramakrishna Ashrama, Buenos Aires

This Ashrama in the foremost city of South America has been successfully run by Swami Vijayananda, its founder, since

1933 It has its own. fine home at.-Bella'.: Vista ;(d 149: Caspar

Campos).

In November, L957,. it was granted a legal status: by. theArgentine Government.: The Swami lectures on Wednesdaysand Fridays at .:B.uenos Aires, and on Sundays he gives: informaltalks:: to: a smaller group at Bella Vista. Interviews were givento visitors and spiritual instructions to earnest seekers.

Invited by students of Vedanta, the Swami made a tripto Brazil and to Guatemala (Central America), giving thereseveral lectures, which were well attended and appreciated. InGuatemala the Swami's lectures were broadcast over the StateRadio.

The Ashrama has published several books on Vedanta, the four Yogas of Swami Vivekananda, the Teachings of Sri Ramakrishna and the Life of the Holy Mother, all in Spanish.

IN ENGLAND

The Ramakrishna Vedanta Centre, London

Founded in 1948 by Swami Ghanananda, this centre moved in 1952 to its own premises at 68 Dukes Avenue, Muswell Hill, London N. 10 (Phone: Tudor 3075, Cable: vedanta, London). It is situated in a quiet locality to the west of the Alexandra Park and is a few furlongs from Highgate Tube Station. The Swami has been in charge of the centre all through since its inception. Swami Mukhyananda was sent in January, 1959, to assist him.

The Swamis lectured on Thursdays in the city. Swami Ghanananda gave a discourse on Sundays at the Centre. He also spoke by invitation at other societies in the country, and gave interviews to visitors, and spiritual instructions to seekers of truth.

Vedanta for East and West, the bi-monthly organ of the Centre, entered its ninth year in September, 1959.

The birthday of Sri Ramakrishna was celebrated as usual. Dr. Arnold Toynbee's paper on Sri Ramakrishna and World Harmony, read on the occasion, was deeply appreicated. The Centre also duly observed the birthdays of the Holy Mother

and Sw^mi Viyekananda, Chris tanas Eye, Buddha: Day, Durga Puja and Dipali,

A Retreat for the devotees was held at the Centre for three weeks, and another in Somerset for two weeks.

IN SWITZERLAND

The Ralriakrishna Vedanta Centre, Geneva-

Swami Nityabodhananda, who was in charge of the Gretz centre in France, was permitted to start this centre at Geneva in place of the former, which for various reasons was dissociated from the Order at the end of 1958. The regular classes on the Gita and Vedanta at the Swami's residence at 20 Avenue Peschier continued and attracted more attendance, and many interviews were given to those seeking personal guidance.

In October he was invited by the National Church of Switzerland to address the annual seminary of youths organised by the Theological faculty of the University of Lausanne. He gave two lectures and participated in the discussions. Since November he has begun a series of lectures at the University of Sorbonne, Paris, which were very well attended. Every time the Swami visited Paris, he gave a number of interviews. During the year, he twice visited Vienna, where a group for the study of Vedanta has been formed. Each time he gave three public lectures and granted several interviews.

CONCLUSION

Birthday Celebrations

The general features of the Sri Ramakrishna and other birthday celebrations organised by the Ashramas in different parts of the world 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, the Holy Mother and Swami Viveka-nanda by eminent speakers, including capable Swamis of the Order. Thus the message of Sri Ramakrishna and his associates

is steadily spreading, and many young and ardent souls are coming into closer touch with the ideals of the Mission.

Funds That Need Liberal Help

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

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

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

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

(iv) The Mass Education Fund.

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

(All the above are Mission Funds.)

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

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

Contributions may kindly be sent to the General Secretary, Ramakrishna Math or Mission (as the case may be), P.O. Belur Math, Dt. Howrah, with a dear 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 Math or Ramakrishna, Mission, as the case may be—and crossed to ensure safety.

Our 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 editors of various newspapers for kindly publisnmg our appeals and reports, and also to the gentry, official or non-official, in the relief areas for their timely help. 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 Math and Mission unstintedly, to enable us to respond to the cry of distress, from whichever quarter it may come. All well-wishers of India and friends of the distressed may find here a golden opportunity to earn the eternal blessings of the Lord by trying to alleviate the sufferings of their less fortunate sisters and brothers.

Our appeal is also to intelligent, high-minded youngmen who understand and appreciate the life-giving message of Swami Vivekananda, to respond to his clarion call by dedicating themselves to the service of their fellow beings, who are grovelling in ignorance and misery.

APPENDIX A

EXTRACTS FROM THE MEMORANDUM OF

ASSOCIATION OF THE RAMAKRISHNA MISSION

registered in may, 1909, under act XXI of 1860 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 :

To impart and promote the study of the Vedanta andits principles as propounded by Sri Ramakrishna and practically illustrated by his own life, and of Comparative Theologyin its widest form.
To impart and promote the study of the arts, sciencesand industries.
To train teachers in all branches of knowledge above-mentoined and enable them to reach the masses.
To carry on educational work among the masses.

(<?) To establish, maintain, carry on and assist schools, colleges, orphanages, workshops, laboratories, hospitals, dispensaries, houses for the infirm, the invalid and the afflicted, famine-relief works, and other educational and charitable works and institutions of a like nature.

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

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

APPENDIX B

EXTRACTS FROM THE RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE RAMAKRISHNA MISSION

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

Members and Associates

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

(b) A person intending to be a member shall sign 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.

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

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

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

* * * *

8. Members shall be entitled to : —

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

APPENDIX C

TEMPORARY RELIEF ACTIVITIES DP TO 1958

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 35 subsequent years, in altogether 107 districts. Maximum in a year, 8 districts.

3. Sanitary Relief :

Plague : In 1899-1900 and 3 subsequent years.
Cholera, : In 1913 and 10 other years, in altogether 13 districts.
Small-pox : In 1936 and 1937.
Influenza : In 1918-19, in 4 districts.
Malaria : In 1940 and 4 subsequent years.

(/) 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 15 subsequent years, in altogether 21 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 5 subsequent years, in 12 districts.

7. Riot Relief : In 1930, 1941, 1946-47, 1957 and 1958 in

11 districts.

Coolie Relief : In 1921.
Water Scarcity Relief : In 1920-21.

Cloth Relief : In 1919, in many districts.
Evacuee and Refugee Relief: In 1942-44, 1947-48 and

1950-53, in many districts,

12. Refugee Rehabilitation : In 1947-51, in many districts. Some more temporary relief works of various kinds were 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 CENTRES (1959)

West Bengal : Calcutta (10 centres), Barnagore, Belgharia, Dakshineswar, Rahara, Sarisha, Taki, Manasadwip, Belur (2 centres), Tamluk, Chandipur, Midnapore, Garheta, Contai, Bankura, Jayrambati, Koalpara, Kamarpukur, Asansol, Sargachhi, Malda, Jalpaiguri and Kalimpong.

Assam : Shillong, Cherrapunji, Karimganj and Silchar.

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

Orissa : Bhubaneswar and Puri (2 centres).

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

Delhi : New Delhi. Punjab : Chandigarh. Rajasthan : Khetri.

Bombay : Bombay, Nagpur, and Rajkot.

Madras : Madras (5 centres), Kanchipuram, Chingleput, Nattarampalli, Perianaickenpalayam, Ootacamund, Salem and Tirupparaitturai.

Andhra : Visakhapatnam and Rajahmundry.

Kerala, : Trivandrum, Tiruvalla, Kalady, Trichur, Calicut and Quilandy.

Mysore : Bangalore, Mysore, Ponampet and Mangalore.

outside india

East Pakistan : Dacca, Narayanganj, Sonargaon, Baliati,

Mymensingh, Faridpur, Barisal, Bagerhat, Dinajpur,

Sylhet and Habiganj.

Burma : Rangoon (2 centres). Ceylon : Colombo.Fiji : Nadi. S. E. Asia : Singapore.

Mauritius : Port Louis.

England : London.

Switzerland : Geneva.

United States of America : New York (2 centres), Boston,

Providence, Chicago, St. Louis, San Francisco, Hollywood,

Portland and Seattle.

Argentina (South America) : Buenos Aires.

Ramakrishna Mission Reports

Thursday, 5 April 2012

General Report - 1960

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