Ramakrishna Mission Reports: General Report

THE GENERAL REPORT OF THE

Ramakrishna Math & Mission

For April 1967—March 1968

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

—Swami Vivekananda

INTRODUCTION History

Shortly after the passing away of Sri Ramakrishna, the Prophet of the harmony of all religions, in August, 1886, a monastic Order bearing his name was organised at the Math, Baranagore, 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 to its present home at Belur, across the Ganga, about four miles north of 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 Body consisting of the Trustees of the Belur Math for the time being. Both the Belur Math and the Ramakrishna Mission extended their spheres of activity, and had branches in diflcr-ent parts of the country and abroad.

The Ramakrishna Math and the Ramakrishna Mission

Though the Ramakrishna Mission and the Ramakrishna

Math with their rpsnprtivp branrhps nrp distinct Ipral pntities.

- -_A--------,-- __ ₀ .

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 constitute the Mission fund, grants from the Government and public bodies often being common to both. Both the Math and the Mission funds are annually audited by qualified auditors.

Summary of Activities

Owing to economic and political uncertainties in certain States of India, a general policy of restraint and caution had to be adopted as regards expansion of activities during the year 1967-68. Nevertheless, a continuous chain of extensive relief works had to be conducted throughout the year in different parts of India. Also some past commitments had to be

fulfilled and some natural growth had to be allowed. Thus the legal procedures in connection with the taking over of the Vivekananda Ashrama at Raipur in Madhya Pradesh were completed during the year and the Ashrama was formally taken over by the Mission on April 8, 1968.

The new constructions during the year comprised an upper storey of the Mission Dispensary at Belur, a three storeyed Hostel block of the Vidyamandira, Belur, the Vivekananda School building at Bhubaneswar, a new dormitory at Deoghar, a Library building of the Vivekananda College at Madras, the Vivekananda Centenary Memorial Library building at Kanpur, the Vivekananda Centenary Hall at Narendrapur, and the Biological block of the Sister Nivedita Girls' Higher Secondary School at Jamshedpur. Besides these completed structures foundations were laid for an extension of the dining hall at Deoghar, a Students' Home at Sakchi, Jamshedpur, and a school building at Along, NEFA.

Under the Math secti^" ^p TJatnakriiihria IVfatVi Raphha?ar.

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Calcutta, started the construction of a new building, the Madras Math raised a building for the Ramakrishna Centenary Primary School and laid the foundation for extending its Dispensary building, the Ootacamund Math erected a memorial to Swami Vivekananda's disciple J.J. Goodwin or Gurudas, as Swamiji called him, the Mysore Ashrama laid the foundation of a Vedanta College, the Bangalore Ashrama opened the Vivekananda Centenai-y Memorial, the Vrindaban Ashrama laid the foundation of a temple and the Math Headquarters started the renovation of the old Math building, constructed a waiting hall at Belur and built a Kutia at Uttarkashi for Tapasya for the monks of the Order.

As in the previous year, our connection with the East Pakistan centres was very tenuous. The four monastic workers of Pakistan nationality somehow carried on the activities with the help of lay devotees and friends.

Our only surviving centre in Burma was the Ramakrishna Mission Society at Rangoon, which was managed as before by

some local friends, constituted into a Managing Committee by the Headquarters.

Centres

Excluding the Headquarters at Belur, there were in March, 1968, 112 branch centres in all, of which 50 were Mission centres, 21 combined Math and Mission centres, and 41 Math centres. These were regionally distributed as follows : 2 Mission centres, 5 combined Math and Mission certres and 3 Math centres in East Pakistan ; 1 Mission centre each in Burma* France, Ceylon, Singapore, Fiji and Mauritius; 1 Math centre each in Switzerland, England and Argentina; 10 Math centres in the United States of America ; and the remaining 42 Mission centres, 16 combined Math and Mission centres and 25 Math centres (83 in all) in India. The Indian centres were distributed as follows : 29 in West Bengal, 11 in Uttar Pradesh, 11 in Tamil Nadu, 7 in Bihar, 5 in Kerala, 4 each in Assam and Mysore, 3 in Orissa, 2 each in Maharashtra and Andhra, and one each in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Delhi, NEFA and Chandigarh. Moreover, attached to the branch centres there were over 23 sub-centres where monastic workers resided more or less permanently.

The foregoing account does not include the following two Mission centres, which were added during 1968-69 bringing the total number of branch centres to 114 on 1.4.1969 :

(1) Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Ashrama, P.O.Vivekananda Ashrama, Raipur, Madhya Pradesh; Phone :
Raipur 1046.

(2) Ramakrishna Mission Asharama, Chhatribari, P.O.Gauhati-8, Dt. Kamrup, Assam; Phone : Gauhati 5621.

Types of Work

Medical Service : Most of the Math and the Mission centres in India and Pakistan conducted various activities ministering to the physical needs of the public in general, irrespective of creed, colour or nationality. Typical of these are"

the indoor hospitals in Calcutta, Varanasi, Vrindaban, Kankhal, Trivaiidrum arid Ranchi. In 1967-68 there were altogether 10 Indoor Hospitals with 1,208 beds, which accommodated 25,740 patients and 66 Outdoor Dispensaries, which treated 30,35,148 cases, including old ones. Besides, the centres at Salem, Bombay, Kanpur, New Delhi, etc. had provision for emergency or observation indoor wards attached to their dispensaries. The Veterinary section of the Shyamala Tal Ashrama treated 1,940 animals. The Sanatorium at Ranchi treated T.B. cases alone and a large section of the Seva Pratishthan of Calcutta was devoted to maternity and child welfare work.

Educational Work : The twin organisations ran during the period 4 Degree Colleges at Madras, Rahara (24 Parganas), Belur (Howrah), and Narendrapur (24 Paraganas)—the last two residential—with 3,579 students on their rolls. A Pre university College at Perianaickenpalayam (Coimbatore) with 200 students, 2 B.T. Colleges at Belur and Perianaickenpalayam with 253 students, 2 Basic Training Schools at Perianaickenpalayam and Madras with 234 students, one Post-Graduate Basic Training College at Rahara with 111 students, 4 Junior Basic Training Colleges at Rahara, Sarisha and Sargachhi with 303 students, a College for Physical Education, another for Rural Higher Education, and a School of Agriculture with 107, 288 and 144 students respectively at Perianaickenpalayam, one Agricultural Training Centre at Narendrapur with 87 trainees, 4 Engineering Schools at Belur, Belgharia, Madras and Perianaickenpalayam with 1,519 students, 14 Junior Technical or Industrial Schools with 700 boys and 647 girls, 90 Students' Homes or Hostels, including some Orphanages, with 8,882 boys and 983 girls, 4 Chatushpathis with 38 students, 15 Multi-purpose Higher Secondary Schools with 6,644 boys and 493 girls, 8 Higher ""Secondary Schools with 3,126 boys and 1,654 girls, 16 High and Secondary Schools with 6,636 boys and 4,621 girls, 36 Senior Basic and M.E. Schools with 4,764 boys and 3,750 girls, 45 Junior Basic, U.P., and Elementary Schools with 6,846 boys and 3,171 girls and 101 L.P. and other grades of Schools with 5,580 boys and 3,400 girls. The Seva Pratishthan, Calcutta

and the Math Hospital at Trivandrum trained nurses and midwives, the number of trainees being 212. Thus there were altogether 49,486 boys and 19,486 girls in the educational institutions run by the Math and the Mission in India, Pakistan, . Singapore, Fiji and Mauritius. Besides these, the Institute of Culture in Calcutta conducted a Day Hostel for 800 students, a School of Humanistic and Cultural Studies and a School of Languages for teaching different Indian and foreign languages with 99 and 1,264 students respectively. The Ashrama at Narendrapur also conducted a Blind Boys' Academy with 95 blind students.

Recreational Activities : Some of the Math and the Mission centres have been providing scope for recreational, cultural, and spiritual activities to young boys at stated periods outside their school hours. The Balaka-Sangha of the Bangalore Ashrama has a fine building of its own. At the Mysore Ashrama also a considerable number of boys take advantage of the various kinds of facilities provided for them. The 'Akhil Bharat Vivekananda Yuva Mahamandal', organised under the auspices of the Advaita Ashrama of Calcutta, and the 'Vivekananda Yuva Samiti' of the Belgharia Ashrama are engaged in similar activities.

Work for Women : The Mission has ever been conscious of its duties to the women of India. Typical of the wcrk done for them are the Maternity Sections of the Seva Pratishthan, Calcutta, and the Math Hospital at Trivandrum, the Domi ciliary and Maternity Clinics at Jalpaiguri and Khetri, the women's sections of the hospitals at Varanasi and Vrindaban, the attached Invalid Women's Home at Varanasi, the Sarada Vidyalaya at Madras, the Girls' High Schools at Jamshedpur and the Sarada Mandir at Sarisha (24 Parganas). Besides, there are special arrengements for women in other hospitals, dispensaries and schools, and some institutions are conducted especially for them.

Rural Uplift and Work among the Labouring and Backward Classes : The Math, and the Mission have all along tried

their best to serve their unfortunate countrymen who have fallen back culturally or otherwise. In addition to the more prominent village Ashramas like those at Cherrapunji, Sarisha, Ramharipur, Manasadwip, Jayrambati, Kamarpukur, Sargachhi, Along (N. E. F. A.), Perianaickenpalayam, Kalady, and Trichur, quite a number of rural sub-centres—both permanent and semipermanent—are run under the Mission branches at Belur, Sarisha, Tiruvalla, Narendrapur and Cherrapunji. Of these special mention may be made of the numerous village sub-centres started for educating the hill tribes in Assam. Our educational and cultural activities in the NEFA region are also proving very useful and popular. In addition to such numerous activities, preaching and educative tours with magic lanterns, films and such other means are also undertaken frequently. For the labouring classes in industrial areas the Mission conducted a number of Night Schools, etc.

Mass Contact : From the foregoing account it will be evident thai the organisation's activity is not concentrated in urban areas alone; it is spread over other fields as well. It will be wrong, again, to suppose that the organisation has no real contact with the masses. As a matter of fact, the message of Ramakrishna-Vivekananda is spreading steadily in all parts of India, which fact is evident from the participation of innumerable people during the annual celebrations. The temples and Ashramas also draw thousands of people throughout the year. Besides these there are a number of medical institutions where millions get free medicines, and thousands are treated in the indoor departments. In the educational institutions also, a considerable number of poor students get free education, board or lodging. The organisation is also running a good number of Adult Literacy centres located mostly in the rural areas. The publication centres, sometimes sell booklets at nominal prices to suit the pockets of the masses.

Relief Work : The Mission was engaged in continuous and extensive relief activities throughout the year. Compared to the relief operations undertaken during the preceding year

the magnitude of relief work almost trebled in 1967-68. A total of Rs. 15,98,311/- in cash was spent dining the year as.against Rs. 5,87,46i2/- disbursed in 1966-67.

Drought Relief was conducted in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. The Bihar relief, begun in 1966, continued till the end of October, 1967. In Uttar Pradesh, relief was started in April, 1967, in the drought-hit district of Mirzapur and it was continued till September, 1967. In West Bengal similar relief activities were started in June, ]967, in the districts of Purulia and Bankura, and the work was extended to the Malda district in July, 1967. The drought relief work as a whole was closed by the end of October, 1967. The cash expenditure for drought relief during 1967-68 amounted to Rs. 7,23,215.17 in all the States.

The Mission conducted Flood Relief in the Midnapore district of West Bengal from September, 1967, to December, 1967. Cash expenditure for this relief amounted to Rs. 3,05,141.72.

In November, 1967, the Yamuna Flood Relief was conducted by the Delhi Centre on a small scale. In the same month Cyclone Relief was started in the Cuttack district of Orissa and the work continued beyond 31.3.68. Expenditure incurred for the cyclone relief till the end of 1967-68 was Rs. 12,848.49.

Apart from the above, Riot Relief was conducted in November, 1967, at Ranchi, while the Koynanagar Earthquake Relief started by the Bombay centre in December, 1967, was still continuing on 31.3.68.

The total quantity of food grains distributed for these works was 2,398 tonnes 7 quintals, besides 54 tonnes 11 quintals 42 kilograms of milk powder, 91,291 pieces of new clothes and garments, 17,509 pieces of new blankets and 5,004 enamelled utensils.

In almost all these relief works the Mission got substantial help from the various State Governments concerned, as also from the Prime Minister's Relief Fund. The co-operation of the public with goods and money as well as volunteers was remarkable, for all of which the Mission is highly thankful.

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 where necessary.

Spiritual and Cultural Work : Both the Math and the Mission centres laid emphasis on the dissemination of the spiritual and cultural ideals of India, and through various types of activity tried to give a practical shape to the teaching of Sri Ramakrishna that all religions are true. The centres established real points of contact between people of different faiths through public celebrations, meetings, classes, publications, etc. They also conducted Libraries and Reading Rooms. A number of Sanskrit Chatushpathis too were run. At least ten centres published books on religious subjects and ten magazines in different languages. The Math centres at Mayavati, Baghbazar (Calcutta), Madras, Nagpur, Mysore, Rajkot, Bhubaneswar and Trichur 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.

Annual Celebrations : Most of the Math and the Mission centres ceremonially observe the days sanctified by the advent of great saints and prophets. The general fea'ures of the celebrations of the birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna, (he Holy Mother and Swami Vivekananda are : Special worship, Homa (making offerings in the sacred fire), chanting of scriptural texts, Bhajan and Sankirtan (devotional music, often in chorus), distribution of Prasad (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 Vivekananda by eminent speakers, including 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 Math and the Mission. In cooperation with the local public some centres celebrate the more popular Hindu festivals, accounts for these being maintained separately.

The Plan of the Report

The activities of the Math and the Mission have been described in this Report in five Sections. Section I deals with the Math and Mission Headquarters, Section IT with Mission centres only, classified into (A) Institutions mainly medical, (B) Institutions mainly cultural and educational, and (C) Institutions of general services, Section III with combined Math and Mission centres, Section IV with Math centres in India, and Section V with centres outside India. We shall take them up in order. The descriptions given 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 (Phone : 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 Brahma-charya and Sannyasa. In the attached Training Centre for Brahmacharins there were regular classes on philosophy and religion under qualified teachers. The Sannyasins of the Math conducted regular religious classes for the public at and around the headquarters, and undertook many successful lecturing tours. The Math has a decent Library containing 13,318 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 need of further increasing the accommodation in the Guest House for devotees and admirers, who want, to pass a few days with their families near the precincts of the Math, is being keenly felt. So far the ground floor only has been constructed. The estimated cost of the rest of the building is Rs. 1,00,000/-, which, it is hoped, will be forthcoming.

The Ramakrishna Mission Headquarters

The Mission Headquarters (P.O. Belur Math, Dt. Howrah,

West Bengal; 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 charitabij: dispensary, belur

This popular Outdoor Dispensary with Allopathy and Homoeopathy departments was founded in 1913, and had its own building in 1938. Besides medical relief, it supplied occasionally diet, clothes and blankets to the needy. In 1967-68 it treated 85,982 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.

A few more rooms were added to the upper storey of the Dispensary building at a cost of Rs. 36.166/-.

2. help to the poor

The Mission Headquarters helped 140 families and 193 students, including Sind refugees, regularly, and one School. 269 families and 73 students temporarily, with a total outlay of Rs. 28,927.95. 86 Blankets and 238 Dhoties and Sarees were also distributed amongst the poor.

^i: ^;" '^: ' 'SECTION II

MISSION CENTRES

A. INSTITUTIONS MAINLY MEDICAL

The Ramakrishna Mission Seva Pratishthan; Calcutta

This institution, formerly known as Shishumangal Pratishthan (99 Sarat Bose Road, Calcutta 26 ; Phones : 47-3636, 47-3637 and 47-3638 ; Telegraphic address : SISUMANGAL), was started on a modest scale in 1932 for maternity and child welfare. In 1956-57, it was converted into a General Hospital During 1967-68, the hospital with its medical, surgical, paedia-tric, oncology, radiotherapy, radiology, urology, gynaecology, obstetric, eye, E.N.T., orthopaedic, dental, skin and family planning departments had 400 beds of which 135 were free. It also had a highly competent staff, well-equipped laboratories, a blood-bank, six modern air-conditioned Operation Theatres five X-ray units and an all-electric laundry plant.

Housed in its own multi-storeyed buildings on 1.6 acres of land, the Hospital has a Nurses' Hostel and three other staff quarters accommodating nearly 400 inmates. The Pratishthan has a Training School for both Auxiliary and Senior Nurse-Midwives (roll strength : 182). In 1967-6^, 35 Auxiliary Nurse-Midwives and 26 General Nurse-Midwives passed their final examination, and were readily absorbed in different institutions. The Seva Pratishthan was also recognised by the Calcutta University for post-graduate teaching and research for the M.O., M.D. and M.S. Degrees.

Its activities in 1967-68 were : Indoor Department—Admissions 10,753; confinements 5,634; major operations 2,225. Outdoor Department : Total cases 97,637 : new cases 41,254. All the outdoor cases and about 50% of the indoor ones were free.

During the period under review the fifth storey of the Nurses' Hostel was completed.

The Ramakrishna Mission Tuberculosis Sanatorium

Ranchi

The Sanatorium (P.O. Ramakrishna Sanatorium ; Phone : Doranda 2248 ; Telegraphic address : RECOVERY) is situated on a picturesque plot of land measuring 279 acres, at an altitude of 2,100 ft., nine miles from the Ranchi Railway Station and about four miles from the Hatia Railway Station. Opened in 1951 with 32 beds, it had during 1967-68 240 beds.

~Kn air-cbnctilioned 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 Rehabilitation Centre having a Tailoring Department, a Typewriting School and a Dairy and a Poultry Farm, were some of the prominent features of the institution.

During 1967-68, 578 patients (old : 188 ; new : 390) were treated in the Sanatorium, of whom 333 were discharged. 86 patients were treated free of all charges and 14 at concession rates, while 1,422 were given medical advice and assistance in the Outdoor Department. The After-care Colony had 40 ex-patients, who were either given training in the Rehabilitation Centre or employed in various departments of the Sanatorium.

The free Outdoor Homoeopathic Dispensary treated 13,330 cases (new : 5,515).

The Ramakrishna Mission Home of Service Varanasi

Started in 1900, it has been occupying its own premises on the Ramakrishna Road at Luxa (Varanasi 1 ; Phone : 2604) _since 1910. A branch Outdoor Dispensary has been working since 1931 at the Shivala quarter of the city.

The activities of the Home in 1967-68 were—(1) Indoor General Hospital : Beds 150 ; admission 2,874 ; surgical cases (including eye operations) 1,309. (2 fc .">) Refuge for invalid men and Refuge for invalid women : Beds 25 and 50,

but inmates 13 and 29 respectively for paucity of funds. (4) Outdoor help to invalids, poor middle-class women and poor students : Rs. 4,528.32- (5) Outdoor Dispensary (including the Shivala branch) : Total cases 1,92,535; new cases 53,797; Laboratory tests 11,944; X-ray cases 1,267.

The Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama, Katikhal (Saharanpur)

Founded in 1901, the activities of the Sevashrama (Phone : Hardwar 141) in 1967-68 were—(1) Indoor Hospital : Beds 47 ; admissions 1,458 ; surgical cases 325. (2) Outdoor Dispensary : Total cases 1,72,295; new cases 32,429; surgical cases 1,646; Laboratory tests 6,487; X-ray cases 760; physio-therapy 438.

(3) Observance of birthdays of saints and prophets.

During the year the three-storeyed Swami Vivekananda Centenary Memorial block of the hospital was completed.

The Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama Lucknow

This Sevashrama, started in 1914 and located since 1924 at Aminabad, was completely shifted in January, 1967, to Chandgunj, Lucknow-7 (Phone : Ashrama : 24694; Polyclinic : 23337). Its activities in 1967-68 were—(1) Outdoor Dispensary : Total cases 2,67,100; new cases 36,144; surgical cases 15,077; dental cases 1,150; Ultra-violet and Infra-red cases 167 ; X-ray 1,552; Diathermy cases 414; Pathology cases 6,669. (2) A Library and Reading Room : Books 4,851 ; Newspapers and periodicals 79. (3) Occasional religious classes and lectures.

(4) Birthday anniversaries of Sri Ramakrishna, Holy Mother andSwami Vivekananda. (5) Fortnightly Ramnam and Shyam-nam Kirtans.

The construction of an up-to-date Polydinic v/as nearing completion.

The Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Jalpaiguri

Founded in 1923, the activities of the Ashrama (Phone : 344) in 1967-68 were—(1) An Outdoor Dispensary : Total cases

ing and has drawn the interest o£ the public and many a leading scholar of India and abroad.

In 1967-68 the Institute conducted : (1) A General Library and Reading Room with 55,019 books (issued : 1,19,579) and 449 journals. (2) A Children's Library with 4,252 books (issued : 7,082). (3) A Junior Library for the age group 13 to 16 years with 1,542 books (issued : 3,000). (4) The "Universal Temple"—a meditation hall and chapel. (5) 76 public lectures and 118 weekly scriptural discourses by eminent scholars. (6) Educational and cultural film shows, music recitals, dramas, seminars, symposia and various other functions of cultural interest. (7) A school of languages with 1,264 students on the roll for German, French, Russian, Japanese, Arabic, Persian, Chinese, Spanish, spoken English, Bengali, Sanskrit, Tamil, Assamese, Urdu and Hindi. (8) Publication of a monthly Bulletin (19th year) and 5 booklets. (9) A small museum of art collections. (10) An International Scholars' Residence, which accommodated 145 residents. (11) The International Guest House : Guests accommodated 552. (12) A free Students' Day Home with 800 students. (13) A School of Humanistic and Cultural Studies with 99 students. (14) A School of Sanskritic Studies.

The Ramakrishna Mission Sarada Pitha Belur

This institution (P. O. Belur Math, Dist. Howrah ; Phone: 66-3292), started in 1941, had the following activities :

The Vidyamandira (Phone : 66-3349), a residentialthree-year Degree College with 365 boys, had its own dispensaryand hospital. Religious classes for students were regularlyconducted. The college had a unit of the N.C.C.
The Shilpamandira (Phone : 66-3308), a Government
sponsored Polytechnic providing three-year Licentiate Coursesin Civil, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, had 516 students of whom 91 lived in the Shilpamandira hostel (Phone :66-2912).
The Shilpayatana (Phone : 66-4124), a free Junior

Technical School for boys of 14 years and above with a three-years' integrated course in Humanities, Science, Engineering Studies and Workshop Practice, had 114 students.

The Shilpavidyalaya, a school with free training coursesfor one to three years in Electric wiring, Auto-Mechanics, Fitting, Turning, Carpentry, Weaving, Tailoring, etc. had 80
students.
The Production cum Publication Section : Apart fromdevising and manufacturing small machines and equipments,it had its own Photography and Publication departments. Allits products were displayed and sold through a Sales-cum-ShowRoom.
The Janasikshamandira (Phone : 66-3643), a unit ofSocial (adult) Education, organised 9 night schools for adults(students : 130), arranged 102 educative film and slide showswith the help of a mobile Audio-visual unit and conducted afree Public Library (Books : 16,065); issued 22,467) as well asa Mobile Library unit loaning books out io village readers attheir homes. It also arganised 44 free milk distribution centres,several cultural functions, sports and games for children andsupply of free tiffin to about 175 children daily.
The Tattwamandira (Phone : 66-3292), where religiousclasses for the public and scriptural classes for the monasticinmates were held regularly.
The Sikshanamandira (Phone : 66-3695), a residential
B. T. College, had 132 students. An Extension Service Unit,
attached to the college, conducted several seminars and published a booklet on social studies. The construction of a newthree-storeyed hostel building was completed during the year.

The Ramakrishna Mission Viciyalaya Perianaickenpalayam ( Coimbatore )

This (P.O. Sri Ramakrishna Vidyalaya ; Phone : 3655 ; Gram: KALVI) is a comprehensive educational undertaking

located on a plot of about 400 acres, 11 miles from Coimbatore on the Ootacamund Road. Its activities were :

A Multi-purpose High School with 189 students.
A Basic Training School _: Students 78.
The Swami Shivananda High School : Principallymeant for village boys, the school had 165 students including30 girls.
A Senior Basic School : Roll-strength 572 of whom 211were girls. Free midday lunch was provided for 70 students.
A Teachers' College offering B.T. and M.Ed, courses
had 121 students. An Extension Service Unit, attached to thecollege, conducted various seminars, which were attended by490 teachers.
A Pre-universily College offering arts and science subjects. Roll-strength : 200.
A College for Physical Education with 107 pupils.
The Rural Institute : This institution had the foliGVv-ing wings : (a) A School of Engineering, offering a three-yearDiploma course in Civil and Rural Engineering (students :122). (b) A School of Agriculture, offering a two-year Certificatecourse (students : 144). (c) A College for Rural Higher Education, having a four-year Diploma course in Rural Services (stu
dents : 288) and a Master Diploma course in Co-operation.
The Industrial Institute, which provided a two-yearcourse in turning and fitting, and a one-year course in composing, proof reading and printing, had 75 students.

The Rural Dispensary : Cases treated : 21,018.
The Industrial Section : It imparted practical trainingto Engineering students and manufactured electric motors,cntrarrnne T'J'hcr? lathes an<j various other machine tools.

" £5 ~ ~" —• 7 '•--

The Central Library : Open access system was followed; No. of books : 32,117.
Hostels : The nine hostels accommodated about 900inmates.

The Ramakrishna Mission Boys' Home, Rahara

(24 Parganas)

This centre (Phone : Barrackpore 80) situated 12 miles to the north of Calcutta and covering an area of about 68 acres is mainly a residential educational institution for orphans and poor boys, though some day-scholars attend its various schools and colleges. It conducted the following activities.

Orphanage : This had on its rolls 632 boys for whom education of various types and grades was provided.

Basic Education : One Pre-Basic (Nursery) School .with 45 children, 5 units of Junior Basic School with 889 students, 4 units of Senior Basic School with 468 students, a Junior Basic Training College and one Post-Graduate Basic Training College (both residential) with 100 and 111 trainees respectively.

General Education : A Multi-purpose High School with four wings—Science, Technology, Commerce and Humanities—

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offering Pass and Honours courses in Science and Arts subjects had 412 students.

Technical Education : A Junior Technical School and a Vocational School with a total roll-strength of 259.

Library : A well-equipped District Library with 23,000 books and 1,500 members. Number of books issued : 28,909.

Social Education : There were 10 Adult Education Centres and an up-to-date Audio-visual Service Unit. One Rural Librarianship Training Centre (residential) was conducted by the Library.

Boys' Hostels : Besides the Home for boys, there was a payine- hostel for the Multi-purpose School students with 110 boys. The three-year Degree College and the Junior Technical School had their own hostels.

The centre had 5 N.C.C. Troops with 4 officers and 3 instructors.

The Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Narendrapur (24 Parganas)

This institution situated at Narendrapur (Phones : 619-201, 619-202, 619-203 and 619-204), eleven miles to the southeast of Calcutta and covering an area of about 150 acres, had the following activities.

A residential Multi-purpose School (Phone : 619-206)with 6 streams, had 474 students on its rolls. Recognised bythe Government of India as a model school, it had two mediaof instruction—English and Bengali. About 35% of the students received financial assistance from the School.
A residential Degree College (Phone : 610-205) with325 students offered Honours courses in both Science and Artssubjects.
One residential Senior Basic School (Phone : 619-207)with 256 students had English and Bengali as media of instruction.
The Institute of Social Education and Recreation, whichconducted adult education and rural uplift activities.
The residential Blind Boys' Academy with 95 boysoffered general education through Standard Braille system aswell as vocational training in music and several crafts. TheAcademy also trained up teachers for the blind, and printedtext books in Braille.

(fi) A Central Library with 36,000 books.

The Vivekananda Social Welfare Centre, a unit mainlyfor the benefit of Harijans living in the slum areas of Rambaganin North Calcutta, conducted : (i) a Nursery School with 80students, (ii) a Basic School with 429 students, (iii) a SocialEducation Centre for women with 30 adult students, and (iv)Tutorial classes for 50 children. It also ran a Charitable Dispensary (cases treated : 14,688) and trained Harijan boys andgirls in several trades.
Training in Farming : A centre to train up village

youth in modern methods of farming had 87 trainees including 47 Gram Sevaks.

(9) A Junior Technical School with various trade coursesfor young boys.

(10) Child Welfare and Medical Care : Through variousmilk distribution centres 15,120 children and a few expectantmothers were given UNICEF milk daily. Periodic health-examination, providing recreational facilities and supply of textbooks were other features of this programme. The AshramaHospital treated 25,723 outdoor cases from the neighbouringvillages.

The Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Sarisha (24 Parganas)

This institution (Phone : Diamond Harbour 29) successfully devoted itself to the task of village reconstruction through proper education. Its activities were :

A Multi-purpose Boys' School, with Humanities, Technology and Science courses, had 389 students. It had two N.C.C. Troops and one Ambulance Division under the St. John Ambulance Brigade (India). The Hostel had 128 inmates, of whom 2 were free and 11 enjoyed concession.

A Multi-purpose Girls' High School with Humanities, Science, Home Science and Fine Arts courses, had 493 students. The Hostel had 126 inmates, of whom 21 enjoyed concession. The School had two N.C.C. Troops.

Two units of Senior Basic School for boys and two units for girls, had 187 and 156 students respectively.

There were four units of Junior Basic School with a total of 402 boys and 291 girls.

Two Pre-Basic (Nursery) Schools had 51 boys and 32 girls.

Two units of Junior Basic Training College for women teachers had 103 trainees.

A Technical Section attracted large number of village women and students from the Multi-purpose and the Senior

Basic Sections to have training in weaving, tailoring, sock making, knitting and embroidery, etc.

One Community Centre for women and three other School-cum-Community Centres conducted regular sittings of Kirtan, Bhajan, Kathakata, etc. The School-cum-Community centres had a roll strength of 56 (neo-literates 30) and the Women's Centre had 62 trainees (neo-literates 40).

8 Adult Education Centres for men and 1 for women were conducted. Total roll strength for the men's centres was 202 (neo-literates 165). 16 attained literacy out of 22 in the women's centre.

One Area Library with 6 branches, a Text Book Library and a Sub-Divisional Library had 7,678, 1,552 and 1,933 books respectively.

A Pre-Vocational Training Centre (students : 88) offering General Education and Technical Training to indigent students of the age group 11 to 14, had facilities-for teaching (a) Fitting and Turning, (b) Sheet Metal work, (c) Smith-craft, (d) Moulding and (e) Carpentry.

The Ashrama had two Audio-visual Mobile Units.

The Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Society Jamshedpur

The centre, situated at Bistupur, Jamshedpur 1, (Phone : 3795) conducted the following : (1) Five Higher Secondary Schools (of which two were for boys, two for girls and one for uGi.li in separate shifts) wii.li 1,500 boys and 1,654 girls ; 4 Middle

294 boys and 245 girls—in all 11 schools with 8,238 pupils on their rolls. Out of them 500 poor students were granted free studentship and concession. While 1 U.P. School is for Hindi-

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*fsv.u.ixi.iig .^niv^^i "I.*_;, mv.iC a*., lii^^i sections in ^ -nign Schools, 3 Middle Schools and 1 U.P. School in all classes along with Bengali sections. The 11 School Libraries had a total of 25,450 books. (2) Two Students' Homes with 44 inmates particularly from rural areas and backward communities. A few

meritorious students were provided with free board and lodging. (3) A Public Library and free Reading Room with 3,687 books, 9 periodicals and 3 dailies. (4) Weekly classes and occasional lectures on religio-philosophical subjects. (5) Regular audiovisual instructions with the help of a 16 mm. projector. (6) Excursions, picnics and seasonal games and sports. (7) Celebration of the birth anniversaries of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother and Swami Vivekananda, and festivals like Durga Puja, etc.

The newly constructed Biology Block of the Sister Nivedita Higher Secondary Srhool was formally opened and the foundation for the proposed multistoreyed building of the Sakchi Students' Home was laid.

The Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda College Madras

This Degree College, started in 1946 at Mylapore, Madras-4, (Phone : 73057) had 2,447 students during 1967-68. Admissions in the College were made on the basis of merit, except for Harijan and backward class students for whom a percentage of seats was reserved. The College, which also offered Postgraduate courses in certain Arts and Science subjects, had a Hostel with 350 inmates. Scholarships awarded by the College amounted to Rs. 2,12,117/- (Recipients : 521). There were more than 40,000 books in the College Library.

The College imparted religious education to students and

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Swami Vivekananda and Swami Ramakrishnananda.

A new Library building was constructed during the year.

The Ramakrishna Mission Students' Home Madras

The institution, started in 1905, moved into its own buildings at Mylapore (Madras 4) in 1921. The Home comprised three distinct sections : a Hostel for boys studying in the Vivekananda College, a residential Technical Institute, and a

residential High School. The three sections had 34, 161 and 151 students respectively on their rolls. The Hostel provided free board and lodging for the inmates.

The Sri Ramakrishna Centenary Elementary School, Myla-pore, and the Ramakrishna Mission Higher Elementary School at Malliankaranai near Uttiramerur in Chingleput District with 476 and 163 students respectively were also managed by the centre.

The Ramakrishna Mission Boys' Schools Madras

This centre at Thyagarayanagar (Madras 17 ; Phone : 442551) conducted two High Schools, one Middle School, three Elementary Schools and a Hostel. In March, 1968, the two High Schools had 2,865 students, the Middle School 655 boys and the three Elementary Schools 1,207 boys and 869 girls, while the Hostel, managed by monastic workers, had 69 boys. Due attention was paid to their moral and spiritual well-being.

A new building for the Science Laboratory was nearing completion.

The Ramakrishna Mission Sarada Vidyalaya Madras

Sri Sarada Vidyalaya, Thyagarayanagar (Madras 17 ; Phone: 443153) started in 1927 by some ladies, had the following

A Girls' High School housed in its own three-storeyedbuilding, had 1,986 students.
A Basic Training School, housed in its own three-storeyed building on Burkitt Road, with 156 trainees.
One Girls' Upper Primary School with 1,014 pupils.
A Model Senior Basic School, housed in a three-storeyed building, had 811 pupils.

(5) Three Hostels with 233 boarders and an orphanage.4

(6) Two Libraries for school students with a total of 17,409 books.

The Vidyalaya had provision for moral and religious instruction, group singing, special worship, Bhajan and physical training as also for useful extra-curricular activities.

The Rarnakrishna Mission Calcutta Students' Home Belgliaria (24 Parganas)

This Home, started in 1916 in a rented house in Calcutta, finally shifted to its present permanent site at Belgharia (Calcutta 56; Phone: 611-551). The Home had the following activities during 1967-68 :

A Hostel, specially meant for poor but meritorious college students, had its own Library (Books : 6,100), Prayer Hall and a small workshop to train the inmates in domestic handicrafts. Out of 96 boarders of the Hostel, 64 were free and 16 enjoyed concessions. More than 42% of the year's subscriptions was contributed by ex-inmates of the Home.

The Shilpapitha (Phone : 611-600), a Government sponsored polytechnic with 720 students, offered 3 year Diploma courses in Civil, Mechanical 8c Electrical Engineering.

The Home also had a Public Library (Books : 4,000)-cum-Assembly Hall. The Vivekananda Yuva Samity, a forum for local youth, was conducted by the centre. The Home observed Kali Puja and Vasanti Puja during the year.

The Samakrishna Mission, Chingleput

Started in 1936, the institution (Phone : 436; Post Box : 11) had the following activities during 1967-68 : (1) One High School for boys with 443 pupils. (2) A Girls' High School with o voli «trpnoth of 405. (%\ A Junior Basic Elementary School

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with 378 students (boys 225, girls 153). (4) A Students' Home for boys with 17 inmates. (5) A Library with 9,975 books. (6) A small printing press. (7) Celebration of the birthdays of saints and prophets.

The Ramakrishiia Mission Ashrama Cherrapimji (K. & J. Hills)

This centre (Phone : Cherrapunji 42) in the Khasi and Jaintia Hills of Assam conducted the following activities at Cherrapunji : (1) A High School with 240 boys and 232 girls. (2) A Vocational School with weaving, tailoring, typewriting and carpentry sections. (3) A Hostel with 80 boys. (4) Three Primary Schools. (5) Educational film shows.

The monks had their private shrine and celebrated the birthdays of saints and prophets in which the public also took pail.

At Sheila, 13 miles down, it conducted an M. E. School, a Primary School and an Ashrama with a Library and a Community Hall, where Durga Puja was held.

At Nongwar, a village 9 miles below Cherrapunji, a free Primary School, an M. E. School and a Library were conducted.

At Sohbar, about 8 miles down, it had a junior Basic School, an M. E. School with a vocational section teaching weaving, tailoring and carpet-making and two separate hostels with 12 boys and 8 girls respectively.

Altogether 93 boys and 141 girls studied in 11 M. E. Schools ; and 762 boys and 753 girls in 27 Primary Schools.

In various parts of the Khasi Hills, modern method of Beekeeping was introduced and taught under the agency of the Mission. There were 9 Bee-keeping sub-stations in different villao-ps with 7.000 mvps

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The Ramakrishna Mission Vidyapith Deoghar (S.P.)

Started in 1922 this institution (P. O.Vidyapith : Phone : Deoghar 33 ; Gram : RAMAKKISHNA MISSION VIDYAPITH, Baidyanathdham-Deoghar) had the following activities during 1967-68 : (1) A residential Boys' Higher Secondary School (roll strength 346) recognised by the Central Board of Secondary Education, New Delhi, with three streams—Science, 'Commerce and

28 ' . .

Humanities—had English as the medium of instruction. The School had provision for teaching various handicrafts, music, painting, tailoring, gardening, etc. There were 7,080 books in the School Library. (2) A Charitable Dispensary, which treated 9,156 cases (new 3,847). (3) A free Primary School, with 139 students, supplied free midday meals, uniforms, books, etc. to the children. A new building for the school was constructed during the year.

The Ramakrishna Mission Vidyapith Purulia

Started in 1958, this institution (P, O, Vivekananda Nagar ; Phone : Purulia 160), had the following activities during 1967-68 : (1) A residential Multi-purpose Higher Secondary School for boys (roll strength 550), offering Humanities, Science, Technology, Fine Arts and Agriculture courses, had porvision for teaching music, tailoring, ceramics, etc. Recognised as a model school by the Government of India, the school offered stipends and scholarships to about 40% of the boys half of which was provided by the Govt. of West Bengal. As an adjunct to the Agriculture stream a dairy and a poultry were conducted. (2) A small Pre-Basic (Nursery). School for day scholars. (3) One Audio-visual unit, which served nearby villages.

The Ramakrishiia Mission Ashrama, Barnagore Calcutta 36

Started in 1912, this educational institution for boys (Phone : 56-2624) had the following activities during 1967-68 : A Multipurpose School with Humanities, Science, Technology and Commerce courses; Roll strength 975; 2 units of Senior Basic School with 261 students, a Primary School with 362 students and two units of Junior Basic School with 433 students. Besides general education, the boys were given religious and moral training. The Ashrama Students' Home accommodated 203 boys of whom 12 were free and 5 enjoyed concession.

The Ashrama conducted a School-cum-Community Centre, a Sanskrit Chalushpathi, and an Area Library (Books ; 5,761).

Regular educational film-shows were organised by the Audiovisual unit of the Ashrama.

The Homoeopathic Charitable Dispensary treated 16,333 patients (New : 2,291).

The Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Asansol (Burdwan)

The Ashrama, situated on the Grand Trunk Road (Phone : 2937), conducted—(1) a Multi-purpose School with three streams —Science, Technology and Humanities ; roll strength 824. (2) Two Junior Urban Basic Schools with 269 boys. (3) A Students' Hostel with 38 inmates. (4) An Ashrama Library and a Reading Room with 1,637 books. (4) Regular religious classes and occasional meetings and festivals. (6) Durga Puja and Sri Ramakrishna Birth Anniversary.

The Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama Tob:

This Ashrama, established as a centre of rural uplift (Phone : Taki 25) conducted—(1) A Multi-purpose Higher Secondary School having Humanities and Science with 553 students. (2) Three U. P. Schools—one for boys, one for girls and the other for both—with roll strength of 142, 107 and 83 respectively. (3) A Students' Home with 61 inmates. (4) A small Library with 356 books. (5) A Homoeopathic Charitable Dispensary : Total cases 58,010 (New : 7,990).

The Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Manasadwip (24 Parganas)

This institution in the Sagar Island conducted—(1) a Multipurpose Higher Secondary School with 351 boys. (2) A Junior Basic School with 172 boys and a special cadre Primary School with 151 girls. (3) Occasional religious classes and discourses in the Ashrama. (4) Birth anniversaries of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother and Swamiji. (5) A Students' Home with 13 boys.

The Ashrarna had a School-cum-Community Centre with a free Reading Room and a Lending Library for the public. It also organised magic lantern lectures of educative value among the rural folk of nearby localities.

The Ramakrishna Mission, Midnapore

The activities of this Ashrama (Phone : 156) were—(1) A Multi-purpose High School (Phone : 260) with 532 boys. (2) Two units of Junior Basic School with 262 boys and 141 girls.

(3) A Pre-Basic (Nursery) School with 40 children. (4) A Hostel
for 100 boys. (5) A Circulating Library and Free ReadingRoom : Books 3,272 ; issued 7,689. (6) An Outdoor Dispensary with Allopathic and Homoeopathic departments : Totalcases 77,058 ; new cases 26,517. (7) Regular religious classes,birth anniversaries of Religious Teachers, religious festivals andoccasional lectures. (8) Educational film shows. (9) Participation in Midnapore Flood Relief work.

A Prayer Hall was under construction.

The Ramakrishsia Mission Sevashrama Silchar (Cachar)

This institution (Silchar 4 ; Phone : 280) conducted—(1) A Students' Home with 50 inmates, including 32 tribal boys. (2) A free Library and Reading Room with 2,143 books. (3) Regular religious classes in the Ashrama, and occasional lectures.

(4) Durga Puja, Kali Puja and the birthday celebrations of SriRamakrislina, the Holy Mother and Swami Vivekananda.

The Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Furi

This Mission branch (Phone : Puri 207) conducted the following activities : (1) A Library with a reading room ; Books 8,000 ; Newspapers and periodicals 52. (2) A Children's Library with 736 books. (3) A Students' Home, which provided free board and lodging, coaching and facilities for general education in recognised institutions to 50 students including 42 tribal and backward class boys. The Home's Text-book Library had 1,721 books. (4) Birthday celebration of Swami Viveka-

nanda, occasional religious meetings and festivals and fortnightly Ramnam Kirtan.

The Raniakrishna Mission Ashrama Raiiiharipur (Bankura)

Detached from its mother centre—Bankura—it came to be treated as an independent centre from 1966. It had : (1) A Multi-purpose Higher Secondary School offering Science, Humanities and Agriculture with 360 students. (2) Two units of Junior Basic School with 260 pupils. (3) A School-cum-Commu-nity Centre having a Night School and a Library. (4) A Hostel with 60 boys. (5) A Homoeopathic Dispensary with a daily average of 40 patients.

The Raniakrishna Mission Ashrama Sargachhi (Murshidabad)

This oldest Ashrama of the Mission (P. O. Sargachi-Ashrama), started in 1897 by Swami Akhandananda, had the following activities in 1967-68—(1) A residential Junior Basic Teachers' Training College with 100 trainees. (2) A Multi-purpose Higher Secondary School offering Humanities, Science and Agriculture with 396 students. (3) Three Junior Basic Schools with 335 boys and 156 girls. (4) An Adult School with 32 students. (5) An outdoor Charitable Dispensary : Total cases 8,802 ; new cases 5,305. (6) Six Libraries with free Reading Rooms : Books 11,286 ; issued 4,888 ; periodicals and newspapers 64. (7) Daily worship at the Ashrama shrine, observance of the birthdays of religious celebrities and regular religious discourses. (8) Birth anniversaries of Sri Ramakrishna and Swamiji and weekly religious classes at the Berhampore sub-centre. (9) Occasional help in cash and kind. (10) Two Hostels with 84 inmates.

The Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama Visakhapatnam

This Ashrama at Maharanipeta (Visakhapatnam 2 ; Phone : 2561), situated on the Beach Road in full view of the sea, conducted—(1) A cultural and recreational centre with a small

library for children and arrangement for teaching Sanskrit, Hindi and Bengali on easy lines. It also provided audiovisual education for the children as also the public through documentary film shows. (2) A Library and Reading Room with 2,344 books, newspapers and periodicals 26. (3) Occasional scriptural discourses. (4) A Primary School (Phone : 3855) with English medium having 207 boys and 174 girls on its rolls. (5) Celebration of the birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna and some other Saints and Prophets.

The Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Along

(Siang), NEFA

Started in 1966, the centre, situated at Along (Telephone : Along 49), a beautiful valley in the Siang division of N.E.F.A., conducted—(1) An English Medium School for the tribal boys and girls (Roll strength : 125). (2) A Hostel with 45 free boys. (3) Excursions and educative tours for students. (4) Film-shows, mostly documentaries, for the local people, and occasional lectures at, various places of N.E.F.A.

During the year construction of a new building for the School was started.

C. INSTITUTIONS OF GENERAL SERVICE (Medical, Cultural and Educational)

The Ramakrishna Mission, New Delhi

Started in old Delhi in 1927 and finally shifted in 1935 to its present site on the Ramakrishna Ashrama Marg, New Delhi 55 (Phone : 27-7111), the Ashrama conducted : (1) An Outdoor Homoeopathic Dispensary : Total cases 32,827 ; new cases 6,000. (2) A Library with separate sections for children and university students : Books 22,099, issued 17,765 ; newspapers 15 and journals 142. (3) 82 religious discourses on Saturdays and Sundays in the Ashrama. (4) Occasional classes and lectures in various local colleges and cultural institutions; regular

Sunday classes at the Delhi University. (5) Birthday celebrations of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother, Swami Vivekananda and other saints and prophets at the Ashrama and other localities of Delhi, (6) The Sarada Mandir, which organised religious and moral instruction classes for children aged 6 to 12. (7) A modern multi-storcyed T. 13. Clinic (Phone : 56-1707) at Karolbagh with 28 indoor observation beds : Total outdoor cases 1,38,613 (New : 1,906) ; Indoor cases 246. Under the Home Treatment Scheme, the Clinic extended its medical service to patients unable to attend the Clinic in person. (8) Jamuna Flood Relief at Delhi.

The Kamakrishna Mission Ashrama, Kanpur

This institution, located at Ramakrishna Nagar, Kanpur 12 (Phone : 63391), conducted — (1) An outdoor Dispensary : Total cases 2,46,731 ; new cases 39,416. (2) A Higher Secondary School with 680 boys. (3) One Physical Culture Institute for the Harijans. (4) Religious classes, Bhajan and observance of the birthdays of religious celebrities.

The Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Palna

The Ashrama situated near Rajcridranagar (Ramakrishna Avenue, Patna 4; Phone : 22183), conducted— (I) Two Charitable Dispensaries, one Homoeopathic and the other Allopathic. Total cases 73,000 and 91,343 respectively (new cases 7,932 and 11,796). (2) A Library and free Reading Room containing 8,072 books issued 15,190), newspapers and periodicals 80. (3) 25 lectures in the Ashrama Lecture Hall and 216 regular scriptural clas-

boys with 19 inmates (13 free and 3 part-paying). (5) Durga Puja, and birthday celebrations of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother, Swami Vivekananda and other prophets.

The Kamakrishna Mission Ashrama, Shillcmg

The Ashrama, located since 1937 at Laitumkhrah, Shillong 3 (Phone : 676), conducted — (1) A Charitable Dispensary with

Pathology, E.N.T., X-ray and Electrotherapy sections as also a Homoeopathic department : Total cases treated 45,445 ; new cases 28,377. (2) A Mobile Dispensary, which regularly visited 30 neighbouring villages and treated 16,524 patients. (2) A Library and Reading Room with 7,134 books (issued 8,434), newspapers and periodicals GG. (3) A Students' Home : Inmates 20. (4) 139 religious and cultural classes in and outside the Ashrarna ; fortnightly Ramnam Kirtan, and occasional public meetings, documentary film shows, etc. (5) Anniversaries and festivals. (G) A small publication department for books in Assamese and Khasi languages.

The Ramakrislma Mission Ashrama, Chandigarh

The Ashrama (Sector 15 B, Chandigarh 17 ; Phone : 23787) conducted : (1) Regular religious discourses on Saturdays and Sundays, fortnightly Ramnam Kirtan and occasional lectures in and outside the city. (2) A small Library with 1,594 books. (3) Birthday celebrations of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother, Swami Vivekananda and other saints and prophets. (4) A Students' Home for college students with 34 inmates. (5) A charitable Homoeopathic Dispensary; total cases 16,038, new 4,524.

The Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Ranchi

The activities of this Ashrama at Morabadi, 11 Sc 12 Swami Vishuddhananda Road, Ranchi 8 (Phone : 1215) were—(1) A charitable Homoeopathic Dispensary : Total cases 10,600 ; new 7,053 ; 1,080 patients received help towards diet; (2) A Mobile Homoeopathic Dispensary, which served neighbouring villages. (3) A small Library and Reading Room : Books 1,733 ; newspapers and periodicals 25. (4) Regular worship and observance of the birthdays of Religious Teachers. (5) 80 religious discourses in and outside the Ashrama, and occasional lectures. (6) Help in cash and kind to the needy. (7) Riot Relief at Ranchi town and participation in the Bihar Drought Relief work.

The Ramakrishiia Mission Ashrama, Katiliar (Purnea)

This Ashrama (Phone : 149) conducted—(1) A Homceopa-thic-cum-Allopathic Dispensary with an Eye Department : Total cases 25,930. (2) A free Library and Reading Room : Books 2,100. (3) A Secondary School recognised by the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education with 612 students. (4) A Students' Home with 23 inmates. (5) Regular religious classes, occasional lectures in and outside the Ashrama, and religious festivals.

The Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Smriti Mandir, Khetri, Rajasthan

Started in 1959 this Mission centre is housed in the mansion at Khetri in Rajasthan where Swami Vivekananda stayed as the honoured guest of the Raja. The centre conducted : (1) A small Library and Reading Room : Books 3,570 ; issued 2,643 ; Dailies and periodicals 39. (2) Birth anniversaries of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother, Swamiji and other religious Teachers, (3) A Nursery School with 101 children.

It also conducted a free Maternity Home and Child Welfare Centre in the town which handled 248 maternity cases, indoor and outdoor, in addition to ante-natal and post-natal cases.

SECTION HI COMBINED MATH & MISSION CENTRES

The Ramakrishna Math and Mission, Madras

Started in 1897 by Swami Ramakrishnananda and occupying its own home at 11, Sri Ramakrishna Math Road, Mylapore, Madras 4 (Post Box : Mylapore 635; Phone: 71231), this Math principally conducted—.(1) Daily worship of Sri Ramakrishna and fortnightly Ramnam kirtan. (2) 180 religious classes and lectures in and outside the Math, and occasional lecture tours in different States. (3) Celebration of the birthdays of the Prophets and other festivals. (4) A Public Library with a children's section : Books 15,390 (issued 3,200); newspapers and periodicals 236. (5) Three monthly journals : The Vedanta Kesari (English, 55th year), Sri Ramakrishna Vijayam (Tamil, 49th year) and Sri Ramakrishna Prabha (Telugu, 25th year). (6) Publication of books (new : 4; reprints : 37). (7) 8c (8) A Primary School (students 640) and the Vivekananda Centenary Girls' High School (students 521)> both at George Town, Madras 1. (9) A Charitable Dispensary with Allopathic, Homoeopathic, Dental, E.N.T., X-ray and Surgical sections : Total cases 1,61,628; new cases 62,534. (10) Doling powdered milk to 11,460 undernourished children.

The Mission branch undertakes relief work as and when necessary.

The Ramakrishna Mission and Ashrama, Bombay

This Ashrama, situated at Khar, Bombay 52 (Phone : 53-2442), conducted—(1) Daily worship and Bhajan. (2) Celebration of a number of birthdays of saints and prophets. (3) 217 religious classes in and outside the Ashrama.

The Mission branch conducted—(1) A Charitable Dispen-sary-cum-14 bedded Hospital with Allopathic, Homoeopathic,

Ayurvedic and Nature Cure sections : Outdoor cases 2,13,209; Indoor cases 385 (surgical : 189). (2) A Library : Books 14,930 (issued 10,573); periodicals 130; dailies 6. (3) A Students' Home : inmates 80. (4) Earthquake Relief work at Koyna-nagar in the Satara district of Maharashtra.

The Ramakrishna Ashrama and Mission Sevashrama Vrindaban (Mathura)

The Sevashrama (Phone : 10), occupying its own commodious new buildings on the Mathura Road, had the following activities : (1) An Indoor Hospital with Medical, Surgical, Eye, E.N.T., Dental, Radiological and Pathological departments : Beds 100, admissions 2,266; surgical cases 1,805. The Eye Department, a special feature of the Hospital, proved very popular. (2) An Outdoor Allopathic-cum-Homceo Dispensary : Total cases 1,48,754 ; new cases 28,748.

The Math branch, started in 1965, observed certain festivals and the birth anniversaries of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother, Swami Vivekananda and other religious celebrities.

The Ramakrishna Mission and Ashrama Mangalore (South Kanara)

Besides daily worship, Bhajan and the celebration of birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother and Swami Vive-kananda_; this Ashrama, situated on Mangaladevi Road, Mangalore 1 (Phone : 3412), organised weekly classes and occasional lectures or discourses in and outside the Ashrama. The Ashrama Library had 2,873 books.

The Mission branch conducted—(1) A Boys' Home with 45 boys. (2) An Allopathic Charitable Dispensary : Total cases 27,452; new cases 5,707.

The Ramakrishna Math and Mission, Rajahniundry (East Godavari)

The Math, started in 1951 and situated at Veerabhadra-puram, Rajahmundry 1 (Phone: 112), conducted regular wor-

ship and Bhajan, 50 scriptural classes, a Library and Reading Room (Books 5,900; periodicals 21), and celebration of the birthdays of Prophets.

The Mission branch conducted a small Students' Home with 6 boarders. The Town Centre, on the bank of the Goda-vari, conducted regular worship, a free Library (Books 1,385 ; newspapers and periodicals 39) and a charitable Homoeopathic Dispensary. Daily religious discourse, a regular feature of this centre, proved quite popular.

The Ramakrishna Math and Mission, Bhubaneswar

Founded by Swami Brahmananda in 1919, this monastery on the Vivekananda Marg, Bhubaneswar 2 (Phone : 213), conducted daily worship, regular religious classes and lectures in and outside the Math, and celebrated the birthdays of Prophets.

The activities of the Mission branch were—(1) A free U.P. School with 129 boys and 82 girls. (2) An M.E. School with 56 boys. (3) An Allopathic Charitable Dispensary : Total cases 21,817; new cases 11,410. (4) A free Library and Reading Room : Books 7,753 (issued 18,196); periodicals 32. (5) Pecuniary help to deserving persons. (6) Participation in Cyclone Relief work in Cuttack district.

A new Library Building was under construction.

The Ramakrishna Math and Mission Sevashrama Bankura

The Math (Phone : 231) conducted—(1) Daily worship. (2) 344 religious classes and lectures. (3) A number of public celebrations. (4) A Library and Reading Room : Books 2,995 ; periodicals 15.

The Mission Sevashrama conducted—(1) Two charitable Dispensaries; cases treated 39,260 (new : 9,132). (2) A Junior Urban Basic School with 118 boys and 57 girls. (3) A Students' Home with 24 inmates,

The Ramakrishna Math and Mission Ashrama, Malda

This centre (Phone : 479) held regular scriptural classes and Bhajan as also occasional lectures both within and outside its own premises. It also celebrated the birthdays of Saints and Prophets.

The Mission branch conducted—(1) A Higher Secondary School with 644 students. (2) An Urban Junior Basic School with 214 boys and 22 girls. (3) Three Primary Schools at Gajole, Narayanpur and the Mission Refugee Colony at Malda with a total of 215 boys and 103 girls. (4) A rural Junior Basic School at Amriti with 75 boys and 66 girls. (5) Three adult education centres for tribals and backward communities : Neo-literates 170. (6) Two Pre-basic (Nursery) Schools with 61 boys and 45 girls. (7) A Women's Home Industry centre with 32 trainees. (8) A Students' Home with 33 inmates, of whom 5 were free. (9) A Library and Reading Room : Books 2,191 (issued 3,010) ; periodicals and newspapers 28. (10) A Homceo-pathic Charitable Dispensary with branches at Sahapur and Chitkol : Total cases 29,554 (new : 2,202). (11) A Children's Club with 150 boys and 160 girls.

The Ramakrishna Ashrama and Mission Sevashrama Tamluk (Midnapore)

The activities of the Mission branch (Phone : 5) were— (1) An Industrial School with 25 students. (2) A Junior Basic School with 98 boys and 87 girls. (3) A Nighi School loi adults (Roll strength : 30). (4) A Primary School with 98 boys and 67 girls. (5) A Students' Home with 14 inmates. (6) A small Weaving Centre. (7) A Library and Reading Room : Books 6,976; issued 4,906. (8) An Outdoor Charitable Dispensary : Total cases 22,877 (new : 5,066). (9) Casual help in cash and kind.

The Ashrama conducted daily worship and Bhajan and celebrated a number of birthdays of Prophets and Saints.

The Ramakrishna Math and Mission Kamarpukur (Hooghly)

This centre was founded in 1947 to preserve the house where Sri Ramakrishna was born.

The Math (Phone : Kamarpukur 21) conducted daily worship and religious classes and observed certain festivals and birthdays of religious celebrities.

The Mission branch conducted—(1) A charitable Homoeopathic Dispensary : Total cases 15,290. (2) Two Senior Basic Schools with 146 boys. (3) Two Junior Basic Schools with 297 boys and 147 girls. (4) A Pre-Basic School with 50 children. (5) A School-cum-Community centre : Students 25. (6) An Audio-Visual Mobile Unit. (7) A Hostel with 125 boys. (8) A Multi-purpose Higher Secondary School with 176 boys. (9) A Sanskrit school with 17 students. (10) An area Library with 4,645 books. (11) A Pre-vocational Training Centre with 81

The Matrimandir and Ramakrishna Mission 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, some festivals and a small Library.

Its Math sub-centre, the Ramakrishna Ashrama, Koalpara (P.O. Uehuapara), at a distance of live miles trom Jayrambati, is a quiet retreat associated with the memory of the Holy Mother.

The activities of the Mission Sevashrama were—(1) A Chari-' table Dispensary : Total cases 13,365 (new : 3,658). (2) A Senior Basic School with 72 boys and 25 girls. (3) Two Pre-Basic (Nursery) Schools with 40 boys and 42 girls. (4) One Night School for adults : Students 11. (5) Two Junior Basic '"Schools with 203 boys and 109 girls. (6) Occasional help in cash and kind.

The Ramakrishna Math and Mission Sevashrama Contai (Midnapore)

The Sevashrama (Phone : Contai 151) had the following activities : (1) A Library and Reading Room with a Mobile unit : Books 5,000; issued 4,457 ; magazines etc, 18. (2) A Charitable Homoeopathic Dispensary : Total cases 30,839 (new : 9,971). (3) A Students' Home with 7 free students. (4) A U.P. School at Belda, 4 miles off, with 71 boys and 59 girls. (5) Occasional pecuniary help to deserving persons. (6) Flood Relief work in the district.

The Math conducted daily worship and organised occasional public lectures. Birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother and Swami Vivekananda were observed.

The Ramakrishna Math and Mission Sevashrama Allahabad

The Math, situated at Muthiganj (Bigyanananda Road, Allahabad 3 ; Phone : 5689) was founded in 1908 and the Mission Sevashrama in 1910 by Swami Vijnanananda. The Math conducted : (1) Daily worship, fortnightly Ramnam Kirtan and 77 religious classes. (2) Birth anniversaries of Saints and Prophets.

The Sevashrama conducted : (1) A Charitable Homoeopathic Dispensary : Total cases 19,057 (new : 5,069). (2) A Library and Reading Room : Books 8,471 ; issued 2,504 ; newspapers and periodicals 46..

The Ramakrishna Ashrama and Mission Seva Samili Karimganj (Cachar)

The Seva Samiti conducted—(1) A Students' Home with 22 inmates. (2) A Library and Reading Room : Books 2.142 ; issued 2,190; dailies and periodicals 18. (3) A Mobile Libiary for the rural areas with 442 books; issued 471. (4) A Homoeopathic Dispensary : total cases 3,043 (new : 1,674). (5) Cremation of unclaimed dead bodies. (6) Doling of rice to 16

regular recipients and occasional help in cash and kind. (7) Public classes and lectures : 39.

The Ashrama conducted : (1) Daily worship and religious classes. (2) Birth anniversaries of Prophets.

The Ramakrishna Math and Mission Sevashrama Garbeta (Midnapore)

The Sevashrama (P.O. Amlagora) conducted : (1) A Homoeopathic Charitable Dispensary : Total cases 6,440 (new : 5,374). (2) A small Students' Home. (3) A Junior Basic School with 100 boys and 100 girls. (4) A Library; books 1,232. (5) Occasional pecuniary help.

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

The Ramakrishna Ashrama and Mission Sevashrama

Calicut

Located in its own premises at Kallai, Calicut 3 (Phone : 2471), the Sevashrama conducted—(1) A Secondary School with 760 boys and 524 girls. (2) A Lower Primary School with 320 boys and 262 girls. (3) A Students' Home with 87 inmates.

An Allopathic Dispensary : Total cases 46,900 (new : 14,683).
Daily Bhajan and discourses for the students of the Home,and special Bhajan and discourses for school students everySunday. (6) 65 religious and cultural meetings, and occasionalcd'.icdticnci! film shows for <furlenfs

The Ashrama branch at Quilandy, 25 Kilometres from Calicut, duly observed the birthdays of certain religious celebrities in addition to conducting regular worship, Bhajan, etc.

SECTION IV MATH CENTRES

The Advaita Ashrama, Mayavati (Almora)

Under the inspiration of Swami Vivekananda the Ashrama (P.O. Mayavati, Via Lohaghat) was founded in 1899 in the solitude of deep Himalayan forests, commanding a magnificent view of the snow-range.

During 1967-68 the Ashrama at Mayavati maintained a Library (Books : 6,500), and a 21-bedded Hospital, which treated 585 indoor and 15,487 outdoor cases (new 9,451).

The attached guest-houses provided opportunities for spiritual culture to a limited number of aspirants.

The Ashrama has a branch at 5, Dehi Entally Road, Calcutta 14 (Phone : 44-1214), which undertook the following activities : (1) Publication : 10 books were reprinted. (2) Publication of an English monthly, the Prabuddha Bharata (72nd-73rd year). (3) Religious classes and public lectures in its own auditorium. (4) A Public Library and Reading Room : Books 6,860 ; newspapers and periodicals 83. (5) Doling of food-grains etc. to 216 recipients and monetary help to different institutions (Rs. 1,977).

The Ramakrishna Math, Baghbazar, Calcutta

The Math occupying its own home at 1, Udbodhan Lane, Calcutta 3 ; (Phones : 55-2447 and 55-0056), is known also as the Calcutta residence of the Holy Mother. In addition to the usual routine of a monastery, it conducted : (1) A Library : Books 2,351 ; issued 1,588. (2) Scriptural classes and lectures. (3) A Publication Department, which printed 2 books and reprinted 16 others in addition to the Bengali monthly Udbodhan (69th year).

A multi-storeyed building on a newly acquired plot of land

for the Library and the Publication Department was under construction.

The Ramakrishna Ashrama, IVagpur

The main feature of this Ashrama at Dhantoli, Nagpur 1 (Phone: 23422), is the publication of Ramakrishna-Vivekananda literature in Hindi and Marathi. The Ashrama conducted : (1) A Library and free Reading Room : Books 22,407 ; issued 13,800; newspapers and periodicals 98. (2) A Students' Home for college students : inmates 32. (3) A Publication Department, which brought out 22 books (new 8, reprints 14). (4) Publication of the Marathi monthly—Jivan Vikas (12th year). (5) A Study Circle, which organised debates, public meetings and magic lantern lectures. (6) Birth anniversaries of religious celebrities. (7) Weekly scriptural discourses and lectures. (8) A Charitable Dispensary in Indora, a backward locality, which treated 1,13,186 cases (new : 25,435).

The Ramakrishna Ashrama, Rajkot

The Ashrama, situated in Jagnath Plot (Phone : 407), conducted—(1) A Charitable Dispensary with Ayurvedic and Homceopathic departments and an Allopathic eye section : Total cases 62,062 (new : 6,223). (2) A Students' Kome with 75 boys. (3) A free Library and Reading Room : Books 16,045 (issued 11,159); newspapers and periodicals 149. (4) A Publication Department which published Gujarati versions of Ramakrishna-Vivekananda literature. (5) Regular worship and religious discourses in the Ashrama and occasional lectures at Rajkot and other places. (6) Birth anniversaries of religious celebrities.

The Ramakrishna Ashrama, Trichur

This Ashrama, situated at the Vilangan, (P.O. Puranat-tukara; Phone : Trichur 646), four miles from Trichur town, is an important educational centre which conducted in 1967-68 —(1) Two Gurukulas and orphanages—one for boys and another for girls—with 112 and 84 inmates respectively. (2) A High

School with 692 boys, and a Lower Primary School (students : 692). (3) A Girls' High School (pupils : 580). (4) Two Cooperative Societies. (5) A Library and Reading Room at Pun-kunnam in Trichur town : Books 4,360; newspapers and periodicals 17. (6) Religious classes for the public : 130. (7) Daily worship and Bhajan in the Ashrama Gurukulas, at the Punkunnam Library and in the Harijan Colony at Adat. (8) A Shishuvihar (Creche) with 40 babies. (9) Birth anniversaries of religious celebrities, and festivals. (10) A spiritual retreat for 5 days for lay devotees. (11) A Publication Department, which brought out 9 books (new 5, reprints 4). (12) Publication of the Prabuddha Keralam, a monthly in Malayalam.(53rd year). (13) A Printing Press. (14) A Charitable Dispensary : Total cases 27,680 (new : 13,979). (15) A 10-bedded Hospital for women and children ; cases 277.

The girls' section, comprising the Gurukula for girls, Girls' High School, and other ancillary institutions for them, was handed over by the Ramakrishna Math to the Sarada Math on 6th June, 1968.

The Ramakrishna Ashrama, Bangalore

The Ashrama at Basavangudi, Bangalore 19 (Phone : 23939), conducted—(1) Weekly religious discourses and daily worship and Bhajan in the Ashrama, and occasional lectures outside. (2) A Library and Reading Room : Books 4,553 (issued 1,430); magazines 22. (3) A small publication department for Kannada books. (4) A Cultural and Recreational Centre for boys aged 7 to 15. (5) A Students' Home for University boys (Phone : 72464) with 80 inmates. (6) Birth anniversaries of Incarnations. (7) The Swami Vivekananda Ashrama, Ulsoor (Phone : 74966), which had daily Puja, occasional Bhajan and weekly religious classes.

The construction of the Vivekananda Centenary Memorial Building was completed.

The Ramakrishna Ashrama, Mysore

This Ashrama at Vani Vilas Mohalla, Mysore 2 (Phone : 20535), has a beautiful Temple and Prayer Hall as also a Residential Primary and Higher Secondary School (Phone : 22954). The School (students : 296) had typing, drawing, painting and music as hobby classes. In addition, the Ashrama conducted :

Daily worship and Bhajan, and fortnightly Ramnam Kirtan.
Regular classes and occasional lectures in and outside thecity. (3) A Publication Department for books in Kannada :Reprints 13 ; new books 2. (4) Birth anniversaries of religiouscelebrities. (5) A summer retreat for college students. (6) ALibrary : Books 7,000 ; issued 1,466.

The Ramakrishna Ashrama, Trivandrum

The Ashrama located on the Nettayam hills about six miles from Trivandrum, has got an extension in the city at Sastha-mangalam, Trivandrum 10 (Phone : 2551).

Besides daily worship and the birth anniversary of Sri Ramakrishna, the Nettayam Ashrama had the following activities—(1) Religious classes and discourses : 264. (2) Public lectures, inter-religious group discussion, etc : 52.

The city branch conducted : (1) A 130-bedded Hospital (free beds : 70) with X-ray, Cardiography, Orthopaedics, Pediatrics, E.N.T., Dentistry, Maternity, Psychiatry and surgical departments : Cases—Indoor 5,342 and outdoor 59,845 (new : 34,513). (2) An Auxiliary Nurse-Midwifery Training Centre (trainees : 30) attached to the Hospital. (3) An Ayurvedic Dispensary : Total cases 8,749 ; new 4,391.

The Ramakrishna Advaita Ashrama, Kalady (Ernakulam)

This Ashrama at the birth-place of Sri Sankaracharya (Phone : 45) conducted : (1) Daily worship. (2) An Ayurvedic Dispensary : Total cases 3,896 (new : 3,268). (3) An L.P. School with 172 boys and 133 girls. (4) A Sanskrit U.P. School with 271 boys and 155 girls. (5) A High School having 376 boys

and 232 girls. (0) A Students' Home whh 137 inmates. (7) Weekly religious classes and 74 lectures in and outside the Ashrama. (8) A Library and Reading Room : Books G.658 ; newspapers and periodicals 17. (9) A Publication Department lor books mainly in Malayalam. (10) Birth anniversaries of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother and Swami Vivekananda, and other festivals.

The Ramakrishua Saradashrama, Poiiamjiel

(Coorg)

The Ashrama conducted—(1) An Indoor Hospital with 40 beds ; Admissions 833. (2) An Outdoor Charitable Dispensary : Total cases 34,118 (new : 24,133). (3) A Library and Reading Room : Books 2,433 ; magazines and newspapers 14. (4) Occasional lectures in and outside the Ashrama. (5) Observance of the birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother and Swami Vivekananda. (C) Special Puja and Bhajan on Ekadasi days.

The Vivekananda Ashrama, Shyamala Tal (Almora)

This Ashrama (P.O. Sukhidhang, Via Pilibhit) amid charming Himalayan scenery is an ideal resort for meditation and study. Its activities were : (1) A Library with 2,154 books.

(2) The Ramakrishna Sevashrama, a 12-bedded hospital attachedto the Ashrama, which treated 145 indoor and 7,508 outdoorcases (new : 4,688). Its Veterinary section treated 1,940 animals.

(3) Observance of birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna and SwamiVivekananda.

The Hamakrisluia Yogodyaiia, Kaiikurgachhi, Calcutta

This Math (7 Yogodyana Lane, Calcutta 54; Phone : 35-2928), founded in 1883 by Sj. Ram Chandra Datta_; a distinguished lay disciple of Sri Ramakrishna, was sanctified by the ' Master's visit. It enshrines part of the sacred relics of Sri Ramakrishna. Its activities were—(1) Daily worship. (2)

Religious classes numbering 100. (3) Celebration of the birthday of Sri Ramakrishna and some other festivals. (4) A small Library with 1,057 books. (5) Two Charitable Dispensaries (HomoEo) at Kumirmari and Manasadwip of 24 Parganas.: Total cases 29,094 (new : 8,966). (6) Two Primary Schools .at Manasadwip and Kumirmari.

The Gadadhar Ashrama, Calculla

This Ashrama, at 8GA Harish Chatterjee Street, Bhowani-pore, Caleutta 25 (Phone : 47-9779) continued its spiritual activities, consisting of daily worship and Bhajan, the observance of some annual celebrations and regular classes for the public. The Ashrama Library contained 2,600 books; newspapers and periodicals 11.

The Veda Vidyalaya, a Sanskrit Chatushpathi with 8 students, had a library with about 1,000 books.

The Ramakrishna Math, Cossipore, Calculla

This Math is established in the garden house (90 Cossipore Road, Calcutta 3 ; Phone : 50-2568) sanctified by the stay of Sri Ramakrishna with his disciples during the last few months of his life, as also by his Mahasamadhi. Daily worship, weekly scriptural classes in and outside the Ashrama₎ occasional meetings and the annual celebration of the 'Kalpataru Utsav' were the main activities of the centre. The Ashrama owned a small library.

The Ramakrishna Advaila Ashrama, Varanasi

Started by Swami Shivananda in 1902, the Ashrama (Ramakrishna Road, Varanasi 1) has all along been used as a retreatfor old and retired monks. It also conducted—1) Daily worship and Bhajan and the celebration of the birthdays of theIncarnations and Saints. (2) Religious classes for the public,numbering 325. (3) Occasional public lectures and seminars.(4) A Library and free Reading Room: Books 9,095; issued2,815 ; journals etc. 25. '

41)

The Ramakrishiiu Ashrama, Oolacauiuud (Nilgiris)

Tlie Ashrama at Ramakrishnapuram_j a beauty spot of the famed hill station, conducted—(I) Daily worship. (2) Congregational prayer and chanting on Sundays at the Ashrama. (3) 39 indoor and outdoor classes, besides several lectures outside the district. (4) A Library and Reading Room : Books 2 505 ; magazines and newspapers 17. (6) Birth anniversaries of Sri Ramakrishna and other religious celebrities, as also various festivals.

The Uamakrislma Ashrama, Tiruvalla (Allej.pey)

Started in 11)13 and occupying its own home at Thukalas-sery since 1930, the Ashrama besides regular worship_i Bhajan and the celebration of some birthdays conducted regular weekly classes at the Ashrama and in some temples nearby. It also maintained a small Library.

The Ramakrishna Ashrama, Palai (Kottayam), a sub centre of the Ashrama, conducted a Students' Home, a small Library and weekly religious classes.

The Kainakrishiia Math, Kaiichipuram (Chinglepul)

This monastery (70 Nellukara Street, Kaiichipuram 2) conducted—(1) 70 religious classes in the Ashrama and 5 public lectures. (2) A Public Library and Reading Room : Books (>,729; issued 2,795 ; magazines and newspapers 56; average daily attendance 224. (3) Discourses on Tiruvempavai for a month. (4) Celebration of the Navaratri Festivals and the birthdays of the Prophets. (5) Bhajans on Saturday evenings.

The Ramakrishna Malh, Nallaraiiipalli (North Arcol)

Besides daily worship and religious classes on every Sunday, this rural monastery conducted regular weekly Bhajans in the Math. Lectures and film-shows were occasionally organised in

the neighbouring villages. The birthday celebrations of Sri Ramakrishna, (he Holy Mother and Swami Vivekananda were held in the Ashraraa and also organised in different places The Ashraina held free coaching classes for school children.

The Ramakrishna Math, Puri

This monastery, situated since 1932 on the sea beach at Chakratirtha, is an excellent place for contemplation. Besides daily worship and Bhajan, the Ashrama celebrated some birthdays and other festivals. Religious discourses were held in the Ashrama occasionally.

The Ramakrishna Kutir, Almora

Founded in 1916 by Swamis Shivananda and Turiyananda, this Ashrama is a favourite retreat for our monks. Besides daily classes and occasional Bhajans the Ashrama conducted a Library (Books : 3,933; periodicals etc. 30). Limited accommodation was offered to religious-minded visitors.

The Ramakrishna Ashrama. Kishenpur (Dehra Dun)

Started in 1916, the Ashrama (P.O. Rajpur) is situated in a picturesque valley four miles above Dehra Dun on the Mus-soorie Road. Besides daily worship it conducted—(1) A Library : Books 1,415, newspapers and periodicals 9. (2) A Charitable Dispensary : Total cases 1,583 (new : 820). (3) Birth anniversaries of religious celebrities, and a few public meetings at Dehra Dun. (4) A small retreat for our monks at Barlowgani. three miles below the Mussouiie town.

The Ramakrishna Ashrama, Chandipur (Midnapore)

The Ashrama (P.O. Math Chandipur) started in 1916, conducted during 1967-68—(I) Daily worship and religious classes.

A Charitable Dispensary : Total cases 14,865 (new : 5,885).
A U.P. School : Boys 66 ; girls 73. (4) A Library with
1,077 books. (5) Occasional relief in cash and kind to the poor.(6) Observance of the birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy
Mother, Swami Vivekananda and other religious teachers.

The Ramakrishna Ashrama, Kalimpoiig (Darjeeling)

Besides serving as an excellent retreat for our monks, this Ashrama, commanding a fine view of the snow-range_; had a small Public Library (books : 1,080). Birth anniversaries ol Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda were observed.

The Ramakrishna Ashrama, Jamtara (Santhal Parganas)

This monastery serves as a place of rest and change for our monks. It also conducted—(1) A Charitable Dispensary : Total cases 10,482 (new : 7,915). (2) A Library with about 500 books. (3) Regular worship, Bhajan and birth anniversaries of Incarnations and religious festivals. (4) Distribution of drinking-water with sweets to pedestrians during summer.

SECTION V CENTRES OUTSIDE INDIA

IN EAST PAKISTAN A. MISSION CENTRES

The Ramakrishna Mission, Bar! sal

This centre conducted—(1) A Library. (2) Occasional religious classes. (3) Celebration of the birthdays of religious teachers. It also maintained a prayer hall.

The Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Faridpur

The Ashrama's activities were—(1) An M.E.School with about 200 students. (2) A small Students' Home. (3)An outdoor Homceopathic Dispensary. (4) A small Library. (5) The Jagaddhatri Puja and the birth anniversaries of Prophets. (6) Help to the poor in kind and cash. A prayer hall was maintained by the centre.

B. COMBINED MATH & MISSION CENTRES

The Ramakrishna Math and Mission, Dacca

The Mission branch (Phone : 53326) conducted—(1) An outdoor Homceopathic Dispensary : Total cases 3,221 (new 136). (2) A Boys' School (up to class VIII) : Students 388. (3) A Library and Reading Room : Books 3,015 ; newspapers and periodicals 11. (4) Religious and cultural discourses. (5) A Students' Home with 65 boys. Occasional pecuniary help was given to the needy.

The Math section conducted—(1) Daily worship, prayer and weekly religious classes. (2) Celebration of the birthdays of some Prophets and Saints and certain festivals.

The Ramakrishna Mission and Ashrama, Narayanganj

(Dacca)

The activities of the Mission section were—(1) A Students' Home. (2) A small Library. (3) Occasional pecuniary help to the needy.

The Math section conducted—(1) Regular worship and Bhajan. (2) Celebration of the Durga Puja and the Shyama Puja and the birth anniversaries of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother and Swami Vivekananda.

The Ramakrishna Ashrama and Mission Seva Samiti

Sylhet

The Mission Seva Samiti's activities were—(1) A Library and Reading Room : Books 1,800. (2) A Students' Home : Inmates 12. (3) Help to the poor in cash and kind. (4) Cremation of unclaimed dead bodies.

The Ashrama conducted—(1) Daily worship and Bhajan. (2) Weekly religious classes and occasional lectures. (3) Celebration of the Durga Puja and Shyama Puja and the birth anniversaries of religious celebrities.

The Ramakrishna Ashrama and Mission Seva Samiti Habiganj (Sylhet)

The Mission branch conducted a small Students' Home.

The Ashrama conducted regular worship and religious classes and celebrated some anniversaries as well as the Durga Puja.

The Ramakrishna Ashrama and Mission Sevashrama Baliati (Dacca)

The Mission branch conducted—(]) A Charitable Dispensary. (2) A Primary Girls' School. (3) A small Library and Reading Room.

The Ashrama conducted regular worship, Bhajan, etc. ^;

54 C. MATH CENTRES

The Ramakrishna Ashrama, Dinajpur

The Ashrama's activities were—(1) A Students' Home with 20 inmates. (2) A Library and Reading Room with 872 books and magazines. (3) Occasional help in cash and kind to the needy. (4) Regular worship, Bhajan and religious classes, and celebration of some festivals and birth anniversaries of religious celebrities.

The Ramakrishna Ashrama, Bagerhat (Khulna)

The Ashrama's activities were—(1) Regular worship and scriptural classes. (2) A small Library with about 800 books.

A Students' Home with 33 boys including 4 free students.
Pecuniary aid to the needy. (5) Celebration of the Jagad-dhatri Puja and the birth anniversaries of Sri Ramakrishna, theHoly Mother and Swami Vivekananda.

The Ramakrishna Ashrama, Mymensingh

The centre conducted—(1) Regular worship, Bhajan and occasional public meetings. (2) A Students' Home with 25 inmates. (3) A small Library : Books 554, periodicals, etc. 7. (4) Weekly religious classes and Bhajan for students.

IN BURMA

The Ramakrishna Mission Society, Rangoon

With a three-storeyed building at 230 Botataung Pagoda Road (phone : 11626) and a free Guest House in an adjacent building the Society conducted : (1) A free Open-Access Reference and Lending Library and Reading Room : Books 49,711 (issued 21,365); newspapers and periodicals 138; daily average attendance 475. (2) 42 lectures on educational and cultural topics by outstanding persons. (3) 2 Musical Evenings. (4) 2 Symposia on cultural and religious topics. (5) Fortnightly

Ramnam Sankirtan. (6) Celebration of the birthdays of world teachers of diverse faiths.

As permits for permanent residence of Indian monks are not available, the work of the centre is conducted by some local friends of the Mission.

IN CEYLON

The Ramakrishna Mission (Ceylon Branch)

The Ashrama at Colombo with its own home near the beach on the Ramakrishna Road (Colombo 6 ; Phone : 88253) conducted—(1) Daily worship and weekly classes in Tamil and English and occasional festivals. (2) A free Library with 2,450 books and a Reading Room with 38 newspapers and magazines. (3) Poyaday religious classes for about 587 children in the Ashrama. (4) Religious classes for youthful offenders at the Wathupitiwela Training School, about 28 miles from Colombo. (5) The International Cultural Centre with a Students' Hostel (students : 39), Guest Rooms, Library, etc.

The construction of the Swami Vivekananda Centenary Memorial Hall was nearing completion.

At the Batticaloa branch, besides running three orphanages with 68 boys and 44 girls, regular classes were conducted amongst lepers and prisoners. 435 students attended the Poyaday religious classes.

The capacious Madam (Pilgrims' Rest House) at the holy seat of Kataragama, 180 miles from Colombo, had a daily average o£ about 400 pilgrims. As in previous yetus, Cue Aluda/ri supplied free meals each day to about 9,000 pilgrims and cool drinks to about 20,000 for 18 days during the Esala Festival.

IN SINGAPORE

The Ramakrishna Mission, Singapore

This Mission centre at 9 Norris Road, Singapore 8 (Phone : 35249), undertook the following¹ activities : (1) A Library and

Reading Room : Books 5,118 ; periodicals 34 and dailies 6. (2) Weekly scriptural classes and occasional meetings for the public. (3) The Vivekananda Tamil School and the Sarada Devi Tamil School, run at 38 Morris Road, in two alternate sessions, with 110 and 115 pupils respectively. Adult Night classes for 53 students were also conducted in the School building. (4) A Students' Home for indigent boys (inmates 55) at 179 Hartley Road (Singapore 19'; Phone : 89077). (5) Birth anniversaries of Sri Ramakrishna, Sarada Devi, Swami Vivekananda and other religious celebrities, as also fortnightly Ramnam Kirtan and several festivals in the Sri Ramakrishna Temple. (6) The Kalai-magal Tamil School at 7 M.S. Yio Chu Kang Road with 49 boys and 109 girls.

IN FIJI

The Ramakrishna Mission, Nadi

The Ashrama is situated amid sylvan surroundings in the Nadi township (Post Box 9 ; Phone : 16), where Gita classes were held weekly. Religious classes were held in several towns also.

The educational work of the centre at Nadi was carried on mainly through Vivekananda High School (Phone : 444), a Library and a Students' Home. During 1967-68 the High School had on its rolls 262 boys and 150 girls and the Students' Home accommodated 21 boys.

The Swami in charge of the Ashrama took part in various social activities in the island.

IN MAURITIUS

The Ramakrishna Mission, Vacoas

The Mission centre at Vacoas (Phone : 313) had the following activities : (1) A Secondary School with 170 students and

an evening Hindi class at St. Julien d' Hotman with 81 children. (2) Preaching in different places of Mauritius. (3) Weekly religious and cultural classes for Hindu students in Queen Elizabeth College at Rose Hill, and religious talks delivered at the Youth Leaders' Conference. (4) Birth anniversary of Sri Ramakrishna.

IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

The Vedanta Society, New York

This is the first Vedanta centre in the United States of America, having been started by Swami Vivekananda in 1894. It has its own five-storeyed building at 34 West 71st Street, New York, N.Y. 10023 (Phone : Trafalgar 4-8691).

Swami Pavitrananda has been in charge of the centre since 1951. Services were conducted by the Swami every Sunday, and classes on the Bhagavad-Gila were held on Tuesdays. There was a special class for the members on Fridays.

Birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother, Swami Vivekananda and Lord Buddha as well as Christmas and Easter were celebrated. The annual Members' Dinner and "Vivekananda Fourth of July Festival" also were celebrated.

Groups of students from different institutions, including those from New York University, came for special and regular classes at the centre. The Swami had several outside engagements for lectures.

The Ramakrishna-Vivekananda Centre New York

The centre was founded in 1933 by Swami Nikhilananda who continues to be Minister-in-charge. He is assisted by Swami Adiswarananda, who joined the centre in August, 1968. Located in its own house at 17 East 94th Street, New York, N.Y. 10028 (Phones : Atwater 9-1710 and Lehigh 4-9445, Cable

address : Ramavivek, New York) the centre had the following activities during 1967-68.

Services were conducted as usual on Sundays and scripture classes were held on Tuesdays and Fridays except for the period from llth June, 1967, to 9th September, 1967, when classes had to be suspended due to the illness of Swami Nikhilananda. Special services were held for the Durga Puja, Christmas, Easter, and the birthdays of Buddha, Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother and Swami Vivekananda.

Since 1947, "Vivekananda Cottage", the house in Thousand Island Park (New York State) in which Swami Vivekananda imparted his Inspired Talks in 1895, has been used as a retreat cum place of pilgrimage during the summer. As usual daily meditation classes were conducted there.

A house, near the Vivekananda Cottage, called the Holy Mother Cottage, was used during the summer vacation by the women workers of the centre.

Groups of students from various colleges and churches came to attend special lectures at the centre. Swami Nikhilananda, as the Adjunct Professor of Hindu Religion at Temple University of Philadelphia, Pa., lectured to the gruaduate class on Mondays.

The centre had its own publication department with a good number of valuable publications to its credit. "Man In Search of Immortality", the latest book of Swami Nikhilananda, was published by a London Publisher.

TVi*. A/WIaiilji SoC!Cf^vr Prnvirl«>nr>«» (R.I.)

This Society, started in 1928 by Swami Akhilananda, has its permanent home at 224 Angell Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02906 (Phone : 421-3960). Swami Sarvagatananda has been in charge of the centre from November, 1962.

The birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother, Swami Vivekananda, Swami Brahmananda, Sri Krishna, Buddha and Jesus Christ, as well as Easter and Durga Puja were celebrated- Sunday services and Tuesday classes on the Gita

were conducted regularly. The Swami gave lectures to the students of Brown University, Barrington College and some other local educational and religious organisations. He was also an active member of the World Affairs Council of Rhode Island. On invitation he went to Canada and spoke at a Seminar organised by Roman Catholic Fathers and also in the Sir George Williams University at Montreal.

The Ramakrishna Vedanta Society Boston (Massachusetts)

This Society, started by Swami Akhilananda in 1941, is located in its own commodious home at 58 Deerfield Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02215 (Phone : 536-5320). Swami Sarvagatananda took charge of the centre in November, 1962.

During the year under report, Sunday services and Thursday classes were regularly held. The birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother, Swami Vivekananda, Swami Brahmananda, Sri Krishna. Buddha, and Jesus Christ, as well as festivals like Easter and Durga Puja were duly celebrated.

Acting as one of the religious counsellors of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the Swami conducted regular Friday services in the Institute chapel. He also delivered a series of lectures in the Department of Religion at Boston University and spoke in various local colleges and church groups. On invitation, the Swami conducted a religious service at the Cathedral-of-the Pines and took part in a religious conference held in the Star Island oft the coast of New Hampshire.

The Society maintained the Sarada Ashrama, a spiritual retreat at Marshfield, where meditation classes and spiritual talks were cnoducted during summer for the devotees of both Boston and Providence centres.

The Vivekananda Vedanta Society Chicago (Illinois)

Established in 1930 by Swami Gnaneswarananda, the Society p\yned its first home in 1955 at 44 East Flm Street, Chicago,

Illinois 60111 (Phone : Area 312-787-8581). After Swami Bhashyananda took charge of the Society in July, 1965, a new building was purchased in 1966 at 5423 South Hyde Park Boulevard, Chicago, Illinois 60615 (Phone : Area 312-363-0027), which at present is acting as the headquarters of the Society.

The monastery of the Society is located at the Society headquarters where the Swami stays with four Brahmacharins. Besides daily worship in the shrine room, Wednesday meditation classes, and regular Sunday services are conducted in addition to two other weekly classes conducted by the Swami. A Library with about 2,000 volumes and a Sunday School for children are also conducted.

During the year under review the birthdays of Sri Rama-krishna, the Holy Mother, Swami Vivekananda, Swami Brahma-nanda and Jesus Christ as well as special worships for Durga and Kali were celebrated at the Society headquarters. On invitation the Swami delivered fifty-one lectures at various Universities, Colleges, Churches, etc. in and around Chicago. A banquet in connection with the birth anniversary of Sri Raina-krishna and a Symposium of Religions to commemorate the Anniversary of the Parliament of Religions in Chicago were special features of the year. The Swami also gave interviews to spiritual seekers.

The Vedanta Society, St. Louis (Missouri)

This centre, started by Swami Satprakashananda in 1938, acquired its own premises at 205 South Skinker Boulevard, St. Lrmis Missonr'' 6^10^ 'Phon" • P^ i-fui«\ in io^9 A« befor**

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he lectured on Sundays on Different religious and philosophical topics, and conducted meditation classes and expounded Hindu Scriptures on Tuesdays. He also gave interviews to spiritual aspirants. The Swami was invited to speak on Hindu Religion and Philosophy at different educational and religious institutions in and outside St. Louis. The Durga Puja, Good Friday, Christmas Eve and the birthdays of Sri Krishna, Buddha, Shan-kara, Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother, Swami Vivekananda

and Swami Brahmananda were specially observed. The lending Library of the centre was well utilised by the members and friends. The Swami expounded the Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna at an informal meeting of members and friends, held in the Library once a month.

The Vetlanta Society of Southern California Hollywood

This Society was started in 1930 by Swami Prabhavananda, who is still its leader. He is assisted by Swamis Vandanananda and Asaktananda. The main centre of the Society is at 1946 Vedanta Place, Hollywood, California 90028 (Phone : Hollywood 5-7114). At Santa Barbara, 86 miles north of Los Angeles, the Society has a temple, a shrine and a convent and at Trabuco, 65 miles to the south, a temple and a monastery.

During the year under review, in all the three establishments, morning meditation, noon worship and vesper service

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and a monthly vigil were conducted. Durga Puja, Kali Puja and Shivaratri were celebrated, as were the birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother, Swami Vivekananda, Swami Brahmananda, Buddha and the Christ. Weekly two evening classes were held at Hollywood, and one at Santa Barbara. Lectures were given each Sunday at both the Hollywood and Santa Barbara temples, and regular scriptural classes for the monastics were held at the Trabuco monastery and the Santa Barbaia coiiveui. The Swamis also lectured oil invitation at various churches and colleges, and numerous groups attended services at the Society.

A house in South Pasadena where Swami Vivekananda had lived for several weeks in 1900 was acquired in 1956 by the Society and is being maintained as a shrine.

At a newly acquired property at 2027 North Vine Street a monastery for the Hollywood centre was formally dedicated on 4th August, 1967.

The Vedanta Press, the Society's publishing department, had a good number of useful publications to its credit including a bi-monthly periodical : the Vedanla and the West.

The Vedanta Society of Northern California San Francisco

This Society, established by Swami Vivekanaiida in 1900, has been in charge of Swami Ashokananda since 1932. He is assisted by Swamis Shantaswarupananda, Shraddhananda and Swahananda.

The Society Headquarters is located at the Hindu Temple at 2963 Webster Street, San Francisco, California 94123 (Phone : 346-1265). In the spacious new Temple at 2323 Vallejo Street (San Francisco, California 94123 ; Phone : 922-2323), worship was conducted twice daily, and the auditorium was kept open for meditation. Public lectures were delivered there 011 Sundays and Wednesdays by the Swamis. The birthdays of Sri Rama-krishna, the Holy Mother and Swami Vivekananda, as well as those of Sri Krishna, Lord Buddha and the Christ were celebrated in the new Temple. Here also was held the Annual June Reception by and for the members of the three centres. The well-equipped Library had about 12,000 books. Individual interviews were given in both the temples by Swami Ashokananda.

The Friday evening scripture class as also the Sunday School for children aged 6 to 14 continued to be held at the old Temple.

The monastery of the Society now has three permanent estaulislimculs. One is located at the old Temple in San Francisco, another at the Olema Retreat and the third at the Sacramento branch centre. There is also a convent for women at San Francisco.

The Society has three retreats under it. The old retreat known as Shanti Ashrama, located in the San Antonio Valley, was visited during the year by some devotees. The 160-acre retreat on Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevada mountains was

maintained throughout the year. The 2,000-acre wooded retreat at Olema in Marin County, continued to be developed. Swami Shraddhananda spent part of each week there, during which time he held daily classes for the monastery members. The Society has two branch centres :

East Bay Centre : This branch centre, established in 1939 at 2455 Bowditch Street, Berkeley, California 94704 (Phone : 848-8862), had Swami Shantaswarupananda as its resident minister, who lectured on Thursdays and each Sunday of the month except the third, when Swami Chidrupananda spoke.

Sacramento Centre : Started informally in 1949 and affiliated in 1952, this Branch Centre is located at 1337 Mission Avenue, Sacramento County (P.O. Carmichael, California 95608 ; Phone : 489-5137). During the year under review a public lecture, preceded by worship, was given every Sunday morning by Swami Shraddhananda. The Swami also conducted classes for the devotees on Thursdays and for the members of the monastery on Fridays and Sundays.

Both the centres at Berkeley and Sacramento maintained libraries and celebrated the birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna and others.

The Vedanta Society, Portland (Oregon)

This centre, started in 1925, is now under the leadership of Swami Aseshananda. As the Vedic Temple property on Park Avenue has been acquired by the State of Oregon, the services and classes of the Society are held at present in the new temple at 1157 S.E. 55th Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97215 (Phone: 235-3919) ; as also the Retreat Temple in Summer.

During 1967-68 the centre conducted daily worship and meditations, maintained a library, and celebrated the Durga Puja, Kali Puja, Shivaratri as also the birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother, Lord Buddha and the Christ. The Swami held scriptural classes and gave interviews to those seeking spiritual guidance. He also spoke in various colleges, churches and the State University of Oregon.

In the Retreat Temple of the Society, which overlooks the Columbia River Valley, Sunday morning services were held in the summer season. The Swami invited informal discussions on religion -and phillosophy following the service. Members of the Society were encouraged to spend their vacations in this quiet atmosphere.

The Ramakrishiia Vedaiila Centre, Seattle (Washington)

This centre, started byt Swami Vividishananda in 1938^in i the beautiful north-western seaport of the United States has its own three-storeyed home at 2716 Broadway East, Seattle, Washington 98)02 (Phone : EAst 3-1228). During the period under review public lectures were delivered by him every Sunday, and weekly religious classes were held on Tuesday and Friday evenings. He also gave individual instructions and occasionally spoke before school, university and church groups on invitation.

During- a visit to Honolulu the Swami delivered lectures and granted interviews to spiritual seekers.

Birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother, Swami Vivekananda, and Lord Buddha, as well as Christmas and Easter were observed.

IN ARGENTINA

The Ramakrishna Ashrama, Buenos Aires

This Ashrama in South America was -founded in 1933 by Swami Vijayananda. He is now assisted by Swami Paratpara-nanda. In 1941 it acquired its own fine home in the small town of Bella Vista, J149 Caspar Camos, (Phone : 056-0098), about 30 Kilometres from Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina. ll was granted a legal status by the Argentine Government in

1957. .

During the year under review the Swami gave informal-

talks on Sundays in the Ashrama and weekly public lectures in Buenos Aires. Besides maintaining a library, the centre duly observed the birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother, Swami Vivekananda and Swami Brahmananda as well as festivals like Christinas Eve, etc.

On invitation the Swami visited Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo of Brazil giving talks and interviews to devotees for a period of nearly three months.

IN ENGLAND

The Ramakrishna Vedaiita Centre, London

Founded in 1948 by Swami Ghanananda, this centre is now housed in a commodious building at 54 Holland Park, London VV. 11 (Phone : 01-727-4010; Cable address : Vedanla London W. 11). It also owns a house at 08 Dukes Avenue, Muswell Hill, London N. 10 (Phone : 01-883-3075), which till recently was acting as the local headquarters and chief venue of activity of the centre. But now 54 Holland Park is the principal centre of activity.

During 1967-08 the centre conducted regular Sunday services besides occasional lectures organised outside London. Interviews were given by the Swami-in-chargc to earnest spiritual aspirants. More than 7,500 visitors were received by the centre excluding attendance at meetings.

Vedanla for East and West, the bi-monthly organ of the centre, entered its 17th year in September, 1907.

The birthdays of Sri Raimikrishm^ the Holy Mother, Sv/ami Vivekananda and other religious teachers, as well as sacred festivals were observed as usual.

IN SWITZERLAND

The Ramakrishna Vedanta Centre, Geneva

Swami Nityabodhananda, who started this centre in 1958, conducted regular classes on the Gita at his residence in 20

Avenue Peschier, Geneva; Telephone : (022) 40-12-48. On invitation, he gave a series of talks on religion at the University of Geneva and spoke in an international inter-religious Congress, which held its sessions in Rome and Paris. During the year he organised a study group at Basel and a spiritual retreat at St. Moritz. "Myths and Religions of India/' a new book by the Swanii, was published by a Paris publishing house.

IN FRANCE

The Centre Vedaiitique Ramakrlchiia, Gretz

The nucleus of this centre was formed by Swami Yatiswar-ananda in Paris in 1936. In the following year Swami Siddhe-swarananda took up the work. The centre's own house on Boulevard Victor Hugo, 77-Gretz, France (Phone : 407-03-11), about 20 miles from Paris, was acquired in 1948. Swami Ritaj-ananda, who has been in charge since 1961, is now assisted by Swami Vidyatmananda.

Situated in a quiet area, witli extensive lands and beautiful trees, the centre conducted regular worship and meditation in the chapel. The birthdays of various prophets were observed with special worship and public lectures. Every Sunday afternoon there was a lecture in the new lecture hall. The Swami gave interviews to people seeking advice on spiritual matters. He also gave talks at Brussels and various places of Germany, Switzerland and France. The study group, organised at Wiesbaden, Germany, continued successfully. Regular classes were newly started at Paris at 6 Place des Etats-Unis, where Swami Vivekananda stayed in 1900.

The centre published the Vedanla, a quarterly magazine in French.

Funds That Need Liberal Help

The Ramakrishna Math and the Mission afford opportunities for the wider public to co-operate with the Ramakrishna

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

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

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

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

(iv)The Mass Education Fund.

(v) The Mission Workers Fund, for the medical care of workers who fall sick, or retire in old age.

(All the above are Mission Funds.)

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

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

(^vnl) Funds for the maintenance of old and sick monks.

. 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 clear specification of their purpose; or they may be sent direct to the branch centres 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.

APPENDIX A

EXTRACTS FROM THE MEMORANDUM OF ASSOCIATION OF THE RAMAKRISHNA MISSION

registered on the 4TH may, 1909, under act XXI of 1860 registration No. 1917 of 1909-10

revised according to west bengal act XXVI of 1961

1. (a) The name of the Association is THE RAMKRLSHNA MISSION. It may also be spelt as RAMAKRISHNA

MISSION.

# * # * *

2. 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 sluuy of the arts, sciencesand industries.
To train teachers in all branches of knowledge above-mentioned and enable them to reach the masses.
To carry on educational work among the masses,
To establish, maintain, carry on and assist schools,colleges, universities, orphanages, workshops, laboratories, hospitals, dispensaries, houses for the infirm, 'the invalid and theafflicted, famine-relief works, and other educational and/orcharitable works and institutions of a like nature.

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

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

Members and Associates

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

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

Members' Declaration Form

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

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

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

(c) All persons irrespective of colour, creed or caste, sympathising with all or any of the objects of the Association, may

be associates, if elected at a meeting of the Association or 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 exemptedtherefrom in writing by the Governing Body, shall pay an admission 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 or subscriptions.
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 the Libraryattached to the Math at Belur in the district of Howrah andreside at the Math temporarily subject to rules and regulationsprescribed by the Math authorities.
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.

*****

(e) Mofussil members shall be entitled to receive the proceedings, reports and leaflets published by the Association on application.

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

DISTRIBUTION OF BRANCH CENTRES (as in July, '69) :

Wcsl Bengal: Calcutta (7 centres), Belgharia, Narendrapur, Rahara, Sarisha, 1'aki, Manasadwip, Belur (Saradapitha), Tamluk, Chandipnr, Midnapore, Garbeta, Contai, Rara-liaripur, Bankura, Jayranibati, Kaniarpukur, Asansol, Sargachhi, Malda, Jalpaiguri, Kalhnpong and Purulia.

Assam : Shillong, Cherrapunji, Kariinganj, Silchar & Gauhati.

N.E.F.A. : Along.

Uiliar: 1'atna, Katihar, Ranch! (2 centres), Jamshcdpur, Dco-ghar and Jamtara.

Orissa : Bhubaneswar and Puri (2 centres).

U.P.: Allahabad, Varanasi (2 centres), Lucknow, Kanpur, Vrindaban, Ahnora, Shyainala Tal, Mayavati, Kankhal and Kishenpur.

Delhi: New Delhi. Punjab : Chandigarh. Rajaslhan : Khctri.

Gujarat : Rajkot.

Maharashtra : Bombay and Nagpur.

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

Andhra: Visakhapatnaiu and Rajahmundry.

Kerala : Trivandrum, Tiruvalla, Kalady, Trichtu and Calicut.

Mysore : Bangalore, Mysore, Ponanrpet and Mangalore.

M.P.: Raipur.

outside india

East Pakistan : Dacca, Narayanganj, Baliati, Myniensingh,

Faridpur, Barisal, Bagerhat, Dinajpur, Sylhet and

Habiganj.

En.T"ia : Rangoon. Ceylon : (Jolombo. Fiji : Nadi. Singapore : Singapore. Mauritius : Vacoas. England : London. France : Gretz. Switzerland : Geneva. United Stales 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 - 1969

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