A two-day youth festival began at Muktadhara Auditorium in Gol Market to commemorate the 156th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda…
156th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda
A two-day youth festival began at Muktadhara Auditorium in Gol Market to commemorate the 156th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda and the 125th year of his historic speech at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago in 1893.
The festival began on Saturday with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by Swami Shantatmananda, secretary, Ramakrishna Ashram, New Delhi, and Swami Nirmalatmananda, president of Ramakrishna Mission, followed by a prayer in memory of Vivekananda and his contribution to society.
Both the swamis were handed over mementos by president of Bengal Association Amitava Mukherjee, vice presidents Tapan Roy ad Bijoy Choudhary, president of Durga Bari Tushar Roy and Bengal Association secretary Tapan Sengupta.
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Addresing the gathering, Swami Shantatmananda said: “Congratulations for the 156th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda to all followers of Swami Vivekananda who implement his ideas and follow his lifestyle in daily life.”
“Rise, Awake and do not stop until the goal is reached,” said Shantatmananda quoting Vivekananda. He said he always looked upon Swamiji as the most important teacher in his life and suggested others should do the same. “We are here to celebrate the birth anniversary of Swamiji who has been a pathbreaker for generations. His contribution to our society is eternal and one must not forget that.”
Swami Nirmalatmananda reminded everyone about Swamiji’s historic speech in which he showed his gratitude to the world on behalf of the most ancient order of monks in the world. “With that speech in Chicago, Swamiji expressed his pride at being Hindu, a religion which taught tolerance and universal acceptance to the world. But at the same convention he also mentioned that ‘we accept all religion as one’.”
The event will continue on Sunday and will include a theatrical show and dances. Shohini Sengupta will be the chief guest and eminent stage and film personalities are expected to be present on the occasion.
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