8 April : The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi participated in the 125th Anniversary celebrations of Sri Ramakrishna Math at Vivekananda House in Chennai, Tamil Nadu today. Upon arriving at the venue, the Prime Minister paid floral tributes and performed puja and meditation in Swami Vivekanand’s room. The Prime Minister also released a book on Holy Trio on the occasion.Started in Chennai in 1897 by Swami Ramakrishnananda, the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission are spiritual organizations engaged in various forms of humanitarian and social service activities. Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister expressed happiness to be present on the occasion of the 125th anniversary of Ramakrishna Math’s service in Chennai and said that he deeply respects Ramakrishna Math in his life. Expressing his affection and love for Tamilians, the Tamil language, the Tamil culture and the vibe of Chennai, the Prime Minister mentioned visiting Swami Vivekanand’s house in Chennai where he stayed after returning from his trip in the West. He remarked that meditating in this house was a very special experience for him and he now feels inspired and energized. The Prime Minister expressed happiness about the outreach of ancient ideas to younger generations through technology.Quoting Thiruvalluvar from one of his verses, the Prime Minister explained that there is nothing like kindness in both this world and the world of Gods. Throwing light on the areas of service of Ramakrishna Math in Tamil Nadu, the Prime Minister gave examples of education, libraries, leprosy awareness and rehabilitation, health care, nursing and rural development. He also pointed out that before the service of Ramakrishna Math, it was the impact that Tamil Nadu had on Swami Vivekanand that came to the fore. He elaborated that Swami Vivekanand found the purpose of his life at the famous rock in Kanyakumari which transformed him and its impact could be witnessed in Chicago. He further added that Swami Vivekanand first set foot on the holy land of Tamil Nadu. The King of Ramnad, the Prime Minister said, received him with great respect and the Nobel Prize-winning French author Romain Rolland described the occasion as a festival where seventeen victory arches were erected and public life had come to a standstill for a week.
