Vivekananda Visited Shillong On 27th April 1901
The Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Cultural Centre in Shillong celebrated the 124th anniversary of Swami Vivekananda’s visit with a vibrant two-session event.
Now, if you thought Mondays were all doom and gloom, think again. While the rest of us were moaning about the return to routine and contemplating whether a second cup of tea could solve all existential woes, the good folks at the Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Cultural Centre, Shillong, were having a bit of a knees-up — the spiritual kind, mind you.
Why, you ask? Well, they were marking the 124th anniversary of none other than Swami Vivekananda’s legendary visit to Shillong on 27th April 1901 — a date etched in history and, evidently, in the town’s collective memory.
Since this year’s anniversary fell on a Sunday — and let’s face it, nobody wants to compete with Sunday naps and football on telly — the celebrations were wisely postponed to Monday, giving everyone a proper reason to turn up in their Sunday best… on a Monday.
A Tale of Two Sessions
With over 2000 eager students chomping at the bit to be part of the festivities, the organisers pulled off a logistical feat that would make any school principal weep with joy — they divided the affair into morning and afternoon sessions. Jolly good thinking.
The morning session kicked off with a floral tribute to Swamiji himself. Wanshai Shynret, the Deputy Director of the North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda and Homeopathy (NEIAH), Shillong, was the chief guest — and a rather wise one at that.
After the ceremonial lamp was lit — a sort of spiritual Olympic torch — Swami Hitakamananda delivered the introductory address, encouraging the students to let Swami Vivekananda’s teachings be their North Star. He also gave a hearty pat on the back to those juggling computer education and academic studies, which in this day and age is no small feat. Try explaining C++ to someone before breakfast.
Mr Shynret, not to be outdone, shared his fond memories of his own time with Ramakrishna Mission institutions. He spoke of character, responsibility, and the kind of success that doesn’t show up on a mark sheet — a sentiment that had the room nodding more earnestly than a politician at election time.
Lights, Camera, E-zine!
One of the more glittering moments (though no sequins were involved) was the launch of the tri-lingual magazine Ka Jingshai – The Light Jyoti (Vol. 6, Issue 1), including its e-zine version — perfect for the tech-savvy and the paper-averse alike.
Contributors were felicitated — a lovely word that sounds like being knighted without the sword — including the likes of Rangkitbok C. Dohkrut, Vancuover Shullai, renowned artist Rafael Warjri, and Padma Shri Silbi Passah. Safe to say, it was a who’s who of Shillong’s cultural crème de la crème.
Afternoon Delight
Not to let the morning have all the glory, the afternoon session brought in Aibanshngain Swer, Director of the Meghalaya Basin Development Authority, as the guest of honour. He got straight to the point about modern economic challenges, which, let’s be honest, can be as bewildering as assembling IKEA furniture without the manual.
He rightly praised the RKM’s focus on computer skills as a way to future-proof today’s youth. And to hammer the point home, he quoted the man of the hour himself:
“Take up one idea… This is the way to success, and this is the way great spiritual giants are produced.”
A rather smashing quote — one for the fridge magnet, if ever there was one.
A Teacher Honoured
The cherry on top of this inspirational Victoria sponge was the Vivekananda Award of Excellence, awarded to Rejoice Mary Diengdoh, a dedicated computer teacher at the Centre. Not only did she receive a citation, but a cash prize too — proving that virtue may be its own reward, but a little dosh never hurts either.
Sources : The Shillong Times
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