Inauguration of Lift at Library Building
The G+2 Lift installed at the Turiyananda Library Building was inaugurated by Srimad Swami Suhitanandaji Maharaj
on 2nd Nov. 2024 at 8.30 PM in presence of a gathering of monks, brahmacharis and devotees.
The Lift's structural work was done by Srigar Infra of Almora and the elevator was provided by Royal Elevators of Gurap, WB
Dedication of Ram Maharaj Smriti Bhavan
The Ram Maharaj Smriti Bhavan, where Srimad Ram Maharaj resided as the first head of the Almora centre for more than thirty years, has been restored. The building now has four guest rooms on the ground floor, a dining hall and kitchen on the first floor, and an office on the second floor. The building was dedicated by Srimad Swami Suhitanandaji Maharaj on November 3, 2024, at 8:30 AM, in the presence of monks and devotees.
The architectural supervision for the entire project was overseen by Dr. Neeta Das, an internationally renowned conservation architect. The construction work for the ground and first floors was carried out by Srigar Infra, while the office on the second floor was completed by Nirman from Kolkata.
Dedication of Turiyananda Taposthali
The Chilkapeta Outhouse, where Swami Turiyananda and Swami Shivananda spent several months in austerities and sadhana during 1915-16, and from where Swami Turiyananda, assisted by Srimad Ram Maharaj, oversaw the construction of Ramakrishna Kutir, has been restored from its dilapidated condition. It has been rechristened as Turiyananda Taposthali.
This sacred site was dedicated at 9:15 AM on November 3, 2024, by Srimad Swami Suhitanandaji Maharaj, who himself suggested its restoration during his visit in May 2023, recognizing its historical and spiritual significance.
The restoration work was meticulously supervised by Dr. Neeta Das.
Unveiling of Swamiji's Statue at Kakrighat
A statue of Swamiji as a Parivrajak was installed near the riverfront at Kakrighat, close to the sacred Peepal tree, the Jnanavriksha, where Swamiji realized the oneness of the macrocosm with the microcosm during his visit in 1890 with Swami Akhandananda. The statue, visible from the main road across the river, was unveiled to the public by Srimad Swami Suhitanandaji Maharaj on November 3, 2024, at 11:00 AM, in the presence of monks, devotees, and the local people of Kakrighat.
A small function was held following the unveiling ceremony, in which students of the Vivekananda Baal Paramarsh Kendra performed a folk song and a short drama on moral values. Short speeches were delivered by Swami Shuddhidananda, Adhyaksha of Advaita Ashrama, Mayavati, and Swami Dhruveshananda, Adhyaksha of Ramakrishna Kutir, Almora.
Srimad Swami Suhitanandaji Maharaj delivered a benedictory address.
In addition, scholarships for high-performing students from Kakrighat were awarded, and books on the lives of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother, and Swamiji were distributed by him on this occasion. The program was anchored by Harish Parihar, President of Vivekananda Seva Samiti, and concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Devki Nandan Kandpal Ji.
Spiritual Retreat on 'Bhakti Prasanga'
A two-hour spiritual retreat was held on November 3, 2024, at the Shivananda Hall of Ramakrishna Kutir from 3:00 to 5:00 PM. The discourse, delivered by Swami Shuddhidanandaji Maharaj, Adhyaksha of Advaita Ashrama, Mayavati, was on the topic "Bhakti Prasanga." Around 60 participants attended the retreat, which concluded with tea and refreshments.
The program began with Vedic chanting performed by the Brahmacharis, and an introduction was given by Dr. C.P. Fuloria, Director of the Swami Vivekananda Spiritual Circuit and Study Centre at SSJ University, Almora.
The discourse, filled with inspiring stories of devotion, spiritual transformation, and teachings from Sri Ramakrishna, was well received by all. It conveyed a powerful message that the ultimate goal of human life is God-realization.
Release of Commemorative Souvenir & booklet on Srimad Ram Maharaj
A commemorative souvenir, published on the occasion of the 125th Anniversary of the foundation of the Ramakrishna Mission and Swamiji's return from the West, along with a booklet titled Srimad Ram Maharaj, was released by Srimad Swami Suhitanandaji Maharaj. The guest of honor on the occasion was Dr. Lakshmi Kant, Director of Vivekananda Parvatiya Krishi Anusandhan Sansthan (ICAR-VPKAS). He delivered a short but interesting address on the close relationship Srimad Ram Maharaj shared with Boshi and Gertrude Sen and recounted stories from Ram Maharaj’s life that illustrated his ability to teach profound lessons through his simple life and teachings.
Swami Shuddhidananda read out the benedictory address sent by Most Revered Gautamanandaji Maharaj, President of the Ramakrishna Math & Ramakrishna Mission. Earlier, the welcome address was delivered by Swami Dhruveshananda. Swami Chandrakantananda gave a short address on the significance of Almora in Swamiji’s life, and Swami Mayadheeshananda delivered a brief talk sketching the life of Srimad Ram Maharaj.
Key individuals involved in the construction and restoration of the
Turiyananda Taposthali, Lift, and Ram Maharaj Smriti Bhavan were also felicitated by Srimad Swami Suhitanandaji Maharaj.
Those honored included Deepak Pokhariya of Srigar Infra, sculptor Nirjan De from Sargachhi, and painter Nagendra Sah.
The evening session was attended by Swami Jnananishthananda, Adhyaksha of Vivekananda Ashrama, Shyamlatal,
Swami Vishwamayananda, Secretary of Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Sargachhi,
as well as several other monks and approximately 70 devotees.
The program held at the Shivananda Hall, which began after the Sandhya Arati at 6:30 PM,
concluded at 8:30 PM and was followed by dinner.
