A REPORTER
SHILLONG: The 120th anniversary of Swami Vivekananda's visit to Shillong was celebrated by the Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Cultural Centre as the 'Foundation Day' of the institute here on Tuesday. The occasion was celebrated online owing to the COVID-19 protocols.
The celebration usually witnesses the participation of thousands of youths. But this time, the occasion was conducted online with live streaming of the speeches, cultural programmes and also connecting to the dignitaries through video conference.
The institute runs a skill development centre for computer, art and language.
Chief Justice of Meghalaya, BiswanathSomadder, inaugurated the celebration and also launched the third issue of 'KaJingshai – The Light', a trilingual magazine of the Centre. In his address as the Chief Guest of the session, Chief Justice Somadder said, ''Let us help each other and better ourselves by evolving towards better individuals."
Secretary of 'Ramakrishna Mission, Narottamnagar', Swami Achyuteshananda was the 'Guest of Honour'. He has been instrumental in bringing up the institute to its present glory. Connecting over from Narottamnagar, he addressed the audience and gave tributes to all the monks and staff, who contributed to the cause of the institute. The secretary of 'Ramakrishna Mission Shillong', Swami Hitakamananda remembered the presence of Ramakrishna Mission in north-eastern India serving students and other beneficiaries for the last 97 years.
It was a sight to behold the colourful presentations on the varied artforms of the north-eastern States by the cultural troops of the KaTbian Ki Sur Hara – SengKhasiKmie Music School, Sanskriti, and also of Pinky Ghosh. Among the dignitaries felicitated during the event wereSumar Sing Sawian, Raphael Warjri, Dr. MoushumiDey and Dr. Anita Panda. Darifia Nora Lyngdoh has been awarded the prestigious 'Vivekananda Award of Excellence' for her dedication and commitment to the service activities of the Mission.