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Belagavi Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama celebrates silver jubilee
Belagavi: An environment should be created in the country where followers of different religions can live in harmony. Vivekananda's thoughts are a model for a life of harmony, coexistence and peace.
They are complementary to the progress of the country, said law and parliamentary affairs and tourism minister HK Patil while attending the silver jubilee celebration of Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama in Belagavi on Sunday. The site holds profound historical and spiritual importance as
Swami Vivekananda
stayed here for nine days during his visit to Belagavi in 1892.
Swami Gautamanandaji Maharaj, president of Ramakrishna Math and Mission Belur; Swami Atmaprananand of Ramakrishna Ashram, Belagavi; DR Patil, ex-MLA Gadag; and VV Bhaskar, former director general of police, Karnataka, participated.
Inaugurating the event, Patil said Vivekananda's dream would come true only if God is recognised in the service to humanity. Untouchability, ignorance, and superstition should be eradicated in the country, and human service should flourish. Untouchability is still rampant in rural areas. "The feeling that we are all one has not yet come to all people. When that feeling comes, then we will have perfectly followed Vivekananda's message," he said.
The state govt, adopting the visionary ideas of Vivekananda, is trying to bring even the most marginalised person of society into the mainstream. According to the United Nations standards, those who earn less than Rs 200 per day are poor. The state govt is providing an income guarantee of at least Rs 5,000 per month to every family, he said.
Former MLA DR Patil said the activities of Ramakrishna Ashram are aimed at building a better society.
Cooperation will be provided for all the activities of the ashram.
Swami Gautamanandaji Maharaj, president of the Ramakrishna Math, Belur, said the Ramakrishna Ashrama, Belagavi, has been a beacon of Vivekananda's ideals in North Karnataka.
Recalling his days of association with the Ramakrishna Ashrama, former DIG VV Bhaskar expressed pride about the service of the Ashram. Dr Mallikarjun V Joli, the chief executive of KLE Cancer Hospital Belagavi, delivered the vote of thanks.
