Ramakrishna Centre celebrates milestone
A MILESTONE is being celebrated by the Ramakrishna Centre of South Africa, which is based on the premise that for a person to grow spiritually, they need to look at the whole world as their own.
The centre is marking its 75th anniversary and members have been paying tribute to devotees, volunteers and well-wishers to thank them for their vision and contribution to the growth of the movement in South Africa.
In 1942 a group of young men, led by Newcastle-born Dhanagopal Naidoo, embarked on a journey of spiritual learning.
Naidoo, after years of researching and understanding spiritual teachings, was ordained as a monk and given the name Swami Nischalananda.
Swami Nischalananda began spiritual services at a temple on Umgeni Road, Durban, before moving the Ramakrishna movement of South Africa to a peaceful garden-haven in Glen Anil.
This year also marks the
10th anniversary of the centre having become a branch of the Worldwide Ramakrishna Mission, which has its headquarters in Belur Math, West Bengal, India.
The centre has been propagating the message of peace and harmony as demonstrated by Sri Ramakrishna, Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi and Swami Vivekananda.
According to the centre’s general secretary, Ramesh Ishwarlaal, the Ramakrishna Centre of South Africa is a nonpolitical, non-sectarian spiritual organisation which undertakes humanitarian and social services.
7 000 treated
“We believe that the salvation of a person lies in the welfare of the world,” he said.
Over the course of 75 years, devotees have been doing humanitarian work across the country, including providing free medical services.
In the past year, volunteers at the centre’s medical wing have treated nearly 7 000 patients and an estimated R5million in medication has been dispensed.
In celebration of the centre’s milestone, several statues of Swami Vivekananda have been erected at sub-centres across Kwazulu-natal, welfare work has been on a high and a cultural event will be staged today at the Playhouse Opera Theatre in Durban.
The classical art event, titled Samudram, will speak to the soul of people through music and dance.
Performer Verushka Pather said: “The classical arts are an ocean of knowledge and compassion that also sustains our lives, culture and history and gives light to our future.
“As artists, we wish to explore the purity and simplicity of the nuances contained in classical arts, as a conversation between the traditional instruments, unique raagas, captivating lyrics and intricate dance sequences.”