On this occasion, Professor and Convener , Prof. (Dr.) Monika Mehrotra of the Swami Vivekanand Research Chair, SVSU paid a detailed visit to the birthplace of Swami Vivekananda. During the visit, she observed the historic room where Swami Vivekananda lived with his family members, brothers, sisters, and grandmother. This place still preserves the inspiring memories of his childhood, family values, and personality development.
Dr. Monika Mehrotra also closely witnessed the magnificent architecture of the ancient Bengali mansion, the family courtyard, and the cultural heritage of that era located within the birthplace premises. She stated that preserving such historical places not only safeguards our cultural heritage but also connects the younger generation with the lives of our great personalities.
During the visit, she also explored the Photo Gallery, Life Journey Exhibition, Meditation Hall, Prayer Area, and other sections of the museum. All these places effectively present various phases of the life of Swami Vivekananda, his spiritual vision, patriotism, message for youth, and his immense contribution in establishing India’s culture on the global platform.
Particularly, the Life Journey Exhibition beautifully portrays the inspiring journey of Swami Vivekananda from his childhood to the historic Chicago Parliament of Religions. The displayed photographs, documents, life events, and historical information were highly informative and inspirational. Dr. Monika Mehrotra said that such museums are like living classrooms for students, researchers, and youth.
On this occasion, the Secretary, Swami Gyanlokananda Ji of the Vivekananda Museum, Ramakrishna Mission, Swami Vivekananda’s Ancestral House & Cultural Centre honored the Swami Vivekanand Research Chair, SVSU. This recognition was given for the continuous research work being carried out on Swami Vivekananda, educational programmes based on his teachings, lecture series, seminars, youth awakening campaigns, and for promoting his ideals among students.
Accepting the honour, Dr. Monika Mehrotra said that this recognition is not only for one institution, but for all teachers, researchers, and students who are working to spread the thoughts of Swami Vivekananda in society. She said that the ideas of Swami Vivekananda are as relevant today as they were during his time. Youth should move forward in life by adopting self-confidence, patriotism, discipline, and a spirit of service.
She further stated that the Swami Vivekanand Research Chair will continue to organize such programmes through which students can draw inspiration from the life and works of Swami Vivekananda. At the university level, various research projects, intellectual discussions, essay competitions, seminars, and motivational lectures are organized with the objective of developing positive consciousness among youth.
The Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Pramod Kumar Sharma and Chief Executive Officer Prof. (Dr.) Shalya Raj, of Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Meerut appreciated this significant academic and cultural visit. They described this honour as a matter of pride for the institution and said that this achievement reflects the university’s commitment in the fields of research, education, and values. They also added that this honour serves as an inspiration for other institutions to carry forward the thoughts of India’s great personalities to the younger generation.
Swami Sarvalokananda Maharaj Ji, Secretary of the Ramakrishna Mission, New Delhi, and Prasad Prabhu Maharaj Ji, Secretary of Belur Math, Kolkata, made a special contribution to the success of this entire program.
This visit was not merely a formal event, but a tribute to the tradition of Indian culture, spirituality, education, and nationalism established by Swami Vivekananda through his life.
Dr. Monika Mehrotra expressed gratitude to the officials of the birthplace premises and said that the journey was highly emotional, informative, and inspiring for her. She expressed confidence that the ideas of Swami Vivekananda will continue to guide future generations forever.
