SRINAGAR, AUGUST 17: The Lieutenant Governor, Shri Manoj Sinha today visited the Shri Ramakrishna Mahasammelan Ashram in Anantnag on the auspicious occasion of Samadhi Pratishtha Divas, Nag Panchami Mahotsav, and the Purnahuti of the Yajna. He also laid the foundation stone for initiatives dedicated to heritage and cultural preservation.
In his address, the Lieutenant Governor expressed deep reverence for the Ashram, which has preserved the wisdom of sages. Paying homage to Swami Ashokanand Ji Maharaj, the Lieutenant Governor recalled his visionary resolve in 1937, which transformed the Ashram into a vibrant spiritual centre. He noted that Swami Ashokanand Ji Maharaj envisioned not merely a place of worship but a living institution that carried forward the eternal message of Sanatana Dharma while serving the real needs of society.
“His legacy of service, discipline, and dedication continues to inspire generations. When Swami Ashokanand Ji Maharaj left his mortal body in 1971, he left behind a living tradition of service, discipline, sadhana, and dedication that can still be felt in every activity of this ashram,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor emphasised that Indian civilisation has always seen spirituality and nature as inseparable. Quoting the Isha Upanishad, he reminded the gathering that the Divine pervades all creation. In the context of global climate challenges, the Lieutenant Governor urged the youth to embrace their responsibility towards rivers, forests, animals, and all living beings, ensuring that development remains sustainable and in harmony with nature.
Highlighting new initiatives at the Ashram, including the construction of a Yatri Niwas, renovation works, a dining complex, and the expansion of the Yajnashala, the Lieutenant Governor expressed confidence that these projects would embody faith transformed into action. He stressed that spirituality in Indian culture means responsibility towards the world, performed with selfless service.
Drawing from the Bhagavad Gita, the Lieutenant Governor reiterated Lord Krishna’s teaching and underlined that when action becomes service and service becomes dedication, even ordinary work becomes sadhana.
The Lieutenant Governor praised the Ashram’s affiliation with the Swami Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari, which serves on the principle of “Atmano Mokshartham Jagad Hitaya Cha” – for one’s own liberation and for the welfare of the world. The Lieutenant Governor urged the youth to draw inspiration from Swami Vivekananda’s message of self-confidence, fearlessness, and selfless service, reminding them that true strength lies within and that every individual is the maker of their own destiny.
Reaffirming India’s timeless philosophy of unity in diversity, the Lieutenant Governor said that India’s strength lies in respecting diversity while moving forward together. The message of Sarva Dharma Samabhava (equal respect for all religions), he said, has been India’s gift to the world.
“Swami Vivekananda said that a human being’s real strength lies within, and no one needs to consider themselves weak. No matter how difficult your circumstances may be, within you lies the capacity for growth, change, and great work. Swami Vivekananda also revealed the secret of true success and true happiness, saying that the person who is truly rich is one who serves without expecting any reward and acts with a selfless spirit.
Therefore, through the Satsang of the ashram’s volunteers, devotees, and office-bearers, there is a need to inspire society towards selfless action,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
Padma Shri Brij Lal Bhat, Chairman, Administrative Committee, Shri Ramakrishna Mahasammelan Ashram, Vivekananda Kendra, Nagdandi; Shri Brij Mohan Sharma, Principal Secretary, Culture Department; Shri Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir; Shri Javid Iqbal Mattoo, DIG South Kashmir; Shri Amod Ashok Nagpure, SSP Anantnag; Dr. Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat, Deputy Commissioner Anantnag; Shri Shivanand Rohit Raina; members of Shri Ramakrishna Mahasammelan Ashram and Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari; senior officials, prominent citizens and devotees in large number were present.
