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President's Speech

The translated speech of Dr. Rajnedra Prasad, President of India, which was published in Mission’ journal, Vedanta Kesari, 1958 March, page 490-491 is as follows:

I consider it very lucky to have been asked to come here and participate in this function. Ramakrishna Paramahamsa is a name well-known the world over. This great man was born at a time when we had lost touch with our ancient heritage and were being forcibly drawn towards new ideas. The impact of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa’s personality gave us new light which helped us to reverse that trend. Since that time all the devotees and believers who have been inspired by that light have been dedicating their lives to the service of humanity in the name of God. Consequently we find the branches of Ramakrishna Mutt founded by Swami Vivekananda established in most of our towns, big and small. Wherever one may go in this Math, one will find Swamis anxious to share others misery, whether it is the result of Nature’s wrath or one’s own misdeeds or negligence.

It has been my good fortune to have been associated with this work of service on some occasions, and I have been lucky to have got unstinted co-operation and kindness from the Swamis. That has made me an ardent admirer of the Ramakrishna Mission. I cannot claim the knowledge or practice of Yoga-sadhana in which they are adept; nor can I say that I am as deeply read in religious literature as they are. The life of dedication and discipline which they lead will always remain my envy. In spite of these vows and limitations which they impose upon themselves, selfless service to humanity is their fore-most motto. It is men of this type who look upon service as a matter of religious duty that our country needs today. I take it all this is the result of the teachings and the inspiration imparted by Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa.

Ramakrishna Paramahamsa himself was not a man of scholarly pursuits or one of those who generally devote themselves to big things in life. He was God’s own man and his heart was on the one hand full of godliness and on the other of love and sympathy for every human being. He was not just a religious leader. Even those who were neither interested in nor influenced by religion and who according to the standards prevalent in those days were considered to be erudite scholars were drawn towards Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and they flocked to his fold.

It is their Good fortune that the people of Delhi are going to have this beautiful temple, thanks to the munificence and goodness of Shri Davar. Here thousands of men and women would be coming every day for a glimpse of Sri Ramakrishna’s image and also for hearing the ‘Upadesa’. I am told even hitherto fore a large number of people had been coming here every day. Now that this big temple has been erected and the new image of Ramakrishna installed there, many more people would be able to attend the daily service in the Ramakrishna Mission and thus help themselves in this life.

I would like to reiterate that I am very happy to have come here today and associated myself with this inaugural function for which I am grateful to the Trustees of the Ramakrishna Mission.


Going through the Photos	Audiences in Pandal

The President’s speech was followed by short speeches on “The Universal Appeal of Shri Ramakrishna” by Dr.K.M.George, Assistant Secretary of Sahitya Akadami New Delhi, and Dr.Trilochan Singh, translator into English of the Granth Sahab of the Sikhs for the UNESCO, in English. and Swami Chidatmananda in Hindi. After a vote of thanks by Lala Shri Ram the meeting concluded with a closing song. Over 4,000 attended the meeting. Later in the night between 8.30 and 9 p.m. the Delhi radio gave a brief radio report of the meeting for three minutes.

A group photo on this auspicious occasion

Detail of Monastic Group in the photograph

Seated on Chair (L to R)

Swamis. 1.Shambhavanandaji, 2.Ojashanandaji, 3.Baladevanandaji, 4.Swaprakashanandaji, 5.Sambuddhanandaji, 6.Deveshanandaji, 7.Omkaranandaji, 8.Abhayanandaji, 9.Madhavanandaji, 10.Yatiswaranandaji, 11.Nirvananandaji, 12.Saswatanandaji, 13.Dayanandaji, 14.Kailasanandaji, 15.Gangeshanandaji, 16.Medhanandaji, 17.Vimuktanandaji and 18.Japanandaji.

Seated on Ground

Swamis. 1.Ishanandaji, 2.Satyarupanandaji, 4.Narottamanandaji, 5.Antaratmanandaji, 7.Sthitatmanandaji, 9.Ranganathanandaji, 10.Adidevanandaji, 11.Bhavyanandaji, 13.Gambhiranandaji, 14.Yogeshanandaji

Standing First row (behind chairs)

Swamis. 1.Iswaranandaji, 3.Jnanatmanandaji, 5.Chidbhavanandaji, 7.Apurvanandaji, 9.Siddhatmanandaji, 14.Bhaswaranandaji, 15.Suddhasatwanandaji, 20.Chidatmanandaji, 23.Vedanandaji, 24.Prajnanandaji, 25.Nityaswarupanandaji.

Standing Second Row

Swamis. 3.Suddhabodhanandaji, 4.Mritunjayanandaji, 5.Kripanandaji, 7.Hitanandaji, 8.Atmasthanandaji, 11.Jitanandaji, 17.Saumyanandaji, 18.Chinmatranandaji, 21.Jaganmayanandaji

Standing Back Row

3.Ananyanandaji, 4.Vyomkeshanandaji, 5.Vipapmanandaji, 6.Prematmanandaji 10.Mukhyanandaji, 16.Amoghanandaji, 19.Brahmesharananda

The function went off smoothly in a very organized manner. It was attended by a large number of devotees, friends and citizens of Delhi and other places far and near all through. The Ashrama hummed with life and devotion day and night. The whole function has been filmed, and the documentary running for about 10 minutes was being prepared. (Now this film is not available with us)

The temple cost .Rs, 3, 11,000 for construction including electrical and sanitary fitting –the unconditional donation of Shri A.R. Davar . Another Rs.15,000 has been spend on equipment and beautification of the surrounding and about Rs.20,000 on Dedication Ceremony, including the traveling expenses of 56 of the visiting brothers. The temple can seat about 600 devotees in the hall and balcony.

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