News

For news from other years, please see our news archives   2015,  2016,  2017,  2018,  2019,  2020,  2021,  2022,  2023

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Spiritual Retreat – 2nd October 2024

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The programme started with the chanting of “Sri Lalitha Sahasranam” by Sri Jagaddhatri group, followed by Hyms and Bhajans on Sri Maa Durga by Smt. Purnima Ganguly and party. Pr.Deveshprana.Mataji, a sannyasini of Sri Sarada Math, Dakshineswar delivered a lecture on “Sri Sri Chandi”. The lecture is available on Selected Lectures page. After the lecture, Sm. Purnima Ganguly and party continued with the Bhajans on Sri Maa Durga, which was followed by Bhogarati and prasad distribution.

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Sri Krishna Janmashthami – 26th August 2024

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Sri Krishna Janmastami was observed at Sri Sarada Math, Bengaluru on Monday, the 26th August 2024 from 4 to 6 pm. Devotees chanted hymns and sang songs on Lord Sri Krishna. Pr.Chitprabhaprana spoke on birth and childhood of Lord Sri Krishna for about 40 minutes. The lecture can be found on our Selected Lectures page. At the end of the programme, prasad was distributed to all.

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Kathopanishad Lecture Series by Pravrajika Divyanandaprana – 8th to 13th August 2024

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Pr.Divyanandaprana delivered a series of lectures on Kathopanishad from 8th Aug, 2024 – 13th Aug, 2024 between 10:30 am to 11:30 am, followed by a question and answer session till 12 noon. The lecture hour commenced with Kathopanishad chanting by Pr.Tadrupaprana and Pr.Shivapriyaprana , followed by a 5 minute silent prayer for those affected in the ongoing clashes at Bangladesh.

Pr. Divyanandaprana then proceeded with the lecture. Participants involved themselves in the study of the Upanishad and had interaction on various spiritual aspects with Mataji during the question and answer session. The lecture series was very well received by the devotees and participants. Fifty people on an average attended the talks everyday. At the end of every session, prasad was distributed to all.

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Most Rev. Pravrajika Anandaprana Mataji – Memorial Programme on 12th May 2024

Her Holiness Pravrajika Anandaprana Mataji, the fifth President of Sri Sarada Math and Ramakrishna Sarada Mission entered Mahasamadhi, age 97, at the Headquarters on Tuesday, the 30th of April 2024 at 9:54 am.

A disciple of Swami Sankaranandaji, Mataji joined the Order at Nivedita School in 1957, where she served at various times till 1970. She received Brahmacharya in 1962 and Sannyasa in 1967 by Pravrajika Bharatipranaji, the first President of Sri Sarada Math. She was in charge of Nivedita Vidyapeeth, the school at Dakshineswar for many years, and guided the students with all dedication and devotion for which she will be remembered.

Revered Mataji was appointed as a trustee of Sri Sarada Math and a member of the Governing Body of the Ramakrishna Sarada Mission in April 2017 and elected Vice President in April 2018. Revered Mataji was elected President and served from 14 January 2023. She was admitted to the Ramakrishna Mission Seva Prathishthan on 1st October 2023 and was released on the 10th of November. She remained at the Headquarters under close medical observation of eminent doctors. Due to her age, despite all care, her condition gradually deteriorated. Lately, she suffered congestive cardiac failure and type II respiratory failure. On the 30th morning, surrounded by monastic members, amidst chanting of Hari Om Ramakrishna, Mataji passed away peacefully.

On 12th May 2024, 7am onwards, there was special Puja, Homa, Bhajans, and reminiscences about her by sannyasinis. After Bhogarati, Prasad distribution took place.

Revered Anandaprana Mataji leaves an example of complete dedication to the ideal of Swamiji for the uplift of women and children. Her exemplary spiritual life became a source of inspiration to all. May her soul rest in peace!

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Retreat at Pangot – 13 April to 19 April, 2024

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Ramakrishna Sarada Mission maintains a Cultural-cum-Retreat Centre for the devotees and scholars at Pangot. This Centre has been established to provide those in search of Vedanta, a place for in-depth study and practice. The Centre has been developed around the philosophy of Vedanta in all of its phases, keeping the lives and experiments of Sri Ramakrishna, Sri Sarada Devi and Swami Vivekananda in view.

The Retreat for the month of April was conducted by Pravrajika Chitprabhaprana, Sri Sarada Math Bangalore, from April 13 – 19, 2024. A group of 8 devotees from the Bangalore centre participated in this Retreat.

The topic of study was ‘Sadhana Chatushthaya’ along with lectures on Panchakosha, and were delivered in Kannada.

The participants followed a well designed schedule that enabled them to spend quality time in work, study, meditation, and amidst nature. They spent an hour in the morning and evening in their subject of study, an hour in the morning and evening in meditation and had a wonderful opportunity to practice karma yoga by involving themselves in the kitchen department. They could also interact with the pravrajikas and receive guidance from senior sannyasins such as Pravrajika Vivekaprana mataji on topics like sanatana dharma, patriotism, women’s inclination to vedanta, etc.

As the Pangot Retreat Centre is nestled amidst thick forests, they immersed themselves in the beauty of nature and wildlife. The group also visited places in the surrounding region that were important in Swami Vivekanada’s life such as Almora, and the Nainadevi Shaktipeeth at Nainital. They returned richer in knowledge, joyous in the power of satsanga and ready to delve back into their duties.

Sri Ramakrishna prescribes that one needs to go into solitude from time to time for spiritual progress. The Pangot Centre is one such centre of Sri Sarada Math & Ramakrishna Sarada Mission that provides a congenial space to all women devotees for their Vedantic pursuits.

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Summer Camp – 01 April to 13 April, 2024

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A summer camp was held at Nivedita Vidya Peetha Bengaluru for girl students of Standard 3 to 10, from 1st April to 13th April 2024, 9:30 am to 1:00 pm.

The camp provided the students an avenue for learning, expressing and developing their talents. About 50 participants benefited from this camp. Students were divided into two groups – Narendra, and Nivedita groups, based on their age.

They were trained in various aspects by 8 teachers like surya namaskar, yoga, daily prayer, shanthi mantra, namavali and pranavopasanam, swadhyaya prashamsa( taittiriyopanishad ), shraddhasukta chanting, stories of panchatantra and upanishad, drawing, colouring and craft such as making of masks, flowers, hand bands, earrings, woollen wall hangings, gardening etc. Every day at the end of the sessions, some simple, no-cost, country games like alegilimane, kuntebille, snake ladder, choukabar, were played which helped them socialize with their peers, relax and improve concentration. Snacks and lunch were served everyday.

On 13th April, the concluding day of the camp, each group exhibited their completed crafts on stage. They also expressed what they had learnt in the camp.

At the end of the programme, gifts were distributed to all participants. The participants expressed their gratitude for conducting value-oriented summer camp by the organization.

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Summer Camp, Junjaramanahalli – 02 April to 13 April, 2024

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Summer camp Was conducted from 2.4.24 to 13.4.24, for 12 days. Daily programme was as follows: 1.Surya namaskara 2.Ramayana Narration 3.Break- Badam Milk & Snacks 4.Personality Development 5.Craft/Sports 6.Lunch Forty children enrolled and participated enthusiastically. Average attendance was thirty-three. On the last day of the camp children were given certificates and prizes for sports, craft, and Quiz on Ramayana.

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Spiritual Retreat – 17th March 2024

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A Spiritual Retreat was held on Sunday, 17th March 2024, from 9:30 am to 12:15 pm. The programme consisted of Vedic Chanting, Reading from Daily Thoughts and Prayers, followed by Welcome Address, Speeches in Kannada and English, along with Bhajans on Sri Ramakrishna and Sri Sarada Devi. Prasad was distributed after 12:15 pm.

Pravrajika Satyanishthaprana is a monastic member of Sri Sarada Math, currently rendering seva at Sri Sarada Math, Valsad. She spoke on the topic “Practical applications of Sri Ramakrishna’s teachings in today’s world” in English.

Dr. Padmarekha is a doctor of Naturopathy. She is an ardent follower of Swami Vivekananda and it is her life mission to spread his teachings and inspire the youth of our nation. She has been associated with students and provided her guidance towards character and nation building. She has translated many books like Mankutimanakagga into Hindi, many others in Kannada and English. Dr. Padmarekha is also the Editor-in-chief of 2 bilingual e-magazines. She is the recipient of Jhansi Ratna award and International Women achiever award. At present, she is having the responsibility of sahitya seva in Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Karnataka vibhaga.

She spoke on the topic “Sri Maatheya vatsalya bhaava” in Kannada.

It was live streamed on Sri Sarada Math, Bengaluru’s YouTube Channel.

The programme Lecture can be found in Lecture Page of our website srisaradamathkarnataka.org.

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Sri Ramakrishna Jayanti – March 12th 2024

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Bhagavan Sri Ramakrishna’s Birthday was celebrated at Sri Sarada Math, Bengaluru on Tuesday, 12th March from 7:30 a.m to 12:15 p.m. The programme consisted of Special Puja, Vishnu Sahasranama Chanting, Bhajans, Havan, Reading from the Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna, Discourse on His life & teachings and Arati. Friends and Devotees were cordially invited to attend the function. Prasad was distributed after 12.15 pm.

Dr. Padmini H.P. was the guest speaker. She obtained her M.Sc. degree in Physics from Manasagangotri, Mysore University. She has a Doctorate in “Liquid Crystals” from Raman Research Institute, Bangalore. She served as a Professor of Physics at National College, Basavanagudi, Bangalore for 40 years. Dr. Padmini  is a volunteer of Sri Ramakrishna Math, Basavanagudi, Bangalore since 1974. She is serving as a volunteer in the medical unit of Sri Ramakrishna Mission, Shivanahalli, since its inception in 1984.

She spoke on the topic “Sri Ramakrishnara Hithopadesha” in Kannada.

It was live streamed on Sri Sarada Math, Bengaluru’s YouTube Channel.

The programme Lecture can be found in Lecture Page of our website srisaradamathkarnataka.org.

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Writing Desk Distribution, Junjaramanahalli – 28th February 2024

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As a part of our welfare activities, on 28th of February 2024 writing wooden desks were distributed to thirty-six students at our school.

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Swami Vivekananda Jayanti – 2nd February 2024

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The Birthday Celebration of Swami Vivekananda was held at Sri Sarada Math, Bengaluru on Friday, the 2nd of February, 2024 from 7:15 am to 12:15 pm. The programme started with Special Puja, Kathopanishad Chanting, Havan, followed by Bhajans and Discourse. Friends and devotees were invited to participate on this sacred day. Prasad was distributed after 12:15 pm.

Sindhu Ravindra was the guest speaker. She completed her graduation in Engineering from Siddaganga Institute of Technology, Tumkur, and obtained M.Sc. in Yoga Therapy from Centre for Integrative Medicine & Research, Manipal Academy of Higher Education. She currently works with a Yoga startup to operationalise and disseminate the yogic teachings of India. She also takes Balamandir classes and helps students of Std. 10 in Maths & Science, at Nivedita Vidyapeeth, Sri Sarada Math, Bengaluru.

In her exploration of Swamiji’s teachings, she finds immense strength hidden in it, and she spoke on the topic of ‘Every Soul is potentially Divine’ on this occasion.

It was livestreamed on Sri Sarada Math YouTube Channel

The programme Lecture can be found in Lecture Page of our website srisaradamathkarnataka.org.

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Annual Day Celebration – 28th January 2024

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The Annual Day Celebrations of Nivedita Vidya Peetha and Balamandir were held on 28th January 2024. The theme of this year’s cultural programme was Purnavatara Sri Krishna. The programme started with prayers and arati to the Holy Trinity, along with Vishnu sahasranama shloka chanting.

Dr. Sowmya, HOD & Associate Professor, Department of Commerce, Seshadripuram Academy of Business Studies, Kengeri Satellite Town, Bengaluru, was the chief guest for the occasion. She has authored 14 textbooks in Commerce and Management, for the National Education Policy framework. She has published many papers and has received several ‘Best Paper’ awards. She appreciated the teaching methods and hard work undertaken by the school in uplifting the underprivileged children.

In her speech, she expressed to the parents about how the healthy atmosphere of the school is helping their children to develop, and the inculcation of values in children which would help them stand on their own feet.

Dr. Sowmya distributed prizes to the winners of cultural and sports competitions held throughout the academic year for both students and parents, and distributed gifts to the teachers.

The cultural programme started with a stage presentation of Dashavatara, written by Jayadeva and directed by Smt. Kshama. ‘Sri Krishna janma vruttanta’ was presented through Harikathe, a folk storytelling art of Karnataka. A comedy drama was performed based on an incident in the Mahabharata, in which both Arjuna and Duryodhana go to Sri Krishna’s help and support in the Kurukshetra war.

In between, a drama on Krishna-Sudama was enacted, to highlight the beauty of their friendship without any barriers. The children also enacted an English moral story ‘The Lion and the Mosquito’, based on Swami Vivekananda’s saying that “Each is great in its own place.”

The tiny tots then danced to the song ‘Gummana kareyadire’ which describes all the pranks of Sri Krishna in Vrindavan. An interpretative dance was performed on ‘Sri Krishna – The Thief of Syamantakamani’ by the Balamandir college girls. Kum. Anita presented a beautiful kathak dance on the song ‘Sri Krishna’s varnana’. The programme ended with an energetic and colorful garba dance by the Balamandir girls.

The students displayed their talents with great enthusiasm and the audience enjoyed themselves thoroughly. Overall, the Annual Day was an evening of great joy and celebration!

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National Youth Day Celebrations – 20th January 2024

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Sri Sarada Math, Bangalore celebrated National Youth Day on Saturday, 20th January 2024.  In this celebration 447 students (248 from High School, 106 from P.U.College and 93 from Degree College) participated from 15 institutions  (8 schools, 3 P.U.Colleges and 4 Degree Colleges).

The programme started with chanting of Narayanopanishat by the students of Nivedita Vidya Peetha balamandir. Pravrajika Chitprabhaprana welcomed the gathering.

This was followed by speeches from 15 High School Students on the topic “Great things can be done by great sacrifices only”. This session was concluded by Dr. Anuradha, Registrar Maharani Cluster University. She spoke to the students and gave them the feeling that Swamiji is our own. This was followed by a cultural segment by Nivedita Vidya Peetha balamandir students. They performed a garba dance, one of the folk dances of Gujarat.

The next session commenced with 7 college students giving a speech on the topic “Never mind failures, they are the beauty of life”. The students expressed their failures and how they used failures as a step to success. This session concluded by Smt. Lalitha Kandaswamy, faculty at Yogakshema. Yogakshema aims to improve the quality of life of people across all spectra of society. She emphasized the importance of self-confidence and positive thinking to the audience.

The best 12 student speakers received a certificate along with Swami Vivekananda’s photo. All participants received certificates and books on Sannyasi Geete, Ganga Bai and Sister Nivedita. Lunch was served to all.

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National Youth Day Celebrations, Junjaramanahalli – 12th January 2024

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National Youth Day was celebrated on 12th January from 10.30am to 3.30pm; 121 students with eight teachers from five high schools of our Hobli participated enthusiastically. Chief guest Smt. Vijaya talked on Swamiji’s Rashtrabhakti, Pr. Purnatmaprana on ‘Man and Mind.’ Each School enacted one life incident from the life of Sw. Vivekananda. After lunch, a film ‘Who am I’ was shown and was followed by a Quiz on life and teachings of Sw. Vivekananda. Prizes were given and Swamiji’s books were distributed.

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Most Rev. Pravrajika Amalaprana Mataji – Memorial Programme on 5th January 2024

Pravrajika Amalaprana, the General Secretary of Sri Sarada Math and Ramakrishna Sarada Mission, passed away on Sunday, 24th December 2023 at 8.12 p.m. at Sri Sarada Math, Dakshineswar due to multiple organ failure.

Initiated by Swami Yatiswarananada, she joined Sri Sarada Math in 1957, serving in various capacities. Her dedicated journey included being appointed as Assistant Secretary of Vidya Bhavan on January 1, 1971, and later assuming the role of its Principal on February 1, 1971, and on April 1, 1974, she became a secretary till 1999. In 1983, she was elected as a Trustee of Sri Sarada Math and became a Member of the Governing Body and became Assistant Secretary in May 1994. She assumed the role of General Secretary on 17th of November 1999, which she served till the last.

On 22nd October 2023, she was admitted to Ramakrishna Mission Sevapratishthan due to chest pain and breathing difficulty, after which she suffered two heart attacks. Gradually other difficulties developed, which made her completely dependent on life-support machines. However, as per her wish, she was brought to Sarada Math, Dakshineswar at 8.30 a.m. on 24th December from R.K.Mission, Sevapratishthan Hospital by an ICU ambulance. She opened her eyes while being shifted from the ambulance. Later she gradually desaturated, while other parameters slowly shut down and the end was peaceful.

On Friday, the 5th of January 2024, there was special Puja, Homa, Sri Vishnu Sahasranama Chanting and Bhajans followed by reminiscences about her shared by sannyasinis and a devotee. After Bhogarati, Prasad Distribution took place at 12 noon onwards. Devotees & friends spiritually benefitted by participating in this sacred occasion! Pravrajika Amalaprana leaves behind a legacy of dedicated service and unwavering commitment to the ideals of Sri Sarada Math and Ramakrishna Sarada Mission. Her life will indeed remain an inspiration to many. May her soul rest in eternal peace!

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Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi’s Jayanti – 3rd January 2024

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Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi’s Birthday was celebrated at Sri Sarada Math, Bengaluru on 03-Jan-2024 from 7 am to 12.30 pm. The programme consisted of Special Puja, Chandi Path, Bhajans, Havan, Discourse and Arati. Friends and devotees came for invited for Darshan of Holy Mother. Prasad was distributed after 12.15 pm.

Smt. Aditi Nath was the guest speaker. She holds a double postgraduate degree in Statistics and Computer Science from Indian Statistics Institute, Kolkata. She started her spiritual journey when she came across Swamiji’s books when she was in 11th standard. She finished reading all the volumes of Swamiji in no time as she found it very logical. She is highly inspired by Vachanamruta which guides her in her life.

She discussed the simple yet exemplary qualities of Holy Mother, for all of us to introspect and imbibe into our lives.

It was live streamed on Sri Sarada Math, Bengaluru’s YouTube Channel.

The programme Lecture can be found in Lecture Page of our website  srisaradamathkarnataka.org.