Átmano mokshártham jagad hitáya cha, ‘For one's own salvation and for the welfare of the world’
Átmano mokshártham jagad hitáya cha, ‘For one's own salvation and for the welfare of the world’
Ramakrishna Math, Gadadhar Ashrama, an old monastery of Ramakrishna Sangha, located at Bhawanipore in South Kolkata, is on the threshold of celebrating its centenary in 1920. In deference to the wish of Ramakrishna Math and Mission, Belur Math, the then President, Srimat Swami Shivanandaji Maharaj (Mahapurush Maharaj), a direct disciple of Bhagawan Sri Ramakrishna Deva, founded this Ashrama in the vicinity of Adi Ganga and the renowned Kali Temple of Kalighat. Located within the sacred ambit of Kalikshetra, this ashrama, from the very outset, has been blessed by the footfalls of many eminent monks of Ramakrishna Sangha, namely, Swamis Brahmanandaji, Saradanandaji, Subodhanandaji, Vijnananandaji and others. Sri M (Mastermashaya), author of Sri Ramakrishna Kathamrita, used to frequent this holy place for japa and meditation and also to revise the manuscripts of Kathamrita. However, it is indeed a matter of regret that although having nourished a strong desire, the Holy Mother Sri Sri Sarada Devi could not ultimately make it to this ashrama. Above all, the holy relics of Sri Sri Thakur are treasured in this ashrama.
Apart from various socio-economic activities for the betterment of the poor and deprived section of this locality, this ashrama has been undertaking, Nitya Puja, Anna Bhoga, spiritual discourses, meditation sessions etc. on a regular basis. It also observes the birthday tithi pujas of Sri Sri Thakur, Maa and Swamiji, Kali Puja, Jagatdhatri Puja, Swaraswati Puja and Sivaratri. Its socio-economic programmes include: providing free coaching to 30 poor students with refreshment under Gadadhar Abhyudaya Prakalpa, free computer training, running a library with about 5000 books on the Holy Trios and vedanta literature and also school text books, distribution of garments and blankets etc. But it is indeed a pity that this centre has been facing acute space constraint, which has posed a great difficulty in expanding its development activities to the desired dimension. The departments are squeezed into a very uncomfortable position. Hence, more space is badly required to meet the volume of its activities that have grown to unbelievable proportion.
Now, a number of projects are on the anvil, which cannot be translated into reality unless the fund position of the ashrama improves. Such projects include: (a) renovation of the adjacent part of the house, recently acquired; (b) acquiring a land situated opposite to our Ashrama, now being delayed due to some legal tangle; (c) purchasing and renovating of the property situated at Sadananda Road. All these development works require about One Crore Sixty Five Lac, as estimated.
| Renovation work including installation of a lift: | Rs. 25 Lac |
| Purchasing and renovation of the building at Sadananda Road: | Rs. 90 Lac |
| Other expenses towards the legal process and acquisition of the land in front of our Ashrama: | Rs. 50 Lac |
Under such circumstances, we would humbly appeal to all the devotees, patrons and well-wishers and philanthropic organisations in this country and abroad, to come forward to help us tide over this financial requirement. Your kind contribution will certainly help us to serve the vast number of poor and downtrodden people living in this part of the city. Your contribution may be sent by means of Cheque/DD in favour of ‘Ramakrishna Math (Gadadhar Ashrama)’, 86A, Harish Chatterjee Street, Kolkata 700025.
Our Bank details are -
Name of the Bank: State Bank of India, Harish Mukherjee Road Branch
Bank Account No.: 11254245928
IFS Code: SBIN0003961
(All contributions will be exempted from Income Tax u/s 80G of the Income Tax Act. 1961.)
May Sri Ramakrishna, Sarada Ma and Swami Vivekananda bless each one of you for your kind and generous support.
Swami Amalatmananda
Adhyaksha
[Ramakrishna Math, Gadadhar Ashrama]
