Gita Jayanti
Swami Vimokshananda and Swami Saradananda with children from the Centre's Durban Central Satsang Group. The children had recited chapter 15 of the Bhagavad Gita.
Gita Jayanti was observed on Saturday, 13 December 2008 at the Centre, Glen Anil. Swami Saradananda delivered an address on the Bhagavad Gita.
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Desmond Tutu Peace Lecture
The 2008's annual Lecture on "Faith and Voluntary Service", was delivered by Swami Saradananda on Wednesday, 5 November 2008, at Temple David (Durban Jewish Centre). The Lecture is hosted annually by the World Conference on Religions for Peace (WCRP).
To read the Lecture please click here.
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Diwali Celebrations
Diwali was celebrated on Tuesday, 28 October at the Centre, Glen Anil. Satsang was held from 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. At 7.00 p.m., the Ramakrishna Temple, surrounding buildings and pathways were lit up by rows of lamps. This was also done at our various Sub-Centres.
On the preceding weekend, the Centre conducted its Diwali Welfare work. Approximately 1000 grocery hampers containing perishables and non-perishables were prepared and handed out to indigent families in the greater Durban area.
Swami Vimokshananda under the invitation of our Lenasia Sub-Centre and various sister organisations visited Johannesburg (Lenasia) for the Diwali satsangs and Gujarati New Year Celebrations (28 - 29 October 2008). Swamiji delivered three keynote addresses during his visit.
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Navaratri
Navaratri was observed from Tuesday, 30 September 2008 to Thursday, 9 October 2008 at the Centre, Glen Anil. Each day began with silent meditation, chanting and puja. The evening sessions comprised bhajans, discourses and arati. The Durga Ashtami Hawan was held on Wednesday, 8 October 2008 and Vijay Dashmi on Thursday, 9 October. All functions were well attended.
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Visits
The Centre recently hosted the following organisations: Pietermaritzburg Andhra Senior Citizens, Ladysmith Association for the Aged and Danville Park Girls' High (Hindu Students Association). The programme for these visits includes a presentation on the Holy Trinity (Sri Ramakrishna, Sri Sarada Devi and Swami Vivekananda), background and philosophy of the Ramakrishna Movement and the history and current activities of the Centre.
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Karate Classes
Grading of some students of the Centre's Karate Classes. The emphasis of these classes is self-control and discipline.
Karate Classes are held on Saturdays from 8:00 - 9:15 a.m. at the Centre, Glen Anil. The latest grading took place on Saturday, 6 December 2008. Sensei Roy Sudhoo (Black Belt, 6th Dan) of the Zenuki Karate Institute of South Africa along with other karate instructors judged the students performance. Nineteen students, eligible for grading this term, were tested and found successful.
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Faculty of Peace Studies, Spirituality and Culture
The Centre offers 2 one-year Certificate Courses - Certificate in Hindu Studies and the Certificate in Bhagavad Gita Studies. Registration for the 2009 year is now open. Prospective students may contact our Centre during office hours for information.
For more information please click here.
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The Ramakrishna Clinic of South Africa
The Ramakrishna Clinic of South Africa continues to provide specialist cover to seven State Hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal. During the period October - November 2008, a total of 101 problem patients were seen and 17 operations performed. Regular medical clinics were also conducted at our various Sub-Centres, with a total of 534 patients being attended to. A medical camp was held on Sunday, 19 October 2008. Specialist services in the fields of internal medicine, paediatrics, general surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology and ENT. Diagnostic ultrasonography investigations were also performed on site. Approximately 400 patients were attended to. (A separate Report on the Clinics activities is available.)
For more information on the Ramakrishna Clinic please click here.
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Nutrition Programme
The Centre provides humanitarian aid on an ongoing basis to various organisations, institutions and indigent families. Regular beneficiaries of the Nutrition Programme include:
- Abalindi Welfare Centre - incorporating the Abalindi Frail Care Centre, Orphanage and Creche
- Kwa Mashu Ekusizaneni Children's Home - a home that caters for orphans and children affected by the AIDS pandemic
- Verulam Day and Pakco Frail Care Centre
- Phoenix Alcoholic Rehabilitation Centre
- Zimisele AIDS Centre, Kwa Mashu
- Various disadvantaged schools
- Indigent families throughout the greater Durban area
In all, the Scheme benefits approximately 6000 people on a daily basis.
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Seminar on the Ramakrishna Movement
A Seminar on the Ramakrishna Movement, was held on Saturday, 26 July 2008 at the Centre, Glen Anil. The following papers were presented:
- Swami Brahmananda's Contribution to Developing the Ramakrishna Movement by Swami Vimokshananda
- Life of Bharatiprana Mataji and the Sri Sarada Math and Ramakrishna Sarada Mission by Pravrajika Ishtaprana
- Swami Vivekananda as a Communicator by Swami Saradananda
The programme also included the singing of devotional songs by the Centres Satsang group and traditional dance items by students of the Sharadamani School of Dance (Stanger).
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Ramakrishna Abalindi Home
On Tuesday, 6 August 2008, the Ramakrishna Abalindi Home (Inanda) was declared open by the Hon. Dr Z L Mkhize (Minister for Finance and Economic Development, KwaZulu-Natal). These facilities were built by the Ramakrishna Centre of South Africa and handed over on that day to the office-bearers of the Home. The Home, intended for terminally-ill patients, comprises three sections of 45 beds, made up of three wards (15 beds for males, 15 beds for females, 10 beds for children and 5 beds for mothers wanting to stay with their children), offices, stock rooms, ablutions facilities etc. The Home will provide a much needed facility for HIV-AIDS and cancer patients in the area. This is the second Home that the Centre has constructed for terminally-ill patients, the previous one being a 30-bed facility in Kwa Mashu. Minister Mkhize pointed out that the facility was not only a healthcare Home but also a symbol of integrated effort between Indians and Africans that promoted inter-racial, inter-religious and inter-linguistic understanding.
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The Northern KwaZulu-Natal Conference on Hinduism
The Northern KwaZulu-Natal Conference on Hinduism was hosted by the Glencoe Satsang Group on Sunday, 7 September 2008 at the Glencoe Town Hall. The Conference was inaugurated by Mrs Shalini Budhu (Principle Pharmacist, Ladysmith Military Base). The speakers and topics were as follows:
- Devotional Practices according to the Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna by Swami Vimokshananda
- Work as a Spiritual Discipline by Mrs R Govender (H.O.D of English, Ladysmith Secondary School)
- The Role of the Hindu Mother in instilling Spiritual Values in the Home
by Pravrajika Ishtaprana (Head, Sri Sarada Devi Ashram)
- Preserving Hindu Culture for Young Hindus Away from Home by Dr H B Parbhoo (Official of the Centre)
A question and answer session was held at the end of each paper. Registration was limited to 200 delegates. Those who attended the Conference found the papers most informative and thought-provoking.
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Vedanta Retreat
A half-day Vedanta Retreat was hosted by our Gauteng Sub-Centre on Saturday, 20 September 2008 at the Radhe-Shyam Temple and Hall, Marlboro, Gauteng. The programme commenced with prayer, singing of devotional songs, a reading from the Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna, chanting of hymns and peace prayers. Thereafter Swami Vimokshananda delivered an address on Vedanta for Daily Life. This was followed by a traditional devotional musical concert by Dr Raj Kollapen and his group of singers. After this excellent concert, the devotees proceeded for lunch. Thereafter, Swami Vimokshananda conducted a question and answer session. The retreat concluded with guided meditation, devotional singing and peace chants. Registration was limited to 100 persons. The devotees found the day most beneficial for their spiritual lives.
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Festivals
The following festivals were celebrated at the Centre, Glen Anil for the period July - September:
- Guru Purnima, 18 July 2008 (6.30 - 8.00 p.m.); Swami Vimokshananda delivered the keynote address during the satsang which also included the singing of devotional songs.
- Krishna Ashtami, 17 - 24 August 2008. Satsangs were held daily. Krishna Janmashtami was observed on Sunday, 24 August 2008 with puja from 6.00 - 6.30 p.m. and satsang commencing thereafter till past midnight. Daily discourses on the Bhagavad Gita were delivered.
- Sri Ganesh Chaturthi, 3 September 2008 (6.30 - 8.00 p.m.); Swami Vimokshananda delivered an address on the glories of Lord Ganesha. Satsang included the singing of devotional songs.
All festivals were well attended by our devotees and members of the general public.
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His Holiness Sri Swami Smarananandaji Maharaj
(Vice-President of the world-wide Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission)
His Holiness Sri Swami Smarananandaji Maharaj (Vice-President of the world-wide Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission) was a guest of the Centre from 21 May - 5 June 2008. Revered Maharaj was accompanied by his secretary, Swami Jnanavratananda. Revered Maharaj delivered lectures at the Centre and at our Sub-Centres / Satsang Groups on various spiritual themes. His wisdom and practical advice was appreciated by all.
The programmes were well attended by a large number of devotees.
On Sunday, 25 May 2008, Swami Smarananandaji officially opened the Sri Ramakrishna Shrine, Foresthaven, Phoenix. Revered Maharaj inaugurated the new Temple and invoked the blessings of Sri Ramakrishna on over 1000 devotees that attended the function. The Centre has been actively working in the Phoenix area for over 35 years. The Shrine is designed to accommodate 200 devotees with special provisions for seating of the elderly. Satsang and discourses will be held for the benefit of the public.
The following Sub-Centres / Satsang Groups had the blessed opportunity to host revered Maharaj: Chatsworth, Redhill, Newcastle, Ladysmith, Pietermaritzburg and the Sri Sarada Devi Ashram.
In addition to the above lecture programmes, Revered Maharaj also visited the following welfare sites supported by the Centre: Ramakrishna Abalindi Home, Inanda (for the distribution of 500 grocery hampers), Ramakrishna eThembeni Home (Kwa Mashu), Ramakrishna Qedusizi Creche and Pre-School (Ladysmith) and the Ladysmith Secondary School (where 500 food parcels were distributed to indigent people).
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The 49th Annual Northern KwaZulu-Natal Children's Cultural Festival
The 49th Annual Northern KwaZulu-Natal Children's Cultural Festival was held on Sunday, 4 May 2008 at the Ladysmith Civic Hall. Children of the following Sub-Centres / Satsang Groups participated in the cultural items which included speech, chanting and songs, sketch and folk dances: Dundee, Estcourt, Glencoe, Ladysmith and Newcastle. The Keynote Address was delivered by Swami Vimokshananda. The items presented were of a very high standard and were appreciated by the audience of over a thousand people.
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The Ramakrishna Senior Citizens Forum (Phoenix)
The Ramakrishna Senior Citizens Forum (Phoenix) was officially launched on Tuesday 6 May 2008 by Swami Vimokshananda. The forum, comprising approximately 350 senior citizens meets every Tuesday at our Sub-Centre in Phoenix. The half-day programme comprises prayers and singing of devotional songs, health talks, cultural items and audio-visual presentations. Breakfast and lunch is served to all.
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National Youth Day
National Youth Day, 16 June 2008, was observed by the Centre with a half-day youth programme. The opening session consisted of the singing of bhajans, chanting of hymns and an address by Swami Vimokshananda. After breakfast, Swami Saradananda spoke to the youth on "Goal Setting". A skit, entitled "Draw Strength from Swami Vivekananda" was then enacted by youth members. This was followed by four presentations on "Personal Experiences of how the Holy Trinity has inspired me in my Life". Thereafter a DVD presentation on "The Indian Air Force", which depicted leadership, team spirit, courage and sacrifice, was shown. A Question and Answer session followed. The days programme concluded with peace chants and the singing of the South African National Anthem. Registration was limited to 100 youth. Similar programmes were held by our Sub-Centres / Satsang Groups.
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Ramakrishna Community Veterinary Clinic
A half-day camp was held on Sunday 6 July 2008 in Foresthaven, Phoenix. A total of 100 animals were treated. The Centre's veterinary surgeon, Dr Sanil Singh, and his professional team examined each animal. All dogs were dipped and pet food was handed out free of charge.
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The 54th Annual Southern KwaZulu-Natal Children's Cultural Festival
The 54th Annual Southern KwaZulu-Natal Children's Cultural Festival was held on Sunday 13 July 2008 at the MH Joosub Hall, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus. Children from the following Sub-Centres / Satsang Groups participated in the cultural programme: Chatsworth, Durban Central, Etete, Phoenix, Pietermaritzburg, Redhill, Sydenham, Tongaat and Verulam as well as the Richards Bay Satsang Group and the Sri Sarada Devi Ashram. The items performed included folk dances, sketches, devotional songs and scriptural chanting. The Keynote Address was delivered by Swami Vimokshananda. Over 1000 devotees and well-wishers attended the function. The performance and enthusiasm of the children was of a very high standard.
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The Ramakrishna Clinic of South Africa
The Ramakrishna Clinic of South Africa continues to provide specialist cover to seven State Hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal. During the period April - June, 129 problem patients were seen and 24 operations (including 2 hip-replacements) were performed at these Hospitals. In addition, regular medical camps were conducted where 269 patients (including 19 paediatric and 250 senior citizens) were attended to. On 10 and 11 May 2008, a basic nursing care Workshop was conducted at the Ramakrishna Clinic, Foresthaven. Forty voluntary healthcare workers, the majority of whom serve terminally-ill patients in the Inanda area, were trained by specialist doctors, professional nurses and an aromatherapist. An Optometry and Ophtalmology camp was conducted on 22 June 2008 at the Ramakrishna Clinic, Foresthaven. Fifty-nine senior citizens were assessed. Thirty-seven indigent patients were given spectacles free of charge.
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Optometry and Ophthalmology camp
The Clinic conducted an optometry and ophthalmology camp on 22 June 2008, at Ramakrishna Clinic, Foresthaven. 59 senior citizens had optometric/ ophthalmologic assessments, 37 were provided spectacles at no cost to the patients, 6 were referred for cataract surgery and 2 for laser surgery. 10 professional and 20 support staff were on duty.
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Nutrition Programme
The Centre's Nutrition Programme continues to support approximately 6000 indigent persons on a daily basis. The monthly distribution includes one and a half tonnes rice, half ton dhal, canned products, oil, sugar, salt, an assortment of fruit and vegetables etc. In addition, cooked meals are regularly provided to the needy. The majority of the items are distributed in the Phoenix, Inanda, Kwa Mashu and Chatsworth areas.
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Swami Vivekananda Youth Day
A Youth Programme to commemorate the 145th Birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda was held on Sunday, 13 January 2008 (7.30 a.m. - 12 p.m.) at the Centre, Glen Anil. The programme comprised the following: a satsang including kirtans, reading from Swami Vivekananda's Complete Works, meditation and peace chants; a Youth Seminar on the topics, Swami Vivekananda and the Rise of India, Processing Youth Energy according to Vedanta and Vivekananda Literature - The Never-ending source of inspiration; a DVD presentation of the address by Dr APJ Abdul Kalam (former President of India) on Youth Day at the Ramakrishna Mission, Porbandar, India and a series of PowerPoint presentations on the activities of the Centre.
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145th Birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda
The public function to mark this event was held on Saturday, 26 January 2008 at the Centre, Glen Anil. The keynote address was delivered by Swami Vimokshananda. The Guest of Honour, Mr Jeph Mtshali (General Manager: Tourism & Corporate Strategy, Department of Arts, Culture and Tourism - KZN Provincial Ministry), addressed the congregation on the topic Intercultural Understanding. The programme also included bhajans, a DVD presentation on The Ramakrishna Mission Seva Pratishthan (Hospital), Kolkata, India, and a Kathak dance presentation by Kumari Sasha Naidoo. On Swami Vivekananda Tithi Puja Day (29 January 2008), special puja was performed in the morning.
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Gauteng Vedanta Retreat
Swami Saradananda conducted a half-day Vedanta Retreat hosted by the Gauteng Sub-Centre on 23 February 2008 at the Radhe Shyam Temple, Marlboro, Johannesburg. The programme comprised a satsang, reading from The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna, a talk on Sustaining Spiritual Life by Swami Saradananda, guided meditation, cultural items (Bharata Natyam and Kathak dances), DVD presentation on the Ramakrishna Mission Hospital (Kolkata, India), silent meditation and peace chants.
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172nd Birth Anniversary of Sri Ramakrishna
The public function to commemorate this event was held on Saturday, 8 March 2008 at the Centre, Glen Anil. The keynote address was delivered by Swami Vimokshananda. The Guest of Honour, Mr H V Shringla (Consul General of India in Durban) also addressed the congregation. Indian classical and folk dances were rendered by students of Kumari Ambigay's Dance Institute. The 9th Edition of the Centre's Prayer Book was launched on this auspicious occasion by Swami Vimokshananda. Sri Ramakrishna's Tithi Puja was observed on 9 March 2008 with special puja and day-long japa.
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Vedanta Retreat
A Vedanta Retreat was held on Friday, 21 March 2008 (6 a.m. - 6 p.m.) at the Centre, Glen Anil. The programme for the day comprised: satsang, which included the chanting of hymns, singing of bhajans and kirtans, silent and guided meditation, reading from the Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna, peace chants and vesper services; a seminar on the Bhagavad Gita on the topics The Ideal Man of Knowledge according to the Gita, The Universal Form of God and Knowledge of the Three Gunas; discourse on The Paths of the Pleasant and the Good according to the Katha Upanishad by Swami Vimokshananda; DVD presentation on Scientific Discoveries in India; devotional vocal and instrumental concert by Sri Manesh Maharaj and troupe; question and answer session and an address by Swami Saradananda on Some Aspects of Swami Vivekananda's Personality. This retreat was restricted to 300 persons only.
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The Swami Vivekananda Family Welfare Centre, Foresthaven, Phoenix
The Swami Vivekananda Family Welfare Centre, Foresthaven, Phoenix, was officially opened on Monday, 24 March 2008. The Welfare Centre will be used as a feeding scheme for indigent people. The ceremony was attended by a large number of government officials and local dignitaries. Swami Vimokshananda, in his address, outlined the manner in which selfless service should be conducted. Thereafter the Centre was officially opened by Mr and Mrs R (Jay) Singh (Main Sponsors). Ms P Meskin (President, World Conference on Religions for Peace, SA) then delivered an address. She complimented the Centre on the welfare work it has been performing over the years throughout the country. The function concluded with the singing of the National Anthem, followed by lunch.
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Faculty of Peace Studies, Spirituality and Culture
The Faculty's graduation ceremonies for the "Certificate in Hindu Studies Course" were held on Saturday, 29 March 2008 (6.15 - 7.30 p.m.) at the Centre, Glen Anil and on Saturday, 5 April 2008 (2.30 - 4.00 p.m.) at the Ladysmith Town Hall. The programmes for these functions comprised an academic procession; prayer; official constitution of the ceremony by Swami Vimokshananda; welcome; address by Deputy-dean Mr V Mohanlal; keynote address by Swami Vimokshananda; presentation of the Certificates by Swami Vimokshananda in his capacity as President of the Faculty; addresses by the Guests of Honour (Prof P Pillay - Glen Anil; Dr I Bedassi - Ladysmith) and dissolution of the ceremony by Swami Vimokshananda. In total 106 students graduated. The Course was of one year's duration and was pitched at first year university level being conducted in the distance education mode. There were four written assignments and one examination in each of the two semesters. Students felt that the entire course was informative and inspiring.
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The Ramakrishna Community Veterinary Clinic
The Ramakrishna Community Veterinary Clinic conducted a vet camp on Sunday, 30 March 2008, at the Welbedacht Settlement near Chatsworth. One hundred and five animals were treated. Animals were vaccinated against rabies and dipped for other pests. Pet food, collars and leashes were also handed out. These camps are held under the direction of Dr Sanil Singh and the Centre's team of voluntary workers.
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Nutrition Programme
The Centre's Nutrition Programme continues to support approximately 6000 indigent persons on a daily basis. The monthly distribution includes one and a half tons rice, half ton dhal, canned products, oil, sugar, salt, vegetables, fruit etc. The majority of the items are distributed in the Phoenix, Inanda, Kwa Mashu and Chatsworth areas.
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Agricultural Projects
During October - December 2007 the Centre donated over one thousand fruit trees (mango, litchi, orange, lemon, avocado pear and banana) to community and individual farmers in
the rural areas of Inanda and Amouti, KwaZulu-Natal.
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The Ramakrishna Clinic, Foresthaven, Phoenix
The Ramakrishna Clinic, Foresthaven, Phoenix, was officially opened on Sunday, 28 October 2007. The Clinic will be providing specialist services to poor patients from Phoenix, Kwa Mashu, Inanda and the surrounding areas. The opening ceremony was attended by a large number of government officials, health professionals and other local dignitaries. Swami Vimokshanandaji outlined the spirit of service practised by the Ramakrishna Order. Thereafter the Clinic was declared open by Mr and Mrs I Mangaroo (Main Sponsors). Dr YL Mbele, Acting Head of the Department of Health, then delivered an address on behalf of the KwaZulu-Natal Ministry of Health. She complimented the Centre on its medical work being done throughout the province. Devotional songs were rendered by the Centre's choir and the Ramakrishna eThembeni Home Choir. The function concluded with the singing of the National Anthem followed by lunch.
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Diwali Celebrations
Diwali was celebrated at the Centre on Friday 9 November 2007. Satsang was held from 4:00 - 5:15 p.m. at which Mr P I Singh, an official of the Centre, delivered an address on "The Significance of Diwali". At 7:00 p.m. the Ramakrishna Temple, surrounding buildings and pathways, were lit up by rows of lamps, which lent a divine ambiance to the entire campus.
In the week preceding Diwali, the Centre conducted its Diwali Welfare work. 1000 grocery hampers were prepared and distributed to indigent families in the greater Durban area. On Saturday, 3 November 2007, Swami Vimokshananda, Swami Saradananda, officials and well-wishers of the Centre visited the following Homes, that are supported by the Centre: Ekusizaneni Children's Home (Kwa-Mashu; Home for HIV / AIDS orphans) and the Ramakrishna eThembeni Home (Kwa-Mashu; Home for the terminally-ill). Later that day, cooked meals for approximately 1000 people, were prepared and served to needy families in Welbedacht.
Swami Vimokshananda under the invitation of our Lenasia Branch and various sister organisations visited Johannesburg (Lenasia) for the Diwali satsangs and the Gujarati New Year celebrations (9-10 November). At the Gujarati New Year celebrations the organisers had arranged for Swamiji to distribute 500 copies of the Bhagavad Gita with Swami Nihsreyasananda's Introduction and Chapter summaries. Swamiji also delivered three keynote addresses on these occasions.
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The Jayrambati Home, Foresthaven, Phoenix
The Jayrambati Home, Foresthaven, Phoenix, was officially opened on Saturday 8 December 2007, by Adv. H Kessie Naidu SC (Main Sponsor). The Home is an annex of the Ramakrishna Clinic of South Africa and will serve as a place of refuge and solace for indigent women. The Home will be managed by the Ramakrishna Clinic with its staff of doctors, social workers, counsellors, caregivers etc.
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Ramakrishna Community Veterinary Clinic
Two half-day camps were held on Sundays 16 September and 9 December at Welbedacht near Chatsworth. A total of 136 and 81 animals were treated at these respective camps. Animals were vaccinated against rabies and dipped. The camp was conducted by Dr Sanil Singh (Veterinary Surgeon) and the Centre's team of professional voluntary staff.
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Nutrition Programme
The Centre continues to provide humanitarian aid on an ongoing basis to various organisations and institutions in the KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng Provinces. Items distributed for the period October - November 2007 included rice, lentils, salt, assorted vegetables and fruit, and basic grocery items. Special care is given to orphans and a large number of HIV / AIDS orphanshave come under our support. In addition, sandwiches, fresh fruit and vegetables are provided on a weekly basis to needy families in the larger Durban area. Approximately 6000 indigent people are daily beneficiaries of this programme.
For more information on the Nutrition Programme please click
here.
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The Ramakrishna Clinic of South Africa
The Ramakrishna Clinic of South Africa continues to provide specialist cover to seven State Hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal. During the period October - November 2007, 232 problem patients were seen and 13 operations (including 3 hip-replacements) were performed at these Hospitals. In addition regular medical camps were conducted where 258 patients (including 25 paediatric) were attended to.
For more information on the Clinic please click here.
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Ramakrishna - Abalindi Home (Inanda)
In October 2007 the Centre commenced building the above Home. This facility comprises two large Blocks that will have wards for terminally-ill patients: 15 for women, 15 for men and 10 for children. There are also rooms for the mothers of terminally-ill infants. In addition to this there are nurses rooms, stock rooms, ablution facilities, water storage facilities, etc. The Project, costing over R2 million, is nearing completion and will be opened and handed over to the local community in the new year. This Project will fulfill an urgent need to house the AIDS patients of the larger Inanda area.
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Certificate Course in Bhagavad Gita Studies
The Centre will be launching the above distance and supported learning course in March 2008. This course, which is designed to further enhance the understanding of the basics of the Hindu Religion, will be offered to those students who have successfully completed the Certificate in Hindu Studies, which was launched in 2007. This course will be of a one-year duration with a three hour examination in each of the two semesters.
His Holiness Sri Swami Chetanananda
His Holiness Sri Swami Chetanananda (Head, Vedanta Society of St. Louis, USA) was a guest of the
Centre from 3 - 10 September 2007. Revered Swamiji has many publications to his credit, most notably,
Sri Ramakrishna and His Divine Play, They Lived with God and God Lived with Them. These books have
been studied for years by the devotees in South Africa. Swamiji delivered the following lectures:
- Monday, 3 September - How to cultivate devotion to God
- Tuesday, 4 September - Two addresses in commemoration of Krishna Ashtami
- Thursday, 6 September - Holy Mother, Sri Sarada Devi
- Sunday, 9 September - The Human Aspect of Sri Ramakrishna
Though revered Swamiji's visit was short it brought great fulfillment to the large number of
devotees that met him.
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His Holiness Srimat Sundaramurthi Thambiran Swamigal
His Holiness Srimat Sundaramurthi Thambiran Swamigal was a guest of the Centre from Tuesday 18 -
Wednesday 19 September 2007. Revered Swamigal is the Education Secretary of the Kasi Matam (a
Saivite Monastery in South India). Swamigal was accompanied by Othuvaar Dandapani Samy Ayya, a
graduate of the Annamalai University Music College. During the prayer service held on Tuesday 18
September 2007 (6.30 - 7.30 p.m.), Swamigal addressed the congregation and Othuvaar Dandapani
rendered Thevaram songs in the traditional style.
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National Youth Day
National Youth Day, 16 June 2007, was observed by the Centre with a half-day youth programme. The
opening session consisted the singing of bhajans, chanting, reading from Swami Vivekananda's Complete
Works and silent meditation. After breakfast, there was a youth debate on "Individual interests
supercede societies' development". Swami Vimokshananda then addressed the youth. This was followed by
a devotional concert by Sri Manesh Ramjathan (santoor) and Sri Denver Naidoo (tabla). The programme
concluded with the singing of the South African National Anthem and Peace Chants. Over 350 youth
participated in the days programme.
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The 53rd Annual Southern KwaZulu-Natal Children's Cultural Festival
The 53rd Annual Southern KwaZulu-Natal Children's Cultural Festival was held on Sunday 15 July 2007
at the Pesco Hall, Phoenix. Children from the following Branches participated in the cultural items:
Chatsworth, Durban Central, Etete, Phoenix, Pietermaritzburg, Redhill, Sydenham, Tongaat and Verulam,
as well as the Richards Bay Satsang Group and the Sri Sarada Devi Ashram. The children and youth
presented talks, devotional songs, scriptural chanting, sketches and traditional dances. The Keynote
Address was delivered by Swami Vimokshananda. Over 1200 devotees and well-wishers attended the
function.
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The 82nd Birth Anniversary of Swami Nischalananda
The 82nd Birth Anniversary of Swami Nischalananda, founder of the Centre, was commemorated on
Saturday 21 July 2007 (4.00 - 5.30 p.m.) at the Centre. The programme comprised devotional songs.
The Keynote Address on "The Early History of the Ramakrishna Centre of SA (1942 - 1965)" was
delivered by Swami Saradananda.
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Guru Purnima
Guru Purnima was observed on Sunday 29 July 2007 at the Centre. The day began with silent meditation,
chanting and puja. Satsang was held from 9.00 - 10.30 a.m., during which devotional songs were
rendered. Swami Vimokshananda then addressed the congregation on the significance of the Guru. The
second part of the programme comprised a devotional concert (11.15 a.m. - 12.15 p.m.) by Isai
Selvamani V Karthiegasen Pillay (vocalist) and troupe. Over 700 devotees attended the programme in
Durban.
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Vedanta Retreats
Two half-day Vedanta Retreats were held on Sundays 19 and 26 August 2007 at the Centre's Dundee and
Lenasia Branches respectively. The programme for these functions commenced with prayer, scripture
reading, chanting and devotional singing. Swami Vimokshananda then delivered a discourse on "Spiritual
Life for the Householders". A seminar on "Great Instruments of God's Work", was then presented by
youth members. This was followed by a guided meditation session. Questions were then answered by Swami
Vimokshananda. The programme then concluded with peace chants. Both retreats were well attended.
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Ramakrishna Abalindi Home (Inanda)
The foundation laying ceremony of this Home was held on Wednesday, 29 August 2007. Swami
Vimokshananda, together with Pastor BA Sibisi (Chairperson of the Abalindi Welfare Society)
inaugurated the project. The first phase of this Home comprises a 15 bed female ward and a 15
bed male ward for terminally-ill patients, ablution facilities, nurses stations and storerooms.
The second phase comprises a 10 bed children's ward, mothers' quarters and restroom for caregivers.
This 40 bed facility will serve an immediate and useful need in the Inanda area.
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The Ramakrishna Clinic of South Africa
The Ramakrishna Clinic of South Africa continues to provide specialist cover to seven State Hospitals
in KwaZulu-Natal. During the period June to August 2007, a total of 436 problem patients were seen and
22 operations performed at these Hospitals. On Wednesday 15 August 2007, the Clinic hosted
approximately 100 delegates of the Hospice and Palliative Care Association of South Africa's National
Conference. On Saturday 25 August 2007, Prof B Singh delivered a powerpoint presentation on
"Constipation - Prevention and Treatment" at the Centre. Regular medical clinics were also conducted
at the Chatsworth and Pietermaritzburg ashrams and outlying areas where a total of 618 patients were
seen. All services of the Clinic are rendered on a voluntary basis.
For more information on the Ramakrishna Clinic of South Africa please click
here.
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Nutrition Programme
The Centre continues to provide food aid to approximately 6000 indigent people on a daily basis.
For more information on the Nutrition Programme please click
here.
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Ramakrishna Community Veterinary Clinic
A half-day camp was held on Sunday, 16 September 2007, at Welbedacht, Chatsworth. A total of 136
animals were treated.
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To the Ramakrishna Centre of South Africa's Website
