Mangalore: 'Vivekananda Vijaypatha' gets grand welcome in city

Pics: Brijesh Garodi
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore

Mangalore, Nov 5: ‘Viveka Vijaypatha’, a chariot procession from Bangalore commemorating Swami Vivekananda's 150th birth anniversary reached Mangalore on Tuesday November 5. The chariot was taken in a procession by students from MCC to Ramakrishna Math here with the aim of spreading his message. The Jatha has already covered around 8,000 kilometres in 23 districts.

The Jatha was inaugurated by MLA J R Lobo along with other dignitaries. MCC commissioner Ajith Kumar Hegde, MLC Capt Ganesh Karnik were the guests.

Thousands of students from various schools and colleges participated in the procession which passed through MG Road-PVS circle-Bunts hostel-Jyoti-Bendorerwell-Kankanady-Marnemikatta and Mangaladevi.

Praveen Chandra Alva, Sabitha Misquith, P V Mohan, Rohan Monteiro, Shashidar Hegde, Appi, Asha D’Silva, A C Vinayraj, Thejomaya, Harikrishna Bantwal, Badruddin, K Shubodaya Alva, Lancelot Pinto, T K Sudheer among others participated in the procession.

The procession was followed by a stage programme at the Math where Swami Jeethakaamanandji Maharaj, president of Ramakrishna Math presided over the function. Swami Thyageeshwarnandji from Bangalore, Dr Jeevraj Sorake, director of SCS hospital, MLA J R Lobo, Prof M B Puranik were the guests.

Speaking after inaugurating the programme, Dr Jeevraj Sorake said, "When we think of the great persons India has given to the world, Swami Vivekananda’s name tops the list."

Stating that his words have inspired the whole world, Dr Sorake said Swami Vivekananda had trust in youth and he asked them to have faith in themselves. He asked students to build a good character and asked them to consider Vivekananda as their guide and role model.

MLA J R Lobo said, "Even today, his words are apt for youth. He is a role model to the youth of the country. We should read the biography of the saint and try to inculcate at least a few good things in our life which will be one of the biggest gifts we can give him.

"In this materialistic world, we are selfish and do not think about our country. When this is the case, Swami Vivekananda’s words will inspire us. Youth power is needed the most to bring change in society. It is they who can decide the country’s future," added Lobo.

"We praise other countries but what are we doing for our own country?" questioned Lobo, asking students to utilize their talents to the maximum.

Swami Thyageeshwarnandji said that the ‘Viveka Patha’ began on March 13 in Bangalore and so far they have covered 23 districts by organizing various programmes to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda.

Quoting Swami Vivekananda, he stressed on youth power and asked the youth to practice positive thinking. "Today’s youth should believe in their inner strength and think that they can conquer the whole world by love," he said.

"We should give students that education by which character is formed, strength of mind is increased, as said by Swami Vivekananda 120 years back," he added.

He further said, "Keeping a low goal in life is a heinous crime. One should choose a goal, think on it, dream and work to achieve it. A person who is truthful and not selfish can face the world without any difficulties."

Evening procession

Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (DV)

‘Viveka Patha’ was taken from Nehru Maidan to Ramakrishna Math on Tuesday evening. The procession started around 5 pm after former union minister B Janardhana Poojary inaugurated it by garlanding Swami Vivekananda’s statue.

The procession included people from all religions, communities, and parties. Highlights included ‘Daff’ , ‘Chende’, and Nasik band music.

After inaugurating the stage progrramme held at Ramakrishna Math, Fr John Fernandes said, “Swami Vivekananda was the supreme spiritual and social reformer of the world. His search for God made him a great monk. When there was poverty and superstition Vivekananda emerged to reform the society. He is a seeker as well as an achiever. He is also the person who claimed every soul is supreme and divine besides helping the poor and needy. In the present day, spirituality is disappearing.”

Poojary said, “Today I realized the dream of Akanda Bharath because people from all religion, community, and sects took part in this procession without any discrimination. Saffron is the color which means a lot and it is a symbol of sacrifice and peace. Hinduism is a religion which loves all creatures. That is what Swami Vivekananda had said.”
 
Swami Thyageshwarnanda blessed the occasion narrating the story of Swami Vivekananda and his contribution to the world and how even Westerners adore Swami Vivekananda.

On this occasion, Swami Jithakananda Maharaj, president, Ramakrishna Math, Mangalore, Maulana U K Abdul Aziz Darami, Prof Shivarama Shetty, MLA J R Lobo, Captain Ganesh Karnik, and P V Mohan were present on this occasion.