Ramakrishna Mission, Jammu
C/o Ramakrishna Mission Headquarters
P.O. Belur Math, Dist. Howrah
PIN 711202.

RAMAKRISHNA MISSION'S NEW CENTRE IN JAMMU
An Appeal Issued By The Secretary, Ramakrishna Mission, Jammu

    The State of Jammu and Kashmir has been famed as a land of beauty and culture from time immemorial. Forming the northernmost part of India, it occupies a most important place strategically in the geopolitical map of India. For more than a decade the area has been in the throes of a political turmoil and as a consequence the Hindu population of Kashmir had to leave their homeland and take refuge in Jammu and other places.

There has been a long-felt need to have the leavening influence of a non-sectarian spiritual organization like Ramakrishna Mission in this area. But, although requests from the people of the State have been pouring in constantly, the Ramakrishna Mission could not open a branch centre there for many years. Now at las, we are glad to announce that, by the grace of the Lord, the opening of a branch centre of Ramakrishna Mission in Jammu has become a reality.
 
 

It may be mentioned in this context that Swami Vivekananda, the patriot-saint of India, visited Jammu and Kashmir twice. In a letter to his English disciple Sister Nivedita, dated 1 October 1897, Swamiji wrote:

"I shall not describe Kashmir to you. Suffice it to say, I never felt sorry to leave any country except this paradise on earth; and I am trying my best if I can influence the Raja in starting a centre. So much to do here, and the material is so hopeful."

    Swamiji's earnest wish to have a centre of Ramakrishna Mission in the area has now been fulfilled. A piece of land measuring 4.75 acres at Udhowala in Jammu has been gifted to the Mission on a long-term lease by Brahmachari Shakti Chaitanyaji of Kashmir. The legal processes for taking over the land have been completed and the Ramakrishna Mission has officially announced the opening of its branch centre in Jammu.

    In this centre the Mission plans to undertake the following activities for the spiritual, social, and other needs for the well-being of people in Jammu and Kashmir.

A Shrine and  Prayer Hall

  • Daily Worship
  • Evening Prayer and Bhajans
  • Periodical Spiritual Retreats
  • Discourses / Sat-sangs
A Free Library and Reading Room
  • Reading Room section
  • General Books section
  • Children's section
  • Text books' section
  • Computer section for viewing CDs
  • Scholar's section for advanced studies in Religion, Philosophy, Literature and Sanskrit.
A well-equipped Medical Centre
  • Diagnostic Wing with X-ray, Clinical Laboratory and other departments.
  • Consultation Wing in various specialities of medicine including Homoeopathic and Ayurvedic systems.
  • Mobile Medical wing to serve people in and around Jammu.
A Book Centre
  • Sale of Ramakrishna-Vivekananda and Vedanta Literature in Hindi, Punjabi and English.
An Auditorium and a Lecture Hall
  • For the promotion of cultural traditions of the State through creative art and cultural programmes, and conducting scriptural classes, spiritual discourses, value-oriented seminars and meetings etc.
Vivekananda Youth Forum
  • To bring the younger generation into the field of Swami Vivekananda and impart 'man-making' and 'character-building' education among them.
Pilgrim's Guest House
  • For the pilgrims and devotees proceeding to Mata Vaishno Devi temple and the Holy Cave of Lord Amarnath.
    There is, however, no suitable building in the new centre to conduct the above activities or for the monks to stay. It is needless to mention that suitable buildings for all these have to be constructed. Buildings, furniture, equipment, and other infrastructure for the above activities are estimated to cost a total sum of Rs. 5 crores.

    The immediate and urgent need of the Centre is to have a Shrine room and Prayer Hall besides a few living rooms for monastic members who will be engaged in the work of the centre.

    We appeal to all generous and kind-hearted devotees and friends in India and abroad and also to socio-philanthrophic organizations, to come forward to help the Mission through their generous contributions for the cause. The names of donors of Rs. 50,000/-, and above will be inscribed on a plaque and displayed suitably.

    The Cheques/Demand Drafts drawn in favor of "Ramakrishna Mission, Jammu" may please be sent to the Ramakrishna Mission Headquarters, P.O. Belur Math, Dist. Howrah, PIN 711 202. Donations to Ramakrishna Mission are exempt from Income Tax under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

Swami Girijeshananda,
Secretary,
Ramakrishna Mission, Jammu.
Date: 26th April, 2000.
 
 
Dated: 
The Secretary
Ramakrishna Mission, Jammu
C/o Ramakrishna Mission Headquarters
P O Belur Math, Dist. Howrah
PIN 711 202

Dear Swami Ji,

With reference to your appeal for funds for establishment of a new branch centre of the Ramakrishna Mission at Jammu, we are pleased to send our contribution as per the following details:

Name of the Donor ___________________________________________________
Full Address ________________________________________________________
Amount of Donation Rs. _______________________________________________
Purpose of Donation __________________________________________________
Demand Draft / Cheque No. ____________________________________________
DD Drawn on                                        Calcutta Branch ______________________
In favor of                                              Ramakrishna Mission, Jammu __________