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A Reception and Program in Honor of Swamis of The Ramakrishna Order
September 22, 2003

In the evening, at 7:00 p.m., a reception and a program was organized in honor of the Swamijis of the Ramakrishna Order Centers at Vivekananda Vidyapith. This day will always remain a memorable day in the history of Vivekananda Vidyapith. Everyone, from young to old, was looking forward to this special and unique day to be with all Swamijis in the Vidyapith. Since the last several months preparations were going on at the Vidyapith for this reception.

Everyone was filled with joy when fourteen Swamijis and Dr. Jayaramanji arrived at the Vidyapith around 7:00 p.m. When they were climbing up the steps of the Vidyapith building, they found the students of Vidyapith, wearing white and blue uniforms holding lamps and flowers to welcome them. Also, the teachers and parents were receiving these special guests with folded hands. It was evening time. In the Main Prayer Hall, Arartrikam was sung by the Students, Teachers, and Parents. All the Swamijis heard and participated in the Aratrikam in the reception room.

After the Aratrikam, the Swamijis went upstairs into the Main Prayer Hall. The Prayer Hall and the lobby was completely filled with people. There was no room left for more people. All the Swamijis were welcomed in the prayer hall with aarti offered by two students. A group of students were reciting "Shanti-Mantras", the Vedic Peace Invocations. In this joyful and serene environment, one by one all the Swamijis offerd flowers to Sri Ramakrishna, Holy Mother and Swami Vivekananda at the altar. It was a thrilling moment. All the Swamijis took their seats in the chairs arranged in a semi-circle formation on both the sides of the altar facing the audience. There were people standing in the lobby. They were asked to come inside and fill the space that was available. There were more than one hundred people sitting in the main basement hall. More than 300 people packed the Main Prayer Hall, lobby and the basement. There were closed circuit T.V. monitors in the lobby and in the basement for the people to see and listen to the program.

The Vidyapith Choir sang Sri Ramakrishna Jayashtakam. Then, Mahendra Uncle welcomed all the Swamijis and asked them to bless and guide all on this special occasion. All the Swamijis and Dr. Jayaramanji gave their blessings and guidance. The reception was concluded with a sumptuous dinner which was served to all. A group picture of all Swamijis was taken in the reception room. It is a rare event to see fourteen Swamijis of the Ramakrishna Order Centers of North America, Canada and India to be together. Thus, this event and this group photo are really unique. Everyone felt highly uplifted by the events of the evening.

The Vidyapith remains grateful to Swami Adiswaranandaji, Spiritual leader of Ramakrishna-Vivekananda Center, New York, for making this program possible.