The children of five Gadadhar Abhyudaya Projects, run by Ramakrishna Mission, Sikra Kulingram, in different villages, celebrated Nanda Utsav and teacher's day with great enthusiasm and joy.

The programme included various cultural activities and expressions of gratitude towards their Maharaj & teachers, making the occasion memorable for the children.

The Centre at Sikra Kulingram distributed 500 blankets, purchased through Belur Math under the 70:30 scheme, among poor and needy people of nearby villages and the Sundarban area of North 24 Parganas.

A total of 24 villages were covered under this relief work, including Sikra Kulingram, Beler Dhanyakuria, Sangberia, Srinagar, Basirhat, Maynali, Berachampa, Sandelerbill, Hingalganj, Barunhat, Malekan Gumti, Samsernagar, Kothabari, Sahebkhali, Kanaikati, Yogeshganj, Hemnagar, Kalitala, Uttar Malekan Gumti, and other surrounding villages.

Google photos link is here – https://photos.app.goo.gl/Bpc5icdpiSX3JQ7p8 

Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, Sikra-Kulingram, observed the auspicious occasion of the 164th Birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, celebrated nationwide as National Youth Day, on 12 January 2026.

The programme began with Vedic chanting and the Swadesh Mantra, followed by an inspiring address delivered by Swami Anantanandaji Maharaj, Secretary of the Ashrama.

As part of the celebration, 5,368 exercise books were distributed among 1,224 local students, encouraging their educational growth and in honour of Swamiji’s vision for youth empowerment.

Additionally, students from six GAP units associated with the Ashrama observed the day by organising processions, displaying placards with Swamiji’s inspiring quotations, and engaging in discussions on the teachings of Swami Vivekananda.eers, and devotees whose support ensured the success of this spiritually uplifting celebration.

The 164th Birth Anniversary of Swami Brahmananda and Annual Celebration 2026 was conducted by Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, Sikra-Kulingram, with great spiritual fervor, blending traditional rituals, educational conventions, and cultural performances over three days.

Day 1: Sunday, 18th January 2026

Birth Anniversary of Sri Ramakrishna and Maa Sarada Devi The inaugural day was dedicated to the divine lives of Sri Ramakrishna and Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi.

• Morning Devotion: The day commenced with Mangalarati, Vedic chanting, and stotras.
• Spiritual Discourse: Recitations of the Divya Jiban (divine life stories) were followed by insightful talks delivered by Swami Biswanathanandaji (Belur Math) and Swami Dewatwanandaji (RKMVERI).
• Devotional Music: Swami Shivadhishananda (RKM Narendrapur) performed Bhajans, and the Andul Kali Kirtan Samity presented Kali Kirtan.
• Cultural Program: The evening featured lyrical recitations and a captivating dance drama performed by Brahmananda Manimela, Sikra.

Day 2: Monday, 19th January 2026

Student Convention & Swami Vivekananda’s Birth Anniversary The second day focused on the youth, inspired by the teachings of Swami Vivekananda.

• Competitions: A drawing competition saw enthusiastic participation from 94 local students, followed by recitations, storytelling, and a quiz on Swamiji’s life.
• Educational Outreach: To support the community, scholarships were awarded to 30 deserving students to encourage their higher education.
• Speakers: Swami Atmanathananda (RKM Students’ Home, Belgharia) and Prof. Arijit Sarkar delivered motivating lectures centered on Swamiji’s message for the modern student.
• Cultural Highlights: The day featured Kuchipudi and classical dance by Anandadhara Nrityagosthi (Shantiniketan) and concluded with a high-energy Chhau dance by the Bongabari group.
• Attendance: Approximately 1,200 students, guardians, and devotees participated in the day’s events.

Day 3: Tuesday, 20th January 2026

Raja Maharaj’s Janma Tithipuja (164th Birth Anniversary) The final day celebrated the birth anniversary of Swami Brahmananda (Raja Maharaj), the spiritual son of Sri Ramakrishna.

• Rituals & Nagar Parikrama: Following Mangalarati and a special Tithipuja in the shrine, thousands of devotees participated in a Nagar Parikrama (procession) through the locality.
• Spiritual Discourse: Swami Tatwasarananda (Principal, Brahmachari Training Centre), Swami Vedanuragananda (Vice-Principal, RKMCC Rahara), and Swami Lokottorananda (Kamarpukur) addressed a public meeting on the life of Raja Maharaj.
• Musical & Dramatic Tributes: * Devotional songs were performed by Swami Samapriyananda and Swami Kalyaneshananda (with team).
  • Kristi Parishad (Kolkata) performed a Shruti Nataka.
  • The celebration culminated with the drama “Brajer Rakhal-Rakhal Raja,” based on Swami Brahmananda’s life, performed by Kalpataru Natyatirtha, Antpur.
• Impact: Over 10,000 devotees attended the final day and partook of Prasad.

Conclusion: The three-day event concluded with a vote of thanks to all donors, volunteers, and devotees whose support ensured the success of this spiritually uplifting celebration.

The Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama inaugurated two newly constructed Gadadhar Abhyudaya Prakalpa (GAP) buildings at Goberia and Lalpally, along with the extension and renovation of an existing GAP Unit at Haranegheri, on 25 January 2026. The inauguration was graciously conducted by Swami Bodhasaranandaji Maharaj, Assistant General Secretary, Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, Belur Math.

These centres have a long-standing legacy of service. Functioning for decades as non-formal education centres, the units at Lalpally and Bireswar were established in 1989 by the then Secretary, Swami Sarvadevanandaji Maharaj, and were inaugurated by Swami Gahananandaji Maharaj, Swami Atmasthanandaji Maharaj, and Swami Akunthanandaji Maharaj. In 1990, two additional centres were started at Haranegheri and Goberia.

Over time, these centres evolved into formal Gadadhar Abhyudaya Prakalpa (GAP) units, aimed at holistic development of children, under the guidance and support of Belur Math Headquarters. However, the old buildings had deteriorated significantly and required reconstruction.

Thanks to the generous financial support of The Parivar Trust, United Kingdom, the construction of the two new GAP buildings and the renovation of the existing unit were completed successfully. These upgraded facilities will greatly enhance the Ashrama’s educational and developmental activities and will continue to serve the local community with renewed vigour and effectiveness.