Mysuru: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Youth Centre (Viveka Smaraka) in Mysuru on August 1 at 3.30 pm, commemorating Swami Vivekananda’s historic association with the city. The memorial has been built at the site where the revered monk stayed during his visit to Mysuru in 1892 before embarking on his journey to the Parliament of Religions in Chicago.

The inauguration marks the completion of a landmark project undertaken by Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama, Mysuru, to preserve and promote Swami Vivekananda’s legacy while creating a centre for youth development and value-based education.

Memorial at Swami Vivekananda’s historic residence

The Swami Vivekananda Cultural Youth Centre has been constructed at the site of Niranjana Math (Old Anathalaya) on N.S. Road, where Swami Vivekananda stayed as a wandering monk in November 1892.

According to Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama, Swami Vivekananda was invited to Mysuru by the then Dewan of Mysore, Sir K. Sheshadri Iyer, who had met him in Bengaluru. During his stay, Maharaja Sri Chamarajendra Wadiyar X hosted him as a state guest and extended financial assistance for his journey to the Parliament of Religions in Chicago, where Vivekananda delivered his historic address in 1893.

Dignitaries to attend inauguration

The inaugural ceremony will be attended by Swami Gautamananda Maharaj, President of the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission.

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar will participate as the guest of honour.

Details of the Prime Minister’s visit and the memorial project were shared during a press conference by Swami Muktidananda, President of Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama, Mysuru.

PM to address public gathering

Following the inauguration of the memorial, Prime Minister Modi will visit Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama in Yadavagiri and address a public gathering at the Vidyashala Stadium at around 4.25 pm.

The Ashrama said entry to the inauguration ceremony at the memorial will be restricted because of limited seating capacity and stringent security arrangements. However, members of the public will be allowed to attend the public meeting at the stadium, subject to VVIP security protocols.

Authorities are making elaborate arrangements for the Prime Minister’s visit.

Project completed after years of planning

The original Niranjana Math building had fallen into disrepair over the years. The idea of constructing a memorial gained momentum during the celebrations marking Swami Vivekananda’s 150th birth anniversary.

Subsequently, the Karnataka government handed over the property to Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama, Mysuru, for the construction of the memorial. The Mysuru City Corporation also undertook restoration work on the historic Niranjana Math building.

Construction of the cultural centre commenced after the bhoomi puja held on July 11, 2022, and has now been completed under the leadership of Swami Muktidananda, with support from monks, devotees and well-wishers.

State-of-the-art cultural and educational facility

The Swami Vivekananda Cultural Youth Centre has been developed as a modern educational and cultural complex.

The facility comprises a basement and G+3 main building with a built-up area of approximately 75,300 sq. ft., along with a G+2 annex building measuring about 6,300 sq. ft.

It features a 4-D Experience Centre, exhibition hall, amphitheatre with seating for around 700 people, classrooms, conference halls, a library, reading room, book stall and dedicated halls for meditation and yoga.

Centre to promote Vivekananda’s ideals

According to Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama, the centre has been established to promote the teachings, philosophy and values of Swami Vivekananda among the younger generation.

The institution is expected to serve as a training and value-education hub for more than 10,000 students from nearby educational institutions. It will also conduct short-term courses, workshops and youth development programmes for urban and rural students inspired by Vivekananda’s vision of nation-building through education and character development.

The inauguration of the memorial is expected to become a significant milestone in preserving Mysuru’s historical connection with one of India’s most influential spiritual leaders while creating a lasting platform for cultural, educational and youth-focused activities.