More than three crore people performed mass Surya Namaskar at over 80,000 places of the country on a single day.
MORE than three crore people including men, women, college and school students joined the mass Surya Namaskar Yajna conducted on February 17 and 18, the birthday of Swami Vivekananda’s Guru, Swami Ramakrishna Paramhansa. The programmes were organised at over 80,000 places at district headquarters, blocks, schools and colleges and State capitals. The programme set a world record.
In Delhi, the function was organised at Ramlila Grounds. About 12,000 students took part in the programme. Besides, Ramlila Grounds, the similar functions were organised in more than 200 schools and colleges. The function at Ramlila Grounds was attended by a large number of prominent personalities from social, cultural, sports and other fields. Famous thinker and novelist Dr Narender Kohli, who has written about 10 novels and books on Swami Vivekananda’s life and teachings, was the main speaker. The programme was presided over by Dr Radhey Shyam Gupta, chairman of the Delhi Swami Vivekananda 150th birth anniversary committee and former Commissioner of Delhi Police. The chief guest was international wrestler Padamshri Mahabali Satpal.
In Bengaluru, Karnataka Prant Sanghachalak Shri M Venkataram inaugurated the function at Mysore Palace, Bengaluru. Prant Karyavah Shri N Tippeswamy, Prant Sampark Pramuk Shri TS Venkatesh and several other prominent socio-religious leaders were present on the occasion. Similarly, nearly 500 students performed mass Surya Namaskars at Silicon City College on February 18. Akhil Bharatiya Bauddhik Pramukh Shri Bhagaiah was the chief guest. “Nobody wants world war, but why the world war is there, because of animosity, ego, hate and someone to dominate on other. So Swami Vivekananda’s relevance is there and as he told the entire world that no one is great and let us all respect each other’s religion, let us not convert, a Hindu to Christian nor a Hindu to a Muslim. Let us be together and do good things,” said Shri Bhagaiah.
In Tamil Nadu, more than 10 lakh students participated in Surya Namaskar Yajna across the State. Many industrialists, social workers, educationists and other professionals participated along with the students.
There are also reports of organising functions in Jaipur, Ajmer, Udiapur and many other parts of Rajasthan. At Polo Grounds of Jodhpur, nearly 51,000 students participated. Lt Col Mandhata Singh and RSS Akhil Bharatiya Sah Sampark Pramukh Shri Ram Madhav prominently attended the function.
In Mumbai, more than one lakh people participated. At Shivaji Park, more than 5,000 students from schools and colleges participated. RSS Sah Sarkaryavah Shri KC Kannan was the chief guest. In Thane, more than 12,000 students from 38 schools participated. Education department also participated in this massive event. In Nagpur, Mayor Anil Sole inaugurated the function at Yashvant Stadium where more than 50,000 students along with prominent dignitaries and common citizens participated.
In Benaras, more than 30,000 students participated throughout. At Ramnagar’s Maharaja Banaras Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Maharani Anamika Kunvar was present. Former Chief Medical Officer of the district, Dr Narendra Gupta addressed the students. He elaborated the importance of Surya Namaskar in modern lifestyle. (FOC)
