# Ramakrishna Math, Mangaluru

Ramakrishna Math, Mangaluru is a monastic organisation for those men who were taught into existence by Ramakrishna Paramahamsa (1836–1886), a 19th-century saint of Bengal. It is a non-profit, non-political, non-sectarian spiritual organization that has been engaged in various forms of humanitarian, social service activities for over a century.
The motto of the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission is For one's own salvation, and for the welfare of the world The math in Mangaluru is one of the branch centers of the Ramakrishna Order in Southern India. It was established on 3 June 1947. The institution is dedicated to serving humanity and promoting the teachings of Swami Vivekananda and his spiritual master, Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa.

## History

The history of Ramakrishna Math in Mangalore goes back to the days of "Parivrajaka" Swami Vivekananda. In 1892, students from Mangalore, like Shrinivas Pai and his friends, were deeply influenced by Swami Vivekananda when they met him during his wandering days in Madras. After their studies, they started a group called "Vivekananda Society" in Mangalore to spread the ideas of Swami Vivekananda.
The Vivekananda Society organized events and programs to share the teachings of Swami Vivekananda and Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa. Sahukar Venkatesh Pai was deeply influenced and started a free hostel named "Balakashram" for underprivileged boys in 1940. Balakashram was later managed by Ramakrishna Mission, the first branch of its kind in Karnataka.
Efforts led by Rao Bahadur Dr. Keshava Pai and friends led to the establishment of Ramakrishna Math in Mangalore on June 3, 1947. Swami Vimalanandaji and a few monastic disciples initiated spiritual activities like worship and prayers. Swami Vimalanandaji played a significant role in promoting Ramakrishna and Vivekananda's ideas in Mangalore.

## Activities and recognition

The Ramakrishna Math in Mangalore combines spirituality with humanitarian efforts, guided by the motto "Service to mankind is service to God." The Math engages in various initiatives like Swacch Mangaluru Abhiyan, State Level Youth Conventions, Cultural events, and Value Inculcation seminars for students, youths, and lecturers. The Math has received recognition for its contributions to society, including the Rajyotsava Award in 2012, the Erya Award in 2013, the U Srinivasa Mallya Award by Mangalore City Corporation in 2019, and the "Amrita Mahotsava State Award" during Kannada Rajyotsava 2021.

### Swaccha Mangaluru Abhiyan

The Ramakrishna Mission in Mangaluru initiated the "Swaccha Mangaluru for Swaccha Bharath" Abhiyan on January 30, 2015, aligning with the Prime Minister's vision. The campaign launched with a rally involving 2,000 students, an oath-taking event, and recognition of 100 municipal workers. Led by monks, 50 volunteer teams organized 500 shramadan projects, improving the city's cleanliness and public facilities, constructing shelters and signposts. In 100 schools, "Swacch Manas" programs trained 10,000 students about cleanliness, aided by 70 resource persons.

### Educational & youth activities

Ramakrishna Mission Balakashrama assists students with vital resources like uniforms, textbooks, notebooks, and school fees. Boys are encouraged to build virtues, fulfill social duties, develop good tastes, and grow self-esteem. They play an active role in managing the Balakashrama, maintaining its surroundings, and learning the values of independence, dignified work, teamwork, and self-improvement. Daily routines include group prayers and receiving instruction in Vedic Hymns, Bhagavadgita, and other spiritual texts.
* Balakashrama – Hostel Facilities
* Swami Vivekananda Coaching Centre
* Educational Conclave: Shraddha – Medha – Prajna
* Shakthi – Women Empowerment Programme
* Prerana – Residential Youth Camp

### Cultural activities

Ramakrishna Math Mangaluru actively promotes the local culture by organizing various cultural programs including Yakshagaana, Taalamaddale, Ashtaavadhaana, Gamakavaachana, Vaachanagaayana.

### Spiritual activities

Ramakrishna Math Mangaluru organizes various service activities on a regular basis, with the aim of assisting the devotees of the ashram in their pursuit of God-realization, which Ramakrishna considered the ultimate goal of life. These service activities serve as a means of providing support and guidance to the ashram's devotees on their spiritual journey.
* Bhava Sangama – Bhakta Samagama
* Daily Worship and Prayer
* Antaryoga – Spiritual Retreats
* Japa Yajna

### Vivekananda Vrikshalaya – urban foresting project

Ramakrishna Math Mangaluru has taken an initiative to establish urban forests in Mangalore, aiming to protect and preserve nature's biodiversity while promoting local flora and increasing the city's green cover.