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Government plans to set up Swami Vivekananda Kendra at Margao’s Ravindra Bhavan

THE GOAN NETWORK | JANUARY 18, 2021, 11:59 PM IST
Government plans to set up Swami Vivekananda Kendra at Margao’s Ravindra Bhavan

MARGAO
The government has announced plans to set up Swami Vivekananda Kendra at the Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, as Chief Minister Pramod Sawant offered the government’s assistance by way of security and cleanliness of the room at Lord Damodar Sal, Margao, where the spiritual leader stayed during his week-long visit to the state before he headed to Chicago, USA, around 130 years ago.

Before heading to Chicago, Vivekananda had stayed in a room at the Damodar Sal, Margao, offered by late Subraya Nayak and had visited the Rachol Seminary to study Christianity and also some of the temples, including the one at Ramnarthi.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who paid a visit to Damodar Sal on Monday morning, complimented the Nayak family for maintaining the items used by Swami Vivekananda during his week-long stay in the room. He offered the government’s support and help in the form of security and cleanliness, besides providing other things, if the room showcasing Swami Vivekananda’s personal items is showcased to the public.

“During the last 130 years, the Nayak family has protected and maintained all the items used by the Swami in the house, be it the chair, sofa set, radio etc. This is the fourth generation of the Subraya family that has maintained the premises and Swami’s item. I don’t want to say the government will extend support in a big way, but can look after the security and cleanliness and maintenance of the items,” he added.

Saying that he is honoured that he could visit the Damodar Sal and be in the very place used by Swami, the CM said that anyone from across the country who wants to pay respects and get inspired by Vivekananda should come to Margao and pay a visit to the centre. 

“I am indebted to the Nayak family for taking forward the views of Swami Vivekananda in their own way by maintaining the items used by him,” he said.

“I feel happy that the government could observe the Youth Week in commemoration of Swami Vivekananda by holding various programmes. We Goans were fortunate that Swami came down to Goa and stayed at Margao and visited the Rachol Seminary and others temples before heading to Chicago, USA,” he said, adding that he felt honoured as he got the opportunity to visit Damodar Sal any pay my respects to the Swami as the state Chief Minister.

The Chief Minister stressed the need to take Swami Vivekananda’s views and thoughts forward down to the new generation. 

“We have decided to establish the Swami Vivekananda Kendra at the Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, because the Swami had visited the city for a study,” he added.


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