SWAMI VIVEKANANDA NIGHT SHELTER
(a project of Ramakrishna Mission, New Delhi)
New Delhi, July 9, 2013
The Chief Minister of Delhi, Smt. Sheila Dixit today laid the foundation stone of “Swami Vivekananda Night Shelter”, a home for the poor and homeless, to be constructed by Ramakrishna Mission, New Delhi at Rohini, West Delhi.
In an impressive ceremony held under the aegis of the Ramakrishna Mission, the Chief Minister was glad to note that the Mission had taken up this noble initiative during the 150th Birth celebration year of Swami Vivekananda which would directly benefit the poor and marginalized section of society as envisioned by Swami Vivekananda. This, she felt, would be the highest form of worship that could be offered to the great patriot saint of modern India who had inspired generations of freedom fighters including Mahatma Gandhi. She praised the good work being done by the Mission in spreading educational, medical and spiritual services all over the globe and stated that entrusting a noble work of this kind to the Ramakrishna Mission was a sure guarantee for success, not always expected even from Government Departments.
Swami Shantatmananda, Secretary, Ramakrishna Mission, New Delhi in his welcome address explained that the 842 sq. m of land allotted by the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board would initially house a three-storeyed building capable of accommodating 400-450 poor people, especially during the harsh winter season. He thanked the Delhi Government and, in particular, the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board for making available the land in Rohini for this purpose. He expressed the hope that the building, costing around Rs. 80 lacs, would become functional within November 15, 2013. He also thanked the various Financial Institutions and Corporates who had come forward with their helping hand in this noble task.
The function commenced with an Invocation by Dr. Subhadra Desai and concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Sri Gurudas Chatterjee, Vice President, Managing Committee, Ramakrishna Mission, New Delhi. In spite of the heavy rain, the function was attended by more than 250 persons who were served with refreshments at the end.
Swami Shantatmananda
Secretary
Ramakrishna Mission,
New Delhi
Photos From the Evening:
Press Coverage:
1. The Statesman:
2. The Hindu: