The train “Vivekananda Express” containing the exhibits on the life and message of Swami Vivekananda, which was flagged off at Howrah Railway Station on 12th January 2011 to mark the three-year celebrations of Swamiji’s 150th Birth Anniversary, arrived at Delhi cantonment Railway Station on 7th October 2011 after coverting many places in the country.

  • A cross-section of the audience gathered to welcome the Vivek Express.
  • The special train was welcomed in Delhi by a small function with dignitaries from the Northern Railways and monastics from the Ramakrishna Mission.
  • Inside the Vivek Express, seen here stationed at the Delhi Cantonment Station.
  • Inside the Vivek Express, seen here stationed at the Delhi Cantonment Station.
  • Inside the Vivek Express, seen here stationed at the Delhi Cantonment Station.
  • Inside the Vivek Express, seen here stationed at the Delhi Cantonment Station.
  • Staff of the Indian Railways explaining the various exhibits and murals in the Vivek Express
  • Swami Shantatmananda, Secretary of the Ramakrishna Mission with Shri Binod Prasad Gupta, Additional GM, Northern Railways.
  • Monastics of the Ramakrishna Mission started the program with Vedic Chanting.
  • Vivek Express, a special train released by the Indian Railways, celebrating the 150th Birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda.

On this occasion, an inaugural function was arranged by the Northern Railway authorities on 7th in consultation and cooperation with the Ramakrishna Mission, New Delhi.


A pandal was erected on the platform where the Vivekananda Express arrived  and Shri  B.P. Gupta, Additional General Manager of Northern Railway agreed to inaugurate the Exhibition on wheels.

The programme started with Vedic Chanting by some monastic members of the Ramakrishna Mission, New Delhi.  It was followed by an opening song by the Cultural Troupe of Delhi Division of the Northern Railway. Shri B.P. Gupta lighted the lamp symbolizing the Inauguration.  A welcome address was presented by Swami  Shantatmanandaji, Secretary, Ramakrishna Mission, New Delhi, who later presented to each of the dignitaries  – (1) Lectures from Colombo to Almora and  (2) Swami Vivekananda, the great Spiritual Teacher. Shri  S.P. Mahi, ADRM, Northern Railway, made a short speech and Shri B.P. Gupta delivered the Inaugural Address. After his Inaugural Address, Shri R.K. Goel, Retired CAO(Con), South Eastern Railways, proposed Vote of Thanks.

Shri B.P. Gupta accompanied by Swami Shantatmanandaji,  Shri S.P. Mahi, Shri R.K. Goel and others, inaugurated the Exhibition in the train and went round all the exhibits.

Tea, snacks and Prasad packets arranged by the Ramakrishna Mission were distributed to all those who attended the function.   A book-stall containing the literature on and by Swami Vivekananda was also put up by the Ramakrishna Mission on the platform where  Swami Vivekananda Express train was stationed and 20% discount was offered on all the books.

The itinerary of Swami Vivekananda Express from Delhi Cantonment station  was published in the brochure brought out and distributed by Railway authorities to all visitors to the Exhibition.