Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission of Bangladesh: Services in Religion, Education and Humanity

Abstract

This study looks into a twin institution of Bangladesh, the Ramakrishna Math and the Ramakrishna Mission which form the core of the worldwide Ramakrishna Vivekananda Movement, which aims at the harmony of religions and all round progress of human faculties without any distinction of creed, gender, religion, race, block and nationality. It is known to us that as a religion Hinduism has gone through a phase of regeneration and reform through various movements. One of the foremost movement in breaking the caste system and educating the downtrodden was the Ramakrishna Movement initiated by the Ramakrishna Math and Mission. The Ramakrishna Math and Mission have now 205 centers functioning across different parts of the world to carry on its work for the cause of humanity. In Bangladesh, there are 15 affiliated centers rendering services to religion, education and humanity. Truly, we know very little about the public activities of these institutions. People read some commentaries in the Book, but which are not enough, when people get interested in the commentaries, they want to know more about the institutions and this is how they establish a relation with it. This study shows in detail, the services that the RKM, is providing to the society and the nation. In times of natural calamities it rushes aid by way of relief and rehabilitation. Its health care centres, dispensaries and mobile medical unit extend health care to all. Its schools and computer centres are a boon in the educational field.v It may be noted that, so far as the Ramakrishna Math and Mission is concerned, several studies have been conducted taking its philosophy as a whole and Vivekananda as a thinker. No study has hither to be done highlighting the RKM as an institution and its services rendered to religion, education and humanity. It discusses that some major personalities of the RKM initiated the Ramakrishna and Vivekananda movement in Bangladesh by their life and works, which is verily a movement of the divine in the world. And, being the movement of the divine, it concerns all. Its services is for the total regeneration of mankind. This movement brings home the most refreshing message of classical Vedanta in terms understandable and agreeable to everybody: “Learn to make the whole world your won. No one is a stranger, my child; the whole world is your own.” This study narrates how the RKM is serving for a harmonious Bangladesh and for a unity in diversity. Because the concept of living harmony is the need of the day when there is a trend to live in division and selfless motivation. Finally, this study shows if the concept of RKM Jato Mat Tato Pat (so many paths as there are views) can be set in practice, all the catastrophes will cease to happen and the earth will be calm and peaceful