By the grace of Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda, the long-cherished dream of establishing the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Youth Centre – Viveka Smaraka has finally become a reality.
ಸ್ವಾಮಿ ವಿವೇಕಾನಂದ ಸಾಂಸ್ಕೃತಿಕ ಯುವ ಕೇಂದ್ರ – ವಿವೇಕ ಸ್ಮಾರಕ or the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Youth Centre – Viveka Smaraka was inaugurated on 1 August 2026 by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, in the holy presence of parama-pujya Swami Gautamananda ji Maharaj, the President of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission. The Hon’ble Prime Minister inaugurated the new institution by untying a ceremonial ribbon. Sri Thaawar Chand Gehlot, Governor of Karnataka, Sri D K Shivakumar, the Chief Minister of Karnataka, Sri Yaduveer Krishnadatta Wadiyar, local MP and Sri K. Harish Gowda, local MLA, were also present.
The Prime Minister visited the Shiva Temple, the renovated building where Swami Vivekananda had stayed when he visited Mysuru in November 1892, the Museum, the Amphitheatre, and the Meditation Hall.
After the inauguration, the Hon’ble Prime Minister visited Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama (in Yadavagiri locality), where he spent a few minutes in the shrine. He attended the arati, offered pushpanjali to Sri Ramakrishna and met the monks before proceeding to the nearby Sri Ramakrishna Vidyashala Stadium.
A general assembly function was held at the Vidyashala Stadium in the august presence of Most Revered President Maharaj and other distinguished dignitaries. Approximately 7,500 people, including monks, students, devotees, donors, Sri Ramakrishna Vidyashala alumni, well-wishers, and members of the general public, participated in the programme.
In his inspiring address, the Hon’ble Prime Minister described the inauguration of Swami Vivekananda Cultural Youth Centre – Viveka Smaraka as more than the opening of a building, calling it a “pilgrimage for spiritual upliftment” and a centre that would inspire generations of young Indians.
On this occasion, the Hon’ble Prime Minister released the Ashrama’s two new Kannada books—the seven-volume edition of the Valmiki Ramayana and Baduku Belaku.
In the evening, a special programme was held at the Viveka Smaraka Amphitheatre to felicitate the major contributors to the project.
On 02 August 2026, a Donor Felicitation Programme, Smruti Samsmarana, was held in the forenoon to express gratitude to the generous donors whose wholehearted support made the project possible.
In the afternoon, the Supporters’ Appreciation Programme, Krutajnata Samarpana, was held to honour the dedicated volunteers, devotees, alumni and well-wishers who had rendered selfless service during the planning and execution of the project. The programme concluded with a musical presentation called ‘Shiva Damaru‘ and ‘Viveka Ganamrita‘.
The inauguration ceremony and the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s visit were telecast live on Doordarshan and were also streamed through the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s official YouTube channel (@narendramodi), enabling all to witness this historic occasion.
Inauguration Video (Day 1 – 1st Aug 2026):
Some photos from the Inauguration (Day 1 – 1st Aug 2026) are shared below.
