Our mission

The activities are mainly divided into two folds

• Ashramic activities
• Public welfare programs
• Publications
• Siksha and Janakalyan activities

Ashramic Activities

These include daily worship, Aratrik, Celebration of Janma Tithi of Thakur, Ma, Swamiji with special puja, Durga puja, Falharini Kali puja, Gurupurnima, Bipadtarini puja, holding pathachakras at Mandir on a fixed day and at residence of the devotees or at villages as and when called for. Publishing a monthly magazine of the centre with writings on Thakur, Ma, Swamiji. Diksha, Bookstall and library holding of Bhakta Sammelan and Yuba Sammelan conducting Vivek Pariksha. The main object of these activities were to propagate the teachings of Shri Ramakrishna Dev, Ma Sarada Devi and Swami Vivekanandaji Maharaj. These were brought under one umbrella - 'Ashram Parishad'. Different sub committees were constituted to perform these activities. 

Public Welfare: Siksha o Janakalyan Parishad

These activities focussed on i) Education, ii) Health, iii) Self employment and relief work, iv) Prashar: here again proper machinery worked for smooth performance of these works

Relief Work

The relief work started from Biswanath Ricemill and Lakshmi Narayan Ricemill.

In the year 2000, a devastating flood broke out in the area. Directed by Swami Girishanandaji Maharaj - the secretary of Asansol Ramakrishna Ashram at that time, this centre arranged for midday meal of about 10,000 flood affected people every day, distributed clothes sent by Belur Math to these people and making a survey. Besides this, the centre distributed clothes to financially backward children every year and help poor students to support their education to reach their goal. During covid period, the centre helped a large number of people with dry food material. All this work have been possible with the donation of the common people. 

Brief Summarization of these activities

To perform daily puja Aratrik, other pujas, tithi pujas, etc. A puja subcommittee from among the members were formed. The convener called meetings from time to time. Falharini Kalipuja was introduced from the year 1994 on a plot of highland just on the bank of Kunur which was famous for a 'Panchamundi Asan'. Durga puja without idol was introduced in the year 1997 and with idol in 2002. 'Kumari puja' on 'Mahastami tithi' was introduced most probably the first time at the locality. 

Tithi pujas and swamiji's birthday puja were introduced since 1997. The women proposed to arrange Janma tithi puja of Ma Sarada Devi all by themselves. Shrimati Shanta Basu took the leading part and all the memebers accepted her spontaneously. Winter clothes were distributed and all the devotees used to get mid-day 'Prasad'. It was a really special day to everyone.

Other pujas have been going on since their beginning under the supervision of Puja sub-committee. The present convener of this sub-committee is Prasanta Mukerji and Nilima Sinha. Pannalal Das advised them for a long time.

     A cultural subcommittee under the guidance of Swadhin Chatterji generally held pathachakras at different villages where sometimes an audio drama named 'Uttaran' written by Susanta Sadhu and directed by Swadhin Chatterji was performed. It was so popular that the cultural subcommittee was invited to perform its show in Burdwan several times. 

Besides Nutanhat, Dariapur, Aruar, Dignagar, Sar, Gonpur, Kasemnagar, Billwagram and other places some 20kms away from Guskara. 'Uttaran' was based on the story of transformation of Narendra Datta to Swami Vivekananda and wine-addicted Girish to Bhakta Girish. The artists gave their all they knew during the play. The sweet melodious songs sung by Shrimati Tripti Chatterji and others touched everyone's heart. The audience requested to repeat the play if possible. Really it was the best way of propagation. 

However the first public cultural programme took place at Guskara P P Institution - stage in Sept 1993 to mark the completion of 100th year of Swamiji's Chicago address. The meeting was presided over by Swami Umanandaji Maharaj and followed by a well decorated table of swamiji which walked along the streets of Guskara drawing public attention. Pathachakras were held every Thu and later on every Wed at 'Nirala' and then at Mandir. The present convener of cultural subcommittee is Smt Tripti Chatterji.

Publications

The team published a monthly magazine named Sashraddha Nivedan edited by Gourgopal Ghosh from Nov 1993 till now. A subcommittee named Patrika was formed. This subcommittee was in charge of publishing, distributing of Patrika collection of monthly subscription and all other works relating to the development of the Patrika. 

Sashraddha Nivedan was mainly designed to foster the teachings of the Divine Trio and also spiritual manifestation of the inner in each soul.. It has been continuing to progress since its appearance. The first editor was Gourgopal Ghosh and then Satyagopal Sinha. Subhas Ch. Chowdhury and Priyabandhu Maji. All of them were literally great writers and poets. The yearly subscription was Rs 10, Rs 15 from 1996 and now Rs 20 only.

Siksha and Janakalyan activities

The activities were based on i) Education, ii) Health, iii) Construction, iv) Relief Work

Education

The members of the organization as well as the public of the locality requested to establish a school - the motivation being the math-based schools to build the character and technicality of young children from their early childhood to become responsible citizen of the country. It is notable that this education system was designed by Swami Vivekananda.

It was not possible for the management to give effect to public request till 2012. But free coaching center for boys and girls began from 1994. Eminent teachers agreed to take classes without remuneration. The classes were held at Guskara P P Institution. In the year 2011, every private center affiliated to Burdwan Bankura Purulia Bhava Prachar Parishad were asked to submit programme for observing 150th birth anniversary of Swamiji and at the same time directed to do something which would be lasting for years and doing welfare of common people. The management of the centre took the work of setting up a school and a temple of Swami Vivekananda. The school named Guskara Shri Ramakrishna Vivekananda Shishu Vidyamandir mainly for the age group of 3 years to 9 years thus came to light on 1.1.2012. The first headmistress was Shrimati Basanti Bandopadhyay the widow of the founder Rakhahari Bandopadhyay and the first secretary was Avijit Mukherji, a life member of the center and the rector was Subhas Chandra Chowdhury, a vastly experienced man in school administration. 

A beautiful temple was established and the statue of Swami Vivekananda was placed inside. The entire work of the temple was completed under the supervision of Swadhin Chatterji, the fourth president of the center. A visitor would be delighted at the entrance gate when this temple came to his sight. This temple was opened by Swami Girishanandaji Maharaj on December, 2012. To celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda an intensive drive was taken to foster the life and teachings of Swamiji among school children. Seminars were arranged in four higher secondary schools. Eminent orators and monks used to deliver lectures about Swamiji's life in soft language so that the students could easily understand what they said. Books were sold at these seminar places. Pathachakras were held in villages around Guskara throughout the year 2012. 'Yubasammelan', sports, long distance race were arranged for the youth. It was a grand success of the centre to cultivate the teachings of Shri Ramakrishna Dev and Swami Vivekananda among people of all spheres of life. 

Besides these, the management took decision to hold Vivek Parichiti Pariksha in all schools from primary to secondary level. A subcommittee was formed. Sarat Kumar Garai, a well known personality in Guskara took the responsibility on his shoulder for holding Vivek Parichiti Pariksha. Books on Thakur, Ma, Swamiji were distributed free of cost among willing students who participated in this examination. Prizes were awarded to students of each class from IV to IX according to merit. The process rolled from as early as 1994 each year. More than thousand school students of about fifty schools took part. The teachers of the schools heartily co-operated for smooth administration of the examination. This process continues till date. It was a very successful effort to make students acquainted with the lives and teachings of the Divine Trio. The present convener is Debnarayan Mukherji. 

Mohila Kalyan Subcommittee

Many female members of the centre are notable for their valuable contributions. They take the leading role in all puja - arrangements and arrange for self employment of the needy women. Tailoring training, sewing training and many other training programs were conducted by the energetic members of this subcommittee. The observance of Janmatithi of the Holy Mother Sarada Devi has been taking place for a long period where the many female members independently conduct mind blowing functions. Winter garments are distributed among selected needy people. These leadership contributions and initiatives show their love and sincerity for the Divine Trio. Beloved 'didi' Santa Basu was the pioneer of performance. Shrimati Purabi Mondal and Shrimati Nilima Singa took the load as 'Didi' went to Shri Ramakrishna Dham'. All female members co-operated with them spontaneously.

Health Services Subcommittee

This subcommittee arranges for health services like eye-operation camp, blood donation, free medical check-ups and free treatments in the Sundays of each month. Dr Nanda Dulal Roy, Dr Shyamal Das, Dr K. S. Roy, Dr Subrata Ghosh and Sanat Roy rendered their services and thousands of poor patients were benefited. Shanta Basu, Kiran Kr Roy, Nikhil Kr Garai did help the physicians. The free medical treatment services began as early as in Nov 1996 at the residence of Nikhil Kr Garai and later on at the temple. 

Construction Subcommittee

Construction of the Remakrishna Mandir began on 1994 and Tapan Kumar Mondal took the full responsibility of the construction. For his hard work, sincerity and devotion it was possible to find the new abode of the Divine Trio in Feb 1997. Members gave their best effort to collect fund but a large sum of money was left unpaid. Tapan Mondal managed to keep the project going and the money was paid back to Tapan Babu later on. When the construction of the 2nd floor of the school building started Shri Krishnendu Chatterji took the responsibility. Shri Debashis Hazra, a famous architect designed the plan and gave an estimate of the work. Members of the subcommittee  used to sit as and when necessary to discuss the problems and the way to solve them. The entire process has been running smoothly.

Youth Welfare Subcommittee

This subcommittee arranges for all the activities relating to build up character and health of the young people. The subcommittee organizes Yuba Sammelan, volleyball tournament, long distance run, etc. The convener at present is Shri Priyabandhu Maji who is also a permanent representative of this centre in Purba Bardhaman Bhava Prachar Parishad together with Shri Amarendra Chandra. They are always in touch with the Bhava Prachar Parishad and bring important messages from there. A youth cell comprising of the youths under 35 years of age has been formed. Recently the centre is going to commence an ambitious youth welfare and development program to help them fit for life-struggle.

Prasad Subcommittee

The function of this subcommittee is very important. The members of this subcommittee arrange for preparation and distributing of 'Prasad' in all functions of the centre. A large number of devotees around 3000 attend the yearly Bhakta Sammelan and they are entertained with holy Prasad at noon. The present convener of the subcommittee is Shri Rajat Chand. In the early years Shri Benukar Chakrabarty took the leading role in this subcommittee. 

Book Sale Subcommittee

In all important functions, books on the "Divine Trio" published by "Udbodhan" and Golpark Ramakrishna Mission are sold. The need of a permanent sale center which would remain open every day has been felt. Shri Taraknarayan Mitra and Shri Amarendra Chandra are the joint conveners of this subcommittee. There is also a library for members where the reader member can take home books free of subscription. The center has been acknowledged as Udbodhon grahak book kendra which is being supervised by Sadhan Karmakar.

Finance Subcommittee

Header by the treasurer this subcommittee manages the income and expenditure of the center. All subcommittees are asked to prepare their income and expenditure estimate. The subcommittee then examine the estimate and sanction money. Regular internal audit is done and the final audit of the centre is done by a reputed chartered accountant farm. 

All the activities are thus divided among the subcommittees. All the energetic and devoted members of the centre are included in one or the other subcommittees.

Management

The centre was registered in Societies Registration Act in 1994-95. But Rakhahari Babu, with the consent of Swami Gahanandaji Maharaj in 1997, proposed the names of the names of the board of trustees which would be solely responsible for the management of Guskara Shri Ramakrishna Vivekananda Cultural Centre. Unfortunately, Rakhahari Babu passed away Dec 2006. Swami Girishanandaji Maharaj nominated Shri Debo Prasad Roy as the secretary. Due to his sincere effort the did of the Board of the Trustees was registered on 11th Jan 2008. Now the centre is under the management of the Board of Trustees. 

There is an executive committee composed of 21 members, 11 of them would always be trustees and 10 to be nominated by the Board of Trustees. The executive committee selects different subcommittees. The entire work area is divided among four regions and each region gens an efficient coordinator who always keep the member of his/her region in touch with the works and messages of the centre. 

Staff

There is full time worker who is also the night guard. The priest also stays the whole day and night. He is a member of the centre. And for the day time a peon cum work supervisor has been appointed. A part time accountant has been appointed to maintain the accounts. 

Different activities of the first year

1. Publish of Nivedan: November 1993

2. Free Coaching center: 1/7/1994 at G.P.P.I.

3. Eye operation camp - 19/2/1994

4. Health Service - Nov 1996 at the residence of N. Garai 

                                Physicians - Dr N. D. Roy, S. Das, K. S. Roy, S. Ghosh

5. Book stall at Ratanti Mela - 1994

6. Laying of foundation stone - 12/2./ 1994 by Swami Umananda Maharaj

7. Kalpataru Utsav - 1/1/94

8. Pathachakra - 25/11/1993, inaugarated by Swami Biswanathananda Maharaj

9. Durgapuja (without idol) - 1997

10. Durgapuja with idol - 2002 (initiative was taken by Mrityunjoy Modal)

11. Vivek Parichiti Pariksha - Aug 1994

12. Foundation work started on - 24th Jaisthya, 1401 Dashahara by Swami    

Girishanandaji Maharaj

13. Opening of Mandir - 11/2/1997 by Swami Gahananandaji Maharaj

14. First initiation - 12/2/97 by Swami Gahananandaji Maharaj

                               No initiated - 71

Name of the founder: Rakhahari Baddopadhyay

15. Name of the land donors:

Hare Krishna Maji and his sons and daughters, Shibdas Gupta, Nikhileswar Mondal, Panchkari Mondal, Budhadeb Mondal, Suboth Kr Mukhopadhyay, Sudarshan Mukhopadhyay, Subir Dutta, Kartik Dutta and his sisters

16. Name of the member of the first executive committee

1) Swami Shyamananda - President

2) Radhashyam Mondal - Vice President

3) Anadi Narayan Bhattacharya - Vice President

4) Rakhahari Bandopadhyay - Secretary

5) Deboprasad Roy - Asst secretary

6) Amitabha Majumdar - Treasurer

7. Members: 

Santosh Kr Ghosh, Gopikanta Mondal, Dharmadas Pramanik, Narayan Ch Mistri, Nikhileswar Mondal, Shibdas Gupta, Swadhin Kr Chatterji, Dhiraj Kr Roy, Kartik Kr Bannerji, Prabhat Kr Mondal, Smt Niharika Roy, Asoknath Mondal, Gour Gopal Ghosh, Dr Shyamal Kr Das, Benukar Chakrabarty, Somenath Mukherji

17. Names of local members of the first Board of Trustees:

Gour Gopal Ghosh (president), Anadi Narayan Bhattacharya (vice president), Rakhahari Bandopadhyay, Deboprasad Roy, Tapan Kr Mondal, Prasun Kr Mondal, Kiran Kr Roy, Nikhil Kr Garai, Benukar Chakrabarty, Swadhin Kr Chatterji

18. First office in charge - Abani Ranjan Pandey followed by Narayan Bhattacharya

19. Names of member of first registered board of trustees

Gour Gopal Ghosh, Anadi Narayan Bhattacharya, Abani Ranjan Pandey, Smt Shanta Basu, Kiran Kr Roy, Benukar Chakrabarty, Deboprasad Roy, Pannalal Das, Nikhil Kr Garai, Swadhin Kr Chatterji, Tapan Kr Mondal

20. (a) Year of registration - 1994 - 95

      (b) Year of registration of Board of Trustees - 11th Jan 2008

21. First President of the registered board of trustees - Gour Gopal Ghosh

     First Vice President of the registered board of trustees - Anadi Narayan Bhattacharya

     First Secretary of the registered board of trustees - Deboprasad Roy

     First Asst Secretary of the registered board of trustees - Nikhil Kr Garai

     First Treasurer of the registered board of trustees - Benukar Chakrabarty

22. Names of Presidents from the beginning up to 2022

      1st President - Swami Shyamananda Maharaj

      2nd President - Gour Gopal Ghosh

      3rd President - Anadi Narayan Bhattacharya

      4th President - Swadhin Kr Chatterji

      5th President - Abani Ranjan Pandey