Former Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu and Swami Gautamananda Maharaj inaugurate the bookshop of the Vivekananda Human Development Centre at the Ramakrishna Mission in Vijayawada on Sunday.
| Photo Credit: G.N. Rao
Former Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu on Sunday (February 1) described the Ramakrishna Mission as a “university of values” and a powerful center for nation-building, asserting that institutions rooted in character and culture play a crucial role in shaping society.
Speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of the Vivekananda Human Excellence Center (VHEC) here, Mr. Venkaiah Naidu termed the Center a “temple of character and moral wealth.” Built at ₹8.5 crore under the aegis of the Ramakrishna Mission, the Center, he said, would serve as a beacon of knowledge and values for youth.
The VHEC was formally inaugurated by the President of the Ramakrishna Mission, Srimat Swami Gautamananda Maharaj, while Mr. Venkaiah Naidu later inaugurated the book stall set up on the premises and unveiled the commemorative plaque along with BJP MLA Kamineni Srinivas and former MP Gokaraju Ganga Raju in the presence of senior monks of the Mission.
Addressing the gathering, Swami Gautamananda Maharaj recalled his four-decade-long association with the Vijayawada Ramakrishna Mission and emphasised that education devoid of values was a growing concern. He underlined the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda, stressing selfless service, discipline and social responsibility.
Swami Vinishchalananda, Secretary of the Vijayawada Ramakrishna Mission, announced that the Center would begin offering civil services coaching and specialised training programmes starting June. He expressed gratitude to the donors whose contributions made the project a reality, noting that their names have been inscribed on plaques to inspire future generations.
Cultural programmes and a Vivekananda Youth Conclave held at Tummalapalli Kalakshetram later in the day drew large participation. Donors who contributed to the construction of the Center were felicitated by the mission.
Several dignitaries, including film director Koratala Siva, mission devotees and public representatives, attended the event.
Published – February 01, 2026 07:02 pm IST
