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Ramakrishna
Mission (Ceylon Branch)
Colombo
Jayanthies, Special Events, Sunday School, Medial Camp, Youth Activities
Activities
Daily morning abishekam accompanied by the chanting of verses
from the scriptures, puja and arati. Daily evening puja, bhajan, arati and meditation. On
special occasions Homa is performed and religious discourses take place in the shrine room
complex. On Friday evenings special Bhajans.
The birthday Thithi pujas of Bhagavan Sri Ramakrishna, Holy Mother Sri Sarada
Devi and Swami Vivekananda are celebrated with special Puja, Homa, Arati and
Bhajan in the morning. The evening Arati is preceded by Bhajan and a Discourse. The
respective public celebration is usually held on the following Sunday. In the morning a
colourful procession with the relevant decorated portrait is taken through the adjacent
streets of the Mission with devotees singing bhajans. At times a cultural program is also
arranged in the morning. The public meeting takes place in the evening. 
This school for children was started on Sri Krishna Jayanthi day
in 1952. It has now 865 children with 52 volunteer teachers on the staff. The school
session is 8:30 a.m to 11:30 a.m. The children are grouped into different classes and
taught religious subjects and moral studies, discipline, right conduct and behavior
leading to their physical, mental and spiritual development. They are motivated to take
part in cultural programs and debates to also create self-confidence in them. Prizes are
awarded to encourage them.
Free Medical Service
On the first Sunday of every month about 6 to 10 doctors
volunteer to give free medical treatment and advice to those seeking treatment at the
mission's medical center. Wherever possible free medical supplies are handed over. Usually
patients call over for blood pressure, blood sugar complaints, eye and ear defects and for
a general checkup or minor diseases.
On occasions in the company of a resident Swami a group of doctors and volunteers
conduct a medical camp at remote areas with the supply of medicines. In cases of major
illness, patients are advised to get treatment at a hospital.
Boys and girls seeking to lead a spiritual life assemble at the mission on Saturday and
Sunday mornings for about 2 hours. Ideals of Swami Vivekananda on man making, leadership
and personality development are some of the topics discussed.
School going children from outstations are given the opportunity to come to Colombo and
stay at the mission with their teachers for 2 or 3 days. A training program is arranged
for them. They are also given an opportunity to visit the zoo, museum and other places of
interest. A similar program is also made available to the children in Colombo.