VIVA-RKMM - Inspired Living , VIVAVIVA-RKMM - Inspired Living , VIVAhttps://viva.rkmm.org/blogs/vivaSat, 13 Jun 2026 01:50:51 +0530http://zoho.com/sites/<![CDATA[Celebrating 130 Years of the Ramakrishna Mission]]>https://viva.rkmm.org/blogs/post/may2026On this special occasion of the 130th year of the foundation of the Ramakrishna Mission, we invited our readers to share their personal journey and unique story about how they first connected with the Ramakrishna Mission.]]>

On this special occasion of the 130th year of the foundation of the Ramakrishna Mission, we invited our readers to share their personal journey and unique story about how they first connected with the Ramakrishna Mission. Our readers have shared that they learnt immensely from coming in contact with the RKM Ashramas and the spiritual teachings of the Holy Trio. Many draw inspiration from the monks of the order and everyone agrees (as we all do) that the welfare/service activities of the mission is its most magnificent aspect.   

A Svarat-2026, session in progress. Revered Swami Shantatmananda interacts with the participants

Serendipity - My Connection with Ramakrishna Mission
​- By Vandana Kochhar (Gurugram) 

Do you believe that some things are meant to be? Or that they were engineered to happen when they did? the way they did? I have always known about Ramakrishna Mission but it was always Out There. Six months ago while attending a youth program in Chennai, I got introduced to RKM as an NGO that works in multiple social sectors including senior citizen wellness. Upon my return, I contacted Arpita Sud from VIVA, RKM Gurgaon for a potential collab on senior citizen engagement with my venture 'engagebuddies'. 

The Mission is across the road from my home and I didn't know about it. I mentioned it to my friend and partner Shalini and she was very well connected to their philosophy via Dharmendra Pandey ji (Sr. Resource Person and Management Committee Member, VIVA). We decided to meet at the mission and just present our ideas and it immediately snowballed into Svarat 2026 - VIVA's program for senior citizens. 

Interacting with Revered Swami Shantatmananda Maharaj and the VIVA team is awe-inspiring. The abundance of intellect and gravitas makes you want to be a better person. Having voluntarily retired last year to pursue a difficult dream, I was in a place of uncertainty and low energy. The experience of preparing, conducting and attending the sessions not only gave me a second wind but answered questions I did not know I needed answered. Maharaj ji told us, "Charge a reasonable amount when you are starting and once you are established - do the sessions for free. Don't burn yourself to the ground doing charity right now." How did he know that I was struggling with this very question - the money I had kept aside for year one was all but gone doing free sessions.

This is not the advice of a marketing guru, who would suggest freebies to sell, but of a mentor, a philosopher, a wise pragmatist. His words reminded me to "value" and not "sell". It boosted my confidence that He believed that someone would / should pay good money for our services. 

The sessions by DP sir, Nandini Ma'am and Ramesh Dwivedee ji continued to unfold wisdom from Hindu philosophies and our ancient scriptures. They nourished body, mind and soul. The participants themselves were an evolved lot of high achievers intent in giving back to society and an inspiration in lifelong learning. 

My Connection with the Ramakrishna Mission

Our contributor Debashish Chakraborty says that he visited the Ramakrishna Mission Delhi Ashrama in 2024. There he attended a few discourses and classes on the Bhagavad Gita. He found it informative and has since been drawn to the mission and set firmly on the path of his spiritual journey.

Nandita Lahiri has for many years served as a volunteer in the value education programs of VIVA. She has been associated with RKM since her childhood. Four members of her family have served as senior monks of the Ramakrishna Order. She has continuously found inspiration and strength from the spiritual teachings of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother and Swami Vivekananda. 

Nandini Seshadri writes - "I was about 14 years old and was visiting my uncle at Bangalore during the holidays. While strolling one evening with family we walked into the Basavanagudi ashram and Ram naam sankirtan was going on. That music even today rings in my ear. It was as if Thakur had bought me to his fold that very day." 

Our reader Shilpi Sharma shares how she dived straight into the mission, as though by invitation of the Holy Trio themselves: 
​
In 2018, we moved to Gurugram, renting a ground-floor house. The floor above was the place where the Gurgaon Study Circle (for the study of the teachings of the Holy Trio) would meet. From my floor I would hear the divine Saturday Sandhya Aarti floating into the house bringing blissful feelings; its heart-touching music was like nothing I’d ever heard. The words "Kripa Hi Kevalam" echoed constantly. Later, the devotees would come to share the prasad with me. I felt like I belonged. Soon, I felt like offering some service for the shrine above. The devotees would leave the keys behind with me and I offered to have the shrine cleaned. This responsibility gave me immense satisfaction as I would get darshan of the Holy Trio everyday. After evening aarti, I read 'Maa Ki Baatein' and 'Bhakt Malika'. By God's grace, He protected me. Seeing Thakur, Maa, and Swamiji, I felt and continue to feel this is my life's destination and path.

Arun Kumar Chatterjee goes down memory lane to share his journey with the mission:


"My association with the Ramakrishna Mission began as a child in Rourkela in the early 70s. My paternal grandparents were initiated by Swami Abhedananda. My grandmother used to take me to the pathachakra regularly organized at the residence of a devotee (a direct disciple of Holy Mother) and I was fortunate to receive his blessings. Following the transfer of my father to Kolkata in 1976, I used to frequently visit the Ramakrishna Vedanta Math. I got initiated by Revered Swami Atmasthanandaji in December 1998 along with my spouse Arpita at Ramakrishna Mission, Delhi. We remain associated with the Ramakrishna Mission at Gurugram."  

Arpita Chatterjee reminisces joyfully of her connection and writes:


"I have been visiting the Ramakrishna Mission, New Delhi, since childhood. I still remember getting a packet of batasha from Swamiji after offering my pronam which was a moment of great joy for me. After my marriage in 1994, my visits to the New Delhi Ramakrishna Mission continued. In 1998, both my husband and I had the grace of Thakur and were initiated by Revered Swami Atmasthanandaji in New Delhi Ramakrishna Mission. Till today, we continue our journey with the Ramakrishna Mission, now in Gurugram."

Chhandita Sensharma recalls from her childhood days, its imprint on her mind and its continuous impact:


"As a student, I participated in competitions organised by RKM. My childhood memories are of visiting the mission with my mother on various occasions including Jagaddhatri Puja. On special occasions, the mission was fully packed with devotees and melodious bhajans were sung. Few senior citizens of our neighborhood met every evening for Kathamrita classes. It was play time for me and my friends. One day we noticed that most of the Dadus (grandfathers) had great difficulty in reading due to eye problems. Two of us decided to read for them every evening. Although my understanding was very less, I still recollect and now can relate a bit why most of the listeners couldn't hold back their tears while we read 'The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna'."

]]>Sun, 31 May 2026 20:39:29 +0530<![CDATA[VIVA Retreat 2025 - वीवा समागम २०२५ ]]>https://viva.rkmm.org/blogs/post/june2025In this blogpost, you can find reflections on VIVA's team retreat, held in May 2025 at the Sarada Tapovan. Our team members share a witness account, a poem, a photo album and their key takeaways!]]>

In this blogpost, you can find reflections on VIVA's team retreat, held in May 2025 at the Sarada Tapovan. Our team members share a witness account, a poem, a photo album and their key takeaways!

A Witness Account

- Anuradha MS (Bengaluru)

On 4th May 2025, in the cool morning air of Gurugram, one could hear joyous voices, witness deep hugs and delighted laughter, as colleagues/team members met and greeted each other, like long lost friends! Off we went on a day long journey, in comfortable buses, like a veritable platoon. The destination was compelling and sacred: Sarada Tapovan at Jaulangi, Uttarakhand. 

The journey was arduous for those experiencing travel sickness; the rest made up in spirit and energy, as they discussed programs, progress, sang songs, or just narrated experiences. The view of the Himalayas and streams in the valleys, was stunning; heavy rain welcomed us as we arrived at our destination for the next three days. 

Each day began on a spiritual note, with meditation at the serene Shrine, with just peace and bird song for company. The three days of intensive joint study that followed, truly behoves admiration and respect. The topics ranged from self-discovery, purpose, self-expression and Karma Yoga to merging professionalism in service. 

Rev. Swami Shantatmanandaji Maharaj guided us through the tenets of self-discovery, based on the premise that almost all of us have no understanding of one’s true nature, or one’s purpose of life, so we are always looking outward, to mitigate the suffering/sorrow of one’s present birth. He urged us to look inward, with ‘vichara’, which would help in analyzing individual reactions to situations. Maharaj also stressed that as Karma Yogis, we have to connect with a higher ideal, to ensure that we serve without ego.

Neha Phull, helped us discover the purpose for our being at Jaulangi, at VIVA and in the world. The session on Journaling helped us all in anchoring our thoughts towards introspection, at individual and team levels.

Govind Singh Bisht’s session on merging professionalism in service focused on the fine finish that is so essential in the nature of service that VIVA offers. 

While the above were extremely thought provoking and life changing moments, there was fun and frolic, over morning walks, exercise, meal times with creatively crafted games over evenings! The open sessions, where team members shared experiences, did bring tears of joy and sincerity, among many a brave heart. 

As the buses rolled out on 8th May, towards Gurugram, there was a more intense sense of belonging, of purpose, of wanting to do one’s best and of course, that we are all Children of Maa – our loving Divine Mother. 

Jai Maa Sarada!

जीवन मूल्यों पर चिंतन

- Sapna Sarkar (Indore)

स्वयं में जब चिंतन मनन किया तो, सब मैने ही यह जान लिया
(कुंवारे समय पर कॉलेज की पढ़ाई करते करते)
भाग रही थी मैं धन के पीछे, वैभव ही आधार बना
स्वयं के सुख को रखा श्रेष्ठ पर, कमाना ही मेरा स्वाभिमान बना।
(शादी का समय)
थक के जब मैं बैठ गई तब, विवाह के बंधन में बंधना स्वीकार किया 
खोदी सारी पहचान स्वयं की, हर निर्णय में विवेक से क्यों न काम किया।
स्वयं में जब चिंतन मनन किया तो, सब मैने ही यह जान लिया
जब जुड़ी संस्था VIVA से ,संभावनाओं को मैने पहचान लिया
कर्म योग में शामिल कर उन आदर्शो को, स्वयं का नया आविष्कार किया।

(स्वामी विवेकानंद शिकांगो यात्रा)
सुना एक व्याख्यान जीवन स्वामी जी का, उन जीवन मूल्यों को अपने जीवन में स्वीकार किया
युवा आदर्श आभाव में भी रह सकते थे, हमें ये पथ मार्ग दिखला दिया
भोजन भी मिल गया विद्यालय सफ़र में, मार्ग दर्शक बन शिक्षक ने रास्ता भी बतला दिया ।
स्वयं में जब चिंतन मनन किया तो, सब मैने ही यह जान लिया..
मां मेरी चिंता करती हैं, स्वामी जी भी रक्षा करते हैं
चुना ठाकुर ने करो कर्मों में शामिल, क्योंकि साधन हमें बना दिया
चिंता मत कारों जागृति सफ़र में, हम सबको बड़ा परिवार दिया।

(संघर्ष देख महाराज जी का कहना चाहुंगी)
क्यों मैं चाह करूं अतिरिक्त धन की, महाराज जी ने भी तो दान ही लिया
हमारी शक्तियों का परिचय करा के, जिम्मेदारी पूर्ण अहसास से समाज का उद्धार किया।
स्वयं में जब चिंतन मनन किया तो, सब मैने ही यह जान लिया
कर्म योगी बनी न बनी आज गर्व से यह मैने स्वीकर किया
जो फल सोचा भी नहीं था वो आनंद आत्मसंतुष्टि में पा लिया।
(अंत में कहना चाहुंगी)
हम ठाकुर जी की संतान हैं तो, हम अंश उन्हीं का कहलाएंगे
वो इस कार्य को कैसे करते थे, यही सोच से हम सब एक कर्म योगी बन जाएंगे।
स्वयं में जब चिंतन मनन किया तो, सब मैने ही यह जान लिया
स्वयं में जब चिंतन मनन किया तो, सब मैने ही यह जान लिया।

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A Tryst with Shraddha

 - Rohit Biswa (Shillong)

Looking back on VIVA retreat 2025 at Sarada Tapovan, I feel I have received three valuable gifts which will last for long with me – some unforgettable memories, great experiences, and learning from impactful sessions.

  • Firstly, I created many wonderful memories by meeting up team members whom I had only interacted or seen in virtual world. Meeting them face-to-face was full of fun and our time together was even more special. 
  • Secondly, the experience was incredible from taking my first-ever solo trip to sharing a room, attending sessions in a conference hall, going for a morning exercise, trekking and sharing a dining table with senior team members to the laughter, stories, and guidance I received during these moments taught me not only how to grow in life but also how to improve on the field.
  • The sessions led by Maharaj Ji, Neha Ma’am, and Govind Sir were impactful. But the one by Karthik Sir will be memorable session because it was about experience-sharing by our senior team members. Their stories showed me how the program has transformed their lives.

At last, I just want to say that I learned the true meaning of faith and Shraddha—which to me means respect, care, love, and support for one another. 

A team that serves, sustains!

- Sritama Roy (Kolkata)

The first thing that struck me most was Maharaj ji’s incredible willpower and selfless dedication to serve humanity. I was wondering how a monk could establish so much—not for himself, but for the greater good. I also observed the compassion and teamwork among few other team members as well—whether it was drying wet clothes or caring for the unwell, the spirit of service was everywhere.

I realized that when we focus on others or a larger cause, our own problems feel smaller, making us happier and more fulfilled. 

Another key takeaway was the importance of open communication. This retreat gave us the opportunity to know each other and resolution of conflicts through an honest dialogue exchange, which is crucial for a diverse team like VIVA for strengthening our team bonding. 

Overall, the retreat recharged me with positivity and motivation for the year ahead. I truly look forward to more such rejuvenating experiences annually.

Experiential Learning

- Bornali Pandit (Chandigarh)

  • I liked the team bonding which we developed in the team. I learned how I can become a more caring and helpful person.
  • In the retreat we were around fifty people. Each of our perspectives and opinions were different but all the members accepted and gave attention and respect to others’ views.
  • As a girl I felt I was in a safe and comfortable environment in this team.
  • In our program we speak about honesty, integrity and commitment and I felt that everyone in the team practices all these qualities in their day-to-day life.

    • Engraved forever in the heart

    - Priya Ruidas (Mumbai)

    I feel blessed that I was a part of the retreat which was held in Jaulangi, Uttrakhand. I got a chance to meet the VIVA family and bonded well with the whole team. It was a great experience. The retreat centre is on the lap of the mighty Himalayas which signifies how much dedication, conviction, perfection and care went into bringing Maharaj’s vision to life. I was completely in awe of what Maharaj has built for all our benefit. I experienced the vibration of the divine nature, the calmness of the mountains and peace in that place where it is easy to connect with oneself.

    Apart from the beauty of that place that we enjoyed, there were interesting sessions for us which were conducted by Revered Maharaj ji and other teammates. They helped me gain much needed insight. I learnt how I can reflect on things in my mind. I was able to understand through Maharaj Ji's sessions, that though it is not easy to find peace in carrying out our work or actions, there are some practices that can be adopted that can bring the much-needed peace we work towards. As a normal person, even I can become a Karma yogi. I gained a new perspective on VIVA’s program and understood how it is related to our life. I also got a chance to talk with Maharaj ji one on one that I think was the highlight of the retreat for me. The clarity that I received after speaking to him is helping me play my new role effectively.


    I would like to conclude by saying that it was an unforgettable experience with lots of lovely memories. I will always keep those memories in my heart with love and care.

    शारदा तपोवन में तीन दिवसीय कार्यशाला से मेरी सीख

     - Ravi Sharma (Ajmer)

    पहले दिन मैने महाराज जी के सेशन से सीखा की हम विषय, प्रयोजन, अधिकारी, सम्बंध इन चारों में तालमेल बिठाते है तो हम सभी स्वयं की खोज कर सकते है।

    नेहा मेडम के सेशन से सीखा इच्छा और उद्देश्य में क्या अंतर है और हमें हमारा उद्देश्य स्पष्ट होना बहुत जरूरी है ।


    दूसरे दिन महाराज जी के सेशन में सीखा शिव ज्ञान से जीव सेवा करना हमे कर्मयोगी बनाता है।

    गोविंद सर के सेशन से सीखा हम हमारे द्वारा किए जाने वाले कार्यों को सेवा भाव के साथ करे तो हम स्वयं का ओर हमारी संस्था कंपनी का विकास कर सकते है।

    वहां के शांत वातावरण से सीखा की हम हमारे मन को शांत रख कर कार्य को बेहतरीन ढंग से कर सकते है।


    A Pen Picture

     - Shatarupa Dutta (Faridabad)

    In the quietude of the Himalayas,

    Where the clouds whispered and the winds carried tales,
    Our team gathered—not just as colleagues,
    But as companions on a journey deeper than just work.

    Three days.
    No deadlines, no dashboards.
    Just hearts, minds, and souls—
    Pausing, reflecting, aligning and re-aligning.

    We sat in silence,
    We spoke in stories.
    We laughed till our eyes watered,
    And listened till our hearts overflowed.
    In every shared experience,
    A mirror of our collective spirit was revealed.

    From playful games,
    To dramas that stirred forgotten emotions,
    And musicals where voices met like old friends—
    With the joy of being seen and celebrated.

    There were tears—of gratitude, of grace.
    There was joy—deep, contagious, uncontainable.
    Love flowed like the downpour,
    Blessings crystallised like the dew on morning grass.

    And amidst all this,
    We found our why again.
    Not in spreadsheets or calendar schedules—
    But in the unwavering call to serve,
    To work with dignity, with love,
    And to walk together in purpose.

    We returned lighter, fuller, clearer.
    Yet, something within remains “positively dissatisfied”—
    Hungry for more connection, deeper service, higher joy.
    And so, we look ahead with gleaming eyes,
    To the next retreat,
    The next unfolding.

    Until then,
    We carry the Tapovan within us—
    As a stillness,
    As a song,
    As a promise.
    ]]>    Sat, 14 Jun 2025 12:55:00 +0530