Arise and Awake!

(The Vivekananda Illam, which is now threatened to be replaced by the State Government is to the distaste of the large section of youth and admirers of Swami Vivekananda. The author was left flabbergasted to say the least, upon the decision of the present state government, and would like to share his views on the present scenario. This decision, according to the author, not only reflects the capricious way of decision making from our representatives, but also lack of their clarity on what Indian culture is.)

"Vivekananda was a soul of puissance if ever there was one, a very lion among men, but the definitive work he has left behind is quite incommensurate with our impression of his creative might and energy. We perceive his influence still working gigantically, we know not well how, we know not well where, in something that is not yet formed, something leonine, grand, intutive, upheaving that has entered the soul of India and we say, "Behold, Vivekananda still lives in the soul of his Mother and in the souls of her children". " - Sri Aurobindo

“Swami Vivekananda saved Hinduism and saved India. But for him, we would have lost our religion and would not have gained our freedom. We therefore owe everything to Swami Vivekananda.” - Sri Chakravarthi Rajagopalachari


I still remember making a poster for the internal publicity about a visit to Vivekananda Illam, this January. It was a part of the Institutes's celebrations of the National Youth Day, which commemorates the birthday of the National figure, Swami Vivekananda. And now, it is the same place, which is under the 'mercy' of some politicians, who would like to 're-define' Indian culture. For the readers who are not fortunate enough to know about the monument, let me elaborate on it.

It was in the year 1897 when Swami Vivekananda, one of the most influential spiritual leaders of all times delivered seven inspiring and historic lectures in Madras (now Chennai). The venue of his stay during this time was Vivekananda Illam, originally called Ice House. This was rechristened in 1963 as the Vivekananda Illam, as a tribute to Swamiji on the Centenary year of Swami Vivekananda.

This building witnessed some of the spiritual and nationalistic giants like Swami Vivekananda, Sister Nivedita and Swami RamaKrishnananda. One of the most significant and active RamaKrishna Maths, which right now resides in Mylapore, Chennai has taken its birth here, which was started by Swami Ramakrishnanda with the help of Shri.Bilagiri Iyengar, a disciple of Swami Vivekananda.


Some of the key features of Vivekananda Illam are as follows:
*The Vivekananda Illam house has an impressive gallery which displays about 150 rare pictures and photographs of the epoch making Swami Vivekananda – from his days as an itinerant monk (Parivrajaka days) to his conquest of West through his life and works.
*There is a section devoted to the cultural heritage of India from the ancient times till the modern age, a collection of colorful and vibrant
paintings. They portray the Indian history since the Vedic times.
*A section of photographs on the history of the building, which is now called the Vivekananda Illam.
*This historical monument has now become a place of pilgrimage for the devotees of Swami Vivekananda. It was here that Swamiji spent full nine days of his life in February 1897, meditating, praying and meeting visitors.

After a series of changing hands, the Vivekananda Illam was leased to Rama Krishna Math by State Government, in the year 1997. But, the state of the building when it was handed over were deplorable: an old, ruined, dilapidated structure, which was prone to the anti-social elements. By the relentless efforts of Rama Krishna Math and the donations from the people, the building was renovated and was added with all the above features. The Chief of DMK, who now would like to replace Illam, once hailed Rama Krishna Math as the 'Everest of the NGOs'. (Why this tremendous 'change' now?) Today, Vivekananda Illam stands as an important monument for the visitors to Chennai and also to the youth of India and admirers of Swamiji and as a symbol of Indian culture and tradition.

Having said this, let us see what the 'honourable' State Government of Tamil Nadu has to say. They would like to replace the present exhibition of Ramakrishna Math, with a centre for Classical Tamil. I wonder why the TamilNadu Government could think of the very place as the apt place for Tamil Culture. Its both surprising and amazing that the Engineering department of the state has zeroed upon precisely on the Illam in the metropoly of Chennai with an area of 180 square km.

Here is an article by New Indian Express dated:22nd April, 2008, about this issue.

The Dravidian parties in Tamil Nadu has made enough on playing on the histrionics of the people and on the Dravidian claptrap. We had too much of this tirade of regionalism and Dravidian politics. Let us not loose our own life-giving culture because a myopic vision of some of the political gargoyles. I humbly request the readers to contribute for the cause in the best possible way, if they are convinced that what the Government intends to do is harmful for India and its culture. You can sign an online petition by clicking here

Please note that, Tyranny of a Prince in an oligarchy is not so dangerous to the public welfare as the apathy of a citizen in democracy.
I welcome comments and suggestions on what can be done. Please feel free to comment.