Sir,

This refers to the recent reports in media on the proposed construction of Viveka Smaraka (Swami Vivekananda Memorial Cultural Youth Centre) at NTM School premises in city.

Swami Vivekananda, who is known worldwide as a great monk, is a Mahatma who had rich knowledge of spiritualism and intellectual thoughts. It is  a matter of pride that a befitting Memorial (Viveka Smaraka) is going to come up at NTM School on N.S. Road, where Swami Vivekananda stayed when he first visited Mysuru in 1892. Even the Law Courts have agreed for the Memorial at this site.

With the construction of Viveka Smaraka, the NTM School will not be shut down but it will be merged with Devaraja Government Primary School, which is located closeby. As a result, NTM School will also be saved  and the Viveka Memorial too will come up at the site. As such, it is not wise to oppose the construction of the Memorial, which is fair and legal.

Kannada-speaking people must understand that Sri Ramakrishna Ashram has brought out over 400 books in Kannada and has imparted free education to thousands of poor students under its ‘Viveka Shikshana’ Scheme. The Ashram is functioning with a social  commitment and working for the cause of  common man.

Ramakrishna Ashram is an association of Saints who have sacrificed their personal lives for the cause of society. Levelling allegations against the Ashram will only amount to self-deceit and making false charges against it will certainly hurt our image and standing in society.

Taking note of all this, the Viveka Memorial must come up at NTM School premises and it is inevitable. Also the merger of NTM School with nearby Devaraja Government Primary  School will benefit everyone.

Is it not wise to sacrifice one small thing for a mighty one? Let wisdom prevail upon all of us and see that the proposed Viveka Memorial comes up at NTM School premises as planned.

_ Dr. C.P. Krishna Kumar and Dr. Malali Vasanth Kumar (Litterateurs), Mysuru, 18.10.2019