By Prof. Prabhu Prasad 

The controversy over Viveka Smaraka has gone on too long. To begin with, this controversy had no merit and one wonders why there was opposition in the first place against such a noble cause. Assuming that there were some arguments, these have now been laid to rest by the decision of the High Court of Karnataka vide a two-Judge Bench decision which unequivocally directs the Government to implement its decision and ensure that the NTM  School premises in Mysuru be handed over for the purpose of building Viveka Smaraka. 

This decision has now attained finality as far as the High Court of Karnataka is concerned and not implementing this decision with alacrity and independence calls into very question the Rule of Law which is fundamental for our society to remain civilised.

Why this opposition instead of support to this service-oriented great cause?

Despite the decision, we still see so-called “protests” for the benefit of the media by vested interests who don’t want this noble cause to be fulfilled. These small groups of individuals tried their luck for 7 or 8 long years in different courts, lost all those cases and now when the final decision has come, they are still organising protests at the premises which is uncalled for. 

People on the ground are aware that the alleged protesters were brought by bus for an hour or two to take the photos and videos and then present to the media and general public to influence them. That the protestors think that they can do this, despite two-Judge Bench High Court verdict against them is a travesty to justice, which is compounded by the fact that the people are watching mutely without countering. 

Sri Ramakrishna Ashram and service to Kannada

The second allegation by the protestors is that Viveka Smaraka is an anti-Kannada initiative. This argument is quite comical, facile and is even more ridiculous than the previous argument. Swami Vivekananda stood for all things Indian. Kannada is an integral part of India and specially the Sri Ramakrishna Ashram, Mysuru, via its various centres all over Karnataka. Specifically in Mysuru, Sri Ramakrishna Ashram has performed yeoman service to Kannada literature, culture and Kannada Schools. 

If one starts writing the details, it will take a book or two to simply list all the Kannada service activities of RK Mission ranging from publication of more than 400 books to holding talks/cultural programmes in Kannada, service to poor Kannada medium Government School students, its Viveka Shikshana, Gadadhar Abhyudaya Prakalpa and Seva Mandira project centered on rural Kannada school students for many years. Coming to the Viveka Smaraka itself, how can a cultural, educational and spiritual centre be against one language? 

Depriving benefits to youths 

On the contrary, the activities within the Viveka Smaraka are designed to be for the people of Mysuru and surroundings and primarily Kannada language with English is going to be the mainstay of all the service activities intended for the benefit and transformation of youths. In fact, it would support, nurture and encourage Kannada literature and culture in a far better manner than what is currently being achieved in the premises where there is a highly reduced number of students brought from far off places forcefully. 

The list of proposed activities here includes short educational courses, spiritual courses, library, training courses, yoga, Indian musical classes, skill development and vocational courses, training in spoken English and Kannada oratory. This kind of larger and greater service programmes to Mysureans is awaited. 

Swami Vivekananda and Mysore Maharaja

Swami Vivekananda had a special adoration for Mysuru and Maharaja of Mysore as evident from what he mentioned in several of his letters.  

 Swami Vivekananda in his letter from America addressed to the then Dewan Seshadri Iyer writes: “To the people of Southern India I owe much and not a small part of that to Mysore.” 

Further he has also written to his dear disciple  Alasinga Perumal: “Mysore will be in time a great stronghold…”

In an interview given to Sunday Times, London, in 1896, Swamiji expressed: “I was representative of the Hindu religion at the World’s Parliament of Religions at Chicago in1893. Raja of Mysore and some other friends sent me there….”

It was here in Mysuru he took the decision to participate in the historical Parliament of Religions at Chicago as a Spiritual Ambassador of India and Hinduism and became world famous. So, Swamiji had a special place for Mysore in his heart.  

Therefore, it is most significant that the place sanctified by the stay of Swami Vivekananda in Mysuru be transformed into a befitting memorial to serve and inspire the youths of Mysuru. All these culminates and finds true expression in the formation of the proposed project —“Swami Vivekananda Cultural Youth Centre” (Viveka Smaraka) which is extricated from all legal hurdles, obstacles and upheld recently by the decision of the two-Judge Bench of the High Court of Karnataka.

Viveka Smaraka: 

Boon to Mysuru 

Viveka Smaraka is a boon to Mysuru as it comes up in a place where Swami Vivekananda stayed and walked around. It will add value and be a beacon light for those who would like to understand more about what Swami Vivekananda stood for. Viveka Smaraka will be a befitting and inspiring symbol of a perennial bond between Mysureans and the life of a great universal personality of Swami Vivekananda. It will cement this relationship of Mysureans with such great universal icon of youth which will be adored by the posterity forever.

[Prof. K. B. Prabhu Prasad is the former Principal of Maharani’s College, Mysuru]

Note: The protesters are not against establishing Viveka Smaraka. They say it must be in the area excluding the NTM School. But the Ramakrishna Ashram must make them understand that the available place is too small for Viveka Smaraka as planned, hence the Government gave the NTMS land too which is abutting to the available place. Once the protesters understand this aspect of the issue, it is possible to solve the present embroilment.—Ed