U see entrace to the Vivekananda Cultural Centre where the computer training school is run in Shillong. I took night train from Dimapur to Gauhati, left at 9.45 pm reached at 4 am. From station took share a Sumo to Gauhati, took a bit more than 2 hours. New highway being made - super drive. Lovely lake full of fog as we drove to Shillong - boating there.
Reached by about 7.15 am and went straight to The Ramakrishna Mission (established in 1937). After freshening up met Secretary Maharaj around 9.15 am. Mission campus very nice,serene and clean. Visited Mandir, right of pic and paid respects. Left of pic is car park for mobile medical van and charitable dispensary, about 80,000 patients are treated every year.
This board at the Ashram tells you about its activities and gives contacts. They have rooms where devotees from outside Shillong can stay. Ashram also has a Hostel for tribal boys.
Book shop where literature is sold. Had quick breakfast and then left for the computer training school. Lovely weather in Shillong in the first week of December - lots of lakes to see which I could not visit for shortage of time.
It is about a 15 minute drive - Shillong is hilly. Swami Vivekananda addressed a gathering here on 27th April 1901, ie where the school stands. U can visit Mawphland Sacred Forests 25 25 kms from Shillong. The sacred grove has an amazing life form of plants, flowering trees, orchids and butterflies.
After a hot cuppa of tea went around the school. U see kids familiarizing themselves - thought of my days as a kid. Computers entered my life at the age of 25.
Video being shown as part of education. Happy to see so many girls learning computers. Bara Bazaar in Shillong not worth a visit. U can travel in city share a taxi Rs 10/. Reserved Taxis meaning for your exclusive use are expensive, minimum Rs 100/, can go up to Rs 200/ for a distance of say 5-7 kms.
Building is old and space limited - every nook and corner has computers and students. Since 2002 over 27,000 youth been trained however the demand never stops. It is proposed to make a 5 storey bldg app 25,000 sq feet at a cost app Rs 7.5 crs. First floor would be indoor games, Yoga and fitness centre. Second floor Professional skill and vocational training.
This board at entrance gives you an idea of courses offered. They have 3-6-12 month courses all for a nominal fee. In proposed blg third floor computer training, fourth floor soft skill development and conference room.
This is the hall where Swami Vivekananda spoke. Felt motivated and charged up as I walked around. The existing building is actually a Hall rebuilt in the memory of Swamiji resembling the erstwhile Quinton Memorial Hall that was inaugurated by Swamiji in April 1901.
Was surprised to see these senior students working behind the stage. The Swamiji who manages the school on a daily basis said demand is so high that they have to use every inch of space productively. They also take weekly Sanskriti training class. Its Youth Counseling and Value Education programs reach to thousands of students in different places.
Girl on right of screen learning Tally - an accounting software package. It would enable her to do freelance accounting jobs and become financially independent.
On ground floor is a Library with books and daily newspapers. Did see computers with internet connectivity as well. Meaning the world is only a click away.
Students working on a project. What I liked was students were busy with their learning, no chatting and giggling. To see pic of Royal Citadel Hampi Click here
Another class in session. Teaching is a combination of theory and practical work. To see pic of UMANG NGO in Raniket, Uttaranchal Click here
Students at work. I was very impressed with what I saw and vibrations experienced. Swamiji spoke to children with so much love and affection - brought back memories of my school where the teachers were forever yelling at us. To see pics of RKM School Deomali in Arunachal Pradesh Click here
New building under construction. The Cultural Centre needs support. Cheques to be sent in favor of ''Ramakrishna Mission, Shillong''. They can be deposited with any branch of State Bank of India, account no 10613596070, IFSC Code SBIN0002081C. On depositing chk email Swamiji at Click hereor call 0364 2227787 so that confirm credit and send you receipt. All donations are exempted under 80 G of Income Tax Act.
Another class in session. Am very happy to see girls studying because I believe that India will progress faster when her women blossom. To see pics of RKM Narainpur Bastar Click here