A grand celebration marking the centenary of Ramanashram of Thiruvannamalai was held yesterday at Ramanalayam in Sri Lanka. With a very large gathering joined in on the celebrations from 9 am at the Ashram until around 1.30 pm.
The President of Ramanashramam Dr Venkat S Ramanan and the Vice President Mr S Krishnan, graced the occasion from Thiruvannamalai on their maiden visit to, not only Ramanalayam, but also to Sri Lanka.
watch the full event on youtube
The celebrations opened with the recitation of Ramana Akshara Manamalai, which was led by Dr M Jeyarajan, the chairperson for Saraswathy Illam-Ramanalayam
Following the recitation of Ramana Akshara Manamalai, the President Dr Venkat Ramanan garlanded the image of Bhagavan Shri Ramana to commence the celebrations, which was followed by Mr Krishnan lighting the lamp.
The welcome address was presented by Prof K Balasubramaniam, the President of Saraswathy Illam.
Swami Gunatitananda Saraswathy of Chinmaya Mission, Sri Lanka addressed the gathering highlighting the history, purpose, function and activities of Ramanalayam in Sri Lanka. In addition to the Spiritual focus the Ashram has, Swamiji also spoke of the humanitarian activities the Ashram is extending to the five villages in the surrounding areas of the Ashram.
Mr S Krishnan, Vice President of Ramanshramam spoke on the topic of the role and functions of Ramana centres across the world. He emphasised on the need for different Ramana centres within a country to work together as a united force, sharing resources and materials, supporting each other to take Bhagavan’s message on Self Realisation to the masses.
Dr Venkat S Ramanan, President of Ramanashramam spoke elegantly on the topic of the essence of Ramana Maharshi’s Atma Vichara which was captivating and simple to understand. His speech, which was mixed both in English and Tamil was the highlight of the day.
The vote of thanks was presented by Dr M Jeyarajan in which he highlighted the essential messages in each of the talks.
The satsangs were followed by the pooja, offering of flowers by devotees and the sharing of prasad.
All devotees of Bhagavan and guests were offered a sumptuous lunch prepared by the staff and volunteers of Saraswathy Illam-Ramanalayam. The proceedings ended around 13.30pm.🙏🏼
The event was supported with funding from Mr Navaseelan Suppiah of Malaysia, for the lunch served in remembrance of his Mother Mrs Thaiyalnayagi Suppiah and Mrs Kothainayagi Ilancheran of Malaysia.