The President of India, Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated the Vivekananda Memorial Hall at Shree Ramakrishna Ashrama, Rampur, Kalahandi today (November 30, 2014). This project is one of the commemorative programmes taken up worldwide to celebrate the 150th Birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. The President also received the publication entitled “Bharat Parikrama – Kalahandi to Kashmir and Kanyakumari” in the Odiya language that has been brought out by the Ashram to mark 150th Birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. Speaking on the occasion, the President paid tribute to Swami Vivekananda and said one of the most important insights that Swami Vivekananda received from Ramakrishna Parahamsa was “Jiva is Shiva” – that is, each inpidual is pinity itself. Swami Vivekananda taught that the common people should be served looking upon them as manifestations of God. By establishing numerous facilities to provide education and healthcare for the tribal population, especially children and youth, Swami Vairagyanandaji has made his Ashram a vehicle for the implementation of Swamiji’s thoughts and teachings. The President said Swami Vivekananda had pointed out that a country’s future depends on its people and the education they receive. By taking up projects to bring education and training to the people of such backward areas, Swami Vairagyanandaji and his Ashram colleagues are fulfilling the goals set by Swami Vivekananda.