CALCUTTA, INDIA, July 2, 2005: Calcutta, July 2: Swami Vivekanda’s vision is set to become a reality. “The spiritual impact that has come to Belur (Math) will last 1,500 years, and it will be a great university. Do not think I imagine it. I see it.” he had said in 1902. More than a century later, the Ramakrishna Math and Mission is fulfilling its founder’s dream. The Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Education and Research Institute (Deemed University) at Belur Math, Howrah, will open its doors on Monday. It will be inaugurated by Union human resource development minister Arjun Singh. Although the central administrative office will be located at Belur Math — the Mission headquarters — classes will be held across the country. “At present, the courses offered will be taught at various branches of the Ramakrishna Mission,” an official said. “However, at a later date, a separate university building will be set up in Belur.”
The varsity will focus on teaching disability management, integrated rural development, including tribal development, Indian spiritual and cultural heritage and value education and disaster management, including relief and rehabilitation. The vice-chancellor said that, keeping in mind the educational system envisioned by Swami Vivekananda, the university intends to stress on building life and character. Besides the unconventional subjects, the university will teach courses on emerging areas such as biotechnology, nano-science, nano-technology, informatics, microbiology, information and communication science and technology. Among the fundamental sciences, theoretical physics, pure mathematics and theoretical computer science will be offered. The university will, however, not receive financial assistance either from the state or the central government.