GOHALDANGA CAMPUS

A new campus of Ramakrishna Mission, Narendrapur has been established at Gohaldanga, in Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal. Formerly known as the Gohaldanga Ramakrishna Sarada Vivekananda Sevakendra, the centre was managed by an independent trust and was formally handed over to Ramakrishna Mission, Narendrapur in December 2023. The Mission commenced its full-scale operations at the Gohaldanga campus on 1st April 2024. The Sevakendra was founded by Dr. Bibek Ray (Bibekananda Ray), and his late wife, Smt. Purnima Roy.
Dr. Ray is a scientist, philanthropist, and an alumnus of Ramakrishna Mission Vidyamandira, Belur Math, as well as a devoted follower of Sri Ramakrishna.
Dr. Bibek Ray Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, served as a professor of food microbiology in the Department of Animal Science at the University of Wyoming, Laramie, USA. After retiring from a distinguished academic and research career in the United States, Dr. Roy and his wife returned to India and devoted themselves to philanthropic work inspired by the ideals of Swami Vivekananda. They chose to serve in Gohaldanga, the village where Dr. Roy was born and raised. After 25 years of dedicated service, the Sevakendra was integrated into the Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Narenrapur, and is now known as the Gohaldanga Campus of Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Narendrapur (RKMA NDP).

The Gohaldanga Campus of Ramakrishna Mission, Narendrapur is emerging as a vibrant centre of holistic rural development. Inspired by the timeless ideals of Swami Vivekananda, this campus blends education, healthcare, culture, and community service to empower the underprivileged. The programmes reflect a living expression of the motto—“For one’s own salvation and for the welfare of the world.”

♜ At the centre of the campus stands the primary school, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Vidyatirtha (UDISE Code: 19201803906). The institution plays a vital role in nurturing young minds from the surrounding rural areas. With a spirit rooted in the ideals of Sri Ramakrishna, Sri Sarada Devi, and Swami Vivekananda, the school welcomes children from all backgrounds—irrespective of caste, religion, or socio-economic status—reflecting the Mission’s commitment to equality and universal education.

The school functions from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., providing a structured learning environment during the most productive hours of the morning. At present, 180 students are enrolled, and each child receives personal attention and guidance from dedicated teachers committed to holistic development. Along with academic learning, emphasis is laid on values, discipline, physical activity, and character formation.

Through its simple yet meaningful educational approach, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Vidyatirtha strives to build a strong foundation for future learning while instilling virtues such as truthfulness, respect, compassion, and self-confidence. The school continues to serve as a beacon of hope for families in the region and remains a cherished part of the campus community.

In addition, the campus hosts two major welfare initiatives:

✧ Gadadhar Abhyudaya Prakalpa (GAP): A holistic development programme for underprivileged children from pre-primary to Class V. (Number of students: 116)

✧ Vivekananda Abhyudaya Prakalpa (VAP): A similar programme for students of Classes VI to X. (Number of students: 50)

To foster creativity and physical development, a wide range of co-curricular activities are organized for GAP and VAP students:

✧ Music classes – Every Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon (30 students)
✧ Flute classes – Twice a month (10 students)
✧ Dance classes – Every Sunday, 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. (35 students)
✧ Yoga and Gymnastics – Twice a week
✧ Drawing classes – Every Thursday, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (45 students)
✧ Special health check-up and awareness camps for students.

♜ The Computer Training Centre offers a Basic Certificate Course (eligibility: Class X pass), and weekly computer classes are held for GAP and VAP students as well.

♜ The Vivekananda Youth Forum provides training in meditation, value education, and life skills for the all-round development of students.

♜ Healthcare services form an essential part of the campus outreach:

Free homeopathic clinic for villagers every Sunday and Wednesday.
Occasional allopathic medical camps
Special health check-ups and awareness drives for students
Campaigns against superstitions, against child marriage.
Ongoing physical training programmes
Eye check-up and cataract surgery camps conducted with support from Rotary Eye Hospital, Medinipur

♜ CHALAMAN BAHINI : A initiative by Ramakrishna Mission Lokasiksha Parishad, Narendrapur. The primary aim of CHALAMAN BAHINI is to bring young children under it’s ambit and to promote building of healthy body, impart moral education to develop strong character and manifest the perfection and the divinity already in them, create leadership abilities which will help them to become self reliant and take part in building a great nation.

♜ Agricultural training camps : With the support of the Agricultural Training Centre (ATC), Narendrapur, agricultural training camps are also organized for the local farming community.

The centre also promotes the spiritual and cultural ideals of the Ramakrishna-Vivekananda tradition through:

Lectures in schools and local institutions
Distribution of blankets and clothing among the needy
Daily temple worship and devotional singing
Scriptural discourses twice a month

The Gohaldanga Campus continues to serve as a beacon of hope and transformation for the surrounding rural community—carrying forward the timeless ideals of service, education, and spiritual upliftment.