Shillong, Sept 11: Swami Vivekananda admirers of Shillong paid tribute to him on Wednesday.
People gathered infront of his memorial plaque at Batti Bazar Laban, here to commemorate 131st anniversary of his Chicago address. The plaque which was installed in 1963 by RKM is in a dilapidated stage.
Secretary RKM Shillong Swami Hitakamanandaji Maharaj paid tribute to Swami Vivekananda on the occasion. Sarada Samiti Shillong also joined the occasion. To mark the moment of Swami Vivekananda’s Chicago address, ladies blew conches. Flowers were placed on his photograph which was put infront of the plaque. The place, House No – 115 where Swami Vivekananda stayed in 1901 for some days is under litigation for the last 15 to 16 years. Meghalaya government, Prime Minister’s Office, RKM and Vivekananda admirers want to save the heritage site. Last year, officials of Department of Urban Affairs inspected the site along with officials of other departments. No concrete steps were taken to save the property. “It is very important to find out the actual owner of the land before we proceed to purchase”, said Swami Hitakamanandaji Maharaj during a programme at Hathat colony mandop, Laban on Wednesday evening during a programme organised by Sarada Samiti Shillong.
Malabika Bisharad, on behalf of Swami Vivekananda admirers, said that it is very important to save the place as heritage site by the state government.
