By : Partha Roy
Kolkata :A day long seminar was organized to observe 150th Birth Anniversary of Sri Aurobindo and Golden Jubilee of Sri Aurobindo Bhawan in Kolkata on 5th August 2023.
Theme of the seminar was : “Sri Aurobindo : A journey of Consciousness ”
The seminar was organized by The Asiatic Society Kolkata and Sri Aurobindo Samiti Kolkata at Sri Aurobindo Bhawan premises at 8, Shakespeare Sarani Kolkata . The program was inaugurated by Justice Chittatosh Mookerjee by lightning up of the lamp following auspicious Hindu tradition.
Justice Chittatosh Mookerjee is former Chief Justice of Calcutta and Bombay High Court and grandson of pioneering and legendary educationist of India Sir Asutosh Mookerjee and nephew of Dr. Syma Prasad Mookerjee educationist and first Industry Minister of India , polymath and founder of what is currently world’s largest political party .
Justice Mookerjee spoke on Sri Aurobindo’s contribution to freedom movement of India as well as development of indigenous education system based on rich indigenous cultural heritage , tradition and scientific knowledge of Bharatvarsha.
Prof. Swapan Kumar Pramanik President of The Asiatic Society Kolkata addressed the participants of the seminar and spoke on innovative and creative methods adopted by Sri Aurobindo to oppose British rule in India which was later on adopted by Mahatma Gandhi like ” boycott ” and ” passive resistance” to push for dismantling of British rule in India .
Professor Aparajita Mukhopadhyay Coordinator of Centre for Aurobindo Studies Jadavpur University gave keynote address and spoke on multi faceted life and works of Sri Aurobindo.
Sri Arindam Mukherjee, Director of Institute of Social and Cultural Studies Kolkata gave vote of thanks and spoke on need to promote Sri Aurobindo’s philosophy to future generations.
Professor Amartya Dutta acclaimed mathematician of Indian Statistical Institute Kolkata anchored the program. Ms. Rakha Sen read Sri Aurobindo message to humanity during inaguration ceremony. Several other scholars read the message in different languages.
The day long seminar held under supervision of Shri Biswajit Ganguly IAS , Secretary of Government of West Bengal and Head of Sri Aurobindo Bhawan Kolkata.
Commemorative Golden Jubilee Folder of Sketches of Sri Aurobindo Bhawan, Kolkata by Nirmallyo Ghosh was released .
Dr. Satyabrata Chakraborty General Secretary of The Asiatic society Kolkata addressed the seminar in absentia. A presentation on the topic ” The Chakras in Sri Aurobindo ‘s Transformative Paradigm” was given by Dr. Soumitra Basu Director Institute of Integral Yoga Psychology.
Prof . Dilip Kumar Roy Director, Centre for Research on Social Science Sri Aurobindo Bhawan spoke on the topic ” A key to the Riddle” involving Consciousness.
Sri Aurobindo Bhavan, 8 Shakespeare Sarani, the Birth place of Sri Aurobindo , hosts sacred relics of the great yogi . The sacred relics of Sri Aurobindo were enshrined on 16th February, 1973.
The memorial shrine has since become a place of pilgrimage. The Bhavan was established with the primary objectives of disseminating the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother among the members of the public.
The Bhavan houses a permanent exhibition of photographs and portraits depicting the lives of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother.
The General Library and the Reading Room have over 40,000 books and more than 100 periodicals on various subjects. An excellent Reference Section helps scholars of Aurobindonian studies in research work and in-depth studies .
On the occasion of the birth centenary celebration of Sri Aurobindo in 1972, a National Committee was formed under Chairpersonship of then Prime Minister of India, Late Indira Gandhi . As part of the Programme of the Centenary Celebrations, the Government of West Bengal established the Sri Aurobindo Samiti and the Sri Aurobindo Bhavan by a Special Act(West Bengal Act XXXIV of 1972). The Governor of West Bengal is the ex–officio Chairman of Sri Aurobindo Samiti and the Chief Minister of West Bengal is an ex-officio member. The membership of Sri Aurobindo Samiti is composed of nominees of the State Government and Sri Aurobindo Ashram Trust, Pondicherry.
Sri Aurobindo Bhawan regularly hosts discourse on teachings, philosophy, of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother. Sri Aurobindo Bhawan also organises various programs for youths and children from time to time. The building is a heritage building which is nearly 200 years old with rich history witness of freedom struggles of the subcontinent.
Sri Aurobindo stressed on physical education for healthy body and healthy mind . Sri Aurobindo Bhawan has well equipped gym and yoga training facilities for both men and women. Sri Aurobindo Bhawan regularly holds meditation sessions.
On upcoming 15th August on the occasion of Birth Anniversary of Sri Aurobindo , Sri Aurobindo Bhawan will organize meditation and other programs through the day to celebrate life of the great yogi .
