SINGA SPEAKS ROAR 12 | SINGAPORE | SATURDAY | 9 JULY 2016 A PERIODIC NEWSLETTER FROM THE RAMAKRISHNA MISSION, SINGAPORE
Inspiring India! Boys’ Tour of Bengaluru, Mysuru and Udhagamandalam Here is an account of the India tour of six boys of the Ramakrishna Mission Boys’ Home, Singapore escorted by their Supervisor and Social Worker. The tour began on 11 June and completed on 22 June 2016.
Six boys along with their Supervisor and the Social Worker set off from Singapore Changi Airport on 11th June 2016 for India. There was a fair amount of excitement – exploring the unknown. The boys were briefed about the trip, stressing the importance of safety at all times. They were paired into three groups to facilitate mutual concern and fellow feeling apart from admin convenience. The residents of the Ramakrishna Mission Boys’ Home are of Indian
179 BARTLEY ROAD | SINGAPORE 539784
ethnicity, born and brought up in Singapore. Some of them are third/fourth generation Singaporeans. As such they have very little connection with their roots. Probably their parents may also not have any firm binding. Under such circumstances, knowing the country of origin of the family was important – thus, the trip to India came about as a routine annual overseas trip.
alert and focussed as the level of security in India is different as compared to Singapore. They were told to always be vigilant; be aware of the surroundings and people around them when they are out, and to always hold on to their belongings. The children were told to drink only bottled water. The children were each given Rs 2,000 for the 7 days that they were there to spend on souvenirs or things that they may want to buy for their family members. The Supervisor kept a close watch on their budget and how they manage their spending. They were advised to use the cash carefully on their own. They also learnt to bargain for lower prices at places that allowed bargaining.
The Social Worker took the opportunity to educate them on the different standards of living between countries. She reminded the boys to be on
The group landed at the beautiful, cosy but small Bengaluru airport on 12 June at 00:05 hours. They were received by Sri Jayabalan at the airport. After some refreshments, they proceeded in a specially arranged vehicle to Mysuru, reaching at 6 am.
PH: +65 6288 9077 | FAX: 6288 5798
singapore@rkmm.org
PERIODIC NEWSLETTER
SATURDAY, 9 JULY 2016
Boys’ Tour to India…continued along the roadside and learnt the difficult art of bargaining.
The echoing sound of the Suprabhatam greeted them at the Ramakrishna Mission Vidyashala where the resident boys were reciting the morning prayers. The important places that the group visited in Mysuru included Mysore Palace by the day and the lighting at night besides the Jayamahal Palace – Famous for the reputed Ravi Verma Paintings, the spiritually powerful Sri Chamundeshwari Temple of Mother Durga and the enchanting Brindavan Gardens . The boys enjoyed their experience of shopping
179 BARTLEY ROAD | SINGAPORE 539784
A visit to RIMSE in Mysuru after sumptuous meal in the Ramakrishna Math was extremely satiating. The Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Moral and Spiritual Education (RIMSE) is a premier educational institution run by the Ramakrishna Ashrama, Mysuru. Various classes and retreats are conducted for developing the personality of individuals. In Ooty, the view of the Glen Morgan Tea Estate was captivating. Lush green tea plantation with the back ground of the blue sky made it look like a picture. Children enjoyed a good time in boating in the Pykara Lake with rain lashing on either sides of the open boat.
PH: +65 6288 9077 | FAX: 6288 5798
The group set off early morning for Coonoor to take the Nilgiri Mountain Railway to Ooty. As the passengers boarded the train, the guard whistled and flagged it off. The train moved through meandering tracks of the mountains; the boys sang and made merry. Relevance of train with movies were told. This excited them even more. After an hour or so, the train reached its destination. They had a thrilling view of Doddabetta Peak – the
highest point in Ooty. It clearly demarcates the boundary of the surrounding State of Karnataka. The boys enjoyed the unique train ride which is so different in its speed from Singapore trains. The Rose Garden followed next and later the Ooty Lake. The drive from one peak to the other reminded one of the fact that every mountain had a connection – they had a story to tell. With a heavy heart they bid adieu to the loving Swamijis and the Queen of Hill Stations, Ooty.
singapore@rkmm.org
PERIODIC NEWSLETTER
SATURDAY, 9 JULY 2016
Boys’ Tour to India…continued where all of them offered their prayers. Then and there, the significance of the rock was explained to them. Upon self-reflection at the airport, they shared that they were exposed to a completely different culture of which they could be proud of being the culture of their forefathers. But the living
The boys were looking forward to seeing some animals in the lap of nature not held under captivity. The Bandipur Forest Safari was a good experience, although sadly, they did not spot tigers. Tiger paw marks were visible, but no tigers. The boys got to see a lot of deer, some elephants along with some monkeys. On the way to Bangalore, the boys had a fun day out at the Wonderla Amusement Park.
of both happiness and sadness. Happy to return home to Singapore (everyone was missing the food) and sad that the fun, frolic and enjoyment of the trip had come to an end.
. ..
conditions in India needed On the last day, a visit to the lot of improvement. As the Bull Temple, Dodda Ganesha flight took off, an Temple followed by our very inexplicable spiritual bond own Math. The Boys were with the vast country became taken to the Mother’s Rock more palpable.
In the morning, the visit was to the ISKCON Temple where the holy chanting of ‘Hare Rama Hare Krishna’ continued to be heard. Banerghatta National Park, famous for wild animals like Bear, Lion Tiger was thoroughly enjoyed by them. Like all good things come to an end, so did the trip. The last day was a mixed feeling
179 BARTLEY ROAD | SINGAPORE 539784
PH: +65 6288 9077 | FAX: 6288 5798
singapore@rkmm.org
PERIODIC NEWSLETTER
SATURDAY, 9 JULY 2016 Every Saturday
JULY-SEPTEMBER 2016 | Issue No. 90 | MCI(P) 009/09/2015 | ISSN 18-7183
Class for Parents on “Spiritual Heritage” at 11:30 AM Every Saturday Discourse on “Sri Ramakrishnarin Amudha Mozhigal” at 4 PM Every Saturday Children’s Class on “Hinduism” at 4:30 PM Every Saturday QuestionAnswer Forum for Public at
RAMAKRISHNA MISSION | 179 BARTLEY ROAD | SINGAPORE 539784
6 PM Every Sunday
Is a Guru necessary? Sri Ramakrishna taught: “When one’s mind becomes pure, then that mind itself becomes the guru.” In other words, the pure mind shows us what is right and what is wrong, what is good what is bad. But one must receive the mantra from a person, a human being. When Swami Brahmananda was asked, “Is a guru necessary?’” he replied, “Of course. If you want to learn how to steal you require a guru. So why not accept a guru for God-realization when one has no immediate experience and the path is not so evident?” Yoga Classes on Every Friday at 7.30 PM and on Every Sunday at 9 AM by Instructors of Nikam Guruji Yoga Kutir
179 BARTLEY ROAD | SINGAPORE 539784
PH: +65 6288 9077 | FAX: 6288 5798
Youth Class on “Life-giving ideas of Swami Vivekananda” at 5 PM Every Sunday Discourse on “Yoga Sutras” at 5 PM Every Sunday Discourse on “Bhagawad Gita for Practical Life” at 6 PM
singapore@rkmm.org