Kolkata Pays Tribute to Former Vivekananda Kendra President A. Balakrishnan; Governor R. N. Ravi Highlights His Enduring Legacy in the Northeast

A prayer meeting was held in Kolkata on 19^th September 2026 to honour the life and legacy of Mananeeya A. Balakrishnan ji, former All-India President of Vivekananda Kendra, who passed away on August 26, 2026. Organised by Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Paschim Banga Prant, the programme brought together more than 200 people to remember his decades-long contribution to the organisation and its service activities.

The programme was held at Swami Vivekananda’s Ancestral House, 105 Vivekananda Road, Kolkata, and was presided over by West Bengal Governor Shri R. N. Ravi. Among those present were Dr Jayanta Roy Chowdhury, Kshetra Sanghachalak, RSS; Shri Sajjan Bhajanka, Member, Managing Committee, Vivekananda Kendra; and former Air Chief Marshal Shri Arup Raha, Chairman, Vivekananda Kendra Prabandhan, besides members and well-wishers of Vivekananda Kendra Paschim Banga Prant and former students of Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalayas.

The speakers recalled their association with Balakrishnan ji and spoke about his dedication, simplicity and long-standing commitment to the ideals of Vivekananda Kendra.

Addressing the gathering, Governor of West Bengal, Shri R. N. Ravi highlighted the contribution of Vivekananda Kendra to education and social development in the Northeast. Recalling his own association with the region, he spoke of his interactions with Balakrishnan ji and his contribution to expanding educational and service initiatives in the Northeast.

The Governor also referred to the organisation’s work in strengthening the cultural and social identity of communities in the region. He said the educational and social initiatives undertaken by Vivekananda Kendra in Northeast had helped communities remain connected with their cultural and belief systems.

Referring to the Northeast’s geographical and strategic significance, Shri Ravi noted that the region shares international borders with China, Bangladesh and Myanmar. He said that social and cultural initiatives undertaken by organisations such as Vivekananda Kendra had contributed to social cohesion in the region and, in his view, had significance for border security as well.

Five Decades of Service

Born in 1938 in Thrissur, Kerala, A. Balakrishnan ji served in the Indian Air Force before responding to the call of Eknathji Ranade and joining the first batch of Jeevanvratis of Vivekananda Kendra. He subsequently devoted more than five decades to the organisation and its mission of “Serve Man, Serve God.”

Balakrishnan ji’s early major responsibility was in Northeast India, where he served as Zonal Organiser. His association with Arunachal Pradesh began in 1974, and the region remained a defining part of his work. Working in difficult terrain and in an environment with limited communication and infrastructure, he travelled extensively across the state to advance the vision of Eknathji Ranade.

He played a pioneering role in the establishment of Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalayas, helping set up the first seven residential schools in 1977. The educational initiative subsequently expanded into a network of schools across the Northeast.

In 1981, Balakrishnan ji became the All-India General Secretary of Vivekananda Kendra, a position he held until 2001. He subsequently served as All-India Vice President from 2001 to 2020 and was elected All-India President in July 2020. He remained in the position until his death on August 26, 2026.

About Vivekananda Kendra

Founded in 1972 at Kanyakumari by Eknathji Ranade as a living memorial to Swami Vivekananda, Vivekananda Kendra is a spiritually oriented service organisation working to translate Swami Vivekananda’s message of “Serve Man, Serve God” and “Man-Making and Nation-Building” into grassroots initiatives.

Over the decades, the organisation has undertaken programmes in education, rural development, healthcare, vocational training, women’s empowerment, youth development, yoga, natural resource development and cultural activities, with a significant presence in the Northeast and other rural and underserved parts of India.

Vivekananda Kendra’s Work in West Bengal

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Paschim Banga Prant undertakes educational, cultural, social and nation-building activities across West Bengal. Its programmes include Yoga and wellness initiatives, Kendra Varga, Swadhyaya, Sanskar Varga, youth and cultural programmes, observance of national and spiritual occasions, Karyakarta training and community outreach.

The Prant conducts these activities through its various Vibhags, Nagars and Karyasthans across Kolkata and other parts of West Bengal.