RKM: We stay off politics but devotees free to choose beliefs
Times of India | 22 May 2024
Kolkata: In the backdrop of allegations and counter-allegations in Bengal on monks stepping into the political field, Ramakrishna Mission on Tuesday said it always stayed away from politics but devotees were free to choose their political beliefs.
Swami Suvirananda, RKM general secretary, said at Belur Math: “Ramakrishna Mission is a non-political international organisation.Our monks and Brahmacharis never participate in politics and also, they do not take part in the right to vote exercise as per the mandate given by Swami Vivekananda.”
He added: “We do not, of course, control the political conscience of our devotees. They are free individuals, and we never issue any instructions to them regarding any political matters.”
On the recent attack at Ramakrishna Ashram on Sevoke Road in Jalpaiguri, Swami Suvirananda said: “As we all know, this land and infrastructure is not personal property... It is completely for the use of human welfare. I am hopeful the administration will try its level best to restore the normalcy of the place.”
Bharat Sevashram Sangha, too, distanced itself from the statements made by Swami Pradiptananda or Kartik Maharaj, saying the order did not endorse it.
Meanwhile, sadhus have planned a rally on Friday to protest against the “threats” against monks in Bengal. The rally, named ‘Sant Swabhiman Yatra’, will cover the 3km from Ramkrishna Math at Bagbazar to Swami Vivekananda’s residence at Vivekananda Road. The rally will be organised by Bangiya Sannyasi Samaj.
“There will be sadhus from Bharat Sevashram Sangha, Ramkrishna Mission, ISKCON, Mahanirvani Akhara, Juna Akhara and many other religious outfits. They will walk barefoot to protect their honour,” said Swami Paramatmanandaji, president of the Bengal unit of Akhil Bharatiya Sant Samiti. “Sadhus are being attacked every day... Trinamool is trying to determine the way sadhus should behave. We work for nation-building and political forces are trying to stop that,” Paramatmanandaji said.