Lucknow: The 79th Independence Day was celebrated with patriotic fervor at Vivekananda Polyclinic & Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, a key project of the Ramakrishna Mission Sevashram. The day’s events began at the Ramakrishna Math, Nirala Nagar, where Swami Muktinathananda Ji Maharaj, President of the Math, hoisted the National Flag at 8:00 AM in the presence of a large gathering of monks and devotees. The ceremony was followed by the singing of the National Anthem and Vande Mataram by the monks, after which light refreshments were served.
At 8:30 AM, the celebrations continued at the Vivekananda College of Nursing, where nearly 500 students of M.Sc., B.Sc., and GNM Nursing courses, along with faculty members, assembled for the flag hoisting. Addressing the gathering, Swami Muktinathananda Ji urged students and teachers alike to contribute their skills towards the nation’s progress, stressing that patriotism must be reflected in one’s actions. The nursing students’ rendition of the National Anthem and Vande Mataram inspired the audience with a spirit of devotion and service.
The central event of the day took place at Vivekananda Polyclinic & Institute of Medical Sciences at 9:00 AM. Swami Muktinathananda Ji unfurled the Tricolor in the presence of doctors, paramedical staff, administrators, and thousands of employees. In his address, he emphasized that sacrifice and service are the true pillars of nation-building. He explained that just as a blood donor’s contribution renews life rather than diminishing it, selfless service enriches both the giver and society.
Highlighting the institution’s uniqueness, he noted that Vivekananda Hospital does not merely follow others but stands apart due to its ethos of service. He proudly mentioned the recognition earned by the hospital, including:
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Prof. (Dr.) U.K. Mishra, Senior Neurophysician, conducting international drug trials – a rare distinction in the state.
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Prof. (Dr.) Bhabatosh Biswas, renowned cardiac surgeon and former Vice-Chancellor of RG Kar Medical College, Kolkata, receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award in Cardiology from the DNB Board, New Delhi, with the blessings of the Mission.
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Dr. Ratni Gujaraj from the Radiology Department being honored as Best Teacher by the Uttar Pradesh Radiological Imaging Association.
Swami Ji further highlighted that the 500-bed charitable hospital, accredited by NABH and NABL, continues to provide quality healthcare at affordable costs, staying true to the ideal of “Jiva Seva is Shiva Seva” (Service to humanity is service to God). He also underlined the institute’s pioneering role in medical education: the first nursing college in Lucknow, postgraduate DNB medical programs in 14 departments, and paramedical diploma courses in eight disciplines—all fulfilling Swami Vivekananda’s vision of advancing women’s education and professional training.
Concluding his address, Swami Ji exhorted employees and students to follow Swami Vivekananda’s ideals, adhere to discipline, and transform work into service, thereby contributing to the progress of the nation. He offered prayers to Sri Ramakrishna, Holy Mother Sarada Devi, Swami Vivekananda, and Mother India, and extended Independence Day greetings to all.
The program ended with light refreshments for attendees and a live webcast of the hospital’s flag-hoisting ceremony through the Ramakrishna Math Lucknow YouTube Channel.
