Lucknow: The 77th Republic Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm and patriotic spirit at Vivekananda Polyclinic and Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, with a series of dignified events reflecting national pride, service, and spiritual values.
The celebrations commenced early in the morning at Ramakrishna Math, Nirala Nagar, where the Math’s President Swami Muktinathanand unfurled the national flag in the serene and expansive campus. The ceremony was attended by monks of the Ramakrishna Ashram and staff members. The occasion resonated with patriotic fervour as the gathering sang the National Anthem and “Vande Mataram.”
Subsequently, the Republic Day celebrations continued at the premises of Vivekananda Polyclinic School and College of Nursing, followed by the main ceremony at Vivekananda Polyclinic and Institute of Medical Sciences. Swami Muktinathanand, Secretary of the Institute, hoisted the national flag at the hospital campus and led the collective singing of the National Anthem and “Vande Mataram.”
The ceremony witnessed the presence of the Medical Superintendent, Hospital Superintendent, administrative officials, senior doctors, the Principal of the Nursing College, faculty members, nursing students, paramedical students, and a large number of employees of the institution.
Addressing the gathering after the flag hoisting, Swami Muktinathanand extended his heartfelt greetings on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day. Expressing joy and pride, he said it was a moment of immense happiness to celebrate the day that symbolizes India’s democratic values and constitutional strength.
In his address, Swami Muktinathanand emphasized that service cannot be purchased; it is a state of mind. Quoting Swami Vivekananda, he said that service is the highest opportunity and a core national ideal of India. He underlined that service without sacrifice is meaningless, and sacrifice without service has no value. Cooperation, compassion, harmony, service, and peace, he said, are the pillars of India’s national tradition.
He further stated that if every Indian resolves to lead life guided by the principles of harmony, service, and sacrifice, India would soon emerge as the best nation in the world. Paying tribute to Sri Ramakrishna, Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi, Swami Vivekananda, and all the great personalities who dedicated their lives to the nation, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to celebrate Republic Day in a free and democratic India.
Concluding his speech, Swami Muktinathanand sought blessings from all to take the institution forward and develop it into an ideal center of service, dedication, and compassion, committed to the welfare of society and the nation.
The ceremony concluded in an atmosphere filled with patriotism, inspiration, and a renewed commitment to national service.
