Guwahati (7/9): A condolence meeting was organised at the Vivekananda Kendra Institute of Culture (VKIC), Uzan Bazar, Guwahati, on September 7, 2026, jointly by Vivekananda Kendra, Assam Pranta, and Vivekananda Kendra Institute of Culture (VKIC), to pay homage to the revered All India President, Shri A. Balakrishnanji.
The programme began with the recitation of the Bhagavad Gita. Thereafter, the Hon’ble Governor of Assam, Shri Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Shri Dattatreya Hosabale, and other dignitaries and office-bearers arrived at the venue. The singing of Vande Mataram, Jana Gana Mana and the Assam State Anthem lent a solemn and dignified tone to the occasion.
Lieutenant General (Retd.) Rana Pratap Kalita, Vice-President of VKIC, was the first to share his thoughts and recollections. This was followed by floral tributes offered to the portrait of the revered Balakrishnanji by the Hon’ble Governor Shri Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Shri Dattatreya Hosabale and Lt. Gen. Rana Pratap Kalita.
Praveenji then presented a brief account of Balakrishnanji’s personality and his dedicated life devoted to the ideals and activities of Vivekananda Kendra. A presentation depicting his life journey on the screen moved the gathering deeply.
Senior member Ajay Dattaji shared his personal memories and experiences of his association with Balakrishnanji. Thereafter, Shri Dattatreya Hosabale, in his address, recalled Balakrishnanji’s immense organisational contribution, dedication and lifelong efforts towards nation-building. He described him as:
Gentle and compassionate towards others, but disciplined and demanding of himself.
A person who neither troubled others nor allowed himself to be disturbed by others.
Simple, humble and approachable in personality.
A person of tremendous willpower.
Someone who worked tirelessly to fulfil the dreams and vision of revered Eknathji.
The Hon’ble Governor of Assam, Shri Lakshman Prasad Acharya, paid a heartfelt tribute to the revered Balakrishnanji and recalled his inspiring life, contributions and dedicated service.
At the conclusion of the programme, functionaries and workers of Vivekananda Kendra, RSS pracharaks, volunteers and several other dignitaries offered their श्रद्धासुमन (tributes) to the departed leader.
The atmosphere of the gathering was filled with reverence, remembrance and gratitude. All those present resolved to imbibe the ideals of the revered Balakrishnanji and the teachings of Swami Vivekananda in their own lives.
Reported by Sanatan Mahakud.
