Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 123

..... is founder of Ramakrishna Mission at Calcutta

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Correct Answer: C) Vivekananda

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, Civil Services

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

The Ramakrishna Mission is a significant religious and social organization that was founded by Swami Vivekananda in 1897 in Kolkata, India. The mission is based on the teachings of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, a 19th-century mystic and yogi who was Vivekananda's guru. The mission aims to promote education, health, and social welfare, and it is known for its philanthropic activities and spiritual teachings.

Swami Vivekananda, born Narendranath Datta, was a key figure in the Indian religious and social reform movements of the late 19th century. He was a disciple of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and played a crucial role in spreading the teachings of his guru both in India and abroad. Vivekananda is particularly known for his speech at the Parliament of the World's Religions in Chicago in 1893, where he introduced Hinduism to the Western world and emphasized the importance of universal spirituality and social service.

The Ramakrishna Mission was established to carry forward the spiritual and social ideals of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. It operates numerous educational institutions, hospitals, and social service projects across India and abroad. The mission's activities are guided by the principles of Vedanta, a school of Hindu philosophy, and it emphasizes the importance of service to humanity as a means of spiritual growth.

It is important to distinguish the Ramakrishna Mission from other religious and social organizations of the same period. For example, Rabindranath Tagore, while a significant figure in Indian culture and literature, was not associated with the founding of the Ramakrishna Mission. Similarly, Dadabhai Naoroji, a prominent political leader, was involved in the Indian National Congress and the struggle for Indian independence, but he had no connection with the Ramakrishna Mission.

Understanding the historical context and the specific contributions of Swami Vivekananda to the Ramakrishna Mission is crucial for correctly identifying the founder of this important organization. The mission continues to be a significant force in promoting education, health, and social welfare in India and around the world.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Rabindranath Tagore was a renowned poet, philosopher, and Nobel laureate, but he was not the founder of the Ramakrishna Mission. He was associated with the Brahmo Samaj and other cultural movements.
  • Option B: VV Banerjee is not a well-known historical figure associated with the Ramakrishna Mission. This option is incorrect as there is no significant historical evidence linking him to the founding of the mission.
  • Option C: Vivekananda is the correct answer. He founded the Ramakrishna Mission in 1897, following the teachings of his guru, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. The mission focuses on social service and spiritual upliftment.
  • Option D: Dadabhai Naoroji was a political leader and one of the founding members of the Indian National Congress, but he was not associated with the Ramakrishna Mission. This option is incorrect.

Mnemonic: RV: Ramakrishna Vivekananda

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