Sri Ramakrishna, the Prophet of the Modern Age laid the foundation of Ramakrishna Math, and it was registered as a trust in 1901. Sri Ramakrishna’s chief disciple, Swami Vivekananda founded the Ramakrishna Mission on 1 May 1897 and it was registered on 4 May 1909. At present the Ramakrishna Math and the Ramakrishna Mission have 295 branch centres all over the world: 167 in India, 15 in Bangladesh, 14 in USA, 2 each in Brazil, Canada, Russia and South Africa, and one each in Argentina, Australia, Fiji, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Malaysia, Mauritius, Nepal, Netherlands, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, UK and Zambia.
Organisation Motto: The motto of this organization is ATMANO MOKSHARTHAM JAGAD HITAYA CHA, “For one’s own salvation and for the welfare of the world”. It was the vision presented by Swami Vivekananda.
Ideals: The working foundation of this organisation is based on three principles: Work as worship, potential divinity of the soul, and harmony of religions. Swami Vivekananda had a comprehensive plan for community development, both urban and rural, integrating the best elements of the East and the West. He gave a new philosophy of work for the modern world. One of the important principles Swami Vivekananda learned from his Master, Sri Ramakrishna, was Shiva Jnane Jiva Seva - ‘service to living beings looking upon them as veritable embodiments of the Divine’.
About RKMHOS, Varanasi: Ramakrishna Mission Home of Service (Sevashrama) was started in a modest way in 1900 by three young men at Varanasi, viz, Sri Charu Chandra Das (later Swami Subhananda), Sri Kedar Nath Moulik (later Swami Achalananda) and Sri Yamini Ranjan Majumdar. In February 1902 Swami Vivekananda came to Varanasi. He was immensely pleased to see the dedicated service of the youths and re-named the Association as 'The Ramakrishna Home of Service.' The institution was registered in 1909.
The campus of Ramakrishna Mission Home of Service in Varanasi includes Indoor hospital with 184 beds, Vivek Sanjivani- An Initiative for Healthcare and Education, Dispensary, Medical store, separate old age homes for women and men, dairy, Guest house for pilgrims and Sadhu Nivas.
The charitable hospital is catering tireless service to patients from Eastern UP, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh on a regular basis. Every year, around 1.25 Lakh patients attend the outdoor clinics, while close to 10,000 patients are admitted during the year and close to 3,000 surgeries are performed in the hospital.
In a world where healthcare disparities remain a pressing concern, Vivek Sanjivani, an initiative by Ramakrishna Mission Home of Service in Luxa, Varanasi, is making a profound difference. Driven by a vision of accessible and equitable healthcare, this transformative program is breaking barriers and reaching the most underserved communities.
Through a robust telemedicine network, Vivek Sanjivani operates nine centres, including five Stationary Telemedicine Units (STUs) and four Mobile Telemedicine Units (MTUs). These units are more than just medical facilities; they are lifelines for remote and marginalized populations. Where specialized care is often unattainable, Vivek Sanjivani brings expert consultation, diagnostic support, and crucial treatments directly to those in need.
Imagine the power of a mother receiving medical advice for her child without traveling miles, or a farmer or a labourer accessing timely healthcare without financial burden—this is the reality Vivek Sanjivani is creating. By transcending geographical constraints and deploying cutting-edge technology, the initiative is not just treating illnesses, but restoring dignity, security, and hope to countless lives.
Brief Review: During the financial year 2024-25, Vivek Sanjivani successfully extended its healthcare services to 58,802 beneficiaries across five districts, including one aspirational district in Eastern Uttar Pradesh and another in Uttarakhand. Key achievements include:
A substantial portion of beneficiaries belonged to underprivileged backgrounds, with 91.35% hailing from OBC, SC, ST, and minority communities, and 50.3% of all beneficiaries being women. The initiative also enabled patients to save approximately ₹600 to ₹1,000 per visit by offering doctor consultations, diagnostic tests, and medicines at no cost or minimal expense.
Commitment to Holistic Well-being: Vivek Sanjivani offered holistic education to 92 kids throughout the year; Conducted Online Science class for 2462 students and Online Value Education class for 4924 students; Basic Computer Knowledge and practical trainings offered to 2719 students; Through audio-visual health education, 1036 villagers including students have been empowered with knowledge on nutrition, hygiene, and disease prevention, leading to healthier lifestyles and proactive self-care; Conducted value education programme for 374 participants, which includes villagers and students; Created Book Banks in Schools and other Institutions with 9175 books on Science and Value Education.
Sustainability Efforts: In alignment with its commitment to environmental sustainability, two off-grid solar power systems have been installed at the Vivek Sanjivani main campus in Varanasi, and two off-grid solar power systems installed at the rural Telemedicine Units facilitating the use of clean energy and contributing to a significant reduction in carbon footprints.
