How many of you know that this Vivekananda Statue wasn’t always here? The story behind it is quite interesting.
This is the Swami Vivekananda Statue. It stands tall in Golpark, Kolkata. It is more than just a statue. It represents the ideals of a great Indian monk.
Once upon a time, a smaller marble statue stood here. It was installed in 1966. Sixty-four years had passed since Vivekananda’s death. People admired it but as Golpark developed, the little statue became less impressive. High-rise buildings dwarfed it.
In 2005, the Ramakrishna Mission Institute decided it was time for a change. They wanted a statue that matched the area’s growth. Many devotees wanted a grander statue of Swamiji.
So, they commissioned a new bronze statue. Anit Ghosh from the Government College of Art & Craft created it. This new Swami Vivekananda Statue is twelve feet tall. It stands on an eight-foot cement base.
The Kolkata Municipal Corporation supported the project. They provided ₹1.2 million for the statue. Subrata Mukherjee was the Mayor of Kolkata then. He said devotees had requested a larger statue. He felt it was needed for the area’s development.
The old marble statue was moved. It now resides on the Mission’s Golpark campus. The new Vivekananda Statue was unveiled here.
In 2006, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation gave the Ramakrishna Mission responsibility for the park’s upkeep. In 2010, the park had a major renovation. The Times Foundation provided funds. New lights were installed to illuminate the Vivekananda Statue.
Golpark is a prominent landmark in South Kolkata. The Swami Vivekananda Statue is in the park’s center. The Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture is just across the street. Swami Vivekananda founded the Ramakrishna Mission.
The Swami Vivekananda Statue reminds us of Vivekananda’s teachings. It inspires us to strive for excellence. It encourages us to serve humanity. It stands as a symbol of Kolkata’s spirit.