The Best Ten Unforgettable Gifts: My RKM Legacy

01/07/2025 Ujjwal K Chowdhury

The saffron robe. A symbol of sacrifice, of devotion, of service to mankind. It’s a stark contrast to the pursuit of material comforts, a reminder of the higher purpose that was instilled in me during my time at the Ramkrishna Mission. This deep respect for the saffron, for the values it represents, is one of the ten indelible marks the RKM has left on my soul. This is despite innumerable examples of the misuse of the saffron by many, since the days of Ravana in saffron robe.

The Northeast of India, with its lush greenery and serene beauty, holds a special place in my heart. The image of my school, perched on a hilltop in Aalo, Arunachal Pradesh, is forever etched in my memory. The RKM introduced me to this enchanting region, fostering a lifelong love affair with its people and its landscapes. Somewhere in my mind, Aalo is Home, for ever.

The morning rituals – rising early, offering prayers, stretching my body, and savoring a healthy vegetarian breakfast – are habits ingrained during my childhood at the RKM. They’ve become an integral part of my daily routine, a source of grounding and inner peace. Though for me, stretching is only walking few miles each day.

Food is precious, a gift not to be wasted. This lesson, etched deep within me since my RKM days, is a constant reminder of my responsibility towards those less fortunate, and to avoid any wastage. The ‘daal ka rishta’, the bond forged over shared meals with fellow alumni, is a testament to the values of sharing and the sense of belonging to a community that the RKM nurtured in us.

Touching the feet of elders, especially of the parents and the Swamijis, a gesture of respect deeply ingrained in Indian culture, is a legacy I carry with pride. In today’s world, where such traditions are often forgotten, this simple act serves as a connection to my roots and the values I hold dear.

The RKM instilled in me a strong sense of integrity and self-discipline. I’ve steered clear of harmful habits like smoking, use of any drugs and excessive drinking, choosing instead to focus on personal growth and service to others.

The desire to give back to society, to uplift the less fortunate, burns bright within us. It’s a flame ignited by the RKM’s emphasis on selfless service. My work with the marginalized communities, particularly for the education of the children in the Sundarbans, is a testament to this legacy. ‘Sabar opor Manush satya, tahar opor nai’: Humanity Above All.

My school days at Aalo were filled with unforgettable experiences, both rewarding and challenging. From the strict discipline to the passionate pursuit of excellence in academics and extracurricular activities, these experiences shaped the foundation of my life. For example, being punished by Ram sir for spelling errors with two fingers pressed with a pen in between, being caned by Gupta sir for Hindi grammatical errors, being forced to run around the large play-ground ten times for laziness or sporting errors by PT sir, song-music-play-speech rehearsals several times during celebrations, et al.

The bond I share with my fellow RKM alumni is a treasure I cherish deeply. It’s a brotherhood forged through shared experiences and common values, a connection that transcends time and distance. Hence, we keep in touch virtually and try to attend as many alumni meets as possible.

The RKM taught me to embrace diversity, to celebrate the richness of human experience in all its forms. I’ve travelled around the world, to 45 nations till date, immersing myself in different cultures and traditions, with an open mind and a welcoming heart. The acceptance of ‘the other’ without forgetting ‘our roots’ is this perspective. It is not tolerance of the ‘different’, but the acceptance and celebration of diversity. I have no problem in visiting the home of any family of any community, religion or nationality, stay or dine there, participate in their festivals, visit holy place of any religion with equal ease. ‘Jato Mat, Tato Path.’ There are as many ways to salvation, as there are faiths.

These ten gifts, these ten values, are my RKM legacy. They are the guiding principles that shape my life, the compass that points me towards a life of purpose and meaning. They are the echoes of my time at the Ramkrishna Mission, a constant reminder of the transformative power of education and the enduring strength of human connection.