Foreword : Swami Nikhileswarananda

SWAMI VIVEKANANDA WANDERED THROUGHOUT our motherland before going to USA to participate in the World’s Parliament of Religions held in 1893. This period of his parivrajaka days played an important part in transforming his personality and preparing him for the task of regenerating our nation and the world. A considerable part of this period was spent by Swami Vivekananda in Gujarat, during which time he came in contact with many important princes, diwans, writers, social reformers, etc. All of them were influenced by his majestic personality.

We have great pleasure in publishing this souvenir to commemorate the 125th anniversary of Swami Vivekananda’s visit to Gujarat (in 1891 – 1892) with the title ‘Swami Vivekananda and Gujarat’.

We are grateful to Shrimat Swami Smarananandaji Maharaj; President of Ramakrishna Math & Ramakrishna Mission, Revered Swami Vagishanandaji Maharaj, Revered Swami Prabhanandaji Maharaj, Revered Swami Gautamanandaji Maharaj, Revered Swami Shivamayanandaji Maharaj and Revered Swami Suhitanandaji Maharaj; all Vice-Presidents of Ramakrishna Math & Ramakrishna Mission and Revered Swami Suviranandaji Maharaj; General Secretary of Ramakrishna Math & Ramakrishna Mission for sending their blessings and messages for the souvenir.

We are extremely thankful to Shri Narendrabhai Modi; Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Vijaybhai Rupani; Honourable Chief Minister of Gujarat and Shri O. P. Kohli; Honourable Governorshri of Gujarat for kindly sending their valuable messages for the souvenir.

We take this opportunity to express our deep sense of gratitude to all the friends, admirers, authors, advertisers and all those who worked hard for bringing out this souvenir; especially Swami Krishnasakhananda and Shri Darshan H. Ranpara.

Swami Nikhileswarananda
Adhyaksha
Shri Ramakrishna Ashrama, Rajkot