the logo of the Ramakrishna-Vivekenanda Center, an ornate swan in a pond above a lotus flower and encircled in a cobra.

Ramakrishna-Vivekananda Center of New York

A Vedanta Temple for Universal Worship
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Centenary of Swami Vivekananda at Thousand Island Park, NY
July 21-23, 1995

  • Visiting Swamis, religious leaders of different faiths, and musical artists seated in front of a crowd.
  • Centennial Blessing of the Thousand Islands.
  • Concert by the United States Army Band of Fort Drum, New York.
  • Visiting Swamis, guests, and representatives of all organizations of Thousand Island Park participating in the events.
  • Concert at the Tabernacle by Uno Mundo (One World).
  • Vivekananda Cottage at Thousand Island Park, New York.

On July 21-23, 1995, the Center held a celebration at Thousand Island Park to commemorate the Centenary of Swami Vivekananda's historic visit there in 1895. The celebration was observed jointly by the Ramakrishna-Vivekananda Center of New York, the Thousand Island Park Corporation, Tabernacle Committee, Landmark Society, and other organizations of the Park. Participating in the programs were Swamis of the Ramakrishna Order from India, Europe, Canada and America; religious leaders of different faiths; scholars; community leaders, and well-known musical artists. The main events of the Vivekananda Weekend were: an Interfaith Service, the Centennial Blessing of the Thousand Islands, a concert by the United States Army Band of Fort Drum,NY, and a town meeting.

Participating in the Service were the visiting Swamis, religious leaders of different faiths and musical artists. All of the events were widely reported on by the television stations and newspapers of the region. Especially noteworthy is the beautifully presented article in The Watertown Daily Times, referring to Swami Vivekananda as "The Swami of the St. Lawrence"

On the bank of the St. Lawrence River at the Main Dock of the Park: the same dock where Swami Vivekananda had arrived on June 18, 1895, and where, after a momentous seven-week stay, he had departed with the words, "I bless these Thousand Islands." Messages and prayers were offered by the participating Swamis, ministers, and guests, after which bouquets of flowers were placed in the River while a thirty-two boat flotilla the Yacht Club of the Park offered a nautical salutation of honor.

You can read "Swami Vivekananda at Thousand Island Park 1895-1995," the publication made for the occasion by the Park's Landmark Society by clicking this link.

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