Who are we and what are we doing…

1. Somsar Sri Ramakrishna Seva Mandir Who are we and what are we doing…

2. Our Inspiration “They alone live who live for others, the rest are more dead than alive.” - Swami Vivekananda www.vsss.org

3. Swamiji’s message “So long as the millions live in hunger and ignorance, I hold every man a traitor who, having been educated at their expense, pays not the least heed to them.” “Teach yourselves, teach everyone his real nature, call upon the sleeping soul and see how it awakes. Power will come, glory will come, goodness will come, purity will come, and everything that is excellent will come when this sleeping soul is roused to self-conscious activity.” “Go from village to village do good to humanity and to the world at large.” - Swami Vivekananda

4. Who are we and what do we SOMSAR is a quiet village in the Bankura district of West Bengal, India - the birthplace of Revered Swami Bhuteshanandaji Maharaj, the twelfth President of Ramakrishna Math & Mission. In this remote rural setting we have humbly begun a mission of human development following the Ramakrishna - Vivekananda ideals. Our team consists of professionals of different disciplines and the active encouragement of Ramakrishna Mission. Through our Organization, we have initiated a wide range of activities at Somsar village in education, formal and non-formal medical and health services, income generation programmes and cultural and spiritual activities. Our aim is to create an ambiance where the villagers feel confident and move ahead to reshape and revitalize themselves and the people around, following the ideals of Ramakrishna-Vivekananda ideology

5. Where is Somsar ? The Damodar river flows down to meet the Ganga making its way through Bardhaman and Bankura Districts of the State of West Bengal (in India). Around that place is an uniquely beautiful spot where the Shali river, meets the river Damodar. In such a natural graceful surrounding stands a village on the bank of the Damodar river. A village rich in green trees and foliage. In that village there stands a very ancient Shiva temple - Someswar Shiva. The village gets its name after the name of deity Someswar Shiva or SOMSAR.

6. The Genesis On December 4, 1998, in the presence of hundreds of monks and brahmacharis and thousands of devotees SOMSAR SRI RAMAKRISHNA SEVA MANDIR was formally inaugurated. In due course the SEVA MANDIR was affiliated to 'Ramakrishna-Vivekananda Bhavaprachar Parishad'. SOMSAR SRI RAMAKRISHNA SEVA MANDIR has gained valuable expertise through years of experience. With a view to making the village young men and women self sufficient, we conduct training camps for self-employment programmes, run formal and non-formal education programmes and invest in socio-economic development programmes to enable the villagers to stand on their legs.

7. Our Work Education As many as 15,000 people live at Somsar and villages around and the lone school to cater to their needs is even less than insignificant. The long distance a child has to commute to attend the school causes widespread drop-outs. The standard of instructions leaves scope for improvement. In this background, TWO non-formal schools on charitable basis are run by the Seva Mandir - one in the premises of the Ashrama and the other at a distant locality of 'Paschim Para' in the village. Socio-Economic Like other areas of the State, the problem of unemployment has made its pangs felt at Somsar village too. Unemployment for both educated and uneducated youth adds to the problem of poverty. A work plan for socio-economic development is being implemented by the Seva Mandir as the problem is serious and deserves immediate attention. Healthcare As there is no permanent hospital or health centre in Somsar village, it is our prime concern to extend healthcare services in Somsar Village. The population of Somsar village itself is around 5,000 and that put togather with five other adjoining villages is 15,000. Health sevices available for this' large number of people is only through a Subsidiary Health Centre, situated at Khandaghosh about 8 KMs away, which is far from sufficient. The Seva Mandir is actively providing healthcare to the villagers.

8. Somsar Non-Formal School Although named as Non-formal schools, drop-out students are attending these schools apart from regular students. Besides education, students are introduced to various types of games, singing, dancing, Bratachari drills, etc. for overall development by eight educated lady teachers. While students of Somsar village attend these schools for taking tutions, students belonging to other schools come to Ashrama Schools come for tutions too. Every student gets tiffin apart from regular health check-up and free medical service with medicines. Text books and stationary, woolen garments and school uniforms are provided to all students free of cost.

9. Lipilekha supports Somsar Non-Formal School Lipilekha’s support has made the following possible: • Students now have milk once a week • They also have Eggs in their tiffin • Have Cooked food, like, Khichuri and vegetables • Library books • Students now have a new cultural teacher. • Big Sports day and a new sports teacher. • New toilets and drinking water sources. • The school boundary has been fenced improving the students security

10. To Lipilekha Students from Somsar Non-Formal School Students “ Amra amader Lipelekha bandhuder engrigi Nonboborsher subhecha janai.” -Somsar school chatrachatribrinda

11. Thank You Somsar Sri Ramakrishna Seva Mandir Regd.Office : 10/139 HUDCO Estate, 95 Bidhan Nagar Road, Kolkata - 700 054. India. Working Centre: Debaleena Apartment-2, Ground Floor, Flat C, H/A-3/15 Jardabagan, P.O. Aswininagar, P.S. Rajarhat, Kolkata - 700059. India. email: somsar@vsnl.net website: www.somsar.org