“SHOBA YATRA” — RALLY OF SWAMI VIVEKANANDA
On 12th January 2013 the entire nation celebrated the 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. On this occasion the Rachol Seminarians commemorated the 120th years of his historic visit to the Patriarchal Seminary of Rachol, where he had come to study about Christian theology. Hence, it was a great opportunity for the Rachol Seminarians to take part in the ‘Shoba Yatra’. It was organized by Swami Vivekananda Sardhashati Shobhayatra Samaroh Samiti in Margao from Damodar Sal to its culmination point at Lohia maidan. The yatra began at 3.30 p.m with the lighting of the traditional lamp from the Subrai Naik’s house, where Vivekananda had stayed during his visit to Goa on his ‘Bharat Darshan.”
Many students, teachers from various schools and colleges, Rachol Seminarians and people from different Religious communities also participated I this yatra with great pomp and zeal. The students performed various dances, while others shouted slogans and some even offered flowers as a sign of respect and devotion. On this auspicious occasion the Third Year Philosophy students of Rachol Seminary under the leadership of seminarian Filipe Diniz organized an exhibition of Swami Vivekananda, depicting his Samarak (Rock Memorial) and the banner projecting his views on Christ. They were backed and encouraged by Fr. Agnelo Pinheiro (Professor) and Fr. Victor Ferrao (Dean of Philosophy).
After a walk along the streets of Margao, all gathered at Lohia maidan for a short programme. More than two thousand people were present for this event. The programme included a song sung by the students under the leadership of Kisrti Naik. Later the Rachol Seminarians with their melodious voices sang the song ‘Vande Mataram.’ The words were penned by seminarian Alroy Gomes in tune with the music of A. R. Rahman. Than the historic address of Swamiji at Chicago was played out. After listening to Swamiji’s speech, the keynote speech was addressed by Prof (Retd) Datta Bhikaji Naik and than Nareinvaka Baba Naik, the president of the Shoba Yatra Samiti, gave the vote of thanks. The ‘Shoba Yatra’ ended with the patriotic song “Vande Mataram.” This Shoba Yatra was an occasion to spread the teachings of Swami Vivekananda. It was a step towards inter-religious dialogue, to promote peace and harmony among different religious communities.