On January 31, 2026 — the sacred birth anniversary of our beloved third President and Sanghamata, Sri Sri Daya Mata — the Yogoda Satsanga Intermediate Mahavidyalaya (YSIM) marked a historic milestone with the Bhoomi Pujan (foundation-laying ceremony) for its proposed Intermediate Mahavidyalaya building at the Jagannathpur Educational Campus.
YSS sannyasis, members of the management committee of the educational institutions, faculty, staff, students, and devotee participated in this sacred event. Swamis Keshavananda and Prafullananda from Self-Realization Fellowship, who were on a pilgrimage to India, were also present on the occasion.
Invoking Divine Blessings
The Bhoomi Pujan commenced in the morning with traditional Vedic rituals, with Swami Gokulananda serving as yajman and invoking divine blessings for the successful completion of the project.
The formal programme began later with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, followed by a brief meditation conducted by Brahmachari Bhaskarananda. All present joined in prayer for the smooth completion of the project and the safety of the sevaks and workers involved in the construction.
Carrying Forward Guruji’s Vision
Tracing the institution’s legacy, Sri A. K. Saxena (Secretary, Yogoda Satsanga Mahavidyalaya) shared the history of the Yogoda Satsanga Educational Institutions in Ranchi. He noted that the Brahmacharya Vidyalaya was established by our Gurudeva, Sri Sri Paramahansa Yogananda, and was honoured during his lifetime with visits from eminent personalities such as Sri Rabindranath Tagore and Mahatma Gandhi.
The proposed four-storey building of the Intermediate Mahavidyalaya will span approximately 46,500 square feet and include 30 classrooms, science laboratories, a library, administrative offices, and separate facilities for boys and girls.
Lt. Gen. Gyan Bhushan (Vice-Chairman, Managing Committee, YSIM) emphasized that this initiative represents a significant step in shaping the youth of the region through character, discipline, and dedication — hallmarks of YSS’s holistic approach to education.
In his address, Swami Pavitrananda highlighted that the new building will provide modern facilities to support the education of underprivileged children. Rooted in Guruji’s How-to-Live ideals, the institution seeks the integrated development of body, mind, and soul, with character-building at its core. He announced that the project is estimated at a cost of ₹14 crores and expressed heartfelt gratitude to the donors.
The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by Sri Arvind Katiyar (Secretary, YSIM), followed by prasad and lunch.
