Swami Vivekananda’s Vision for Women’s Empowerment
Swami Vivekananda, the revered patriot saint of India, envisioned the rejuvenation of his motherland through the ideals of renunciation and service. He firmly believed that these principles would guide India’s progress, saying, “The national ideals of India are renunciation and service. Intensify her in those channels, and the rest will take care of itself.” To actualize this vision, he established the Ramakrishna Math and Mission, aiming to train dedicated Sannyasins for self-realization and service to humanity. These organizations have since made significant contributions in the fields of culture, education, and public service, both in India and abroad, transcending barriers of caste, creed, and nationality.
Swami Vivekananda also recognized the crucial role of women in societal welfare, asserting that true progress could not be achieved without improving their condition. He famously remarked, “There is no chance for the welfare of the world unless the condition of women is improved.” His dream was to establish a similar organization for women, where Brahmacharinis and Sadhvis would be trained, just as monks were trained at the Belur Math. Although Swami Vivekananda’s vision for a Women’s Math did not materialize during his lifetime due to the socio-cultural conditions of the time, his idea planted the seeds for future generations.
Fifty years after his passing, a group of educated women, inspired by his teachings of renunciation and service, dedicated their lives to spiritual growth and the upliftment of their sisters. In 1954, during the centenary of Holy Mother’s birth, the authorities at Belur Math took a significant step toward fulfilling Swami Vivekananda’s vision. They acquired land on the eastern bank of the Ganga, near the Dakshineswar Kali Temple, and established the Women’s Math.
On December 2, 1954, Swami Sankarananda, the seventh president of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission, inaugurated Sri Sarada Math in the presence of senior monks, Trustees, Brahmacharinis, and a large gathering of devotees. This event marked a new chapter in India’s socio-religious history, realizing Swami Vivekananda’s long-cherished dream.
Initially guided by the Trustees of Belur Math, Sri Sarada Math was later handed over to the Brahmacharinis, allowing them to operate independently. On January 1, 1959, on Holy Mother’s birthday, Swami Sankarananda conferred sannyasa on eight senior members of the Math, paving the way for an independent women’s organization. By August 26, 1959, Sri Sarada Math gained independent status, with its sannyasinis becoming Trustees through a Deed of Trust.
In May 1960, the Trustees of Sri Sarada Math, following the advice of Belur Math authorities, founded the Ramakrishna Sarada Mission Association. This organization, registered under Act XXI of 1860, was established to carry out educational, cultural, charitable, and similar activities for women and children, viewing them as divine manifestations. Although legally separate, Sri Sarada Math and the Ramakrishna Sarada Mission share a deep connection with the Ramakrishna Math and Mission, serving as their counterparts.
Centres and Activities
Sri Sarada Math has its headquarters and 13 branch centers across India, with an additional center in Sydney, Australia. The Ramakrishna Sarada Mission operates 19 branch centers in India and one in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Both the Math and the Mission focus on serving women and children, regardless of caste, creed, or nationality, through various initiatives:
- Educational Work,
- Medical Service,
- Rural Uplift Work,
- Relief and Help to the Needy,
- Spread of Cultural and Spiritual Ideas and
- Foreign Work
Through these activities, Sri Sarada Math and the Ramakrishna Sarada Mission continue to honor Swami Vivekananda’s legacy by empowering women and serving humanity with compassion and dedication