About the Ramayana Centre
The Ramayana Centre is a Body Corporate established by an Act of Parliament of Mauritius in 2001 for the promotion and propagation of the teachings of the Ramayana worldwide.
Located at Union Park, in the South of the island, the Centre operates under the aegis of the Ministry of Arts and Culture. It is an initiative spearheaded by Pandit Rajendra Arun that would forever mark the Indian Diaspora 's cultural landscape. As its first President, Pandit Rajendra Arun's vision was to confer upon the Ramayana the recognition of the vital role it played in preserving the language, culture, philosophy and the eternal values in Mauritius and across the world. Through his unwavering determination and gaining widespread support, the Ramayana Centre was finally brought into existence and given legal status as a testament to the profound reverence for this magnificent epic.
The establishment of the Ramayana Centre, thus stands as a singular achievement, unparalleled in the annals of the Indian Diaspora, as no other nation has taken such legislative action to honour this cherished epic, nor fostered a similar institution dedicated to its perpetual dissemination.
The Ramayana Centre is dedicated to fostering Global collaboration and recognition for the profound teachings of the Ramayana. It offers facilities for exchange programs with international organisations sharing its objectives, fostering a vibrant network of mutual learning and enrichment. Moreover, it acknowledges and honours individuals and organisations whose contributions further the promotion and propagation of the Ramayana 's timeless wisdom. The Ramayana Centre is committed to expand its reach by supporting the establishment of Centres and branches around the world ensuring that the transformative teachings of the Ramayana resonate worldwide.
Its Vision is to make the world a better place through the propagation of the values as depicted in Ramayana.
Its Mission is to become a Centre of excellence for the promotion and propagation of the values of the Ramayana
Its main objectives are:
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To promote and propagate the Ramayana and the Spiritual, social and cultural values flowing there from;
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To publish, sell or distribute material for the propagation of the Ramayana;
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To organise sermons, talks and lectures;
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To enhance the chanting and explanation of the Ramayana;
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To set up schools and libraries and undertake their management and maintenance;
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To provide guidance and support for the intellectual and moral advancement for the Hindu Community and society at large;
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To provide facilities for exchange programmes between centre and other international organisations having similar objectives;
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To reward and honour persons or organisations who have contributed to the promotion and propagation of the Ramayana;
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To open branches in Mauritius, and
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To open or to provide assistance for the opening of centres and branches abroad.
Development of Ramayana Centre
Ramayana Centre operates under the aegis of Ministry of Arts & Culture.
It has been developed in two phases:
1. Riziya Teelock Learning Complex is a three-level building and houses the office of the organisation, a library, guestrooms and a multipurpose hall.
It was inaugurated on Tulsidas Jayanti on 19th August 2007 by the then Prime Minister, Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam in presence of Mrs Veena Ramgoolam, Dr Boodhun Teelock and Pandit Rajendra Arun, the President of Ramayana Centre.
The Complex has been named after Late Smt. Riziya Teelock, the wife of the main donor, Dr. Boodhun Teelock.
2. A spiritual complex
(i) It has a hall on its ground floor where various cultural functions and educational activities, namely, seminars, workshops and conferences are organized to foster spiritual exchanges. It was inaugurated on Ram Nawmi on 19th April 2013, by the then President of the Republic of Mauritius, H.E Rajeshwur Purryag, GCSK, GOSK in presence of Dr. Hansa Gunessee (the main donor) and Pandit Rajendra Arun.
The hall bears the name of the main sponsor, Dr. Smt. Hansa Gunessee as well as of her late husband Dr. Mahesh Gunessee. It accommodates around 1000 people.
(ii) On the first floor, there is a magnificent Ram Mandir designed in the form of a tortoise representing the second avatar of Lord Vishnu. Built with pink sand stone from Jaipur, Rajashthan India, the Ram Mandir stands unique in the Indian Diaspora. Since its inauguration in June 2017 regular pooja, religious and cultural activities are carried out.
The Mandir was inaugurated on 30th June 2017 by Hon. Sir Anerood Jugnauth, the Minister Mentor, Minister of Rodrigues and Defence in presence of Hon. Paramasivum Pillay Vyapoory, Vice President of the Republic of Mauritius, Lady Sarojini Jugnauth and Pandit Rajendra Arun.
It comprises of a Hanuman Chhatri in meditative posture and five domes dedicated to Ram Darbar, Radha-Krishna, Durga Maa, Shiv Parivaar and Luxmi-Narayan. There are also vigrahas of Bhagwan Ganesh , Mata Saraswatee, Maharshi Valmiki and Goswami Tulsidas. It is a unique confluence of spirituality, learning and devotion.
Committee of Management at Present
Ramayana Centre functions by a Committee of Mangement composed of the following seven
Members including President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer:
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Dr (Mrs) Vinod Bala Arun - President
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Mr Mohunlall Gangoo - Vice President
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Mr Danesh Kumar Babanah - Secretary
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Mr Gowkaransing Ramjeet - Treasurer
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Mrs Camini Devi Bulkhundee - Member
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Mr Deepaksing Kissoondoyal - Member
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​Mr Kamal Parsad Gonowree - Member
The Ramayana Centre is immensely grateful to all those who have served as members of the
Committee Of Management in the past.
The previous members of the COM were:
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Mr Duthnarain Rudhun
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Mr Nundkishore Tacouri
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Mr Hallooman Girdharee
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Mr Ravi Coomar Bhugobaun
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Dr Neerunjun Gopee
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Mr Gooroodeosing hurynag
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Mr Prakash Jhugaroo
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Mrs Preeti Mohadeb
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Dr (Mrs Artee Gungoosing Bunwaree
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Mr Chandradeo Isari
Activities of the Centre
In line with its Vision and Mission, the Centre is mandated to disseminate the spiritual, cultural, educational and social values of the Ramayana. As such it is actively engaged in organising various activities for all age groups. These take the form of seminars, workshops, discourses, classes, radio talks, TV programmes and competitions among many.
Spiritual, Cultural, Social & Educational Activities
Annual
Makar Sankranti
Vasant Panchami
Chaar Pahar Pooja
Monthly
Masik Shivratree
Masik Poornima
Social Activities
Blood Donation
Distribution of sweets to needy people
Holi Utsav
Navratri Arambh
Shri Ram Navmi
Hanuman Jayanti
Sita Jayanti
Sthapna Diwas
Vyas Guru Poornima
Shrawan Mass Shiv Maha Abhishek
Ramayana Saptaah
Tulsidas Jayanti
Shri Krishna Janmashthami
Shri Ganesh Pooja
Navratri Arambh
Vijaya Dashmi
Weekly
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Shiv Abhishek
Sankat Mochan
Shri Hanuman Abhishekam