Jamshedpur, Oct. 20: Tinplate Sarbajanin Durga Puja in Golmuri is all set to showcase the life and preachings of Swami Vivekananda to celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of the saint-philosopher on the Evening Club premises.
The pandal, erected at a cost at Rs 4 lakh, is modelled on the headquarters of Ramkrishna Mission at Belur in Bengal.
A life-size cutout of Swami Vivekananda welcomes visitors to the pandal. Inside, 40 rare photographs and famous quotes of Swamiji gives a peak into the philosopher's life and achievements. A letter written by Tata Steel founder J.N. Tata to Swamiji in 1898, parts of the speech the philosopher delivered at Chicago during the Parliament of World Religions and such other items have been displayed across the 3,000 square feet area.
Organising committee secretary Satya Narayan Das said they had been travelling a lot and working for nearly six months to procure the rare literary and pictorial pieces.
"We purchased a book ' Ramakrishna Vivekananda Jivan Bela ' from Belur Math and also did research at the Tata Steel archives in Centre for Excellence in Chennai to procure the letters, pictures and other details on Swamiji. We then ordered for flex printing of these items. We spent almost Rs 15,000 to get all this done," said Das.
He added that the aim was to make the younger generation aware of the contribution of legendary figures. "Very few people know that it was Swamiji's suggestion, which inspired J.N. Tata to set up a steel industry here. The teachings of Swamiji is still relevant," said Das.
As part of a strategy to encourage teenagers and children to learn about Swami Vivekananda, the organiser will host an essay competition on Swamiji and give away cash awards to three winners.
The Puja, which debuted 80 years ago, has carved a niche for itself among the 285 Pujas in the city. It is known for dedicating its pandal to legendary figures.
