As part of 150th birth anniversary celebrations of Swami Vivekananda, Sri Ramakrishna Math, Mylapore, has launched a Holographic Display System (HDS) and India's first 3D stereoscopic animated short movie on Swami Vivekananda.
The movie has been released in collaboration with the Global Institute for Stereo Vision and Research (GISR), Chennai, and is part of a first phase project titled ‘Experience Vivekananda.' The 3D theatre and HDS facility was inaugurated by Dr. R.M. Vasagam, Scientist, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), earlier this year.
“The short movie is aimed at educating the youth of modern India about Swami Vivekananda, his life and teachings. The film is a compilation of important points taken from his lectures during his stay in Ice House, (formerly) Chennai, from February 6 to 15, 1897,” said M. Karunanidhi, volunteer, Vivekanandar Illam.
To celebrate Swamiji's 150th birth anniversary in a befitting manner, Sri Ramakrishna Math has envisioned a project to make ‘Illam', a central hub to radiate Swami Vivekananda's message of self-development, character-building education and service to humanity.
“The ‘Experience Vivekananda' project is aimed at providing the multi-faceted experience of Swami Vivekananda's personality and his message through art, painting and state-of-the-art-multimedia galleries at Vivekananda House,” Karunanidhi added.
Under this project, art gallery in the Illam will be renovated, fibreglass and dioramas introduced to illustrate the turning points of our cultural heritage.
Another project is the ‘Making of Vivekananda', a multimedia gallery, which would present how the tradition of India consummated in Sri Ramakrishna got transmitted to young Narendranath and Swami Vivekananda. A plan has been proposed to enhance the photo gallery by introducing LED displays with colour pictures of Swami Vivekananda.
“Short inspirational videos clips on Swamiji are also being designed for the youth,” Karunanidhi said.
The total cost of the project is Rs. 5 crores, including classes on the works of Swamiji by Vivekananda Youth Forum, yoga and meditation classes, free computer courses and tuition classes for students of Ayodhya Kuppam.
“We are planning to modernise the entire Illam using latest technology to preach Swamiji's teachings as part of the celebrations. In another six months, a 3D movie on Swamiji's lectures, which he delivered during his visit to the Western countries, would be launched,” he said.
The Ice House was built in 1842 by Frederic Tudor, founder of Tudor Ice Company, Massachusetts, United States of America.
The Illam houses exhibition in its three floors.
The basement gives a detailed explanation on history of Ice House, first floor has a pictorial exhibition on Indian culture and second floor presents an exhibition on life and teachings of Swami Vivekananda in pictures.
The Illam is open to public on all days (except Wednesday) from 10 a.m. to 12 noon and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
