Social activist and researcher Malabika Bisharad has renewed her appeal for the preservation of a historic site in Meghalaya’s capital Shillong that is associated with Swami Vivekananda, alleging that despite repeated efforts over the years, no concrete steps have been taken to protect the landmark.
Speaking on the issue, Bisharad said Meghalaya Information and Cultural Affairs Minister Sanbor Shullai informed her over the phone on Tuesday morning that a statue of Swami Vivekananda had been installed by the Ramakrishna Mission at Batti Bazar in Shillong.
According to Bisharad, she has been writing for several years to the authorities of Belur Math, the Ramakrishna Mission and concerned government officials, urging them to officially recognize and preserve the site linked to Vivekananda’s stay in Shillong. She said she had also submitted documentary evidence and written representations supporting her demand.
Bisharad claimed that Swami Vivekananda had stayed at the location nearly 125 years ago. However, the original structure associated with his visit no longer exists. She alleged that the property now contains a tin-roofed house that has been rented out to tenants.
The minister reportedly informed her that the land is currently the subject of an ongoing legal dispute, with lawyers representing both sides in the case. Questioning the circumstances, Bisharad asked how a statue could be installed on a property embroiled in litigation.
She further alleged that the statue has been placed in a cramped space directly in front of the window of a sweet shop, a location she believes does not reflect the stature and legacy of the renowned monk.
Appealing to the Meghalaya government, the Ramakrishna Mission and all stakeholders concerned, Bisharad urged that the original site associated with Swami Vivekananda be properly preserved through due legal process and that a memorial or statue be established there with appropriate dignity in the future.
She also emphasized that the place where Vivekananda is believed to have stayed and where a historic photograph of him was taken during a period of ill health should be developed as a protected heritage monument. Bisharad expressed hope that cooperation among the litigating parties and the authorities would help pave the way for safeguarding the historic site for future generations.
